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Daniel Defense H9 Review

Despite a promising design, the Daniel H9 pistol failed to deliver. See why our range review concluded that this pistol doesn’t live up to the hype.
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    Daniel Defense Daniel H9 Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Flat shooter
    • Unique design
    • Customer service

    Cons

    • Reliability
    • Lack of customization options
    • Expensive

    The Bottom Line

    The Daniel Defense H9 has a great deal of potential but unfortunately fell short in reliability.

    Daniel Defense Daniel H9 Specs & Features

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Action: Strike-fired semi-auto
    • Capacity: 15+1
    • Length: 7.69″
    • Barrel length: 4.28″
    • Overall length: 6.3″
    • Width: 1″
    • Height: 5.12″
    • Weight: 29.6oz
    • Comes with: Plastic, lockable case, 3 magazines, owner’s manual, gun lock

    Features

    • Low bore axis
    • Straight pullback trigger
    • Optics ready
    • G10 panels

    Daniel Defense recently stepped out of its rifle comfort zone and released a handgun at SHOT Show 2024. Based on the Hudson H9, the Georgia-based gun manufacturer’s new venture is an interesting move.

    But the real question is…does it work? Short answer — not as well as we’d hoped. We took one two out to the range to dig deeper into the Daniel Defense H9 and see what worked for this design and what didn’t…three times.

    Keep reading!

    Daniel Defense H9 glamour left

    Table of Contents

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    $1,299
    at Daniel Defense

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    How We Tested the Daniel Defense Daniel H9

    For this review, we tested the Daniel H9 with iron sights and a Trijicon RMR Red Dot, shooting 10-round groups at 7 yards.

    We went through 500 rounds of ammunition, using both practice ammo in the form of AAC 115gr FMJ, 115 gr/124gr defensive ammunition from Nosler.

    Daniel Defense H9 hellfire

    At the helm was Sean Curtis, who has been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career of over two decades. He received continued training for his roles in SWAT and was a POST-certified handgun instructor.

    Background

    We have to start this tale back in 2017 when Hudson first brought the H9 to market at the SHOT Show. It was different for many reasons, but the main upshot was the placement of the recoil spring, which gave the gun a low bore axis.

    This, combined with the overall weight, straight-pull trigger, and 1911-style grip, allowed shooters to manage recoil better. That was the intent, anyway.

    Hudson Manufacturing H9A
    Hudson Manufacturing H9A

    Eventually, several H9 owners experienced issues and couldn’t get their guns repaired because Hudson was embroiled in lawsuits. In 2019, Hudson filed for bankruptcy, tolling the death knell of the company.

    Daniel Defense later bought the design and retooled it. In their press materials, they indicated that only one part remained the same from the original design.

    Who Is It For?

    The Daniel H9 is a compact pistol with a 15+1 capacity, so it could be used for concealed, defensive carry or as a home defender.

    Daniel Defense H9 presenting

    While its size and shooting ability lend themselves well to law enforcement, the low dust cover would require some modification of holsters should a weapon light be equipped.

    Ergonomics: Fit & Feel

    The Daniel H9’s overall fit and finish are what you would expect from a higher-end pistol. Its frame is anodized aluminum, and the slide is 4340 alloy steel with a DLC coating.

    Daniel Defense did a good job with the ergonomics of the Daniel H9. The grip feels really good in the hand. A combination of the grip angle and adequate beaver tail helps secure the gun in your hand.

    Daniel Defense H9 grip

    Combined with serrations on the front strap and back strap, the G10 panels provide a secure grip that helps mitigate recoil. A nice undercut on the trigger guard also affords a high grip.

    Sights on the Daniel H9 are well done with a green fiber optic front in a steel housing coupled with a black, steel serrated rear. The top of the slide is also serrated down the length of the slide to eliminate glare when using the sights.

    Daniel Defense H9 RMR

    We tested the Daniel H9 with a Trijicon RMR, so we did not spend much time with the sights. The optics mount up using one of a few different plates, though they do not sit low enough to co-witness standard-height sights.

    Upon purchase, shooters receive one coupon for an optic plate from Daniel Defense. They can then select the plate they want and request it though the website warns it may take as long as 90 days to ship.

    Daniel Defense H9 tear down

    Magazines for the Daniel H9 are steel and double-stacked, with a bright yellow follower and round count windows on the rear. Plastic base plates feature a cut-out on the front that works with a recess on the front of the grip in case a magazine gets stuck and needs to be dug out.

    Controls

    The trigger is interesting in that it is a straight pull configuration and utilizes a safety device that is notably hinged from the bottom. The mechanism flattens nicely against the lightly curved bow.

    Upon pressing back, the trigger moves a millimeter or two, then breaks fairly crisply, averaging 3 lbs. 11.8 oz. on a Lyman Digital gauge. Reset is soft, barely audible or tactile.

