New Guns 2025: Stoeger STR-9 Combat XS Pistol

When the original Stoeger STR-9 Combat X pistol was released, the company's engineers envisioned it as a full-size, military-grade 9mm for the civilian population. The wild surge of popularity that greeted the Combat X encouraged the Stoeger engineers to take it to the next level with the new-for-2025 STR-9 Combat SX. Replete with features that self-defenders will appreciate, the Combat SX stands out from the ordinary with a unique look.

Touted as a true fighting pistol, the STR-9 Combat SX is built around a straight grip design that was designed to work with the shooter's muscle memory to get the best accuracy potential out of the gun, even under stress. It does this with a recessed thumb shelf and serrated memory pads that assist in repeatable hand positioning--which means less time-to-target. The grip also wears expansive stipling and an aggressive backstrap for the best control and retention. 

The slide, too, reflects the "fighting pistol" designation, with deeper serrations for quick, positive manipulation. Lefties will appreciate the ambidextrous slide release levers, which are also great for weak-hand operation. A beveled magwell helps the shooter reload quickly. As for those magazines, three are included: one 17-round mag with a flush base plate and two extended 20-round mags.

Naturally, the STR-9 Combat X wears an accessory rail mount for lights or lasers. The factory sights are engineered to work with a silencer, offering suppressor-height positioning on the front sight and rear fiber optic sights. (The barrel comes threaded for use with a suppressor or aftermarket muzzle device.) The rear sight is adjustable, and the slide offers an optic cut with two mounting plates for direct mounting of a red dot. 

It's pretty, too. The STR-9 Combat SX has a unique color within the Combat pistol line: Smoked Bronze Cerakote on the slide and frame — a perfect primary hue for the black barrel, trigger and operational control accents. MSRP $699; Stoeger.com.