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Sooo.... I will admit that this was not a gun I was on the hunt for. In fact, I went in for a 9mm 1911 or a .40 S&W subcompact. I ended up getting the .40 as well as the Stoeger. I knew what I wanted when I walked up to the counter but I saw this Stoeger at the end of the case for $299. So I asked to look at it too.
When I first saw it, I thought it resembled the S&W SD9. I’m going to use this as a comparison because not only do they look similar, the SD9 has a tag of $289. The SD9 I found uncomfortable due to the texture in the backstrap. I had the prejudice in mind when I picked up the Stoeger. At first I thought the texture in the backstrap was a bit aggressive but after a few seconds it was like I didn’t notice it. Again, I think it was some predetermined prejudice.
For my first impressions, wow, I can’t believe this thing is only $299. It may resemble in looks to the SD9 but the build quality sets them apart. Slide was smooth, solid stainless steel guide rod, THREE 15rd stainless mags, 3 interchangeable backstraps and they tossed in el cheapo mag loader (very flimsy). The barrel was nice and thick walled, not what I’d consider bull barrel but it was considerably thicker in the walls than the M&P .40 I bought with it. I didn’t mess with it too much but I’ll have to figure out how it disassembles. At first glance it kind of looks like the takedown on the SD9 or the Taurus’ takedown on the G2C.
Mag release was very smooth. I can easily flip it with my index finger when holding it with my left hand (it took 2 hands and a lot of pressure on the Smith). The mag release was one that appears to be interchangeable for left handed shooters. Overall, it was just better built in every way over the Smith and Wesson offering. I can’t wait to see if it shoots as well as it appears to be built. My only reservation is the feed ramp. While smooth, the angle is very steep. My money says it may have issues with flat point or hp bullets but we will see. I have some Sig defense rounds I’ll try in it. The front of the grip has finger grooves and has a texture much like the Springfield XD Mod 2. Very comfortable.
My brother bought both, the M&P .40 S&W and the Stoeger STR-9 just like I did. That’ll make the review a little better with 2 of each to test for consistency.
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When I first saw it, I thought it resembled the S&W SD9. I’m going to use this as a comparison because not only do they look similar, the SD9 has a tag of $289. The SD9 I found uncomfortable due to the texture in the backstrap. I had the prejudice in mind when I picked up the Stoeger. At first I thought the texture in the backstrap was a bit aggressive but after a few seconds it was like I didn’t notice it. Again, I think it was some predetermined prejudice.
For my first impressions, wow, I can’t believe this thing is only $299. It may resemble in looks to the SD9 but the build quality sets them apart. Slide was smooth, solid stainless steel guide rod, THREE 15rd stainless mags, 3 interchangeable backstraps and they tossed in el cheapo mag loader (very flimsy). The barrel was nice and thick walled, not what I’d consider bull barrel but it was considerably thicker in the walls than the M&P .40 I bought with it. I didn’t mess with it too much but I’ll have to figure out how it disassembles. At first glance it kind of looks like the takedown on the SD9 or the Taurus’ takedown on the G2C.
Mag release was very smooth. I can easily flip it with my index finger when holding it with my left hand (it took 2 hands and a lot of pressure on the Smith). The mag release was one that appears to be interchangeable for left handed shooters. Overall, it was just better built in every way over the Smith and Wesson offering. I can’t wait to see if it shoots as well as it appears to be built. My only reservation is the feed ramp. While smooth, the angle is very steep. My money says it may have issues with flat point or hp bullets but we will see. I have some Sig defense rounds I’ll try in it. The front of the grip has finger grooves and has a texture much like the Springfield XD Mod 2. Very comfortable.
My brother bought both, the M&P .40 S&W and the Stoeger STR-9 just like I did. That’ll make the review a little better with 2 of each to test for consistency.
