Thanks, my friend! Really appreciate your support. Yeah, I think the ergonomic changes they made on the gen 2 make sense. Glad they’re continuing to evolve the platform. Thanks again!
I bought 2 gen 2s. -the rain6/Iron trigger jobs make it compete with 2011s. No grit, no overtravel, crisp break, VERY short reset. - Iron Horse Custom ACRO cut sits further back & allows lower 1/4 or 1/5th cowintess w/ a Lead & Steel Pandora PB3. Just smaller than an ACRO but w/ a 30% bigger window. You can literally see peoples entire eye through the optic. This gun feels like the future, not just because of its fcu + modular frame design & upcoming support (13rd subcompact mags, 3 more frame colors, metal frame, dpm reduced recoil spring, oem threaded barrels, Type A slide kit) but because i dont want to shoot any other striker fired pistol. Im not an EDC Rotation guy. This gun does everything, not just everything i want. Cool review, subd
Thanks, man! Really appreciate you watching. Yeah, I knew about some of the things you mentioned... but I hadn't heard they were going to be offering Type A slides. That's cool. The subcompact grip/mags will def nice for carry, too. It's really cool to see that PTR is building an ecosystem of support and options for these guns. I agree--feels like the future. I wouldn't mind trying one of those RAIN6 trigger jobs. I already like the trigger as is, but... this thing could, in essence, be a target pistol. Hopefully when they transition to US production there are no bobbles or hiccups in QC. In any case... thanks again for your support.
@HipsterTactical concern about QC issues may make me pick up a 3rd... 😂 The internal geometry altered doesnt negatively effect the triggers carryability imo. Mines 4lbs, plenty for a self defense gun. Send it for sure when you get the chance, you won't regret it! Im a working stiff, no collector
@@AB1138- Thanks, buddy! I mean, I have no reason to think PTR won't do a good job building these things. But... change introduces variables... we'll see how it goes.
I also bought a gen 2 from Rain6. Jimi built it with every option they offered. Combat trigger, porting, spring kit, Acro cut, pro grip, ( I have other stippled pistols and believe it or not I like the offered talon grip) full Cerakote and they even laser etched the Rain6 logos into it(I love my P2s sorry PB3 boys). That gun is like nothing I have ever shot. I get a lot of grief for this but I sold my Staccato C because of it…. Rain6 has been the best customer service I have ever had across any industry I’ve ever had dealings with. HANDS DOWN. They got a customer for life and it’s a bonus that the gun design is absolutely stellar.
Excellent commentary and something that as an enthusiast, I completely agree with. I own one and I love it so much so that I bought a second so I could have one with an optic plate. The only other gun that has elicited the same type of unquantifiable experience is the HK P 30 LEM. What a few people fully recognize is that the interface between the firearm and the shooter is completely subjective and while there are identifiable characteristics, such as boredom axis, grip size, and angle, what makes a great gun is often completely related to the hand on the other side of it and the mechanics of the shooter
Thank you so much, my friend! Great points-shooting is ultimately subjective, experiential and intangible. It’s a little different for everyone, but at the end of the day… it’s the feel that matters to people. Not the metrics and measurements. Cheers and take care!
It's funny Matt, I actually shot this gun back at SHOT 2019 when it was new to the market. It's not without it's quirks, but it's a cool gun. Now we've just got to get an optic on there.... Glad to see the video! I hope all is well!
Thanks, Paul! Glad to hear from you… hope you’re doing well. Yeah, I’ve been “quietly watching” the story unfold with these guns… then I finally got a chance to grab one. You’re right-it has sone quirks, sone things I’d change… but it’s fundamentally a great platform. In my opinion. Thanks again!
@@HipsterTactical I'm happy to be commenting! I've been doing well. Moved house (still in UT, just in a cheaper part/larger house), and have been doing a lot more shooting with small guns. I don't think that the Archon/Strike 1 is for me, but I can appreciate what it tries/has done. I'm glad that you really like it!
