Just last Tuesday, KRISS Arms SA, the Switzerland-based company which own the KRISS System, announced their acquisition of Sphinx Systems, also a Swiss Company which is well known for the precision pistols, especially the competition pistols, being a favourite staple of IPSC shooters. These pistols are very much well-known the high quality workmanship and extreme precision of these.
KRISS Arms are making a smart move also in the airsoft market. Rather than licencing the gun design and trademarks to a third party they have decided to directly outsource the production of the KRISS V airsoft version to existing airsoft manufacturer. For the meantime KWA has the go signal to do production of the KRISS V gas blowback version. And the AEG version? We still have to wait for next year if they have a partner.
KRISS Arms follow the route of Magpul, rather than just thinking of the airsoft market as distraction, like other real steel manufacturers, they decided to embrace it and ensure for themselves that the quality of the airsoft version would be treated the way how the Swiss treat their products: with quality control and precision. Magpul's mindshare among airsoft players is so dominant, even if they were a latecomer to the market. Furthermore, they avoid the issues of replicas carrying their name, but not the associated quality that they want to project about their brand.
With this acquisition of Sphinx Systems, will KRISS Arms also open the Sphinx pistols to the airsoft market. The Airsoft IPSC or Airsoft Practical Shooting is rapidly growing, and there will be a demand for precision airsoft pistols, which for now is dominated by the Japanese airsoft manufacturers such as Tokyo Marui and Western Arms. Sphinx production and open race pistols would be coveted by airsoft practical shooters.
Apart from IPSC, Sphinx System’s pistols are also in use by law enforcement units in Norway, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Norway, and of course Switzerland. Thus, another thing that KRISS Systems get in the acquisition is existing law enforcement customers, and pistol line-up.
We’ll get in touch with Christophe Guignard of KRISS Arms to learn more if they have plans for the Sphinx pistols for airsoft. Meanwhile, the press release of their acquisition below:
NYON and MATTEN, Switzerland, November 9, 2010. KRISS Arms, the Swiss global leader in firearms innovation, announces the acquisition of Sphinx Systems Ltd, world leader in high-quality pistol production.
Founded in 1876, Sphinx has a world-wide reputation as the benchmark for precision pistols. Manufactured and assembled in Matten/Interlaken, Switzerland, Sphinx products are used by military and law enforcement units in Switzerland and abroad. In the commercial market, Sphinx pistols are valued by competitive shooters.
As noted by the international trade press and media, the patented KRISS systems have revolutionized traditional firearms engineering. By eliminating almost all felt recoil and muzzle climb, the Kriss system ensures a greater degree of control by the shooter. Kriss´s patented technology makes it possible to build significantly lighter, more powerful and more accurate weapons in both pistol and rifle calibers.
Joint development and production will enable the two entities to introduce innovative products in the small arms field and position themselves in both local and international government tenders. “We are very excited to become part of the KRISS Arms Group and to rely on a strong partner, marrying the best of traditional firearms manufacturing with the innovation, as symbolized by the revolutionary patented KRISS Recoil Mitigation Systems, ” said Armin Landolt, CEO of Sphinx Systems Ltd.
The acquisition of Sphinx is part of Kriss Arms´s strategy to safeguard Switzerland´s respected tradition of technology and know-how in the small arms field. “We are pleased to be the initiators of the consolidation of the Swiss small arms industry through the prestigious Sphinx brand. Preserving the Swiss know-how, and state-of-the art technology are crucial aspects to position us as leading players on the international small arms market, ” said Christophe Guignard, Director of Marketing of KRISS Arms.
The first products from this consolidation will be showcased early 2011, including models and accessories specifically built for military and law enforcement and new commercial lines for the U.S. market.
The expansion of production and sales components will result in expanded employment positions in Switzerland.
[PT]Airsoft 