Sphinx Pistols

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Well I had a DAO two tone Police Special. Again, the only DAO 9mm I've ever seen. Sold it a while back.

I can't say I've seen any black 9mm Sphinx for sale. They've always been two tone. There was a guy in Arlington awhile back that had two Sphinx for sale, both 2-tone. One was a PS and the other an S (or whatever the fullsize is).

I'll keep my eyes open.
 
I saw the Spinx pistols at the Shot Show a couple of months ago. They looked like very nice, slightly modified CZ clones. I talked with the rep (he was the importer, I believe) about them a bit, but when I saw the prices, sticker shock set in. I like CZs and CZ clones a lot, but at least part of the appeal is value (quality gun at fairly low price). I don't recall exactly what these cost, but I think it was in the neighborhood of 4 - 5 times what CZs go for. No doubt some would be willing to pay it, but I'll bet not many. There's a limited market for $1,000+ handguns anyway, but it would be especially hard for me to pay a high price for a gun that is essentially a clone of a $350 gun. Seems like you could buy a new CZ, have a trigger job and other custom fitting done, have it refinished in whatever finish you want, and still have a lot less into it than you'd pay for the Spinx version. Then again, people pay thousands for "custom" 1911s that are just nicer versions of basic 1911s you can buy for under $500, so maybe a high-end CZ will go over big.

Doug
 
I wonder how much the price is affected by differences in economies... :confused:

They are consistantly beautiful guns, esp the palladium which I've only seen in the AT380s but it is tres chic... Really lovely.

I currently carry a CZ PCR and am strongly considering having if finished in hard chrome by Accurate Plating which would be $170 for flaw removal and a brushed finish (this includes nickle plating the allow frame as well). The single action trigger is super with just about 2mm of creep and a trigger job by evolution gun works with a new sear is $125 last I checked. I'd pay $100 to have it converted to a light double action only if it got the trigger in the 5# to 7# range... but at that point, I'd still only have under $700 in it.

If they could offer a DAO 200 series, sized like the PCR/P01, with some sort of front and rear stap treatment, I could see maybe $800... maybe $900 (or more with night sights).

I've thought about tracking down the importer in Ossian, Indiana (if he's still physically around) and seeing if he might still have something interesting he might be interested in selling but haven't yet.

Anyone have that physical address? :uhoh:
 
Rocky Mountain Armoury sucks. I have tried to get info from them several times to facilitate a sale of 2 Sphinx's I was interested in. Zero help. They have promised website development for almost 1.5 yrs now and nothing has happened. Sphinx made a big mistake selecting them as a U.S. distributor. I would send an e-mail to Felix at Sphinx systems in Switzerland for assistance and mention the problem with Rocky Mountain Armoury. - Dacos
 
I take it Felix is the CEO of Sphinx Systems. I met the CEO at the SHOT Show this year and told him of my friend's problem. The CEO said that yes, there was a design problem with the AT2000, and if my friend would contact him he would see to it that she received a new slide for her pistol.

She contacted him but apparently he doesn't follow up on his promises. She was referred to Rocky Mountain Armoury and some guy named Wipf(?) and the best they could do is suggest she pay $750 for a conversion kit to bring her AT2000 to current improved specifications.

She can buy an new CZ-75 for $500.

Pilgrim
 
That sucks all around. If there's a design problem, Sphinx should admit it and pay for the repair. I believe Felix, whom I have only conversed with via e-mail, is the COO of the company. Best of luck!
 
Sphinx Arms - Customer Service - Poor to None

I bought my Sphinx AT2000 Police Special in October 2002 from the original owner. What a beautiful weapon! It handled so nicely - even off-hand! I practiced with it once a month to keep my skills in top form.

Then, about April of 2003, it wasn't performing accurately. Thinking I must be at fault, I had a friend - a retired law enforcement firearms instructor - fire it to see what I might be doing wrong. It wasn't the fault of either of us. We took it to a gunsmith and he found there was a very small crack between the ejection port and side rail. The weapon had not been dropped - even if it had, this damage would not have occurred where the crack was located.

I have since stopped firing it, thus to avoid further damage (or personal injury). I contacted SphinxArms in July of 2003 by email. Mr Wipf responded and admitted there had been random manufacturing flaws in the production of this weapon. He said he would get back to me and try to provide some assistance or a solution.

In the meantime, I found their U.S. distributor in Colorado - Rocky Mountain Armoury. After a discussion with them, I found they were unwilling, unable and lacked inventory to repair my weapon. Essentially, they blew me off.

The SHOT Show was held in Nevada in February this year, and my friend attended the show and happened to meet the CEO of SphinxArms - a Mr Armin Landolt, who expressed an interest in resolving my problem.

I sent Mr Landolt an email, once again explaining the problem and asking his assistance. Apparently, my email was handed off to Mr. Wipf, who sent me another weak excuse and apology. He suggests that I buy a conversion kit for $700 (!!). (I'm thinking........and my friend voiced the question.......what will THAT do? Turn it to gold??) I could buy a brand new CZ-75 for $500! In the meantime, I bought a S&W Mod. 3913 compact, in excellent condition, for less than that, for personal protection. I KNOW Smith & Wesson stands behind their product!!

I sent a letter to Mr Landolt yesterday, via U.S. mail, registered, expressing my disappointment in their lack of aftermarket service. I feel they should replace the weapon.....or at the very least, send a replacement slide complete with sights, so that my weapon can be repaired. The slide is NOT a BATF controlled item.

