Please tell me more about the Sphinx pistols.

[twoblink]

Someone mentioned they thought the Sphinx might be a better next generation CZ. So those who have experience, please let me know.

Thanks.
Albert

[Tamara]

From the couple I handled, they seemed more of a "same generation, only way more expensive" CZ...

[QB]

Oh but the new Sphinx Titanium model 3000......that's another story!!! Seems like a real step forward to me (just an opinion based only on what I've read, no real knowledge of the gun). It will also be coming out in .45 ACP in about a year (not sure of the release date).

They aren't currently imported into the US but should be available soon (I've been in contact with Sphinx Int'l for over a year and the date keeps getting pushed back). They'll still have the AT380 and AT2000 models but in a titanium finish/two tone. I prefer the "old" finish. To me they are absolutely stunning as well they should be since they cost considerably more than the CZ. Workmanship and funtioning of mine have been superb.

I'll post some pictures of mine in a few days. I am an avid Sphinx fan and will be buying one of the "new" models IF they are ever imported to the US. I have no test data on the accuracy of the Sphinx versus the CZ. Although I don't have any more CZs, both the CZs and the Sphinxs were 100% out of the box. I just prefer the craftmanship and finish of the Sphinx handguns and am willing to pay the price to get what appeals to me. Push comes to shove, my CZ and Sphinx handguns both went "bang" everytime I pulled the trigger so I guess it just depends on what you want.

I also cannot comment on warranty service for either company although at this time since I've never used either. I DO know that the Sphinx rep (Manuel Wipf, COO for Sphinx) has been VERY responsive to my inquiries and has continued to keep me informed of the status of the US distributor.

Sorry I don't have any valid technical data for you.

[Walther P99]

I've also been very interested in the Sphinx line and have been in contact with Manuel for several months as well and I can also attest that he's very responsive and helpful.

I've been impressed with the reports on Sphinx and I'd galdly pay a premium for a higher-quality product. I've never seen junk come out of Switzerland, whether it's guns, watches, or chocolate so I'm hoping they can get a US supplier lined up.

[Tamara]

I'll admit that most of my bias comes from the fact that the CZ75 just doesn't turn my crank. Every time I looked at a Sphinx (as you can well imagine, given that datum) my response was something along the lines of: "Hey, that is one really, really sharp, well-fitted... CZ75 clone and... Holy jeebus! Lookit that price tag!"

[faustulus]

I too love the look of the 3000 and I love CZ clones. But for the price they are asking I could have a custom built SV or STI.

[WESHOOT2]

I understand (may be wrong) that Tanfoglio makes the big parts; final is done by Sphinx.
Like the Baby eagles.

[Eric Larsen]

They are the only CZ Clone to out CZ the CZ's
The ones Ive handled and the sole gun Ive shot were absolutely nice. Quality is beyond what any gun should be from a factory...but you are all right, you pay for it.
Sphinx doesnt us Tanfoglio frames/slides...they are their own maker...at least from what Ive gathered from my centuries of online/offline research
The new guns look very very nice.....
Id love one...but that will have to come later on.....

Shoot well

[QB]

My SVIs cost approx $2800 each and my STIs cost approx $1900 each and that was pretty much for base guns (nothing extremely fancy). I think you could probably get some type of STI single stack model for something close to an AT2000 model (maybe) but they're not the same type of gun by a longshot. For the cost of a Sphinx you could also get a SIG or HK for that matter.

Everyone has their own tastes and I have now sold the last of my four SVIs/STIs yet I still have my Sphinx handguns & plan on buying a few more. I don't have any SIGS/HKs left either

The AT2000 models don't cost anything close to $2000. I don't think the 3000 model does either although I suppose it could...I just can't remember (although a base gun from STI/SVI that is titanium would still cost considerably more). I'm not sure STI offers a titanium although I think SVI may. But I couldn't touch the SVI titanium pricewise.

faustulous - just curious what you've been quoted for the new Sphinx handguns and what models? In the past they cost close to twice the price of a CZ but I've only seen a price list for a few of the new models (from the distributor in Canada) so I'm not sure of the US prices.