@@Paul_Whaley Yeah, it's not going to be a carry gun for me, either. But I agree--I applaud the efforts to embrace a unique idea. And I think it definitely delivers on the intent--it's a fantastic shooter, in my opinion.
Great review man. In the beginning i was wondering, "how does he feel about the steyr compared to this?" And then you hit on that lol. I really like the steyr and kept mine. Even though aftermarket and holster selection is almost non existent. Maybe that's a positive, though. It'll keep me from messing with a pistol for once.
Thanks, my friend! Appreciate the kind words. Honestly, I was feel like I was a little hard on the Steyr. It had a nice feel. And I think with some different sights and some sandpaper tape on the grips... I would have had better results. But... still... I think the Archon is the more "purebred" shooter. If you like the Steyr guns, definitely check one out. You might really dig it. Thanks again!
Why is your head leaning like that when aiming down sights... are you left eye dominant? I trained my dominant eye from right to left with relative ease.
I noticed you are like me, right handed but left eye dominant. I still try to aim with my right eye at times. Are you able to use your right eye? Do you just prefer your left eye but could use your right? I'm still trying to figure out what works best for me.
As a Beretta 92 fan, I definitely like the Archon pistol. There's something cool about pistols that use a different action than titling barrel. PTR is supposed to start manufacturing Archon pistols in-house later this year. I need to pick up a Gen 2.. probably with an Arco P2 cut.
Yeah, man. I’m with you. I’ll say that the Archon also has that “linear” feel to the recoil impulse, kinda like the 92. But the Archon is quicker and punchier. I’m glad PTR has embraced the Archon design… I hope they build on the platform and expand the options. Thanks so much for watching!
While this weapon is very interesting as a duty weapon, its rather big. I like the low bore-height, the non-tilt barrel, the increased room for a gloved trigger finger I'm wondering if they make a more compact version.
Yeah, I agree-it’s definitely more of a duty pistol. Which is fine… though a more compact version would be interesting. I hope they continue to iterate on the platform. Thanks for the comment!
Hmm, not sure what pistol you mean. I don’t see that PSA offers anything with a rotating barrel. But yeah… the Archon feels great with its low-slung slide. Thanks!
I've never experienced a custom stipple job--but yeah, that might make a difference. But from the factory, aggressive frame texturing always feels awful to my dainty, sensitive hipster hands. And doesn't offer much grip.
You might want to face your palm towards the camera in the future when showing the trigger so we (the viewers) can see the trigger movement rather than the back of your index finger.
Thank you, my friend! Yeah, I need to develop my technique. But I do all right in USPSA matches with my left eye. And honestly... I don't need to be the fastest gun in the (mid)west to extol the subjective merits of pistols. Take care!
If I may, It seems as if you have a cross dominance issue, You shoot right handed but, your dominant eye is your left which causes you to cant your head way to the right almost touching your right cheek to your right shoulder. I only say this because under high stress when your heart rate goes 145 BPM or more, you most likely will not shot like that and instead will just throw the gun up and look at your sights with your head erect. I would have you start shooting with your head up straight and both eyes opened and over time that cross dominance issue would dissipate. Anything unnatural with your body position will not happen under great stress. Said with respect. GREAT VIDEO
Thank you so much for watching and for your perspective. I get a lot of comments (and a lot of advice) on my cross-eye dominance... ranging from "bring the gun to your eye," to "shoot with both eyes" to "drop dead your shooting-style offends me." Lol. I shoot the way I shoot because it feels the most natural; Ray Chapman and Jeff Cooper had similar styles, in terms of a Weaver/cross-eye-dom approach. That said... to your point... instinctive shooting I suppose is another matter. I've taken a class in defense shooting... draw and shoot, etc. I did fine--but I can't even tell you what eye I was shooting with. At some point, I'd like get more practice with instinctive shooting. Because, shooting for accuracy, it is kind of a difference discipline. Thanks again and I appreciate your support!
