The universe of striker-fired 9mm carry pistols is expanding fast.
It seems that every other manufacturer in the gun industry has made, is making, or will make a pistol to compete in this market.
So, is it any surprise that Turkish gun maker Stoeger jumped into the pile?
Their STR-9C looks to compete with Glock’s perfection, but is this pistol a worthy alternative to Gaston’s Glock?
We break down the specs, features, and range performance to find out.
So, keep reading!
Table of Contents
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Stoeger STR-9C Review at a Glance
Pros
- Price — this gun’s full list price is $399.
- 13+1 capacity ain’t bad.
- Trigger broke at 4 lbs., 12 oz., and had zero creep and minimal take-up.
- Steel sights are nice. The rear has been edge-relieved to not snag, and they are easily acquired.
Cons
- Only get one magazine
- As with the mag, you get one medium backstrap. Small and large backstraps are available at extra cost.
- The gun comes with a 5-year warranty, not a lifetime warranty
The Bottom Line
The STR-9C is a feature-rich, 24-ounce, 13-round capacity 9mm compact pistol that is optics-ready with four adapter plates. It shoots like a larger gun and handles recoil well. This gun incorporates decent, visible steel sights and a loaded chamber indicator. Deep slide serrations fore and aft and a familiar takedown drill complete the feature set.
Specs & Features
Specs
- Width: 1.2”
- Length: 6.9”
- Barrel Length: 3.8”
- Height: 4.7”
- Weight: 24 oz.
- Capacity: 13 + 1, one mag included
Features
- 3-dot sights
- Loaded chamber indicator
- Optics-Ready
- Deep serrations front and rear
- Three slot rail
- Glock familiarity
Source: Stoeger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Background
Stoeger has been around since 1922. Without writing a huge tome on the company’s history, suffice it to say that Stoeger Silah Sanayi A.Ş has been a Beretta Group Company since 2000.
(It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Benelli).
Before all that, Stoeger was located in New Jersey and, before that, was the largest gun store in New York City.
Stoeger is the official and sole importer and distributor of Beretta, Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger Airguns, and Burris brands in Turkey. Stoeger branded models are manufactured in Istanbul, Turkey, and are distributed worldwide.
They are probably known more for shotguns than pistols, but the STR-9 and its compact cousin have struck a chord with the shooting public.
Who Is It For?
Let’s talk about the gun’s target market – concealed carriers. Those citizens out there who regularly carry a 9mm of some persuasion would feel right at home with this gun in their holster.
Glock 26 fans who carry the 12-round extended mag would probably really like this gun as well, as they most likely wouldn’t notice much of a size difference but would like the extra round in the mag and the other features the gun possesses.
Fit & Feel
The gun fits my hand, as I have average-sized paws. But what if your fingers are longer or shorter?
There are extra backstrap inserts available, but you have to buy them.
They should have included them in the box along with that missing mag…
Anyway, the grip is nicely textured – not too aggressive or smooth. I could easily get both hands on the gun at my range and get the sights up to where they should go.
This gun fits my hand like the plethora of other compact 9s on the market that I’ve shot… it just works.
It offers a flat-wound recoil spring – which is nice and a very clean frame.
As mentioned, it only comes with one interchangeable backstrap in a medium size. It did fit my hand, at least, but if you have bigger or smaller hands, you’ll have to splurge for another backstrap.
The grip itself is nicely textured in all the right places.
This slide, like the frame, is clean, and bonus is optics-ready. It ships with four adapter plates.
How Does It Shoot?
This gun shoots like most other compact nines I’ve shot over the years. No better, no worse.
It exhibited average accuracy at 20 yards, which usually translates into “excellent” at 7.
I shot two 9mm 115-grain FMJ loads… Maxxtech brass case and Fiocchi Range Dynamics.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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As I mentioned above, my targets were shot at 20 yards, and each square was an inch. Extrapolate that to 7 yards, and suddenly, the gun’s accuracy is suitable.
Would I like everything I shoot to go into one ragged hole at 25 or 50 yards? Of course – I’m not stupid. I just know that some guns won’t do that, nor do they need to.
The point is that these will work if you are on the hunt for factory practice 115-gr FMJ loads.
What Sets it Apart?
The Stoeger STR-9C looks to compete with the likes of Glock…specifically the Glock 26. That would be the closest Glock in terms of size and capacity to the STR-9C.
So how does it stack up?
| STR-9C | Glock 26 Gen 5 | |
| OAL | 6.9” | 6.4” |
| Width | 1.2″ | 1.3″ |
| Height | 4.7″ | 4.2″ |
| Capacity | 13+1 | 10+1 (Standard Mag) |
| Optics Ready | Yes | No |
| MSRP | $399 | $559 |
Basically, if you want a slightly more affordable pistol, the STR-9C stands out.
By the Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
It didn’t miss a beat during testing
Ergonomics: 5/5
It fits well in my hands but keep in my mind your mileage may vary.
Accuracy: 4/5
It did alright. It won’t shoot out to 50 yards, but it will do just fine at close ranges.
Customization: 5/5
You can add lights, lasers, optics, and holsters all you want.
Value: 5/5
At $399, it’s a good value.
Overall: 4.5/5
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Upgrades for the STR-9C
The first upgrade I’d do would be to buy an extra magazine or two. Get a matching 13-rounder with the pinky extension, just like the one that comes with the gun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Next, I would add a holster.
Given the three slots under the barrel and the red-dot-ready slide, your choices for extra gizmos on this gun are many. You could mount a light or laser under the barrel or stick a red dot on the slide.
