Bridging the gap between micro-compact and larger-frame handguns, Stoeger’s new crossover STR-9 Thinline 9mm is one of the more ergonomic pistols in its class at a price everyone can appreciate
by Rob Reaser
Parsing out the significant differences between today’s polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols is becoming increasingly difficult. Sure, there are some notable distinctions among the various brands that separate the wheat from the chaff, but broadly speaking, the proven models tend to follow a familiar pattern that began with the Glock 17 design over 40 years ago. Some manufacturers pull it off quite spectacularly; others continue to be challenged to “get it right.”
One company among many that gets it right is Stoeger Industries. Several years ago, Stoeger, a brand most noted for their affordable and reliable shotguns, entered the modern pistol game with their STR-9 series semi-auto 9mms. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel or veer from a proven concept just to offer something different, Stoeger engineers simply acknowledged the highwater design of the Glock and developed their own version with subtle variations.
The formula worked. By following a well-trod design path with an eye toward manufacturing efficiencies to keep costs in the “workingman-affordable” zone, Stoeger rolled out several iterations of the STR-9 semi-auto that cause even the most cantankerous gun critics to struggle to find fault.
A couple years ago, we put several STR-9 variants through the rigors of a Gunsite Academy defensive handgun course and came away sold on the pistols’ reliability, accuracy, and overall performance.
Today, six years after Stoeger launched the STR-9 pistol, the company counts eight distinct STR-9 models — many with sub-variations offering assorted sight and finish options. The newest member of the STR-9 family is the STR-9 Thinline introduced earlier this year.
The STR-9 Thinline is built on what Stoeger calls a “crossover” frame. What does that mean? The thumbnail version is that the Thinline combines the short and narrow profile of the STR-9 Micro Compact with a grip length equal to the standard STR-9, albeit the grip is much thinner in width. Stoeger’s objective was to deliver a pistol with dimensions conducive to concealed carry yet with a longer grip to ensure maximum control and confidence — particularly during rapid fire.
Looking at the numbers, the Thinline presents the same trim, one-inch frame width as the STR-9 MC and it employs the same 3.29-inch barrel. The Thinline’s grip length, though, is just over a half inch longer than that of the MC. Overall length is also longer by roughly half an inch.
The reason for the extended overall length when compared to the MC is the addition of compensation cuts at the end of the Thinline’s slide. Stoeger added these ports as a mitigation for muzzle rise. The idea is that the compensation cuts direct expanding gas upward as the bullet exits the muzzle, thus creating downward pressure to reduce muzzle rise and allow for faster sight picture reacquisition for follow-up shots.
Increasing the length of the slide demanded a slight lengthening of the frame forward of the trigger guard. Doing so, though, provides the acreage for two additional rail slots (versus the single slot on the STR-9 MC), which could benefit some users in fitting their choice of accessory light or laser.
The STR-9 Thinline understandably begs comparison to the Glock G48 Slimline (as if the Stoeger’s naming convention didn’t provide the hint). The G48 is around 3/8-inch longer than the Stoeger, just a hair wider in overall width (measured at the widest portion of the frame), and the grips are about the same length, although with differing geometry. Overall, not much distinguishes one from the other in terms of these dimensions.
Where I found the biggest difference — at least for me — is in the grip ergonomics. In terms of width, the Thinline grip is 0.029 inches thinner, side-to-side. Measuring fore and aft (front strap to back strap) at the deepest portion of the grips, the Thinline is 0.126 inches smaller than the G48.
While these dimensional disparities may seem negligible, they are not. In my medium-sized hand, the STR-9 Thinline allows for a more complete wrap-around of the hand on the grip than I get with the G48. That grip potential is further enhanced with greater stippling traction than the G48, along with subtle finger grooving on the front strap and more pronounced corners that really help lock the gun in your hand.
Each STR-9 Thinline comes with three magazines — two 14-round mags and one 16-round mag. One of the 14-round magazines has a flush floorplate while the other has an extension. I have no problem getting a full finger wrap with the flush magazine, so that is my carry preference. Those with bigger hands may opt for the extended floorplate 14-rounder or, if a minor extension of the grip length is of no concern, the 16-round mag with the longer extension will work just fine and deliver two more rounds on-board.
Continuing the STR-9 Thinline and G48 comparison, the operational controls are in the same locations. I found the magazine release button to be easier to manipulate with the Stoeger because it is more pronounced relative to the grip surface, making it easier to locate and more positive in the release. I can’t say the same, though, for the slide release lever. The Glock lever sits a touch higher relative to the frame than the Stoeger and so provides more ledge for your thumb to push against.
Another aspect where the nod must go to the G48 — at least in terms of operation ease — is the recoil spring. The STR-9 Thinline spring is much stiffer than that of the G48. This makes the Thinline challenging for slide manipulation for shooters with weaker hands, and it adds to the resistance that must be overcome when depressing the slide release lever.
The trigger system is conventional in design and performance feel. It isn’t as crisp as the G48’s. It has a slightly “spongier” feel pulling up to the wall and the break is definitely longer and not as sharp. The Thinline’s reset, though, is significantly shorter than the Glock, and that is a feature those who have mastered trigger control will appreciate.
Three-dot tritium sights are standard fare on the STR-9 Thinline. The square notch rear and front post configuration makes for precise aiming, and the tritium elements will get you over the hump in a dark shooting environment.
Of course, pistol-mounted optics are the current thing for defensive carry guns, and probably will be for the foreseeable future. Stoeger wisely includes an optic cut and plate with the Thinline so users can easily add their choice optic — so long as it uses the RMSc footprint.
For our testing, I fitted the Thinline with Bushnell’s RXC-200 reflex sight. One of the things I like about this sight is that it automatically adjusts the red dot for optimal viewing in changing ambient light conditions. There is no need to crank up the brightness when you move into bright sunlight or to turn it down when entering a dark room. This kind of hands-free operation keeps your hands locked on the gun and your mind focused on the task at hand.
Our evaluation consisted mostly of failure drills (two shots to the torso, one to the head). After zeroing the RXC-200, I focused on drills at the 7- and 10-yard marks. This is a good routine, at least for me, in determining how well a gun will perform in a real-world engagement.
Using a Crossbreed SnapSlide OWB holster, the Thinline held tight to the body, verifying its suitability for concealed carry even with the extended 16-round magazine in place. The added length of the Thinline — compared to the STR-9 MC — provided a sure and confident grip on the draw with positive hand placement for pushout to the target. Here is where grip ergonomics really stood out. The slight swell on the backstrap and the comfortably deep beavertail profile combine with moderate texturing to ensure solid hand positioning throughout the draw, aim, and firing sequence.
Although one of the distinguishing features of the Thinline is its compensation cuts in the slide to reduce muzzle rise, I couldn’t really notice its influence as I ran through magazines of Fiocchi Range Dynamics and Hyperformance Defense loadings. A more refined shooter than me could, no doubt, pick up on the subtlety. I did, though, appreciate the pistol’s elegantly short reset during follow up shots. And, as expected, there were no failures during testing.
Stoeger’s STR-9 series pistols have more than proven themselves in the short time the line has graced the marketplace. While there are many variations to satisfy a wide range of applications — from the micro-compact model to the full-size STR-9 Combat SX — I must admit that the new STR-9 Thinline is my choice of the lot for daily carry duties. It wears with discretion, handles with ease, is a reliable performer, and with a $529 MSRP, the ergonomics rival similar-class handguns costing significantly more.