@@HipsterTactical meant no offense and would not generally offer. I teach, lawman 22 years, taught police academy, SWAT team and multiple deadly encounters. Was just offering advise. Again no offense. Good vid and have a great evening
Definitely need to ditch these sights. I looked at TAG's sight--good shiz. I'm feeling the plain-black rear with fi-op front. I know the Archons take Glock sights... will any sight for a 19/17 work on an Archon? Thanks, my friend!
Get more familiar with your firearms so that you feel more comfortable with them. Then you will realize that a safety in a very high stress situation when you lose your fine motor skills, and your finger dexterity, an additional manual safety is one more thing to remember when you need to have a few things on your mind as possible. NO MANUAL SAFETIES, UNLESS THEY ARE OPTIONAL.
@@believe722I got very familiar with this firearm so I could tell you about it… and I’m telling you, I think this gun needs a manual safety. Especially for appendix carry. Stop getting tactical insight from Blackhawk Down.
I just ordered a type b gen 2 because I am a gun nerd and I love less common locking mechanisms. Always enjoy your reviews.
Thanks, my friend! Really appreciate your support. Yeah, I think the ergonomic changes they made on the gen 2 make sense. Glad they’re continuing to evolve the platform. Thanks again!
I bought 2 gen 2s.
-the rain6/Iron trigger jobs make it compete with 2011s. No grit, no overtravel, crisp break, VERY short reset.
- Iron Horse Custom ACRO cut sits further back & allows lower 1/4 or 1/5th cowintess w/ a Lead & Steel Pandora PB3. Just smaller than an ACRO but w/ a 30% bigger window. You can literally see peoples entire eye through the optic.
This gun feels like the future, not just because of its fcu + modular frame design & upcoming support (13rd subcompact mags, 3 more frame colors, metal frame, dpm reduced recoil spring, oem threaded barrels, Type A slide kit) but because i dont want to shoot any other striker fired pistol. Im not an EDC Rotation guy. This gun does everything, not just everything i want. Cool review, subd
Thanks, man! Really appreciate you watching. Yeah, I knew about some of the things you mentioned... but I hadn't heard they were going to be offering Type A slides. That's cool. The subcompact grip/mags will def nice for carry, too. It's really cool to see that PTR is building an ecosystem of support and options for these guns. I agree--feels like the future. I wouldn't mind trying one of those RAIN6 trigger jobs. I already like the trigger as is, but... this thing could, in essence, be a target pistol. Hopefully when they transition to US production there are no bobbles or hiccups in QC. In any case... thanks again for your support.
@HipsterTactical concern about QC issues may make me pick up a 3rd... 😂 The internal geometry altered doesnt negatively effect the triggers carryability imo. Mines 4lbs, plenty for a self defense gun.
Send it for sure when you get the chance, you won't regret it! Im a working stiff, no collector
@@AB1138- Thanks, buddy! I mean, I have no reason to think PTR won't do a good job building these things. But... change introduces variables... we'll see how it goes.
I also bought a gen 2 from Rain6. Jimi built it with every option they offered. Combat trigger, porting, spring kit, Acro cut, pro grip, ( I have other stippled pistols and believe it or not I like the offered talon grip) full Cerakote and they even laser etched the Rain6 logos into it(I love my P2s sorry PB3 boys). That gun is like nothing I have ever shot. I get a lot of grief for this but I sold my Staccato C because of it…. Rain6 has been the best customer service I have ever had across any industry I’ve ever had dealings with. HANDS DOWN. They got a customer for life and it’s a bonus that the gun design is absolutely stellar.
Excellent review! Glad I stumbled on your channel!
Thanks, my man! Appreciate the kind words and I appreciate you watching. I’ll reviewing my Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 next. Stay tuned!
Great video sir. I appreciate your format, and your research and your opinion. This is an interesting piece.
