{"id":6222,"date":"2025-05-10T16:11:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T16:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2025\/05\/10\/a-superior-alternative-to-glock\/"},"modified":"2025-05-10T16:11:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T16:11:29","slug":"a-superior-alternative-to-glock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2025\/05\/10\/a-superior-alternative-to-glock\/","title":{"rendered":"A Superior Alternative to Glock"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Archon Firearms has, over the years, refined the Archon Type B to the most current Gen 2 model. I tested this Archon Gen 2, Type B by PTR extensively and am excited to share my thoughts and experiences with you all! Some people on the internet may compare this pistol to a Glock. But, in reality, it shares only the same grip angle. Engineers have designed everything else about the Gen 2, Type B to be superior to this basic and old handgun design. In this review, I\u2019ll discuss the Gen 2, Type B, and its unique design, as well as perform an accuracy test.<\/p>\n

Archon Firearms designed the Gen 2, Type B as a striker-fired handgun with a grip angle similar to a Glock. However, its unique engineering lowers the bore axis and reduces felt recoil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Is the Archon Gen 2 Type B?<\/h2>\n

First, I want to give a glimpse at what the Archon Gen 2, Type B is. Then I\u2019ll go into further detail about the most interesting and unique aspects. This gun is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol chambered in 9x19mm that has a grip angle similar to a Glock. For maximum ergonomics, the magazine release is reversible for ease of use by right or left-handed shooters. <\/p>\n

The grip length of the Gen 2, Type B is modular, It comes with 3 backstraps and 2 grip extensions that provide 4 different grip configurations consisting of one sub-compact, two compact, and one full-size grip length. This gun is available with no optic cut, or a direct mount for RMR, RMS, or Acro footprint optics for an additional $39. This makes the optic cut on the Archon Gen 2, Type B one of the most affordable optic cuts!<\/p>\n

\"The
You can reconfigure this handgun to a subcompact, compact, or full-sized grip. Making these changes is very easy and only involves roll-pins in the grip. This modularity is an excellent feature that will help ensure it appeals to shooters of both large and small stature. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Internally, there are other impressive engineering feats worth mentioning. First and foremost, the AF-Speedlock system keeps the barrel in line with the slide under operation, reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. Unlike some striker-fired pistols that have a visible trigger safety, the Gen 2, Type B has an internal safety that doesn\u2019t allow the gun to fire unless the trigger is in the rearmost position. This design makes this gun drop-safe and offers peace of mind from potentially fatal mechanical malfunctions.<\/p>\n

\"The
The U-block is a key characteristic of the AF-Speedlock system. It keeps the barrel locked with the slide until the recoil unlocks it. Also, note the three-stage recoil spring that helps further eliminate recoil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Does the Type B Come With?<\/h2>\n

The Archon Gen 2, Type B by PTR comes in a padded hard case with one 15-round magazine and one 18-round magazine. These two different-sized magazines allow you to use any possible grip configurations. Three back straps and two grip extenders also come with this package. Also, it has two extra roll pins which are used to attach them. If you buy an optic cut model, a plate will come attached to this optic cut, keeping the slide looking sleek and seamless if you do not mount a red dot. And of course, you also get a cheap cable lock and some good instruction manuals with the package.<\/p>\n

\"Glamour
All optic cut models of the Archon Gen 2, Type B come with a cover plate that keeps the gun looking pretty without an optic mounted to the slide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Performance and Accuracy Testing<\/h2>\n

I used the Archon Gen 2, Type B in USPSA matches when I first got it in. This gun worked perfectly for the application because it pointed like a Glock, which I was used to. The trigger also felt similar, but the Gen 2, Type B shot much flatter and allowed me to shoot faster and more accurately while running and gunning. During this hard-use period, and throughout the rest of my testing, I didn\u2019t experience any malfunctions or issues with the gun whatsoever.<\/p>\n

After shooting many, many rounds through the Archon Gen 2, Type B Pistol, I performed an accuracy test at 15 yards using range, defensive, and competition-type ammo. This wide variety of projectile weight and design consisted of Norma<\/a>, Hornady<\/a>, Magtech<\/a>, Blazer<\/a>, Federal<\/a>, and Winchester<\/a> ammunition. for consistency\u2019s sake, I shot these groups using a Holosun HS507C<\/a> red dot instead of iron sights. Please read each picture\u2019s caption to see the specifics of each ammo tested.<\/p>\n

Accuracy Testing Results<\/h2>\n
\"A
Norma Range and Training Frangible 65-grain ammunition printed a 2.12-inch group at 15 yards which is 13.48 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Norma Hexagon 124 grain ammunition printed a 1.55 inch group at 15 yards which is 9.87 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Magtech Steel Case 115 grain ammunition printed a 1.94 inch group at 15 yards which is 12.38 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Hornady Critical Defense 100 grain FTX ammunition printed a 1.71 inch group at 15 yards which is 10.90 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Blazer Brass Case 147 grain ammunition printed a 2.63 inch group at 15 yards which is 16.78 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Hornady american Gunner 115 grain ammunition printed a 1.71 inch group at 15 yards which is 10.87 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Winchester USA Ready 124 grain ammunition printed a 2.01 inch group at 15 yards which is 12.82 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Federal Punch 124 grain ammunition printed a 1.74 inch group at 15 yards which is 11.08 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
Hornady Custom 147 grain XTP ammunition printed a 1.84-inch group at 15 yards which is 11.70 MOA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These groups were shot from a bag and bench with a Holosun HS 507C red dot mounted on the Gen 2, Type B Pistol. Each group is 5-shots where the best performer was Norma Hexagon Match Grade 124 grain at 9.87 MOA or 1.55 inches at 15 yards. The worst performer was the Blazer Ammunition 147 grain brass case with 16.78 MOA or 2.64 inches at 15 yards. Everything else fell in between these, averaging around 12 MOA groups.<\/p>\n

Specifications of the Type B<\/h2>\n