The 3000 model's design doesn't interest me too much but I haven't seen one "in person" yet. I believe that I mentioned that I am NOT a fan of the new Sphinx titanium finish that they are putting on all their new guns so my "planned purchases" has gone down consideably and I have purchased some older NIB guns recently.

Bottom line....I don't know if the Sphinx handguns (of the SVI or STI or SIG or HK or.....) are worth the prices they demand but I like them so I buy them. Seems as if everything I want always has a high price tag

[twoblink]

From what I understand though, the "extras" you get over a CZ (which I don't think is much, if anything except name bragging rights, and I'm not sure a lot of people know of it) doesn't justify the price difference..

[QB]

If comparing "like" models, there probably aren't any "extras"....certainly a difference in workmanship and finish which are primary differences in many models of guns....people are always talking about workmanship when comparing guns. CZ doesn't make a finish that I like so it's a mute point. If I can find a gun that is as good or better than a CZ and has the "finish" and other options I want then I will buy it. If I want a reliable gun & don't care about cosmetics/looks/workmanship then I have a whole lot of options to consider in addition to the CZ.

Don't get me wrong, I've owned about 6 CZ (CZ85s and PCRs) but I found the Sphinx guns in the finish I wanted and purchased them. Theya are 100% reliable and as such I have now sold all my CZs. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my CZs...I just like the Sphinx better. If CZ came out with the identical gun in the same finish at a lesser price I'd buy it. I really don't care that it says Sphinx or CZ as long as it satisfies my requirements.

In my case, the "finish" (that being ALL PALLADIUM/polished) is indeed what I am willing to pay a premium for. That and no front slide serrations like my PCR had. I'm the same way with my 1911 type guns... they are ALL hard chrome (or stainless) except for one two tone and I don't own any with front slide serrations. That's just me. I may pay more for those options (or lack thereof) but I purchase what I like, not what someone else likes.

We could discuss gun prices and what you get for your money until we all drop dead. For me it is "can money get me the options I want on a gun". If so, I buy the gun. That's one reason a while back Wilson handguns got marked off my list. Didn't matter how much money I offered, they would not make one without front slide serrations. Hence my little run with SVI/STI who DID make what I wanted.

As far as bragging rights?? I didn't know there were any for the Sphinx. Most of the dealers around here that I've talked to don't even know and/or are not interested in them. Anyway, I don't know why anyone would brag about a gun......what they're really "bragging" about is how much MONEY they spent on a gun. Sort of like a friend I have that says "let's take my Mercedes" instead of "let's take my car" ..... pleazzzzzzzzzzze.....my Yukon cost $13,000 MORE than his pathetic little used Mercedes SUV but I just keep my mouth shut. Whatever floats his boat.

[Walther P99]

Seems as if everything I want always has a high price tag

That sounds like me...

[twoblink]

A CZ with P7 prices, or am I being unfair?

[radom]

Ahhh sounds fair to me!

[rblack]

I own and have owned several CZ pistols, several 75's, PCR, etc. and they are great guns, I will always have CZ's, BUT..........The Sphinx guns are in a different class when it comes to fit and finish. They are some of the finest examples of craftsmanship I have ever seen, and I don't even own one. I can see why they cost so much, they are absolutely beautiful guns.

[Walther P99]

FWIW, I just received a reply from Manuel today (replied the very next business day) saying that they're all set with their US distributor and will officially inform me of the distributor before Christmas.

Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll have a new CCW sometime next year...

[QB]

Vacation money? What vacation money? My boss won't let me off this year....what a pity. Guess I'll just have to spend my money on a Sphinx and make believe that I'm in Switzerland.

Boy of boy am I going to be soooooooooooo in trouble. I had talked myself into just one new Sphinx (down from about 4 of them prior to finding out about the new finish) but I'm kinda leaning toward increasing my order to two guns. Or maybe I'll take the plunge and get the AT3000.

I can't breath, I can't think, I can't sleep.........BEFORE CHRISTMAS?????????

Just sold one of my Billenium's.....gotta go look in the safe for something else to sell!!!

[glockorama]

I'll admit that most of my bias comes from the fact that the CZ75 just doesn't turn my crank.

Tamara, I'm so disillusioned , Oh well, at least you still have that SWEET Model 13.

Anyone have a link to a Sphinx site or pics to post. I have and have had several CZ-75's and they are one of my all time favorites, so I would be interested in perusing more info on these guns.

