SHOT Show 2026: Archon Firearms Pushes the Limits With the Type B Platform

While walking the floor at SHOT Show 2026, we spent time with Archon Firearms to get a deeper technical breakdown of what makes the Archon Type B one of the most unconventional striker-fired pistols on the market—and what’s new for the platform this year.

This wasn’t just a product overview; it was a deep dive into engineering choices that directly affect recoil control, ergonomics, and modularity.

AF Speed Lock: Rethinking the Striker-Fired Action

The defining feature of the Archon Type B is its patented AF Speed Lock technology. Unlike traditional striker-fired pistols that rely on a Browning-style tilting barrel, the Type B’s barrel moves straight forward and backward, eliminating barrel tilt altogether.

This design choice enables what Archon claims—and visually demonstrates—to be the lowest bore axis of any striker-fired handgun currently on the market. A lower bore axis translates directly to reduced muzzle rise and flatter shooting, especially during rapid strings.

Horizontal Sear & Ultra-High Grip Position

To support this low bore axis, Archon redesigned the internal geometry of the pistol, moving the sear into a horizontal plane. This allows the shooter’s hand to ride exceptionally high on the frame, placing recoil forces more in line with the arm rather than above it.

The result is a pistol that feels unusually stable under recoil, even before adding ports or compensators.

Fully Modular Grip System

Out of the box, the Archon Type B offers true modularity. The pistol can be configured as:

• Sub-compact

• Compact

• Full-size

All grip modules and corresponding magazines are included with the firearm, allowing shooters to adapt the gun to different roles without purchasing separate frames or conversions.

This makes the Type B particularly attractive to shooters who want one serialized pistol for multiple carry and duty setups.

Ambidextrous by Design

Left-handed shooters aren’t an afterthought here. The Type B features a fully ambidextrous magazine release that can be reversed simply by inserting the magazine backward during reconfiguration. No special tools or aftermarket parts required.

What’s New for SHOT Show 2026

Archon Firearms also showcased several new upgrades and accessories debuting this year:

Ported Barrel & V-Cut Slide
A new ported barrel paired with a V-Cut slide further reduces muzzle rise, making an already flat-shooting pistol even faster during follow-up shots.

Compensators
Two compensator options are now available:

• Long compensator

• Short compensator

Both are designed to integrate cleanly with the Type B platform and enhance recoil management.

Optics-Ready Across the Board
All Type B pistols ship optic-ready, with support for:

• RMR

• RMSc

• ACRO

Finish options include Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and Black.

Performance Trigger Upgrade

One of the most notable new additions is the Archon performance trigger. While the stock Type B trigger already sits around 4.5 lbs, the performance trigger reduces pull weight to approximately 3.5 lbs, delivering:

• Faster break

• Shorter reset

• Improved cadence during rapid fire

This upgrade is aimed squarely at competitive shooters and performance-focused enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Archon Firearms isn’t chasing trends—they’re rewriting fundamentals. The Type B stands apart in a crowded striker-fired market by addressing recoil control at the mechanical level rather than relying solely on add-ons.

With new porting options, compensators, optics support, and a lighter performance trigger, SHOT Show 2026 marks a major evolution for the Type B platform.

Be sure to watch our full SHOT Show 2026 video coverage of Archon Firearms on YouTube, and keep an eye on the Black Basin Outdoors blog as we continue publishing hands-on breakdowns from the show floor.