Don’t be put off by the pictures just because this is another striker fired pistol. Honor Defense has actually done something a little different.

I have had the opportunity to run a number of sub compacts over the past couple of years, and I think this is one I would actually consider carrying (though I would certainly want to run one hard on the range first). Note I have not yet run a MP Shield, which a number of people have compared this pistol to (and which I would argue errantly).

The general design of this 100% U.S. made pistol (no really, everything is sourced and manufactured in the U.S. from true U.S. companies) was very simple and it was clear there was a lot of thought put into the ergonomics and design. The lines were very smooth and the controls were recessed. It is built to be friendly to both right and left handed shooters, coming with an ambidextrous magazine release and slide catch. There are two different back straps, a flat profile, and a more curved one.

The trigger is spec’d for 7 lbs (I felt it was a bit lighter—but without a trigger puller it is very subjective), and has a super short reset. The trigger itself was super smooth and did not have any gritty or mushy feel to it.  It shot very consistently (for the 50 or so rounds I put through it), and was accurate enough at the relatively short distances I fired it.

The three Honor Defense 9mm models.

They had three models at the range: a basic model, one with a laser, and the one I found most interesting, their FIST model (Firearm with Integrated STandoff). The FIST is designed for a potential “extreme close quarters combat” shoot (or basically a contact shot). The standoff allows you to press the frame against the target without fear of the gun going out of battery.  Each pistol comes with two magazines, a 7 round (+1) and an extended 8 round (+1).

Honor Defense FIST

Honor Defense with Laser

Front view with laser

Honor Defense Basic

Front view basic

Standard and Extended magazines.

It sounds like we will be getting one in for review in the next few months, so keep your eyes peeled for the article (and hopefully I can do a brief comparison showing why it is not an MP clone).

For more information visit their website at: http://honordefense.com