Sphinx Accessories

I

Independent George

New member
Where are we on the availability of aftermarket Sphinx accessories?

I've already decided the SDP is going to be my next firearm (which means I have to start budgeting for it now), but I'm hesitant because things like magazines and holsters seem to be in short supply. All I found on the Kris website were the 10-round magazines, and those were $55 each.

Like I said, I plan on buying one regardless, but the dearth of accessories is a little discouraging.
 
I have talked to Kriss about this multiple times on the phone. From my last conversation about a month ago they told me they honestly have no idea when they will be getting more accessories. I can't even get a replacement backstrap. The pistols have been out for a while now. Honestly I think Sphinx dropped the ball a bit. If you do a search here member Walt Sherril suggests some mags for other companies that also work.
 
Re: Sphinx accessories:

Here's the earlier response TunnelRat mentioned:

Walt Sherrill said:
picked up two Canik Stingray-C 9mm 15rd Magazine from J&G sales, and they were about $25. They are almost identical to the Sphinx mags*. They don't quite lock into place until you trim a bit of the material off the top of the hard plastic/rubber(?) base plate. Then they work like factory mags -- the only obvious difference is the color of the follower (Blue in the Canik mags, Red in the Sphinx mags) and the price. I got mine at J&G Sales: http://www.jgsales.com/magazines-c-332_178_1164.html
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Those of you with a CZ P-07 -- the same mags work pretty well in the P-07, and you don't have to trim the base plate. There will be a small gap between the base and the butt of the P-07 grip.
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*The first time through I keyed "holsters" rather than "mags." I guess my fingers were working faster than my brain -- isn't the first time that's happened. I didn't notice my error until I copied it above. Duh!
 
Walt - thanks for the link. I'm actually tempted to order a few mags ahead of time even though I don't expect to buy the gun for probably another 12 months.

TunnelRat said:
I have talked to Kriss about this multiple times on the phone. From my last conversation about a month ago they told me they honestly have no idea when they will be getting more accessories. I can't even get a replacement backstrap. The pistols have been out for a while now. Honestly I think Sphinx dropped the ball a bit. If you do a search here member Walt Sherril suggests some mags for other companies that also work.
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Well, Kriss is just the importer, and Sphinx is not a high-volume manufacturer, so I can understand some hitches in the supply chain. That said, because the SDP was their attempt to gain a more mainstream presence in the US market, the smarter play would have been to have at least the magazines available from the start. There's no reason why the mags couldn't be manufactured in the US, or to partner with a company like Fobus and have some cheap paddle holsters available from the start. Maybe even offer retailers special 'introductory' packages, with, say, 4 mags and a Fobus holster for an extra $100.
 
Unfortunately, after market for these things is terrible at the moment. They were advertising a nice set of replacement sights when they first were imported, yet so far vapor.

Tuning them is next to impossible. The only thing that can be improved at this time is the DA pull, at least according to David from CGW.

That being said, it is an incredibly well made firearm, just wish Kriss would find some way to support it better.
 
Red-5 said:
Tuning them is next to impossible. The only thing that can be improved at this time is the DA pull, at least according to David from CGW.
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What's to tune?

And did he say, "the only thing that can be improved" or "the only thing that needs to be improved"?

Do you have one, or have you shot one?

The Sphinx is basically a CZ -- but a higher-quality CZ with a few design enhancements -- like interchangeable grips that make a difference (both wider and deeper/longer), and some simpler ways to do things (like changing hammer springs.)

Until David (or someone else) develops a trigger-pull length reduction kit or a short-reset trigger (harder to do with the CZ design, but possible), I don't know what else you'd want to tune. Most of us who have talked with or emailed David know he considers the Sphinx line to be high-quality guns.

David's Cajun Gun Works does offer a trigger tuning kit -- several springs -- that greatly reduces the DA pull, and lowers the SA pull a bit. But even in it's native (un-improved) condition, the trigger is smooth and the break crisp, just heavier than some like. (There is none of that CZ "hammer-camming" phenomenon.) He also offers a stainless steel guide rod, and a recoil spring, built to his specs. (As are all of his springs.)

