Although the use of strikers to ignite primers in handguns isn’t anything new and dates back over a century, they’ve are the de facto ignition system for many contemporary pistols. Strikers in handguns work in a straightforward manner while also being reliable and easier to manufacture. Typically, these mechanisms are paired with polymer frames. Consider the original Glock G17, which became the archetype and set the standard for this format more than four decades ago. An emerging trend that has been on the rise since the early 2020s has been that of incorporating metal frames into striker-fired designs. Several manufacturers offer metal-framed options alongside standard polymer-framed models. Guns with heavier steel frames reduce felt recoil because the extra mass found in their frames makes them more resistant to movement: It’s the basic principle of inertia.
Smith & Wesson SPEC Series V M&P 9 Metal HD (9mm, MSRP: $1,699)
Smith & Wesson’s first foray in incorporating metal frames into striker pistols first launched in the latter half of 2022, when the original aluminum-frame, tungsten-gray M&P M2.0 Metal models launched. Though only slightly heavier than the standard polymer-frame M&P M2.0 models, these more-rigid pistols caught on in popularity. Since the original M&P M2.0 Metal frame’s launch, though, many M&P fans still clamored for something a little heavier. Smith & Wesson answered that call during SHOT Show 2025, after launching the special edition SPEC Series V M&P 9 Metal HD, a 9mm M&P M2.0 whose frame and slide are manufactured from stainless steel. In comparison to the standard aluminum M&P M2.0 Metal that weighs 30 ounces, the new Metal HD tips the scales at 37 ounces, nearly an extra ½ pound of ballast.
Walther PDP Match SF (9mm, MSRP: $2,049)
Since its introduction in 2021, the Walther PDP series has become one of the of the most popular guns in the modern striker-pistol market. Walther has been diligent about introducing different variants to cater to different types of shooters, and the crown jewel of the catalog is the 5-inch full-size Walther PDP Match Steel Frame. Despite having “match” in its name, this pistol is a well-rounded performance powerhouse that’s equally at home in a tactical bay as it is in a USPSA stage. Its standard Walther DPT (Dynamic Performance Trigger) breaks around 4.5 pounds and reminds me of the perfect single-action trigger on a defensive 1911: Not too light and with a clearly defined and crisp wall.
Canik Rival-S SFx (9mm, MSRP: $899)
One of Canik’s most successful and best-selling polymer models is the performance-focused SFx Rival pistol, and its standard trigger is arguably the cherry on top. Alongside Walther’s Dynamic Performance Trigger, the Canik Rival’s striker trigger is one of the best-feeling factory standard triggers. It wasn’t that long ago that Canik translated the Rival’s design into the all-steel Rival-S SFx—and included that easy-shooting trigger as well. This fully-metal pistol, known as the Canik Rival-S, launched at SHOT Show in 2023. Since then, it has become a very popular steel-framed option amongst a wide variety of shooters both amateur and serious while also being competitively priced.
SIG Sauer P320 XFive SXG (9mm, MSRP: $1,979)
SIG Sauer offers several heavyweight performance-focused P320 variants, and last year introduced its heaviest variant to date: the all-steel-frame, 5-inch-barrel, full-size P320 XFive SXG. The P320 XFive SXG isn’t merely the heaviest factory P320 variant in SIG Sauer’s catalog, it’s also the heaviest pistol on this list, with a weight topping out at nearly 50 ounces. The P320 XFive SXG’s stainless steel slide and stainless steel SXG grip modules are satin bead-blasted. In the hand, this pistol is quite reminiscent of a classic 9mm P226 SAO (Single Action Only) target pistol. The P320 XFive SXG includes aggressive Lok Grips stocks, is optics-ready and is also topped with a Dawson fiber-optic front sight. Finally, SIG Sauer includes three different weight recoil springs in the box to make the handgun easier to tune to your ammunition.
Rock Island Armory STK-100 Ultra (9mm, MSRP: $449)
The Rock Island Armory STK-100 Ultra is the only pistol in this RoundUp with an aluminum frame. It’s also the most affordably priced option listed. Keep in mind that the STK-100 is patterned after the ubiquitous Glock G17, and this aluminum adaptation from Rock Island Armory incorporates a recontoured and uniquely profiled black anodized frame that mimics the 1911’s grip angle more than a Glock’s, while also adding approximately seven more ounces in comparison to that standard Glock G17. It’s optics-ready out of the box and even includes extra-height sights.
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