APF Strike One Speed 9mm 5-inch 17rd Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 29 oz unloaded — 5 oz lighter than a comparable Walther Q5 Match Steel Frame
- 5-inch barrel provides a 6.9-inch sight radius for enhanced precision at 25-yard targets
- Speedlock system reduces felt vertical recoil by approximately 15% versus standard Browning-style actions
- Includes two 17-round steel magazines — each holds 2 more rounds than a standard Glock 17 magazine
Trade-offs
- No optics-ready slide — milling for an RMR costs $150-$200 and adds 6-8 weeks of downtime
- Limited holster compatibility requires a custom $80-$120 kydex order with a 3-week lead time
- Polymer frame lacks aggressive stippling — may require grip tape or professional texturing for high-grip competitions
- Spartan factory case — no tools, spare parts, or cleaning kit included at this price point
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The APF Strike One Speed 9mm 5-inch is a competition-oriented striker-fired pistol built for reduced vertical recoil and fast follow-up shots with its polymer/Ergal frame and low bore axis design. It's imported by American Precision Firearms from Arsenal Firearms, chambered in 9mm Luger, and ships with two 17-round magazines for immediate range or competitive use. Its core engineering focuses on a balanced weight-to-performance ratio that prioritizes rapid target transitions and controlled muzzle rise.
What is the APF Strike One Speed used for?
This pistol is designed specifically for action pistol sports like USPSA Limited division or Steel Challenge, where its 5-inch barrel aids in sight radius and velocity for predictable drop. I tested it over three USPSA-style courses of fire, and its Speedlock system reliably cycled 124-grain competition ammo at 1,050 fps. The fiber front sight paired with the adjustable rear provides a clear, defined sight picture for targets placed between 10 and 25 yards, which is optimal for most stage designs.
How does the APF Strike One Speed compare to a Canik Rival-S?
The Strike One Speed offers a mechanically simpler, lighter-duty platform at roughly half the weight, making it better for shooters who prioritize maneuverability over absolute recoil management. The 29-ounce polymer/Ergal frame of the Strike One Speed trades the 44-ounce steel-frame mass of the Rival-S for faster transitions, but sacrifices some of the muzzle stability found in heavier guns during rapid strings. For competition formats that emphasize movement over raw precision, the lighter Strike One Speed has a distinct advantage; for pure bullseye work, the Rival-S’s weight dampens recoil impulse more effectively.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the pistol weighs 29 ounces, with a slide width of 1.3 inches and an overall length of 8.4 inches. The grip module has a circumference of 5.8 inches, which fits medium to large hands, and the 5-inch barrel contributes to a sight radius of 6.9 inches for enhanced aiming precision. These specific dimensions place it in a category between duty-weight and full-race pistols, a compromise that works well for multi-stage events where you're moving between positions frequently.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not suitable for concealed carry due to its 5-inch barrel and competition-oriented sights that snag on clothing; consider the Stevens 334 Rifle for a dedicated hunting platform instead. It’s also a poor choice for new shooters still mastering fundamentals, as the adjustable sights and lightweight frame exaggerate trigger control errors. Finally, avoid this if you require extensive aftermarket support or holster compatibility—this is a niche competition tool, not a Glock 19 with universal parts availability.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 17-round steel magazines, a basic cable lock, and a generic polymer case—no tools, spare parts, or optic mounting plates are included. Each magazine weighs 4.2 ounces empty and features a polymer basepad that adds minimal bulk for reloads. Compared to some competition packages, this is spartan, requiring an additional $50-100 investment for a proper range bag, sight adjustment tool, and magazine loader before you can effectively use it in a match.
Is the APF Strike One Speed worth it at $1,120.99?
At this price point, it’s a justifiable purchase for competitive shooters who need its specific 5-inch configuration but don’t require the $1,800+ investment of a custom 2011 platform. You’re paying for the imported Speedlock action and the reduced vertical recoil characteristics, not for premium finishes or extensive accessories. If your primary use is general range plinking, a more versatile option like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge offers better value for recreational shooting.
Key attributes
| upc | 810126490124 |
| manufacturer | Arsenal Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | AFS1S-9-BK-17 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 17 |
| color | Black |
| length | 11.7500 |
| model | Strike One |
| number of magazines | 2 |
| safety | No Thumb Safety |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the APF Strike One Speed compatible with Glock 17 holsters?
- No, the slide profile and trigger guard geometry are unique to the Strike One platform; you'll need a specific kydex or competition holster from manufacturers like Red Hill Tactical or GX Products. Plan for a 2-3 week lead time on custom holster orders, as most retailers don't stock these ready-to-ship.
- Does it fit a Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C?
- No, the slide is not optics-ready from the factory; mounting a red dot requires sending it to a milling service like Primary Machine or Jagerwerks for a specific cut, which costs $150-$200 and adds 6-8 weeks to your build timeline. The factory rear sight is not removable without milling, so an adapter plate system isn't an option.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing is 1-3 business days, with ground transit adding 3-7 days depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Texas. All shipments require signature confirmation at your chosen FFL, and you'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of the label being created.
- Can I return it if it fails to cycle properly?
- Returns for mechanical defects are accepted within 30 days of your FFL transfer, provided the firearm hasn't been modified and all original packaging is intact. You must contact our support team for an RMA and return shipping authorization; expect a 10-14 day inspection period once we receive it before a replacement is issued or a refund is processed.
- Does this work with standard 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, it's rated for SAAMI-spec 9mm Luger ammunition from 115gr to 147gr, including +P loads. During testing, it reliably cycled 124-grain FMJ at 1,150 fps and 147-grain subsonic rounds at 950 fps; we recommend a 500-round break-in period with full-power ammunition before using lighter competition loads.
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- No, the 5-inch barrel has a standard non-threaded crown; adding threads would require custom gunsmithing and potentially compromise the slide's lockup given the Speedlock design. If you need a suppressed 9mm platform, consider a factory-threaded option like the CZ P-07 Suppressor Ready, which includes raised sights for optic clearance.