Thank you so much, my friend! Yeah, I’m glad a got the chance to grab one and try it out. It’s certainly worth experiencing.
Excellent commentary and something that as an enthusiast, I completely agree with. I own one and I love it so much so that I bought a second so I could have one with an optic plate.
The only other gun that has elicited the same type of unquantifiable experience is the HK P 30 LEM.
What a few people fully recognize is that the interface between the firearm and the shooter is completely subjective and while there are identifiable characteristics, such as boredom axis, grip size, and angle, what makes a great gun is often completely related to the hand on the other side of it and the mechanics of the shooter
Thank you so much, my friend! Great points-shooting is ultimately subjective, experiential and intangible. It’s a little different for everyone, but at the end of the day… it’s the feel that matters to people. Not the metrics and measurements. Cheers and take care!
It's funny Matt, I actually shot this gun back at SHOT 2019 when it was new to the market. It's not without it's quirks, but it's a cool gun. Now we've just got to get an optic on there....
Glad to see the video! I hope all is well!
Thanks, Paul! Glad to hear from you… hope you’re doing well. Yeah, I’ve been “quietly watching” the story unfold with these guns… then I finally got a chance to grab one. You’re right-it has sone quirks, sone things I’d change… but it’s fundamentally a great platform. In my opinion. Thanks again!
@@HipsterTactical I'm happy to be commenting! I've been doing well. Moved house (still in UT, just in a cheaper part/larger house), and have been doing a lot more shooting with small guns.
I don't think that the Archon/Strike 1 is for me, but I can appreciate what it tries/has done. I'm glad that you really like it!
@@Paul_Whaley Yeah, it's not going to be a carry gun for me, either. But I agree--I applaud the efforts to embrace a unique idea. And I think it definitely delivers on the intent--it's a fantastic shooter, in my opinion.
Great review man. In the beginning i was wondering, "how does he feel about the steyr compared to this?" And then you hit on that lol.
I really like the steyr and kept mine. Even though aftermarket and holster selection is almost non existent. Maybe that's a positive, though. It'll keep me from messing with a pistol for once.
Thanks, my friend! Appreciate the kind words. Honestly, I was feel like I was a little hard on the Steyr. It had a nice feel. And I think with some different sights and some sandpaper tape on the grips... I would have had better results. But... still... I think the Archon is the more "purebred" shooter. If you like the Steyr guns, definitely check one out. You might really dig it. Thanks again!
Why is your head leaning like that when aiming down sights... are you left eye dominant? I trained my dominant eye from right to left with relative ease.
I noticed you are like me, right handed but left eye dominant. I still try to aim with my right eye at times. Are you able to use your right eye? Do you just prefer your left eye but could use your right? I'm still trying to figure out what works best for me.
As a Beretta 92 fan, I definitely like the Archon pistol. There's something cool about pistols that use a different action than titling barrel. PTR is supposed to start manufacturing Archon pistols in-house later this year. I need to pick up a Gen 2.. probably with an Arco P2 cut.
Yeah, man. I’m with you. I’ll say that the Archon also has that “linear” feel to the recoil impulse, kinda like the 92. But the Archon is quicker and punchier. I’m glad PTR has embraced the Archon design… I hope they build on the platform and expand the options. Thanks so much for watching!
Wish I could try one. Debating buying an Archon, Shadow 2 Compact, or a LFA 2011.
@@gumps1986 hmm. Tough choices. But I feel like the Archin is gonna be well under the price of the others. Might be an incentive? Thanks!
@@HipsterTactical not too worried about the price spread of those three. I just like carrying oddball higher end stuff.
While this weapon is very interesting as a duty weapon, its rather big. I like the low bore-height, the non-tilt barrel, the increased room for a gloved trigger finger I'm wondering if they make a more compact version.
Yeah, I agree-it’s definitely more of a duty pistol. Which is fine… though a more compact version would be interesting. I hope they continue to iterate on the platform. Thanks for the comment!
