Last year, Arsenal Firearms (not to be confused with the Arsenal company that manufactures AK-platform rifles) showed off full- and compact-size prototypes of a new 9mm pistol, the Stryk. But after merging with Salient Arms International, the company made a few tweaks.

As a result of the research, the Stryk B (compact) model was given priority for production due to greater consumer interest. At SHOT Show 2017, the final copy of the Stryk was available for inspection.

A company rep said the difference between the Stryk and other mass-market, polymer-lower pistols is that the extras come standard. A beavertail grip is among those features. Buyers will be pleased that each new Stryk includes three 15-round magazines. Steel sights, compatible with Glock sights, are standard. A fiber optic upgrade is available.

The patented AF Speedlock locking lug sets Stryk construction apart from other brands. The U-shaped lug holds the barrel level during recoil, preventing accuracy-destroying barrel rise, a major reason some shooters never made the transition to a polymer gun.

Recoil should be very manageable with what the company says they can prove is the lowest bore axis in production, anywhere. Also remarkable is a match-grade trigger. It’s drool-worthy. When the Stryk is available in April, sales will be dealer direct. MSRP is $779.95 for the standard Strike pistol; $20 more with fiber optic sights.

Spelling of “Stryk” corrected on 01/21/2017.