The Daniel Defense H9 Pistol: Rebirth Of A Legend

Introducing The Daniel H9 Pistol

The Daniel H9 received an honorable mention in our Best Guns Of SHOT Show 2024 blog, partly because it is not technically a new design but mainly because we felt it deserves its very own dedicated review. This week, we're offering initial impressions from our hands-on experience with the gun at the Daniel Defense Range Day event.

Daniel Defense Daniel H9 9mm 4.28" Barrel 15rd Semi-Auto Pistol W/ 3 Mags - Optics Ready

$1299 00

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Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 4.28"
• Trigger: Bladed Bottom Hinge - Straight Pull Trigger
• Capacity: 15 Rounds (Three Mags Included)
• Sights: Dovetail Fiber Optic Sights
• Slide: Optics Ready Slide Compatible W/ Most Red Dots

Although it retains many aesthetic elements of the original Hudson design, the Daniel H9 is in fact an entirely new concept from the ground up. Daniel Defense spent several years and over a million rounds developing a handgun capable of delivering exceptional performance, an endeavor which (in our opinion) has definitely paid off.

We found the pistol to be incredibly accurate and comfortable to shoot, with minimal muzzle flip and virtually no felt recoil. Unlike most striker fired handguns, the Daniel H9 has an extremely low bore axis and utilizes an alloy steel slide on an aluminum frame. This design offers shooters a slim, concealable package that is durable yet lightweight and maneuverable.

Additionally, the Daniel H9 is packed with tons of great features right out of the box. The 1911-style grip and trigger allow for quick and precise shots while up top, the slide features an optics plate that is compatible with most red dots on the market. Forward and rear slide serrations aid in manipulating the pistol during reloads or press checks - critical for a defensive pistol.

Other enhancements include ambidextrous controls, aggressive front strap checkering, a G10 lower back strap, and textured G10 grips, which can be swapped out for the 1911-style grips of your choice. Also, the design of the dust cover accessory rail is less blocky and more modular than that of the original Hudson H9 pistols, adding to the Daniel H9's utility as an EDC or home defense firearm.

First Impressions

Overall, the Daniel H9 is an tremendous improvement over the original in pretty much every conceivable way. It is evident that Daniel Defense have taken great care to refine every aspect of the H9 over the years so that it handles and shoots like the legendary pistol it was always meant to be.

The modular design combined with the option to mount a red dot optic make the Daniel H9 the perfect choice for sport shooting, duty use, or concealed carry - and we can't wait to shoot it some more. You can witness the Daniel Defense H9 pistol in action by watching our Range Day coverage from SHOT Show 2024 below.