To learn more, visit http://www.hudsonmfg.com.

Overview

It seems like at least every other year a company says they have the new thing in handguns. The new “different” design that’s a “game-changing” or “rule-breaking: “___-killer” that “improves on the already perfect.” Most of the time that’s a load of utter horseshit. I have already loudly and vocally denounced two of the major new “revolutionary” polymer guns for the tripe they are.

That said, for once, Hudson may have actually shifted the dynamic. I only got to shoot two magazines’ worth of ammunition, but this gun may actually live up to its hype.

Hudson is a relatively new company, and they set out to fill a gap in the handgun market. The last time we really saw a paradigm shift in pistol was the introduction of the original Glock 17.

The Hudson H9 is not like other handguns. While it is a double-stack, striker-fired wondernine, it’s also a steel-framed handgun with a true single-action trigger that functions like a 1911 trigger — with a Glock-style passive trigger safety.

But that’s just one part of what makes the H9 different. It also has a relocated, lowered recoil assembly and takedown lever. Hudson re-designed these components to move the bore axis as low as possible.

Other nice factory finishes include machined G10 grip panels and a G10 backstrap, checkered to match the frame, and sights by Trijicon.

Specifications

Chamber: 9mm Luger

Capacity 15+1

Length: 7.63 inches

Barrel Length: 4.28 inches

Height: 5.23 inches

Width: 1.24 inches

Trigger pull: 4.5 to 5 pounds

Trigger travel: .12 inches

Impressions

Hudson says a lot of nice words about how they built their gun, but I have a simpler description. It looks and feels like a Glock and a 1911 had a love child, named the H9, and it got all the good genetics of both.

The grip and trigger do feel like a 1911, even though the pistol is striker-fired. It has unusual lines but it feels good in the hand. Most of the aesthetic oddities are the direct result of a deliberate plan to lower the bore axis.

The trade-off is that the handgun’s capacity is not as great as others. The H9 has a standard capacity of 15+1 where many other similarly sized handguns hold 17+1.

But the trigger more than makes up for the loss of two rounds. I need to shoot it more, next to a real 1911, but it feels pretty fantastic at a first glance.

If, like Hudson claims, it also retaines the durability and reliability we expect from striker fired guns these days, they have truly accomplished something. The big pistol companies had better get ready. Right now the Hudson H9 looks very promising.

Pricing and Availability

Hudson hopes to get these guns in people’s hands sometime this year. MSRP is a little high at $1,147 but if this gun can deliver on its promises, then that might not be too bad. It’s clear that the H9 has broken the mold.

To learn more, visit http://www.hudsonmfg.com.

For more information visit http://www.hudsonmfg.com/