MICROTECH Archangel 9mm

[Gelgoog]

This pistol is one of those creations that everyone else is overlooking. It has been in the works for more than a year and under a shroud of secrecy, but Microtech was showing off two prototypes of their new pocket pistol at the NRA show: The Archangel. It is a tiny pistol that carries a good supply of 9mm in a pocket-size package. The prototypes lacked a textured grip but Microtech said that the production models will have a nice gripping surface.

A departure from other pocket pistols, the Archangel features a dual-paddle release that follows the trigger guard for ambidextrous control. Two models will be initially available. One that is all black and an attractive two-tone black/stainless. The pistol can be optioned for a threaded barrel for intended use with a suppressor (not included).

What is also nice is the Pelican hard case it comes in, along with Microtech’s slim profile fast-action knife that’s perfect for carry. Two magazines come with each pistol and are constructed using the same indestructible material and waffle-cone design that is proven in their MSAR 556 carbine magazines. This will be a greatly received pistol and is a well-valued package. We can’t wait to shoot one!

 

[TexasRifleman]

Wow.

"Want" meter is pegged at full!

Anyone know how much and when?

Thanks for posting the pics.

 

[RX-178]

It makes me think of that 'if Bond was an American' thread, just looking at this.

 

[JohnBT]

"This pistol is one of those creations that everyone else is overlooking."

Hard to overlook something that isn't on the shelves.

Time will tell if they can produce a functional gun in sufficient numbers and still meet their price point.

John

 

[HB]

I can tell you right now that that gun, if delivered as pictured, will not work for me! Look at the trigger guard/ trigger... not nearly enough room for my finger
Otherwise, nice looking guns

HB

 

[TexasRifleman]

Time will tell if they can produce a functional gun in sufficient numbers and still meet their price point.

Well, I had the same doubts about this company when they announced their AUG clone. They have done a tremendous job of not only promising but delivering a good product there, so I give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

What's with the trigger looking like it'll cut your finger off?

 

[JohnBT]

"their AUG clone"

They appear to have done a nice job at reworking a 30-year-old design. Getting a micro 9mm to work reliably is a whole 'nother level of challenge.

John

 

[JohnBT]

Lipsey's is showing an MSRP of $485 with 2 mags and a rail. No weight or size listed.

John

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I do like the name ArchAngel..

 

[kd7nqb]

See this is the problem with gun companies, they keep coming out with stuff I want more. I save up for a P3AT and then BOOM Ruger comes out with the LCP. LCP's finally are findable again and now I see this. I will tell you that if it comes out soon at anywhere near the pricepoint of the LCP then I will be getting one.

Of course if then they would tease me and tell me I can get it in .40S&W too right?

 

[JohnBT]

Two or three guns, and boom, you could have had a Rohrbaugh.

John

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Microtech is first and foremost a knife company, not a gun company.

They're also a knife company with a long reputation of "It's in the mail, we swear..."

That being said, they've always made high-quality products that you pay top prices for.

 

[joe817]

Is something that tiny and with that sized caliber actually controllable when firing it?

(if that's a dumb question, pls disregard. If it's a valid one feel free to answer)

I've been out of the hobby to long to really know.

 

[Fat Boy]

Is something that tiny and with that sized caliber actually controllable when firing it?


First, that isn't a dumb question, at least not in my opinion. I have long wondered the same thing about the Rohrbaugh guns and other "mouse" guns. Given my larger sized hands, I would hesitate to try something like that. But on the other hand, who wouldn't want an "archangel" gun?

 

[Girodin]

Two or three guns, and boom, you could have had a Rohrbaugh.

I could have one right now if I wanted but a gun that has to have springs changed that frequently is not for me. I like to shoot my guns particularly the ones that I rely on for self defense. It may fit some peoples needs but it is not my ultimate gun, not even close.

My STG 556 was a very well made gun. As stated building a tiny 9mm is not the same as making an AUG clone but speaking soley based on the the workmanship of that rifle I have some hope for this pistol. Time will tell. There is no need getting to excited for things that don't exist.

 

[JohnBT]

Care to make a small wager that the Archangel will need a spring change about every 250 rounds, just like the Rohrbaugh? Maybe even as often as every 100, if it's a 10-ounce gun and not 12.8 like the Rohrbaugh.

To build a tiny 9mm autoloader, you have to make the slide quite light (or it wouldn't be tiny, would it?) Therefore the slide comes flying back when the round goes off and takes a heck of a toll on the recoil spring. And the recoil spring can't be but so big because, well, it's a tiny gun. There aren't but so many ways to build one, if you can do it at all.

A quarter bet? Twenty-five bucks? A c-note? I just wrote a check for my real estate taxes for three grand and have some money left if you're interested in a small wager. I need to make some of that three grand back.

John

 

[SaMx]

$485, and it comes with the knife?
how does that work, and how are they going to legally pull off shipping and selling it with an auto knife?

I do agree it looks cool though, and I'd be worried about controlling 9mm in such as small gun.

 

[hunter25]

Looks good. Want one.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Maybe they used a thicker spring, John?

 

[Kind of Blued]

I'm a Kahr PM9 carrier who is very interested in this thing.

 

[JohnBT]

"Maybe they used a thicker spring, John?"

There just isn't room for a bigger spring (or springs) in a tiny pistol, in either length, height or width or you're going to keep it light and trim overall. If you hollow out the slide more you decrease the weight and increase the slide speed and affect the balance of the firing cycle. And with really heavy gauge wire you'd need more slide/barrel length to have room to compress it.

I'm no engineer, but from all I've read it's a real challenge to build a tiny autoloader that works and that's why more companies don't do it.

John

 

[freakshow10mm]

The reason it's been overlooked is because that's not what I consider to be a defensive firearm.

 

[Yo Mama]

I see that many manufacturers are going to go with a pocket 9. It just makes more sense than a pocket .380!

The reason it's been overlooked is because that's not what I consider to be a defensive firearm.

It's a close quarter firearm. How is that not defensive?

 

[freakshow10mm]

In my opinion a defensive firearm should allow the user to get a full hand on the grip without having to cramp it or have fingers hanging off of it. If I pick up a handgun and can't get my whole hand on the entire grip of the gun, I put it back down and walk away.

Examples of guns I deem fine for defensive work are 1911s, the mid size Glocks including the G29 and G30, most SIGs, H&Ks, etc. The pocket shooters like the various .380s of late are not even considered by me for defensive purposes. They are a joke.