Archon Type B Gen 2 Review: A Solid, No-Nonsense Optic-Ready 9mm

The Archon Type B Gen 2 is the kind of gun that tries to be useful, not flashy — and in my time with it, that’s exactly the vibe it gives off. It’s a striker-fired 9mm with roughly a 4.3" barrel built on a steel monocoque frame and an optic-ready slide. If you’re tired of marketing poetry and want something that actually behaves when you put rounds downrange and carry it for a day, read on.

What comes in the box
Archon keeps the packaging practical. My sample arrived with two magazines (a 15 and an 18 in my setup), a basic case, and the usual paperwork. No boutique extras, no overpriced range swag — just the gun and what you need to run it. That optic-ready slide cut means you won’t be hunting for custom plates if you prefer a footprint similar to RMR-style dots.

Design and ergonomics
This isn’t trying to win any beauty contests. The slide and frame finish are clean and functional; tolerances look good for the price point. The steel monocoque frame gives the pistol a denser, more planted feel compared to a polymer compact, and that weight translates to less felt recoil and friendlier follow-ups. Grip geometry sits in the middle ground — not an aggressive meat-grinder, but not slim or vague either. Controls are sensibly placed and work without fuss. If you want rough-as-sandpaper texture or boutique fit-and-finish, this isn’t your thing. If you want a predictable, comfortable platform that won’t surprise you when things get a little spicy, it fits the bill.

At the range
I ran the Type B through a mix of drills: accuracy strings, mag changes, and quick transitions at practical distances. With a red dot mounted it tracked well and returned to target quicker than I expected for a gun of this size. Groups were competent — it won’t out-precision a tuned 2011, but for a compact carry-ish pistol it’s more than serviceable. Recoil impulse was noticeably tamer than many polymer-framed compacts, and muzzle flip stayed manageable. In the sample I shot, reliability was solid with standard factory loads; no repeated failures during my session. That’s not a promise across every production run, but it’s the minimum I want to see before recommending something as “usable.”

Pros
Solid, controllable feel thanks to the steel monocoque frame.
Optic-ready slide cuts that mount cleanly without drama.
Practical barrel length that balances concealment and accuracy.
Comes with usable magazine capacity options out of the box.
Sensible ergonomics and predictable controls for most hands.

Cons
Heavier than polymer alternatives — a trade-off between control and carry weight.
Not a boutique-level fit-and-finish pistol; more functional than fancy.
Grip texture won’t satisfy those who want aggressive, match-style bite.
Not a match-grade tack driver out of the box — it’s practical, not obsessive.

Who this is for
If you want a compact 9mm that’s easy to run with an optic and you value controllability over shaving ounces, this deserves a look. If you’re chasing the lightest possible everyday carry or want a match-grade platform straight out of the box, look elsewhere.

Final thoughts
Archon didn’t try to reinvent the pistol — they focused on making a dependable, practical handgun that leans into usability. The steel monocoque frame is the headline feature here: it adds weight, yes, but it also buys you smoother recoil and faster follow-ups. In my hands the Type B Gen 2 felt like a tool built to be used rather than a vanity piece built to be admired. If that’s your lane, go check the full parts list, watch the footage, and make your own call.

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