A reliable semi-auto 9mm for home defense or EDC and at a price you can’t sneeze at, the Combat SX is the latest in Stoeger’s line of no-compromise, no-fault STR-9 series handguns
by David Kelley
“Ready, threat”!
Simultaneously, after the range officer’s command, those of us on the firing line raised our handguns from the low-ready and delivered controlled pairs to multiple static targets.
Between iterations, the instructors, a blend of renowned competitive shooters and well-respected and experienced law enforcement officers, each offered individual critiques on grip strength and hand placement, aiming techniques to increase speed during target transitions, and any other input the participants requested.
During this event at The Site in northwestern Illinois, the scenarios changed as shooter confidence increased, culminating on the second day with a mix of handguns and short-barreled rifles (SBR) deployed in The Site’s multiple-room shoot house.
For both days, I had the pleasure of firing Stoeger’s STR-9 Combat SX outfitted with a Ruger RXD910Ti suppressor, Burris Fastfire E optic, and magazines loaded with Fiocchi CovertX 9mm 124-gr. JHP ammunition.
While the Stoeger STR-9 Combat SX is a more recent catalog addition, many Shoot ON readers and firearms enthusiasts are familiar with the earlier handguns and subsequent progression of the striker-fired STR series.
Initially introduced in 2019, the product line has since grown to six distinct size categories, spreading more than two dozen SKUs. From the diminutive STR-9 MC (Micro Compact) to the STR-9F (Full-Size), there is a handgun at either end or somewhere between that fits most needs of defensive, recreational, and competitive pistol shooters.
Stoeger’s STR-9 Combat SX further expands the company’s “standard” frame size and Combat line using a slide length generally associated with 4-inch barrels. There are several refinements expected from a series that has surpassed half a decade of success. Some are aesthetic, others are purely functional. Full revamps aren’t necessary with proven platforms, though it’s always welcome to see improvements to an otherwise reliable one. Here is an overview of how Stoeger made “a better mousetrap.”
The STR-9 Combat SX Overview
Starting with the barrel, it is 4.67 inches long and threaded 1/2×28, ready for your muzzle device of choice. A knurled thread protector is included. The barrel is housed in a slide finished with Smoked Bronze Cerakote that nicely complements the polymer frame of the same color.
The slide has four deep serrations on each side at the rear for improved grip. These serrations are also slightly different in shape from previous offerings, which adds a bit more visual appeal in addition to the functionality. Towards the front of the slide, each side is dished out with additional serrations to provide the user with a more recessed area for a positive grip when operating the slide from the muzzle end. Two vents are cut into the recesses on the left and right.
Users are given two sighting options. First are the fiber-optic front and rear sight, adjustable on the back, and both are elevated to give sight clearance while using a suppressor. Second, the STR-9 Combat SX is an optic-ready pistol that includes two mounting plates. During my range time with the pistol, I only used the Burris FastFire E, though the fiber-optics were readily visible in the daylight firing that we completed.
The lower half of the STR-9 Combat SX contains a notable upgrade compared to some others in the series. The frame rails are significantly longer in this pistol. Being on a range without calipers to precisely measure, I disassembled the Combat SX and later compared photographs with the STR-9S Combat — a similarly sized Stoeger pistol. I’d estimate that the rails of the SX are in the vicinity of twice the length of the STR-9S rails. This internal upgrade should result in enhanced durability, directly increasing longevity, and provide a more positive alignment of the slide-to-frame fit for high-volume shooters.
An external change is an ambidextrous slide release. Not only convenient for left-handed shooters, the pick-your-side release can also have some merits in defensive shooting. When accustomed, more controls that don’t interfere with normal operation can be a substantial benefit. In a defensive posture, your strong hand might not always be an option.
Three backstraps are included with the package to tailor grip size to your physique. Each has aggressive, pointed checkering, ensuring positive adhesion to the firing hand. Its grip is straight, without finger grooves, and beveled at the base for smooth magazine insertion. One 17-round and two 20-round magazines ship with the handgun.
Training Time
As mentioned, this pistol was used for two days at The Site near Mount Carroll, Illinois. The Site can facilitate rifle, carbine, and handgun training in a wide variety of environments. Multiple classrooms, pistol ranges, a 2,700 square foot shoot house, and a 600-yard rifle range are on the grounds and just a few minutes’ drive from Black Bear Lodge North, the lodging and dining area of The Site.
Our group started with basic instruction, then progressed from single targets to multiple engagements/multiple rounds on a flat range. Surprisingly, and also noted by an instructor, the STR-9 Combat SX was very balanced with the RDX910Ti suppressor attached. The well-designed STR pointed naturally when brought to the ready position and swung without excess momentum between targets. Not once did the pistol/optic/suppressor combination feel too heavy or lack maneuverability, even in tight rooms.
Reacquiring the target during rapid fire was a breeze thanks to the positive grip and the suppressor’s recoil reduction. The length and weight (7.7 in. / 11.4 oz.) of the RXD910Ti hit a sweet spot of superb sound suppression and recoil mitigation without an overbearing footprint. With proper handling, the SX quickly settled back onto target, ready for the next shot to break without forcing mechanics.
Both Fiocchi’s 124-gr. JHP CovertX and Range Dynamics FMJ ammunition fed and functioned flawlessly. While I wasn’t able to run a benched accuracy test with this pistol, an attendee who had hands-on experience before the gathering remarked that the six pistols that he handled while setting zero showed pretty exceptional accuracy at 25 yards. With deeper research, you’ll find that Stoeger’s reputation is continuing to build in that department.
What is the Best Use for the STR-9 Combat SX?
The STR-9 Combat SX is more than capable of serving multiple purposes for a wide range of users. The standard frame size and sub-5-inch barrel make it a touch large for completely discreet carry, depending on body size, but it can certainly be carried concealed. As a defensive handgun inside and outside-the-home, this Stoeger and the STR-9 series can be trusted with your most valuables.
For a suppressor and optic-ready pistol at an MSRP of $699, this model packs a lot of punch.
In states that don’t allow threaded barrels or for those who don’t have a need, check out the remainder of Stoeger’s full line of STR pistols, including the latest Combat X Premium.
Stoeger STR-9 Combat SX Specifications
- Finish: Smoked Bronze Cerakote
- Chambering: 9mm
- Action: striker-fired
- Barrel: 4.67 in., threaded ½ x 28
- Sights: adjustable, fiber-optic
- Optic Ready: yes
- Adjustability: three interchangeable backstrap sizes
- Magazines: (1) 17-round and (2) 20-round
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