Grand Power Stribog Pistol
:: Based on a Grand Power Stribog SP9 A3S
:: Custom Cerakoted by Koted Arms
:: SureFire Ryder 9M-Ti suppressed
We really enjoy getting to talk with readers about their bespoke builds, and it’s a delight when one reaches out to show us a customized masterpiece. Longtime reader Timothy S. from Tennessee messaged us to ask if we’d consider his Stribog to be included in an issue of UN12. As you can see, we not only considered it, but also agreed to put it the magazine. The excitement gun customizers have when describing why they built their gun the way they did and what factors influenced them is infectious. It is a lot like listening to a parent brag about their kid. Tim was no exception.
For Tim, what started as a budget build quickly escalated as he discovered all the aftermarket support for the Stribog platform. “I thought I was going to build an affordable little sub gun,” he told us. “But the parts quickly snowballed and this quickly became my most expensive build.” We know how that goes.
Tim started with the SP9 A3S model, which is the even more compact or “K” version of the already-compact Stribog line. The basics of the SP9 A3S are that is a 5-inch-barreled semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm. Its upper receiver is made of aluminum and its lower is constructed of polymer. As with other Stribog models, the SP9 A3S offers the reliability and robustness that shooters have come to love about Grand Power firearms.
The SP9 A3S features an updated system over previous-generation Stribogs and brings a pair of fundamental improvements in the form of a semi-locked bolt with delayed action via transfer roller, and a non-reciprocating charging handle that remains in the front position when firing.
For those of us here in the States, it is good to know that the source for Grand Power firearms is Global Ordnance (GO). GO worked hand in hand with Grand Power on large contracts including the U.S. Army Subcompact Weapons Program, which was met with huge success. GO routinely works with elements of the US military such as U.S. SOCOM, U.S. Army Materiel Command, and in 2018 GO was down-selected to provide the Army with the Stribog AP9 A3S Subcompact Weapon System. To be considered by the United States Army to fulfill such a role makes the AP9 A3S a serious platform to pay attention to in our books.
Tim originally ordered his SP9 A3S with Stribog’s factory sliding arm brace but quickly replaced it in favor of an aftermarket enhancement. He tells us he was browsing the Rainier Arms website when he came across A3 Tactical’s upgrade accessories. One look at them and he knew that he had to get in on A3’s parts.
Tim quickly purchased the company’s folding arm brace, and A3’s CZ Scorpion EVO magazine compatible Stribog lower quickly followed. The lower, capable of last round bolt hold capability, is a Rainier Arms exclusive offering and is injection-molded from high-density 35% glass-filled Zytel polymer. This makes it lightweight and crazy strong while using a more popular type of magazine.
“There are replacement lowers that take Glock mags, but I already own a CZ Scorpion and have plenty of EVO mags available for it, so it worked out perfectly for me,” Tim says. He completed the lower using a Timney Triggers 3.5-pound drop-in trigger, Magpul MOE K grip, and a Blitzkrieg Tactical ambi safety selector. Each of these parts helps increase the performance and comfort when handling and shooting the Stribog.
When it came to targeting and lighting, Tim selected both the EOTech HWS EXPS2-0 and the SureFire XVL2 light and laser module system to fill those roles. EOTech’s red 68 MOA ring surrounding a 1 MOA center reticle is quickly picked up by the eye and provides accurate and reliable use in all weather and lighting conditions. The EXPS2 maximizes rail space with its compact size and features convenient side operation buttons and an adjustable, locking, quick-detach lever for easy attachment and removal.
We asked why he chose the SureFire XVL2 to provide the Stribog’s light and laser capability. “Quality, ergonomics, and size were considerations,” he told us. “SureFire is a known commodity to me. They make solid products that are easy to use and can be trusted. With their XVL2, I have both a white/IR capable light and dual green and IR lasers bundled into a single unit.
For Cerakote, Tim turned to Koted Arms in Mesa, Arizona. Regular UN12 readers should be acquainted with Koted Arms, as we have featured quite a few firearms that they’ve coated. Tim noticed as well and chose them to coat his Stribog based on projects he saw in the magazine. He sent them the Stribog and the A3 lower and pistol brace, as well as a magazine, and asked for them to coat it in a MultiCam Black-style (MCB) pattern.
What once was an all-black Stribog came back with a really clean and muted MCB-style pattern applied to it with a slight hint of green tones mixed in. “I didn’t want it to be really flashy but to have a clean, blended look,” Tim says. It looks like Koted Arms definitely delivered. The finish is super-smooth with no indication of the masking used to create the pattern. The expert Cerakoter did a great job selecting the colors and blending it all together.
The Stribog’s barrel tip comes threaded with a 1/2×28 thread pitch, so it was easy for Tim to attach his SureFire Ryder 9mm suppressor. We asked him how he likes the Ryder suppressor. “I only have one 9mm suppressor, so it gets moved around a lot,” he replied. “This goes on everything from my CZ Scorpion to my Glock.
It is stupid quiet and really light.” Designed specifically for 9mm pistols and rifles, the SureFire Ryder 9M-Ti’s titanium exterior construction makes it ultra-lightweight and features durable, heat-treated stainless steel baffles inside that are indexed and numbered for easy disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. Even cooler is that it’s modular for length. A 2-inch module can be removed from the front portion of the suppressor to reduce its overall size. The Ryder’s short configuration is shown here.
This customized Stribog is not only ultra-compact, but it looks very capable. We’ll also add that it hits perfectly in the looks department; let’s not pretend that doesn’t matter. After all is said and done, it seems like Tim’s “budget” Stribog went the other way when it comes to spending, but we think it was well worth it. We understand just how quickly a budget can get blown out for a project gun, and we’re guilty of it as well—more times than we care to admit. It was great getting to talk Tim about his customized Stribog SP9 A3S. We will definitely keep in touch to see what his next project may be.
Build Sheet – Grand Power Stribog Pistol
Specifications
Base Rifle: Grand Power
Stribog SP9A3S
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 35 +1
Min. Length: 14 in. (unsuppressed) 19.5 in. (suppressed)
Max. Length: 22 in. (unsuppressed) 27.5 in. (suppressed)
Weight Unloaded: 5 lbs, 11 oz.
Barrel Length: 5.0 in.
Coating: Custom MultiCam Black style by Koted Arms
Featured Accessories
Optic: EOTech EXPS2-0
Weaponlight/Laser: SureFire XVL2 light & laser module
Suppressor: SureFire Ryder 9M-TI (9mm)
Parts & Accessories: A3 Tactical modular folding brace, A3 Tactical lower (CZ Scorpion EVO mag compatible), Magpul EVO magazine, Magpul MOE K grip, Timney PCC trigger, Blitzkrieg Tactical ambi safety, SureFire RSR-SR07 remote switch
