Stoeger STR-9 Combat X Pistol: Stringent Testing Protocols

On the heels of their successful STR-9 pistol series comes Stoeger’s STR-9 Combat X. The Combat X is designed to pass the most stringent military and law enforcement testing protocols. Although clearly belonging to the STR-9 family, the Combat X has several upgrades that make it the most robust, feature rich STR-9 to date.

Like all STR-9 models, the Combat X is a polymer-frame, striker-fired 9mm pistol. But having been developed for NATO tenders, the Combat X is beefed up internally. In addition, it boasts improved ergonomics for optimal comfort and control when firing.

The STR-9 Combat X is a full-size pistol, with an overall length of 7.46 inches. It measures 5.5 inches from the bottom of the magazine well to the top of the rear sight. The beveled magazine well is 1.5 inches wide, while the slide is just an inch wide. It weighs 27 ounces with an unloaded magazine.

The STR-9 Combat X features a 4.3-inch cold-hammer-forged, nitride-hardened steel barrel. Nitriding is a heat-treating process, a type of case hardening, and it hardens the outer layer of steel by adding nitrogen to the surface. Nitride-treated steel handles forces like those that are part and parcel of gunfire better than through-hardened steel. Nitriding also provides excellent corrosion resistance. The same process is applied to the STR-9 Combat X’s slide. The construction is such that Stoeger says the gun is designed to fire 10,000 continuous rounds.

Solid Purchase

The slide has front and rear serrations to provide a solid purchase for racking or checking the chamber. The slide is cut for an optic, and the four included mounting plates accommodate most popular red-dot footprints.

The three-dot iron sights consist of a drift-adjustable rear and a green fiber-optic front. Because the optic cut is rather shallow, the sights won’t co-witness with most red-dot sights.

The frame’s high beavertail and undercut trigger guard, combined with its low bore axis, reduce muzzle flip for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. Three interchangeable backstrap options enable you to tailor the grip to your hand. Dual stippling patterns provide a non-slip gripping surface.

Unlike previous STR-9 models, the Combat X’s frontstrap is devoid of finger grooves. Recessed sections on either side of the frame provide a physical index for your trigger finger and support-hand thumb.

Smooth Magazine Transitions

An oversize magazine well funnels magazines into the pistol for smooth and efficient reloads. Lefties, or anyone shooting the pistol left-handed, will appreciate the oversize, ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine release button. The STR-9 Combat X ships with three 20-round magazines or three 10-round magazines for capacity-restricted states.

The frame on the Combat X is longer than that of its predecessors. And its locking block is longer and wider. Upgraded from previous models, the locking block and slide rails are a single unit, adding structural integrity to support the longer frame. When you look at the internals of the STR-9 Combat X compared to the STR-9 Combat, the difference is clear. However, like the STR-9S Combat the Combat X’s frame features a three-slot accessory rail that accommodates a wide array of lights, lasers or combinations thereof.

There is no manual safety, but like many striker-fired pistols, the STR-9 Combat X has a trigger-blade safety. Stoeger lists the trigger pull weight between 5.5 and 6.5 pounds, and the trigger on my test gun broke cleanly at five pounds. Reset was short and easily discernible. A loaded-chamber indicator on the top pops up when a round is chambered for a visual and tactile reference.

The STR-9 Combat X was a pleasure to shoot. Recoil was minimal and easily controlled. I conducted accuracy testing from a bench rest at 25 yards using an AmeriGlo Haven optic. The three loads ranged from 115 to 135 grains, and the gun consistently produced two-inch five-shot groups. A quick note on ammo: Stoeger doesn’t say not to use +P or +P+ but does indicate that extensive use of these hotter loads can decrease component part service life.

Accuracy and Reliability

Accuracy testing is important, but how well a pistol handles offhand in close quarters is what really matters for defensive purposes. I ran several magazines through the Combat X, delivering rapid, accurate hits at seven yards without issue. In terms of accuracy, shootability and reliability, the pistol outperformed many semiautos costing three times as much.

The STR-9 Combat X is certainly concealable, but the oversize magazine well and extended magazine will tend to print through a light cover garment. I can see carrying it on or just behind the hip in an outside-the-waistband holster with a substantial cover garment. It would also make an excellent home-defense gun.

If you’re a fan of Stoeger’s STR-9 family of pistols—and you should be—you’re bound to love the Combat X. It’s a beefed-up, ambidextrous upgrade that’s both reliable and user-friendly. With a price tag of $599, it’s also easy on the wallet.

Stoeger STR-9 Combat X Specs

• Type: striker-fired semiauto centerfire
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 20+1, 10+1 (state compliant); 3 mags supplied
• Barrel: 4.3 in., cold-hammer-forged nitride-hardened steel
• OAL/Height/Width: 7.46/5.50/1.18 in.
• Weight: 27 oz.
• Construction: matte black nitride-hardened steel slide, polymer frame
• Trigger: 5 lb. pull (measured)
• Sights: three-dot fiber optic; slide cut for optics
• Safety: Trigger blade
• MSRP: $599
• Manufacturer: Stoeger, StoegerIndustries.com

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