I am also contacting my local Senator regarding this company's poor import/aftermarket practices. I am also writing the NRA and other gun magazines to let others know of the problem I am experiencing.

I am now waiting to see what transpires.
Euripides
 
Manual Wipf is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sphinx.

I was working with him to purchase several Sphinx handguns once they were going to be imported again. It all fell through due to the pathetic US importer. I'm not sure what the US distributor is doing.....but it sure isn't selling Sphinx handguns. At one time I had SIX different models configured and sent to Mr. Wipf for a heads up on my "pending" order.

Well, suffice it to say, not more Sphinx handguns for me.

I have an all palladium AT2000 PS and it is indeed gorgeous (pic posted earlier in this thread).....but I surely won't shoot it much (if at all) since I've read about the slide crack problem. I wasn't aware of any of that before now.

Bummer!!!!!
 
U.S. Distributor

It appears that Sphinx has dropped Rocky Mountain Armory as their U.S. distributor, probably 'cause they sucked. I believe this assumption is accurate b/c they are no longer listed as such on their Swiss webpage and I know Sphinx's CEO has rec'vd several complaints against them. Unfortunately, no alternative supplier is listed - in fact the U.S. has been delisted, further suggesting their severance with the distributor. The next question is will Sphinx pursue another party as its U.S. distributor? I believe the answer is yes, given the size of the market. Just hope the ATF doesn't give them add'l headaches; curious if they're approval still applies regardless of distributor. Hope the next entity they deal with is responsible regarding its marketing plan, operations, and customer service... Dacos
 
I'm actually glad that Sphinx dropped RMA, although I won't be able to lay out $1,000+ for a gun for a while. I agree, RMA did suck. I contacted them once by phone and a few times by email and they were unresponsive and unhelpful, to say the least. I actually had to complain to Manuel Wipf at Sphinx about RMA's unresponsiveness, and lo and behold, the next day I got an email response, albeit vague, from Felix at RMA. I kind of feel sorry for the other lines RMA "sells" as well. I'd expect RMA isn't doing anything for them as well.

Hopefully, Sphinx will find a good supplier and be able to actually sell handguns in this country. And it would be nice if I actually had the money to buy one...
 
Well I've given up all hope.......my poor little AT2000 Police Special (palladium) will have to be my only prized Sphinx..... :(
 
New Scoop

I've been more patient regarding these pistols than practically anything else I can recall... now here's the latest: I contacted Sphinx regarding the possibility of purchasing a Sphinx AT-2000S, which is notoriously difficult to find and Sabre Defence (the new U.S. importer) denied any possibility of ordering one. I have a Sphinx AT-2000P which is damn accurate and probably has the best DA/SA trigger I've ever felt. Here's Manuel Wipf's response to my e-mail:

Thank you for your inquiry.

Generally, our US Distributor Sabre is right, as we don't have the series 2000 in our acitve selling programm anymore. Our website will be adjusted accordingly soon as it still lists this model.

But, as the models 2000 as well as the 3000's are considered "Swiss Ordonance Pistol" we have to keep up service and parts for the next years anyway. So if you really want to, we could produce your requested 2000-S. Beginning this September we will distribute our models 3000 in the US on a limited base. The following models will be available for US on regular basis:

- 3000 Tactical, 9mm, steel / steel, with decocking lever and fixed sights, all stainless or two tone
- 3000 Standard, 9mm, steel / steel, with decocking lever and fixed sights, all stainless or two tone
- 3000 Tactical, 9mm, Alumnium, with decocking lever, fixed sights, all black
- 3000 Standard, 9mm, Steel / Alumnium, with decocking lever, fixed sights, all black

Any other requested models, like your 2000, will be upon special request only and based upon individual pricing accordingly to our export price philosophy.
But, I would recommend to you to consider the 3000 Standard, Steel / Alu all black which you will eventually appreciate more than our model 2000.

Don't hesitate to contact me anytime.

Best regards,
SPHINX SYSTEMS LTD.

No I haven't tried their 3000 model (I think it's damn ugly) and I really like an all steel firearm so his suggestion, though nice, will be declined. Not sure if it's worth the hassle but I'll probably ask what the going rate is for the 2000-S. Hell, I've only waited a few years... Dacos :rolleyes:
 
DISAPPOINTING!!!!

I'm not fond of the looks of the 3000 either. And it just isn't worth the hassle. I'm looking at the CZ Tactical Sport that will be out in 9mm in a few weeks. Sort of looks like the 3000 but at least it's available and will be easier to service should the need arise (which I doubt).

Good luck with the AT2000-S. There was a guy who had quite a few Sphinx for sale at one time on the http://www.sturmgewehr.com/ board ...I searched for Sphinx but didn't get any hits. The guys email address is [email protected]. Not sure if it's still good buy you may try to contact him. I believe he had at least 2 of the AT2000-S, a few police specials, etc. All 9mm were 2 tone and he had an all palladium .40 cal Police Special (plus other .40s).
 
ASAI One Pro

Those pictures of the 2000 series look a lot like my One Pro .45, also made in Switzerland. Do you think there's any connection in the two companies? I think ASAI is now defunct. The One Pro is also a solid pistol with an amazingly smooth trigger, actually too light for combat use. It was also a whole lot cheaper than the Sphinx, more on the order of CZs.
Ken
 
Pippin - there's a reason the ASAI and Sphinx look alike. Check out:
www.mtuma.ch
Same designer behind these pistols and others... Dacos
 
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