For a red dot, I like the Sig Romeo Zero.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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There are newer, more-expensive versions, but the plain ol’ Zero works. It’s been proven and won’t break the bank.
For more options, check out our best pistol red dots.
Laser-wise, I like the Streamlight TLR-4. This lesser-expensive laser also comes with a light, so you kill two birds with that one rock.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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You can certainly buy more expensive red dots and lasers, but these two are a good place to start.
Final Verdict
As I said at the start, the universe of striker-fired 9mm compact pistols is expanding at an astounding rate.
The world of 25-ounce or less polymer-framed striker pistols is huge. This Stoeger fits right in.
It has features that not every other gun out there possesses, is very reliable, and won’t break the bank too badly.
I would say something corny in keeping with my universe/world analogy, like this pistol is out of this world, but I’ll spare you. Just check one out – I think you’ll like it!
What do you think of the Stoeger? Let us know in the comments below. For more on concealable pistols, check out our top recommendations for the Best Concealed Carry Handguns.
13 Leave a Reply
No one makes a iwb holster for the Stoeger str-9s combat. I need help with this. Kydex perfer
Cheaping out on the mag and backstrap what a pain. Raise the price 50, another Turkish brand gives you all kinds of goodies.
I bought the 9C about a month ago. I was looking for something in between my standard size SAR9 and the subcompact shield plus. I’ve put about 350 rounds through it with zero issues. It feels great in my hand while at the range and is still a perfect size for a carry gun.
As far as getting magazines goes, I bought two additional factory mags with no issues for $35 each. I would recommend this gun to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable alternative to the big boys. All said I spend $315 with the two additional mags.
Nice review. Is that rust all over that thing in some of those pics (rear slide serrations, inside/ass-end of slide and barrel)?
I bought one. Getting magazines has been a problem. Save money and buy a Taurus G2/3 etc. you'll be better off
I purchased an str9 (optics ready) about 6 months ago. I wanted to try out a Red Dot, not sure if I was going to like it, always been an iron sights guy. Picked up a Riton for $100. Let me tell you, I was sold! I put about 600 rounds through it without any hiccups! Picked up a few extra mags (pro mags) stick to the factory magazines! It comes to the range with me with my PPQ & Shield Plus. The str9 feels great in my hands and it's fun to shoot! For under $400 with an optic you can't beat it! I will be picking up the compact model, there's some great deals right now out there, around $200 with the factory rebate. For someone who doesn't have a lot of money for a self-defense pistols, it's an excellent choice
P-lease
R-emember
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The Stoeger pistol seems to be a good deal for the price, especially with the cost of a decent handguns heading upstairs rapidly! Now, I have owned several Glocks - none of them had interchangeable backstraps. Is that a big issue? Not having a spare mag - that is a bit more of a concern to me (I live in a socialist state where a magazine is termed unlawful if over ten rounds in capacity). Magazines have become Very expensive just in the past year!!
Accuracy. Hmmm. That is a bit subjective, especially when there is horizontal "stringing". Perhaps analysis on a Ransom rest would tell a more accurate tale. Besides, for it's mostly intended use, the accuracy looks to be about on a par with many other pistols of that category. If I need to shoot further than 25 to 50 yards, I would hope to have a shotgun or rifle close at hand. That may not be the situation, so I would really have to do my part well, focusing all of my skills into shooting for the best possible result! (as would be the case with most handguns)
Greetings from Denver !! I bought the STR-9, tweaked it, then bought the 9c.
Using Gen 4 Glock parts and some polishing, I’ve tricked each to 3.5 pounds. When I bought, they were $199, with a $25 rebate and free shipping. I am totally satisfied. These take a solid place beside my two Glocks. Photo of pull weight available for your viewing enjoyment.
Guys, keep up the excellent work !!!
Dave
Hi Mike, used to follow you on Sniper Country. I did get a chance to shoot the STR-9C, at the range recently that another member had purchased, and I'd say your review is real close to my assessment of the gun too. I agree about the magazines, and I think Stoeger needs to rethink that strategy, because for me, that's a big issue, especially when spares are up there price wise ($50 ouch). Another thing they might rethink is allowing the purchaser to send in the stock backstrap in exchange for a small or large, rather than being an extra to purchase. Mainly, because when you start adding these extras in, the price point starts going up too, and it seems to me a bit self defeating on the manufacturer's part.
The gun I tried had been fitted with a Vortex Venom, but the SIG Romeo would be an excellent sight, and save the user at least $100. I've not had a chance to compare the Venom side by side with a Romeo, as I've only Red Dots on my ARs, not on any of my handguns. None of the LGS's in my area are stocking that SIG Romeo model.
The Stoeger would be a good option for someone on a budget looking for a CCWeapon, as a backup, or as a cache or truck gun in my humble opinion.
Glad to find you still reviewing on another site as I've not seen anything from Sniper Country in months (I'm sure there's a story there), and U look forward to seeing your future reviews.
Bemused Berserker
The backstraps are $6 each on Stoeger's website. They should be included. And the 13 rnd mag is a bitch to get all 13 in there, so I normally stop at 12.
Hi Alan, yeah, I had trouble loading the mags too, but I chalked it up to arthritis, as I have trouble loading most mags without a reloading tool. My P365, I can get to 9 or 10, but the last two are a real pain. Why SIG doesn't include a tool is beyond me.
I just wonder if Stoeger made a mistake in marketing the gun by not including a spare Mag? I think that might hurt their sales in the long run, but I guess we'll see. All in all, I found it to be a decent gun, and a real alternative to a Glock 26, especially for those on tight budgets.
Bemused, great to hear from you again!