The Daniel H9 and its 1911 Lineage

WHAT THE DANIEL H9 ADOPTS FROM ITS PREDECESSOR, THE 1911

Since the invention of the first 1911 prototype by John Browning around 1890 and the subsequent adoption of the 1911 by the U.S. Army in 1911, this iconic handgun has been a favorite of shooters and remains a popular choice to this day. The design is obviously a winner, as evidenced by the ubiquitousness of 1911-style handguns used in competition, personal defense, and concealed carry, and the fact they have been proven in combat in every major conflict so far in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Around the same time he was working on the 1911, John Browning also invented and patented one of the earliest striker-fired pistols. But this style of handgun was overshadowed by the popularity of revolvers in 1911 in America and didn’t achieve widespread popularity in the States until the 1980s, with the release of the Glock 17.

Ever since then, there have been countless debates and arguments over the merits of 1911s vs striker-fired handguns. But what if there’s a compromise to this decades-old debate? That there is a handgun out there offering the best of both worlds? And that it’s designed and manufactured by Daniel Defense, backed by our industry-leading quality, durability, performance, and guaranteed satisfaction? 

Here are a few of the properties the new H9 shares with the tried-and-true 1911.  

A SLIM 1911-ESQ PROFILE

Like a 1911, the Daniel H9 has slim profile that fits nicely in your hand. It’s not bulky or boxy or at all clunky like some polymer striker-fired handguns can be. What’s more, even though it has a slim handle, the H9 accommodates a 15-round, double-stack magazine because it has the smallest-format double-stack magazine on the market.  

1911 NATURAL “POINTABILITY”
1911-style handguns are renowned for being extremely “pointable,” meaning that the gun feels like a natural extension of your hand. The Daniel H9 has the same sort of natural feel. Where your hand points, so too does the gun. And its stainless-steel, dovetail-cut sights naturally align with your eye once the handgun is pointed at your target.

1911-STYLE TRIGGER
One of the features of the 1911 shooters love is its crisp, straight-pullback trigger. The trigger moves straight back and doesn’t have a whole lot of travel, which provides outstanding precision and control. The Daniel H9 has the same style trigger blade, only Daniel Defense has added a trigger-blade safety frequently found on striker-fired handguns.  

1911-STYLE GRIP PANELS
The grip of a 1911 is traditionally extended for better leverage/control, and the panels are usually textured and replaceable for customization. Well, the H9 follows that tradition with G10 grip panels with a unique balanced texture that provides a secure purchase but won’t tear up your hands or clothing. The panels, like on a 1911, are replaceable if you prefer a grip with a more- or less-aggressive texture. But as versatile as the balanced texture on the stock grips is, why bother? 

1911 ACCURACY
The legendary accuracy of 1911-style pistols perhaps the primary reason for their enduring popularity. Well, Daniel Defense incorporates that same commitment to putting shots where you’re aiming into the Daniel H9. Its natural pointability, ergonomic grip panels, straight-pullback trigger, stainless-steel dovetail-cut sights, and low bore axis for reduced recoil (which we’ll address later), make it easy to aim and fire shots—and follow-up shots—that are on consistently on target. The H9 can also accommodate a wide range of popular red-dot optics, if you choose to go that route. 

Just as the H9 offers many of the best attributes of 1911-style handguns, it also provides several advantages striker-fired pistols are known for, including…

HAMMERLESS DESIGN
One knock against 1911s is that a protruding hammer may not be advantageous for everyday or concealed carry, as it could conceivably get snagged on clothing when the gun is drawn. Well, the Daniel H9 is a striker-fired handgun, so there’s no hammer to contend with, making it a great choice for everyday or concealed carry. 

A LOW BORE AXIS
Striker-fired handguns typically have lower bore axes than 1911-style pistols, which tend to sit higher in your hand. With a lower bore axis, most of the handgun’s recoil goes directly back into your hand and there is less muzzle flip; with a higher bore axis, your hand serves as a fulcrum and, when recoil drives the handgun back, it pivots on your hand and the muzzle flips up. Shooting a handgun with less muzzle flip means it takes less time and effort to get your sights back on target for follow-up shots.  

LIGHTER WEIGHT
Polymer striker-fired handguns generally weigh less than 1911s, which have more heft and steel parts and components. The H9 features a polymer lower, a durable stainless-steel slide, and an aircraft-grade-aluminum frame. Weighing in at only 29.6 ounces (magazine unloaded), the Daniel H9 is substantially lighter than a typical 1911, which makes it a great choice for everyday or concealed carry. 

TRIGGER-BLADE SAFETY
Many 1911-style handguns have a grip safety, but safety levers are also prevalent on many models. Most polymer striker-fired pistols have either a grip safety, a trigger-blade safety, or both. As mentioned, the Daniel H9 gives you the straight-pullback trigger style of a 1911 but also adds a trigger-blade safety, so you can simply draw it and fire without the need to fumble for a safety lever before the gun is hot. 

LOWER MAINTENANCE
Polymer striker-fired-handgun enthusiasts love to tout how low maintenance their handguns are. You’ve probably even heard them boast that they can disassemble their handgun and put it in the dishwasher (which isn’t a good idea). With more components and more moving parts, 1911s require a bit more maintenance, lubrication, and expertise on an owner’s part to maintain than a polymer striker-fired handgun. The Daniel H9 is a hybrid of both—a 1911-style lower and a striker-fired upper—and can be broken down easily with no tools, making it a bit easier to maintain than a 1911. 

Perhaps the best way to describe the Daniel H9 is a hybrid between a 1911 and polymer striker-fired handgun. It offers the best of both worlds without any of the “knocks” or perceived disadvantages. 

So, if you’re a 1911 aficionado who’s thought about crossing over into the striker-fired world, this is the handgun for you. And if you’re a polymer striker-fired handgun owner who’s been thinking about branching into the 1911 realm, this is also a great cross-over vehicle. Or, if you’re a new shooter looking for a handgun that’s accurate, easy, and fun to shoot the H9 is for you as well. It truly does have something for everyone.