Editing Sphinx Systems (section)

== History ==

Sphinx started its work with pistols based on the CZ 75 design when they redesigned the ITM [[CZ 75|AT-84]] licensed copy of the Czech CZ 75 and ITM [[AT-88 semi-automatic pistol|AT-88]], a first evolution of the CZ 75 that had been developed in Switzerland by ITM.

Sphinx originally manufactured all pistols in Switzerland. Slides are made from solid billet steel, frames from casts, forgings or also from billet, and each pistol is fitted with high-quality barrels. Earlier Sphinx pistols were not mass-produced and were hand-fitted to tight tolerances, making them more expensive than mass-produced products. All custom-made Sphinx pistols except the AT380 were shipped with an actual test target, confirming the specific firearm's accuracy.

In 2010 Sphinx joined KRISS Group and began production of the SDP Compact in 2012. The US-built SPD Compact, based largely on the 3000 Series, was Sphinx's first mass-produced firearm. Initial reviews were positive.

Sphinx products were historically imported to the United States by SILE corporation, and until 2008 by SABRE Defense Industries. From 2010 Sphinx products were imported into the US by KRISS USA in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Sphinx Systems AG was declared bankrupt on 30 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Waffenhersteller Kriss in großen wirtschaftlichen Schwierigkeiten - Deutsches Waffen Journal |url=http://www.dwj.de/magazin/aktuell/details/items/waffenhersteller-kriss-in-grossen-wirtschaftlichen-schwierigkeiten.html |website=www.dwj.de}}</ref> The parent company, KRISS Group SA, has been in financial trouble as well. KRISS USA, an independently operated subsidiary of KRISS Group SA, has since taken over production and other business activities.<ref>{{cite web |title=BREAKING: Is Kriss Group (Swiss) Going Bankrupt? (UPDATE: KRISS USA to Takeover Swiss Business) - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/04/25/kriss-going-bankrupt/ |website=The Firearm Blog |accessdate=27 March 2019 |date=25 April 2016}}<!-- They have an official response from KRISS USA, which is probably very likely good enough --></ref>

In July 2016 Sphinx went out of business, due primarily to a Federal Council ban on the supply of weapon parts to the Arab region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.bernerzeitung.ch/articles/15390319|website=[[Berner Zeitung]]|title=Konkurs der Sphinx Systems AG ist besiegelt - BZ Berner Zeitung (in German)}}</ref>