Hudson H9

Hudson Manufacturing · Pistol · Discontinued · 2017

Also known as: H9

Overview

The Hudson H9 is a steel-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol that briefly captured the firearms world's attention after its 2017 SHOT Show debut. Designed by Cy and Lauren Hudson and built in Temple, Texas, the H9 sought to marry the celebrated trigger feel and grip angle of the 1911 with the high capacity and modern reliability of a striker-fired service pistol. Its defining feature is an exceptionally low bore axis achieved by relocating the recoil spring forward, into a bulged housing ahead of the trigger guard, so the barrel sits almost directly atop the shooting hand - dramatically reducing felt muzzle rise. Reviewers praised its flat-shooting character and crisp flat-faced trigger, but the design's complexity and cost proved unsustainable: Hudson Manufacturing filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after producing the H9 for only about two years. Daniel Defense later acquired the design and patents, reviving it as the Daniel H9 in 2024.

Specifications

Weight (empty)964 g (34.0 oz)
Overall Length194 mm (7.64")
Barrel Length109 mm (4.29")
Height133 mm (5.24")
Width31.5 mm (1.24")
Sight Radius159 mm (6.26")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Trigger Pull20 N (4.5 lbf)
Magazine Capacity15 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity375 m/s (1230 fps)
Muzzle Energy519 J (383 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishNitride

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 2017-2019

Limited production before Hudson Manufacturing's 2019 bankruptcy.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Cy Hudson and Lauren Hudson

Discontinued: 2019

Notes

Produced only 2017-2019 before Hudson Manufacturing's bankruptcy. Shipped with three 15-round magazines. The H9A was a lighter aluminum-grip variant (~26 oz). Design and patents later acquired by Daniel Defense, relaunched as the Daniel H9 in 2024.

Background

The H9's forward recoil-spring housing gave it one of the lowest bore axes of any production pistol, and despite the company folding after barely two years, the design earned enough of a cult following that Daniel Defense bought the rights and brought it back in 2024.