I've got one of the CGW Sphinx SDP upgrade kits but still haven't installed it. (That's because I made the mistake of trading into about four guns recently, and my gun time is focused on the newest ones.) I did go to a lighter hammer spring on my SDP (using a CZ Compact 17 lb. hammer spring) some time back, and that made enough of an improvement that I've not felt pressed to install the CGW kit. (Others have gone to lighter CZ springs from Wolff with some success, some failures.) I will install the new springs, one of these days. (I keep hearing a voice saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!)

I've also got an AlienGear holster for the CZ P-07, and it fits the SDP like it was made for it. WVSig found a holster, too.

There's not much else I need, right now, after getting and adjusting a couple of very good CANIK mags.
 
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I echo what Walt has already stated about the pistol itself. It is an extremely refined gun right from the factory. Most of the "fixes" and "tuning" that people do to production guns are already done on these pistols. I run my Subcompact stock but put a CGW kit in my Compact.

It is my understand that they are in a big production push right now and are working hard to get more pistols into the market. I little birdie whispered in my ear that something special is about to be released. It is more just the Standard which is supposed to be hitting the market any day. Was supposed to be Sept but it is already almost mid-Oct. I believe that the "special" thing coming are the production guns... :eek: It has a 6lb DA and 3 lb SA. All Steel 17+1. Should be an amazing gun but have a $2000+ price tag.

SDP_Production_Duotone_pl_559_429_90.jpg


SDP_Production_Duotone_pr_559_429_90.jpg


http://www.sphinxarms.com/index.php...one-line/production-duotone-9mm-manual-safety

If you are looking for mags I have source that can get them significantly below Sphinx website price. Not as cheap as a CZ Megar but cheap enough.

As far as gear I have Bravo Concealment Kydex. Holster, Milt Sparks VMII holster, Safariland Kydex. Here are a few other places you get get holsters.

-Cheaper than Dirt has 10 round mags for Sub and Compact as low as $32.00 My source is less and will combine shipping. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Search.aspx?site=All Products&num=15&q=sphinx&fgb=t

-Bravo concealment about $65 including shipping http://www.bravoconcealment.com/collections/gun-holsters/products/rtt-holster-1

-Milt makes some of the best holsters on the market but they will cost you $125+ http://www.miltsparks.com/

-Safariland $9.54 so if you need cheap range holster this is 100% better than anything Fobus has ever made. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/7-6378?td_source=search

Stealth Gear makes Appendix and IWB. Guys on the Sig Forum lover these. http://stealthgearusa.com/products/sgusa-holsters-for-the-sphinx-sdp-sub-compact?variant=2932215940

Jackson Leather I have no experience with but products look good.
http://jacksonleatherwork.com/2014/04/iwb-owb-sphinx-sdp-subcompact-compact-standard-size/

Griffon Industries are high end Kydex but they will set you back $130 http://www.griffonindustries.com/product_p/sphinxsdp-holster-01.htm

INCOG makes them too. http://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/INCOG.html

So honestly a simple Google search turns up a lot of stuff. Night sights are an issue but personally believe that they are overreated and I believe as more and more of these guns get into the market you will see other sight sets. Personally I love the factory sights.
 
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Awesome links, WV - thanks!

What do you fellas think of the bronze finish? It's always hard to tell what it looks like in photos - it seems like it could either be gorgeous or godawful, with nothing in between. I know there's a dark bronze cerakote, but haven't seen it in person.
 
Bronze looks pretty sweet. I've had my eye on the subcompact but have yet to pull the trigger on it. Just seems to many issues I've read about the barrels tight tolerance and problems with feeding. Waiting for them to work out the bugs. Just what I need is a $2000 dollar Sphinx to drool over.
 
Do I have one . . . Yes, SDP Compact

What we spoke about specifically was the SA pull is a little heavy IMHO, and reset was long. He very much agreed on this, and has heard the same from others.
 
If you are looking for mags I have source that can get them significantly below Sphinx website price. Not as cheap as a CZ Megar but cheap enough.
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Does your source have 15 round compact mags?
 