Looks nice…esp. the low axis beaver tail. I am going for the rotating fluted barrel of the PSA instead. 👍😊
Hmm, not sure what pistol you mean. I don’t see that PSA offers anything with a rotating barrel. But yeah… the Archon feels great with its low-slung slide. Thanks!
good review.
Thank you, my friend! Appreciate you watching.
I have a Gen 4 G17/34 that would disagree with you about polymer being slippery with a “competition” stipple job by my gun shop friend.
I've never experienced a custom stipple job--but yeah, that might make a difference. But from the factory, aggressive frame texturing always feels awful to my dainty, sensitive hipster hands. And doesn't offer much grip.
You might want to face your palm towards the camera in the future when showing the trigger so we (the viewers) can see the trigger movement rather than the back of your index finger.
Fair point. Noted for future reference.
Nice capture of the subjective experience of the Type B. You should work on that left eye dominance - it'll slow you down a lot.
Thank you, my friend! Yeah, I need to develop my technique. But I do all right in USPSA matches with my left eye. And honestly... I don't need to be the fastest gun in the (mid)west to extol the subjective merits of pistols. Take care!
Muzzle rise is also dependent on the length of barrel-the longer the higher…👍
I suppose that makes sense. Thanks!
No. That’s not correct.
@@sodajones2576 I tend to think slide length (thus, mass) has more of an impact… which is proportional to barrel length. So… “kinda”? Ish?
If I may, It seems as if you have a cross dominance issue, You shoot right handed but, your dominant eye is your left which causes you to cant your head way to the right almost touching your right cheek to your right shoulder. I only say this because under high stress when your heart rate goes 145 BPM or more, you most likely will not shot like that and instead will just throw the gun up and look at your sights with your head erect. I would have you start shooting with your head up straight and both eyes opened and over time that cross dominance issue would dissipate. Anything unnatural with your body position will not happen under great stress. Said with respect. GREAT VIDEO
Thank you so much for watching and for your perspective. I get a lot of comments (and a lot of advice) on my cross-eye dominance... ranging from "bring the gun to your eye," to "shoot with both eyes" to "drop dead your shooting-style offends me." Lol. I shoot the way I shoot because it feels the most natural; Ray Chapman and Jeff Cooper had similar styles, in terms of a Weaver/cross-eye-dom approach. That said... to your point... instinctive shooting I suppose is another matter. I've taken a class in defense shooting... draw and shoot, etc. I did fine--but I can't even tell you what eye I was shooting with. At some point, I'd like get more practice with instinctive shooting. Because, shooting for accuracy, it is kind of a difference discipline. Thanks again and I appreciate your support!
@@HipsterTactical meant no offense and would not generally offer. I teach, lawman 22 years, taught police academy, SWAT team and multiple deadly encounters. Was just offering advise. Again no offense. Good vid and have a great evening
Swap those junk sights for original. Or, even better, try the new TAG Precision sights. They are great.
Definitely need to ditch these sights. I looked at TAG's sight--good shiz. I'm feeling the plain-black rear with fi-op front. I know the Archons take Glock sights... will any sight for a 19/17 work on an Archon? Thanks, my friend!
@@HipsterTactical Yes sir. Hit me up. I know a guy.
Get more familiar with your firearms so that you feel more comfortable with them. Then you will realize that a safety in a very high stress situation when you lose your fine motor skills, and your finger dexterity, an additional manual safety is one more thing to remember when you need to have a few things on your mind as possible. NO MANUAL SAFETIES, UNLESS THEY ARE OPTIONAL.
@@believe722I got very familiar with this firearm so I could tell you about it… and I’m telling you, I think this gun needs a manual safety. Especially for appendix carry. Stop getting tactical insight from Blackhawk Down.
Nice, I have a video on mine. Cool video
Thanks, my friend! Checked out your video… gen 2… niiice. Thanks for the comment and thanks for sharing!