Sphinx 3000
Sphinx Systems Ltd · Pistol · Discontinued · 2003
Also known as: Sphinx Model 3000, Sphinx 3000 Standard
Overview
The Sphinx 3000 is a Swiss-made short-recoil, locked-breech semi-automatic pistol developed by Sphinx Systems as an evolution of the CZ 75-derived Sphinx AT 2000. Introduced in 2003, it is a CNC-machined DA/SA combat and sport pistol built from mixed materials (steel slide on an aluminium or steel frame) and known for its tight hand-fitted tolerances. Features include a low bore axis, integral accessory rail, ambidextrous decocking lever, and an extended magazine release. The platform was offered in numerous sizes, finishes, and calibers, with 9x19mm Parabellum being the most common.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1040 g (36.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 215 mm (8.46") |
| Barrel Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Sight Radius | 170 mm (6.69") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 16 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Various |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Decocker, Firing Pin Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Accessory Rail, Low Bore Axis, Extended Magazine Release, Ambidextrous Controls, Cnc Machined, Interchangeable Grips
Variants
- Sphinx 3000 Tactical — Compact
- Sphinx 3000 Competition — Competition
Service history
Operators
- Norwegian special forces
- Singapore elite police units
- Belgian special units
Production
Production years: 2003-2016
Earlier Sphinx pistols were not mass-produced and were hand-fitted to tight tolerances; production ended when Sphinx Systems closed in 2016.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Sphinx Systems
Discontinued: 2016
Notes
Produced in Standard, Tactical, and Competition configurations. The full-size Standard holds 16 rounds of 9mm; .40 S&W and .45 ACP chamberings were also offered. The later, mass-produced SDP series derived directly from the 3000. Sphinx Systems ceased operations in July 2016.
Background
Sphinx Systems began in 1976 as a Swiss tooling and machining firm and entered the firearms industry in the 1980s, becoming renowned for refining the Czech CZ 75 design into high-precision combat and competition pistols. The company shut down in July 2016, reportedly after a Swiss Federal Council ban on weapon-parts exports to the Arab region.