What we spoke about specifically was the SA pull is a little heavy IMHO, and reset was long. He very much agreed on this, and has heard the same from others.
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Of all the complaints I could have about my Sphinx, a long reset wouldn't remotely be one of them. It puts my CZ P-01 with CGW short reset kit to shame by a huge margin. My complaint is a very heavy DA pull that on my model isn't overly smooth and the end of it has some camming that the CGW parts took out of my P-01.
 
TunnelRat said:
My complaint is a very heavy DA pull that on my model isn't overly smooth and the end of it has some camming that the CGW parts took out of my P-01.
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Can you explain? Perhaps, in addition to the heavy DA trigger, you mean camming when starting from the SA mode -- and just mentioned that as another issue. If so, ignore the next paragraph.

As most folks use the term CAMMING (when talking about CZ pattern guns), it's the rearward movement of the hammer when starting from the SA-hammer back position. As I understand it, the camming is caused by an inelegant hammer/sear angle, that requires that the hammer move to the rear before it can clear the sear and drop. In DA mode the sear isn't engaged. Indeed, if we're talking about the same motion, how do you notice that it exists? If this is separate issue, and I misinterpreted, ignore. Otherwise, I don't understand -- but it won't be the first time.

Your response is the first I've read that mentioned a DA trigger pull that wasn't smooth.

I found that the 17lb. CZ Compact hammer spring from Wolff solved the heavy DA trigger, but some folks have had good results with lighter hammer springs from Wolff. (I tried 16 lb. and had some light strikes.) CGW's kit includes a 13 lb. [David's spec, not from Wolff, and done to his standards] hammer spring, and a number of other springs, too, so that hammer spring alone might not be sufficient for reliable function.

.
 
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I use the dictionary definition of camming I'm familiar with.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cam

There is a notable point in the DA trigger pull where the hammer rocks back, as if the underside of the hammer has a flat spot or some kind of irregularity. It's not a smooth press to the rear because of this and upsets the sight picture. Sometimes on DA/SA pistols this isn't actually a surface interaction problem but an overly stiff firing pin block spring (HK pistols see this a lot) that makes the last part of the DA pull notably stiff. I've replaced the firing pin block spring with David's kit though.

I found that the 17lb. CZ Compact hammer spring from Wolff solved the heavy DA trigger, but some folks have had good results with lighter hammer springs from Wolff. (I tried 16 lb. and had some light strikes.) CGW's kit includes a 13 lb. [David's spec, not from Wolff, and done to his standards] hammer spring, and a number of other springs, too, so that hammer spring alone might not be sufficient for reliable function.
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I have the CGW kit. It helped, but it's still close to a 10 lb. pull that, as I said, is noticeably less smooth than other DA/SA pistols I have. I'm used to long DA pulls from the HK P series, so the length of the DA on the pistol isn't a problem, but that camming is annoying. Maybe mine's a lemon, but it is what it is.

Honestly I have more fun shooting my CGW parts P-01, the trigger reach on the P-01 with the grips I have installed is easier than even the Sphinx with the small backstrap, and the Sphinx has had problems stovepiping or barely ejecting weak factory loads (Perfecta) that the P-01 almost sends in to orbit. The Sphinx is noticeably better built (I'd say the tightest production gun I ever owned) and I believe more mechanically accurate as well as softer shooting. I'm going to sell the Sphinx though because I don't shoot it enough to warrant keeping it. Good luck to everyone with theirs.
 
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I was very interested in the Sphinx when I was looking for a DA/SA gun recently. I wasn't scared away by the price but ended up going with the P-07 in part because of these supply chain issues for parts and accessories. I hope they get things moving sooner rather than later. They seem to be really nice weapons.
 
I have the CGW kit. It helped, but it's still close to a 10 lb. pull that, as I said, is noticeably less smooth than other DA/SA pistols I have. I'm used to long DA pulls from the HK P series, so the length of the DA on the pistol isn't a problem, but that camming is annoying. Maybe mine's a lemon, but it is what it is.
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I find this interesting. I believe you that your gun is camming but this is the first report of it on a Sphinx that I have read about. My Compact and Sub do not exhibit it. They the only 2 CZ variants I have shot that did not have some camming.

I wonder if it is worth sending it back to Sphinx to have them correct it.
 
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