When we heard Stoeger released a new subcompact, optics-ready pistol, we were intrigued to see their take on the continuing trend of micro-nines. Following the huge success of the small but capable SIG P365, one company after another has released their own version of a carry gun with a lot of magazine capacity but only about an inch in width.
But when the new Stoeger STR-9SC arrived, we realized our mistake — it’s actually more Glock 26 than Springfield Armory Hellcat. A few years ago, Stoeger launched the STR-9, a 9mm service pistol made in Turkey that was essentially an ergonomic not-a-Glock (see RECOIL Issue 46 for our full review). Stoeger then released the STR-9C Compact, a slightly smaller version of the same gun.
STOEGER STR-9SC SUB COMPACT
Taking it to the next step, the new STR-9SC Sub Compact is even smaller in length and height, but not in width. The 3.5-inch barrel is chopped down from the original STR-9’s 4.17 inches, and the latter’s 5.25-inch height with a 15-round
