Phoenix Drake & Redback: Swiss Craftsmanship Engineered for America
Swiss steel & precision, American debut: The Phoenix’s Drake and Redback pistols channels the legendary craftsmanship of Sphinx-era designs into a steel-frame masterpiece that blends watchmaker-grade tolerances with mirror-polished details for speed and precision. Hand-assembled in Interlaken, Switzerland, and distributed in the U.S. by, this is one of the most exclusive handgun releases in the summer of 2025. I, for sure, would love to have this in my holster on the next handgun competition, preferably with a red dot for the Optics category.
B&T USA @ TFB:
The Phoenix Drake’s cold-hammer-forged, polygonal-rifled 4.6″ barrel, paired with a Briley-style spherical bushing, ensures pinpoint accuracy, while the hand-fit slide glides on full-length rails for near-frictionless operation and consistent lock-up. Shooters can opt for a classic DA/SA trigger or a crisp SAO setup, both complemented by double-stack magazines and a full-length dust cover that tames recoil for faster, flatter shot strings.
The Drake & Redback are said to deliver a custom-shop experience with Swiss dependability, backed by comprehensive parts, service, and support from B&T USA.
For once, I prefer the “cheaper” option, with the DUO tone, over the all-black.
The Phoenix Drake Production DA/SA (Duotone) (DPR13-D321-151-2) is pictured below.
Should you check out, the price is $5,900. The “ Black” is actually even more, requiring $6,250.
Phoenix Redback Gen 2 is said to deliver 45 oz of hand-fit balance, smooth Tri-Angled DA/SATrigger, crisp ambi safety, and optic plates that swap in seconds.
Gen 2 DA/SA (Duotone) GRR13-D321-111-3. Note the shape of the trigger, never tried one of those.
Key features at a glance:
- Briley-Style Spherical Bushing: Self-centers the barrel every cycle for repeatable accuracy
- Cold-Hammer-Forged Barrel: Polygonal rifling, 1-in-9.8″ RH twist, laser accurate
- Hand-Lapped Slide-to-Frame Fit: Full-length rails, glass-smooth cycle, zero play
- Choice of Triggers: Classic DA/SA or crisp SAO with short tactile reset
- All-Steel Frame & Full-Length Dust Cover: 46 oz mass to tame muzzle rise and split times
- Match-Spec Controls: Extended beavertail, checkered frontstrap, and oversized mag release
- Double-Stack Capacity: 17-rd Tanfoglio LF pattern mags (ships with four)
- In-Box Kit: Cleaning set, sight tool, & 1911 bushing tool, match-ready on day one
B&T USA has a YouTube video of The Drake, but beware, I came really close to ordering one once they went through the slide, with the zero-play slide-to-frame interface, and other details.
Is this how you would treat your Phoenix Drake?
To find out more, check B&T USA’s product page for The Drake and The Redback: https://bt-usa.com/phoenix-pistol-imports/#drakeThe
I’ll hand the floor to the readers. What do you think about these Swiss handguns? Are they worth it, or would you rather choose a Swatch (or Casio) over a Rolex? Which configuration would you go for? Let us know in the comments.
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Haha, Cz 75, or Cz 75 upgraded by CZ Custom, is a much better deal. Unless you like to spend a lot of money, I bet these Swiss copies don’t shoot any better.
I can't even afford Swiss chocolate and watches, so what are the odds I'm going to buy yet another CZ clone?