I’ve been waiting for this pistol since just before the pandemic started and now I’m currently the only person in the United States who owns one (with others shipping out in a few days). I’ve made it no secret how high in regard I hold Phoenix products. They are all precision machined out of the finest materials and then fitted by hand in Interlaken, Switzerland. The Drake is the company’s new Limited spec competition pistol. While its similar to the smaller Redback in many ways, there are some big differences as well.

The Drake is a larger gun and has a full 5” barrel, which is a half inch longer than the Redback. The magazines are longer, holding 20 rounds of 9mm instead of 17. However, the Drake was initially developed for the 40S&W, which is also available and I’m told the gun will be available in 10mm at some point, with conversion kits available. The magazine is not compatible with the Redback and therefore the Drake will also not take CZ magazines, like the Redback does. The Drake will also not take the larger CZ Tactical Sport magazines. They are actually large frame Tanfoglio magazines, so should be easily available. The gun does ship with four magazines from the factory as well.

Additionally, the Drake has an accurizing internal bushing, very similar to the Briley bushing that S&W used to use on their Performance Center pistols. The Drake weighs in at a whopping 51.6oz with an empty magazine inserted, making it one of my heaviest semi autos. That heavy weight is there despite having a slide lightened for speed with a large cut on top.

My excitement and expectation of this pistol is solely based on what I know about the company and my experience with the Redback and even the Fusion. Both models are outstanding shooters and my two all steel Redbacks are honestly two of the best shooting pistols I own. I have some that can match them, but none that outperform them, especially my SAO Redback. The trigger on that model is as good as it gets. The Drake’s trigger has the same feel and is about a quarter pound lighter than the Redback’s trigger on average, with a pull weight under 2lbs. Other than the weight, the feel of the trigger is second to none, including all my top 2011’s. There is simply no creep whatsoever.

The reason I feel it could be the most accurate pistol is because Phoenix went to great lengths to develop the spherical bushing to enhance accuracy. They initially used a Briley bushing during Drake development, but through extensive testing, realized they only last about 15,000 rounds. If this bushing works like its supposed to, the gun should be more inherently accurate than the Redback, which has no bushing. I’ve known the Redback to be as accurate as any pistol I own and I’m quite confident in knowing I have example(s) of all the world’s most accurate semi autos. Its pure theory at this point and will never be easy to prove, but the Drake could very well be my most inherently accurate pistol. Its incredible trigger, awesome ergonomics and adjustable gas pedal will help shooters get the most out of that inherent accuracy too.

The grips are very tacky and should be great for shooting. However, I will switch them out to something a little more fancy and colorful like I did with my Redbacks. I need to wait for Lok to develop some bogie grips for it. They are not compatible with Redback grips, unfortunately.

From a pricing standpoint, Drake comes in at $5650 from The Attic in Minot, ND. They are the only importer of Phoenix firearms. As a really good repeat customer, I was able to get a few hundred off the price, but certainly a very expensive handgun t say the least. While that price will deter 99% of “gun people” when a CZ TSO will get you similar performance for less than a third of the price, I love high quality. To me, its worth the price and I’ve always sort of marched to my own drummer when it came to handguns. I believe The Attic got 35 Drakes in on this initial shipment. Many are already sold. I’m told more may be in next spring or summer. This is the epitome of a boutique firearms builder and they aren’t trying to sell the most. I believe the entire company is made up of less than 15 people.

So there you have it. I wanted to give my initial thoughts that I’ll post across a few boards. This is the finest pistol I have bought all year, without a doubt, and also its instantly one of the finest pistols I own without question.

Does anyone have experience with any of the Swiss Phoenix pistols?

Please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.

























Here it is with my two Redbacks...

Thanks for posting; while I may never see one of these pistols in person, it is always nice to view your photos and read your take on the rarities you collect.

Those are beautiful, and I'm sure they shoot like houses afire.

In looking at all three pistols, it almost seems like the designers are slowly but surely eking out some of the advantages that came with the external design of older .22s and .32s used in timed-fire target competition.

Very cool looking pistol. Your collection never ceases to amaze.

That thing looks like it will shoot lights out. Nice. What is that “insert” looking thing on the trigger?

^^^^^^ Looks like a cutout to me.

Dang. You are correct now that I know what I’m looking at. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
Dang. You are correct now that I know what I’m looking at. Thanks.

That’s a cut out to give the trigger more of a tactile feel. Works great and looks cool.

I'd be super curious what a pistol like this would do in a bench vise. At say 50 yards or so. Would be interesting to see the groups with some high quality match ammo.

Then compare it to something we are all familiar with say a P226 in the same rest w/ same ammo.

Great looking pistol.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'd be super curious what a pistol like this would do in a bench vise. At say 50 yards or so. Would be interesting to see the groups with some high quality match ammo.

Then compare it to something we are all familiar with say a P226 in the same rest w/ same ammo.

Great looking pistol.

Funny you should mention that. Apparently Phoenix is getting sub 2” groups with it at 50 meters. Not sure exactly what ammo they’re using.

The looks are definitely geared to a specific customer base. Sort of futuristic. I wonder is they're ever used in movies.

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'd be super curious what a pistol like this would do in a bench vise. At say 50 yards or so. Would be interesting to see the groups with some high quality match ammo.

Then compare it to something we are all familiar with say a P226 in the same rest w/ same ammo.

Great looking pistol.

Funny you should mention that. Apparently Phoenix is getting sub 2” groups with it at 50 meters. Not sure exactly what ammo they’re using.

That's certainly interesting. Getting sub 2" groups at 50 meters is excellent accuracy.

Where did you see that at?

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmo952:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmo952:

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'd be super curious what a pistol like this would do in a bench vise. At say 50 yards or so. Would be interesting to see the groups with some high quality match ammo.

Then compare it to something we are all familiar with say a P226 in the same rest w/ same ammo.

Great looking pistol.

Funny you should mention that. Apparently Phoenix is getting sub 2” groups with it at 50 meters. Not sure exactly what ammo they’re using.

That's certainly interesting. Getting sub 2" groups at 50 meters is excellent, top-tier accuracy.

Where did you see that at?

The Attic told me. They speak to the owner. Obviously, it’s hearsay, but I tend to believe it.

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmo952:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmo952:

quote:

Originally posted by bac1023:

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'd be super curious what a pistol like this would do in a bench vise. At say 50 yards or so. Would be interesting to see the groups with some high quality match ammo.

Then compare it to something we are all familiar with say a P226 in the same rest w/ same ammo.

Great looking pistol.

Funny you should mention that. Apparently Phoenix is getting sub 2” groups with it at 50 meters. Not sure exactly what ammo they’re using.

That's certainly interesting. Getting sub 2" groups at 50 meters is excellent, top-tier accuracy.

Where did you see that at?

The Attic told me. They speak to the owner. Obviously, it’s hearsay, but I tend to believe it.

I was curious if Phoenix documented this somewhere.

Dave Sams build competition oriented Beretta 92s that group in 1.3" at 50 yards.

If this gun has that level of accuracy it is truly astounding and helps warrant the price tag.

I’m really digging the stippling on the front strap.

Impressive pistol! What in the world is the (rotating?) “key” just forward of the slide latch lever on the left side of the frame?

Re: “As a really good repeat customer…” Yeah, I imagine.

And yes, I did enjoy the photos!

Don't say it. Don't you dare say it.

Another sensational pistol. Thanks for sharing it.

Just out of curiosity how do you learn so much about all these more obscure pistols. It’s one thing to have the money for a collection like this but your knowledge impresses me just as much.

I will say it. It’s a GAS PEDAL!