[SHOT 2026] Stoeger STR9 Thinline+ & STR-45 Combat – Practical Upgrade

February 18, 2026
8:00 am

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Stoeger just dropped a pair of smart evolutions at SHOT Show 2026 that should have concealed-carry enthusiasts and .45 ACP fans grinning ear-to-ear: the STR9 Thinline+ and STR-45 Combat. These aren't flashy reinventions but honed refinements of the reliable STR platform, proving that sometimes the best upgrades are the practical ones. The Thinline+ slims down the STR9 optic-ready frame even further for everyday carry, boosting capacity to a concealable 19+1 in 9mm with a ported barrel to tame muzzle flip—ideal for those who want full-size performance without the brick-like profile. Meanwhile, the STR-45 Combat scales up the duty-proven Combat series to .45 ACP thunder, packing a 5.18-inch threaded barrel for suppressor-ready versatility and 16-round magazines that make it a beast for home defense or range domination. At prices likely hovering around $500-$600 (based on Stoeger's budget-friendly track record), these pistols punch way above their weight, blending Turkish engineering precision with American shooter demands. What makes this duo a big win for the 2A community? In a market flooded with overpriced polymer hype, Stoeger's move democratizes high-capacity, feature-packed firepower without compromising on affordability or reliability—think Ruger or S&W value, but with Stoeger's growing rep for sub-MOA accuracy out of the box. The Thinline+'s 19+1 flush-fit mag in a subcompact grip challenges the slim means low rounds myth, giving EDC warriors a real edge against modern threats while dodging magazine bans in restrictive states. The STR-45 Combat, with its extended, threaded slide, nods to the suppressor boom post-NFA reforms, appealing to pros who prioritize stopping power over velocity. This isn't just product news; it's Stoeger doubling down on accessible self-defense tools, forcing premium brands to justify their markups and reminding us why competition keeps the Second Amendment flame burning bright. Bottom line: If you're building a versatile safe or upgrading your carry rotation, keep an eye on these STR refinements hitting shelves soon. They embody the 2A ethos—practical innovation for the everyman defender—proving Stoeger's ascent from import underdog to must-have contender. Who's adding one to the nightstand?

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What makes this duo a big win for the 2A community? In a market flooded with overpriced polymer hype, Stoeger’s move democratizes high-capacity, feature-packed firepower without compromising on affordability or reliability—think Ruger or S&W value, but with Stoeger’s growing rep for sub-MOA accuracy out of the box. The Thinline+’s 19+1 flush-fit mag in a subcompact grip challenges the slim means low rounds myth, giving EDC warriors a real edge against modern threats while dodging magazine bans in restrictive states. The STR-45 Combat, with its extended, threaded slide, nods to the suppressor boom post-NFA reforms, appealing to pros who prioritize stopping power over velocity. This isn’t just product news; it’s Stoeger doubling down on accessible self-defense tools, forcing premium brands to justify their markups and reminding us why competition keeps the Second Amendment flame burning bright.

Bottom line: If you’re building a versatile safe or upgrading your carry rotation, keep an eye on these STR refinements hitting shelves soon. They embody the 2A ethos—practical innovation for the everyman defender—proving Stoeger’s ascent from import underdog to must-have contender. Who’s adding one to the nightstand?

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