I personal a number of handguns that qualify as high-end—Les Baer, Dan Wesson, Langdon Tactical. They’re glorious pistols, refined variations of acquainted patterns. 1911s. Berettas. Even Glocks. The pistol illustrated right here doesn’t resemble any of them.
The Daniel Protection H9 appears to be like like nothing else on the shelf—besides, after all, the Hudson H9. That’s no accident. Daniel Protection acquired the rights to the Hudson design and reworked it extensively. The end result just isn’t a beauty refresh, however a critical re-engineering of an thought that when confirmed promise but failed to completely ship.
I fired a Hudson H9 eight years in the past. It was a neat trick—flat capturing, modest recoil, and undeniably revolutionary. Sadly, it was not utterly dependable. It labored more often than not, however generally it didn’t. Striker reset may turn into a problem. Accuracy assorted with sure masses. Different examples displayed related issues. I check a whole lot of handguns. The Hudson was not one I stored.
The Daniel Protection H9 is a unique animal.
Daniel Protection manufactures this pistol in-house. The unique Hudson relied closely on outsourced parts and meeting. That distinction issues. The H9 now displays Daniel Protection’s manufacturing requirements and high quality management—requirements constructed on a robust repute within the AR market. It could be uncharacteristic for the corporate to launch a handgun that tarnishes that standing.
The query is whether or not the H9 corrects the Hudson’s shortcomings. Primarily based on my expertise, the reply is sure.
H9 Particulars
The present H9 makes use of an aluminum body quite than the unique metal body. That reduces weight with out significant penalty in recoil management. The takedown system has additionally been modernized. The Hudson’s methodology was awkward. The Daniel Protection model is easy and intuitive.
The pistol is striker-fired with a single-action set off. It’s generally described as a hybrid between a 1911 and a Glock. That comparability misses the purpose. The H9 is its personal design. The grip angle and really feel could remind some shooters of a Hello Energy or 1911, however the ergonomics are distinct—and, in my opinion, superior.
The upswept beavertail guides the hand naturally into place. Controls are constructive. The journal nicely is barely beveled, aiding reload pace. The set off breaks at a clear 4.5 kilos, measured on an RCBS gauge. It’s crisp, constant, and incorporates a quick reset. Shooters accustomed to a standard striker-fired DAO system may have an adjustment interval. These conversant in a 1911 will really feel at house.
Takedown is simple. Confirm the pistol is unloaded. Take away the journal. Retract the slide barely and pull down the twin takedown levers—related in idea to a Glock, however executed cleanly. The slide comes off simply. The recoil spring and information rod take away as a unit, and the barrel lifts free.
The defining attribute of the H9 is its low bore axis. The recoil spring rides low beneath the slide, nesting deep within the mud cowl. This locations the bore centerline nearer to the shooter’s hand. The result’s decreased leverage for muzzle rise. Much less muzzle flip. Sooner restoration. In a 29-ounce 9mm, recoil is already manageable. The H9’s geometry makes it much more so.
Sights encompass a drift-adjustable rear with a U-notch and a serrated face, paired with a fiber-optic entrance. The pistol is optics-ready and features a coupon for a free mounting plate from Daniel Protection. A sturdy mild rail is normal. G10 grip panels present a superb stability of adhesion and luxury, with further back and front strap serrations aiding management. Three magazines are included.
Firing Impressions
I assembled a broad mixture of ammunition for testing. Reliability with solely a slim collection of masses just isn’t sufficient. Ammunition availability fluctuates. A defensive handgun ought to run what yow will discover on the shelf.
Over a number of months I fired Black Hills, Blazer, Federal, Hornady, Remington, Speer, and Winchester ammunition. I started with a 300-round session through the first week, then continued testing over the next weeks. I cleaned the pistol at 600 rounds. I misplaced depend after 800. I’m now previous 900 rounds.
There have been no failures to feed, chamber, hearth, or eject.
The H9 is exceptionally snug to shoot. A steel-framed 9mm can really feel related, however the H9’s low bore axis provides it an edge. It returns to focus on rapidly. Comply with-up photographs are quick. The sights are nicely regulated for 124-grain ammunition when utilizing the fiber-optic dot as the first aiming reference. Pace to a primary correct hit is great.
From a benchrest at 25 yards utilizing a Birchwood Casey relaxation, five-shot teams have been spectacular:
Hornady 135-grain FlexLock Important Responsibility – 1.75 inches
Hornady 115-grain Important Protection – 2.25 inches
Federal 124-grain Syntech – 2.5 inches
Federal 147-grain HST – 2.0 inches
Remington 147-grain FMJ – 2.7 inches
Speer 124-grain Gold Dot – 2.0 inches
The pistol is clearly able to glorious sensible accuracy.
Conclusions
My Daniel Protection H9 has confirmed correct and utterly dependable by means of prolonged testing. It permits a educated shooter to capitalize on its low bore axis, clear set off, and stable ergonomics.
It isn’t a price range pistol. MSRP is listed at $999, although many sellers ask nearer to $1,300. There’s presently no threaded barrel choice and restricted aftermarket help. Holsters exist, although decisions aren’t ample. Magazines are moderately priced.
The H9 just isn’t for everybody. It’s totally different. It doesn’t comply with the well-worn path of established service pistols. Nevertheless it works—and works nicely. Daniel Protection has taken an revolutionary idea that when stumbled and turned it right into a viable, fashionable defensive handgun.
