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Bond Arms Bullpup9: Detailed Review
Price Range:
$900 - $1100
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bond Arms |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Build Date | 2017 |
| Action Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm Parabellum |
| Magazine Capacity | 7+1 |
| Overall Length | 5.1 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.35 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 17.5 oz |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Trigger Pull | Double-Action Only (DAO) |
| Sights | Fixed 3-dot sight system |
Overview
The Bond Arms Bullpup9 is a unique and innovative 9mm pistol designed with a focus on compactness and concealability. This firearm distinguishes itself with its bullpup design, where the action and magazine are located behind the trigger, allowing for a shorter overall length without sacrificing barrel length. Originally designed by Boberg Arms, Bond Arms acquired the design and released the Bullpup9 in 2017. Its compact frame, combined with its 7+1 capacity and stainless steel construction, makes it an attractive option for those seeking an ultra-concealable carry gun.
The Bullpup9 is a semi-automatic, double-action only (DAO) handgun, which features a rotating barrel system and an unconventional feed mechanism that pulls rounds from the magazine backward before chambering them. While its unique design may take some getting used to, it provides a significant advantage in reducing the overall length while maintaining a decent barrel length for accuracy.
Strength and Quality
The build quality of the Bond Arms Bullpup9 is solid, with stainless steel used for the frame, slide, and barrel, providing excellent durability and longevity. The wood grips add a classic aesthetic and ergonomic feel. The double-action trigger pull is long but smooth, which is expected from a DAO firearm. The fixed 3-dot sight system is basic but functional, offering a quick sight picture for close-range engagements.
One of the standout features is its unusual feeding mechanism. Unlike traditional handguns, the Bullpup9 extracts rounds from the back of the magazine before feeding them into the chamber, which contributes to its compact size. This innovative design requires specific attention when choosing ammunition, as it can be more finicky with certain hollow points.
Safety Features
The Bond Arms Bullpup9 incorporates a few safety features that are vital for a concealed carry firearm:
- Internal Safety Mechanism: Prevents accidental discharges by locking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully engaged.
- DAO Action: The long, deliberate trigger pull serves as a built-in safety, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
- Loaded Chamber Indicator: Provides a visual and tactile indication that there is a round in the chamber.
Test Results
Range Performance: The Bond Arms Bullpup9 performed well in short- to medium-range tests:
- 7 yards: Produced consistent groupings of around 1.8 inches, reflecting good accuracy for such a compact firearm.
- 15 yards: Groupings expanded to 2.5 inches, which is still acceptable for personal defense purposes.
- 25 yards: Accuracy dropped, with groupings reaching 4 inches, showing that the Bullpup9 is optimized for close encounters.
- Also Read: Bersa TPR9 Compact
Merits
- Extremely compact design without sacrificing barrel length.
- Stainless steel construction offers excellent durability.
- Innovative bullpup action allows for a shorter overall length.
- Smooth double-action trigger.
- Lightweight, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
Demerits
- Unconventional feeding system may be picky with ammunition.
- Heavy trigger pull due to DAO mechanism.
- Limited aftermarket accessories.
- Requires practice to master the unique design.
Maintenance
Maintenance of the Bullpup9 is somewhat more complex than traditional handguns due to its unique feed mechanism. Cleaning the barrel, feed ramp, and slide are standard procedures, but extra care must be taken when handling the magazine and rounds. The Bullpup9 is more sensitive to certain types of ammunition, so it’s essential to test and clean it regularly to ensure smooth operation. Field stripping the gun requires following specific steps, and it’s recommended that users familiarize themselves with the manual to prevent issues during reassembly.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Model | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Weight (Unloaded) | Trigger Type | Optics Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond Arms Bullpup9 | 7+1 | 3.35 inches | 17.5 oz | DAO | No |
| Glock 43 | 6+1 | 3.41 inches | 17.95 oz | Striker-fired | No |
| SIG Sauer P365 | 10+1 | 3.1 inches | 17.8 oz | Striker-fired | No |
| Springfield Hellcat | 11+1 | 3 inches | 17.9 oz | Striker-fired | No |
| Walther PPS M2 | 6+1 | 3.18 inches | 19.4 oz | Striker-fired | No |
| Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm | 7+1 | 3.1 inches | 20.8 oz | Striker-fired | No |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, provided that the user selects the correct ammunition. The Bullpup9 is highly reliable with the right types of rounds, but its unique feeding system may not handle all brands equally well.
Bond Arms recommends using premium-quality FMJ or certain jacketed hollow points that are tested for proper feeding. Some hollow points may not work reliably due to the gun's unique feeding mechanism.
It requires a bit more attention during cleaning due to the specialized feeding system, but once familiarized, maintenance is straightforward.
No, the Bond Arms Bullpup9 is not rated for +P ammo. Stick with standard pressure 9mm rounds for safe operation.
The Bullpup9 is one of the most compact designs on the market thanks to its bullpup action. It offers a similar level of concealability to other compact handguns but has a more unique design and feel, which may appeal to enthusiasts looking for something different.