    Daniel Defense H9 poundage

    A hollowing in the grip panel assists the reversible magazine release, making it easier to reach. The slide stop/release is fully ambidextrous, located on both sides of the slide.

    How Does the Daniel H9 Shoot?

    The first gun we received from Daniel Defense was called back before we shot it. They sent another one out, and we eagerly took it to the range.

    We had a pre-release experience with Daniel Defense, and the gun was flawless…however, that wasn’t the case with the second gun we received.

    Daniel Defense H9 out of battery

    During testing, we had 12 failures to return to battery. They were correctable with a light tap on the back of the slide, but they were significant enough to prevent the gun from firing.

    In addition, we could not get the Daniel H9 to load Nosler defensive ammunition.

    So, we sent the gun back to Daniel Defense with our notes, hoping for a resolution.

    Daniel Defense H9 gripped left

    They sent another gun, and during our second test, the out-of-battery issue didn’t happen, but the trigger had issues. Namely, it wouldn’t fire sometimes unless I pulled at the top of the trigger.

    I also noticed that the previously soft trigger reset was nearly non-existent. We sent this gun to Daniel Defense’s warranty program, and they repaired it.

    It's not working

    A technician sent notes indicating they found brass and grit buildup in the trigger and around the stirrup. They cleaned it, tested it, and returned it to us.

    During our third and final trip to the range with the Daniel H9, we completed our testing, achieving the round count (500) we use as a benchmark. The trigger was certainly better, and the gun ran all the ammo we fed, though we still had a couple of out-of-battery issues.

    Daniel Defense H9 hellfire 2

    Issues aside, where the Daniel H9 shined was in follow-up shots. True to the original design’s intent, the components of grip, recoil spring location, and low bore axis provide a noticeably lighter shooting impulse.

    This means the sight picture returns quickly, and you can shoot faster without losing much accuracy. Shooters with stiff-wristed grips will really be able to make the Daniel H9 sing.

    Daniel Defense H9 accuracy

    Accuracy was good, averaging 1.5-2 inches, shooting 10-shot groups from 7 yards. It was repeatable and didn’t have the low shooting characteristic sometimes noted in the Hudson.

    With the Daniel H9, reloading was a breeze. Magazines dropped cleanly, loaded smoothly, and locked back on the last round without fail.

    9mm Ammo in Stock

    Deal
    Grain
    Cost Per Round
    Notes
    115gr
    $0.26
    5% off code C9AK7P, Free Ship $149+
    115gr
    $0.01
    Free Shipping
    115gr
    $0.27
    124gr
    $0.27
    147gr Subsonic
    $0.28
    124gr
    $0.80
    5% off code C9AK7P, Free Ship $149+
    147gr
    $0.80
    5% off code JS7FH1, Free Ship $149+

    Why is the Daniel H9 Unique?

    There are a number of reasons why the Daniel H9 is unique. First and foremost, this is a novel offering from a company strictly known for making rifles.

    Daniel Defense H9 trigger

    Additionally, the original design was a departure from the norm back in 2017 when Hudson initially launched the H9. While the original tanked and finally succumbed, I believe Daniel Defense is capable of making this gun a success.

    Daniel H9 By the Numbers

    Accuracy

    4/5

    The Daniel H9 put together an average of 2-inch, 10-shot groups at 7 yards.

    Reliability

    2.5/5

    Although performance improved over time and repairs, the out of battery issue lingers.

    Customization

    2.5/5

    Though no fault of the Daniel H9, there aren't many accessories as of yet.

    Ergonomics

    5/5

    The thin grip and ambidextrous controls make this gun a winner for most hand sizes.

    Value

    2.5/5

    It is difficult to justify $1,300 for a gun with this reliability.

    $1,299
    at Daniel Defense

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Final Verdict

    All my experiences with previous products from Daniel Defense were outstanding, so I was disappointed by the results of our test with the Daniel H9.

    The gun does well in most categories, but reliability…not so much. Let’s face it: reliability is absolutely essential.

    Daniel Defense H9 glamour right

    I just learned that Daniel Defense is releasing a new barrel and recoil spring assembly on or before June 30th. Existing owners will receive these upgrades under warranty. With any luck, this will address the out-of-battery issue and greatly increase reliability.

    Have you bought or are you considering buying a Daniel H9? Let us know in the comments below! For the best in this category, be sure to check out Best Compact 9mm Handguns of 2024!

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    1 Leave a Reply

    • Mike

      They have had my H9 for about 3 months
      Sent it back due to accuracy issues.
      Shot way right and down.
      Hopefully the new barrel and recoil spring they are going to replace does the trick.

      June 28, 2024 5:50 pm
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