[twoblink]

http://www.sphinx-systems.ch/e/index_e.htm

I just sent them an email about wanting a catalog...

[QB]

Well here's a few pictures of some of my Sphinx guns. Sorry about the photo quality.


AT380M Palladium Finish (also have a two tone but no picture yet)


AT 2000 Police Special (PSDA) DAO model popular with "body guards" made on request.





AT 2000 Police Special Palladium Finish



The police specials can use 15 round mags since it has a fullsize grip but shortened slide. CZ mags work fine so far.

[Walther P99]

Wow, nice guns...

Do you use any for CCW? Since I want a gun for both CCW and home-defense, I'm thinking about the PS model in either .40 S&W or .45 ACP (probably .45) when it comes out - Mr. Wipf said .45ACP will be available mid-2003

I like the full-size grip (easier to handle) coupled to a smaller slide-length; with the right holster/belt the grip shouldn't be a problem for CCW.

I'm pretty anxious about the wait, too. The bad part is that I have to pay off some debts first before I can buy anything. Should only be 6 months at the most...

[faustulus]

QB, the price I saw on the 3000 was about 2,900 euros. Most of the SVs I have looked at run about 26-28. Maybe they won't be that much when they are imported. I would love to have one to round out my CX/clone collection.
by the way, I am loving that VIP

[QB]

faustulus - oh my, gotta go convert euros to US $$. If the 3000 model costs around what a SVI costs then I probably won't be getting one. With the exception of my Colt Special Combat Governments, I just sold ALL of my handguns that cost over $1000. Then again, I'm not called the "gun churner" for nothing!!!! It does look, however, like I'll stick with the AT2000 models. OH HOW I MISS THE VIP


I know Sphinx is coming out with a .45 but I thought it was just in the new 3000 model, not the AT2000. I'll have to check that out and see if indeed the AT2000 model will be available in .45. If that's the case I may not purchase any more 9mm Sphinx handguns and wait for a .45 Police Special instead. I like the fullsize grip and the shortened slide also. A .45 caliber PS would be just TOO fine!!

I have several "carry" guns and depending on my dress and mode of carry the preference of carry would be:

(1) Beretta 92G Compact w/NS (13 round 9mm mag)
(2) Sphinx PS DAO (15 round 9mm mag)
(3) Colt Pocket Nine (6 round 9mm mag)
(4) Sphinx AT380 (10 or 13 round .380 mag)
(5) Colt Pony Pocketlite (6 round .380 mag)

While there's a couple of Sphinx handguns in the mix, I usually DON'T carry the Sphinx PS DAO only because it's the only one I have right now and don't want to have any finish wear on it. Quite frankly my Beretta 92G is usually the one I grab (along with a backup 15 round mag) when size isn't a problem. However, both the Beretta and the Sphinx PS DAO sit in my bedside safe and are always ready for home defense.

The Sphinx handguns are NOT light however if worn in a good holster with a good belt, I have never really had a problem with the weight of a gun.

As you can see from my list above, I do not carry any of my .45s. That is just because I have made a conscious decision to carry only a DAO or a SA/DA with a decocking lever. None of my .45s have those configurations. So a Sphinx in .45 would be FABULOUS (with the decocking lever option of course) and would move right on up to #1 carry gun if size/weight isn't an issue.

Crazy isn't it? Hey, at least the list allows me to "justify" having a bunch of different guns

[Walther P99]

Actually, I don't mind the weight too much. I want a steel frame (I think all the Sphinxes are steel-framed based on the weights listed in their brochure) because it's stronger than alloy/polymer and, more importantly, the weight of the steel absorbs recoil better than the lighter frames, everything else being equal.

When I carried my P7, which was definitely no feather, I didn't really mind the weight.

I'd have to be sure to research the belt/holster combo thoroughly in order to get the best fit.

[Pilot]

"I'll admit that most of my bias comes from the fact that the CZ75 just doesn't turn my crank."

Tamara, I appreciate your honesty. We all have our personal preferences. However, check out a two tone CZ-85B Combat and see if that truns your crank. I agree, the Sphinx line is beautiful, but the CZ's are a much better value for a superb pistol.