Steyr’s ATD and ATC pistols blend a hammer-fired trigger feel with striker-style safeties, creating a drop-safe handgun platform aimed at duty, self-defense, and competition use.
Hands-On at SHOT Show 2026 Industry Day
We handled the new Steyr ATD and ATC pistols during Industry Day at the Range at SHOT Show 2026. The lineup includes the ATD Compact, ATD Compact Comp, ATC Base 5”, ATC Rock 5”, and ATC Rock 6”.
These pistols feel different the moment you press the trigger. The ignition system combines a trigger bar and hammer with a firing pin safety plunger. The plunger disengages only when the trigger moves rearward. That design keeps the pistols drop safe without relying on external safeties. Because of this, the internals reminded me of a cross between a 1911 and a Glock.
The trigger feels amazing. It has a defined wall and clean break. Reset feels short and positive. Shooters familiar with single-action only guns should know what to expect before even getting to test it out. The double-action models also feel amazing.
ATD Series: Compact and Carry Focused
The ATD series targets defensive and duty carry roles. As suggested by the name, the ATD Compact keeps the footprint small while being ergonomic enough for full control. The ATD Compact Comp adds an integrated compensator to tame recoil and muzzle rise to this tiny package.
The ATD Compact focuses on carry and duty use. It features a 4-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and an aluminum frame to keep weight down. The pistol measures roughly 195mm in overall length and weighs about 868 grams unloaded. Magazine capacity sits at 18 rounds, with extended options planned.
Both ATD models use the same internal safety architecture. Steyr designed them for modern carry requirements. The frames feature aggressive texturing and a low bore axis. That helps keep the gun flat under recoil. Both ATD models also run a DA/SA trigger system with a decocker. They ship optics-ready and include multiple mounting plates. Ambidextrous controls come standard.
Steyr also retained its distinctive trapezoid sight system for these pistols. The sights remain fast to acquire, especially at close range.
ATC Series: Competition-Oriented Options
The ATC lineup shifts toward performance shooting. The ATC Base 5” features a stainless steel frame and slide with a 5-inch heavy match barrel. The longer sight radius helps with accuracy. Empty weight sits around 1.2 kg, which soaks up recoil during long strings.
The ATC Rock 5” and Rock 6” push further into competition use. Both feature stainless construction and single-action-only triggers. Barrel lengths measure 5 inches and 6 inches, respectively. The longer Rock 6” offers extra stability and a softer recoil impulse.
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Steyr fits the Rock models with LPA adjustable sights and fiber optic fronts. Ergonomic grips help manage control during fast stage work. These pistols keep the same ignition system as the ATD models. They also share modular features and internal safeties.
The polymer grips on these guns will be open source, so you’ll even be able to 3D print your own grips! Steyr built these handguns to be robust, specifically to handle high round counts.
A Different Take on Modern Pistols
Steyr didn’t chase trends with the ATD and ATC pistols. Instead, the company refined its long-standing design philosophy. The hybrid ignition system stands out in a crowded handgun market, certainly preventing the gun from firing in your holster, like some bigger companies have had issues with.
The prices of these guns will be available soon. But should start at around the $900 price point.
Learn more about the Steyr ATC and ATD pistols here.
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Riley Baxter is a seasoned hunter, outdoorsman, and competitive shooter with deep roots in the backcountry. He has guided professionally for bears, bighorn sheep, and other big game across rugged terrain, bringing firsthand knowledge of what gear actually works in the field. When he’s not chasing game or running drills on the range, Riley is likely in the garage customizing his rifles, pistols, or backcountry kit.
A competitive pistol shooter and lifelong firearms enthusiast, Riley brings both precision and creativity to every piece of equipment he touches. Outside of the gun world, he works as a perfusionist in Montana, a vital role in heart surgery that demands attention to detail, critical thinking, and mental fortitude.
Experience:
– Professional Hunting Guide – Guided for bears, bighorn sheep, and more in some of the West’s toughest country.
– Competitive Shooter – Skilled USPSA pistol shooter with a passion for precision and performance under pressure.
– Custom Builder – Enjoys building and tuning firearms and equipment to meet the exact demands of the hunt or the range.
– Experienced Marksman – Experienced in long-range hunting and precision rifles to meet the demands of the terrain of the West.
– Montana-Based Perfusionist – Medical professional accustomed to making critical decisions in high-stakes environments.
Colt tried the plunger in the 1980 series 1911s. It was not good.
Sure looks like a Sig.
WIll likely be as popular as the other Steyr pistols that no one ever bought.
Lmao… nicccce!
Would anyone like to address the P226 elephant in the room?
My thoughts exactly. What’s new and where’s the hybrid striker/ hammer fired. It’s hammer fired period and it looks eerily similar to the 226. They look nice and smooth and all so maybe but you hit on the head.
4 inch barrel , 5 inch barrel . Then you switch over to metric system units mm , g , and kg ? How about a little consistency in your article .
Absolutely!