Bond Arms Bullpup and finger (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

The Bond Arms Bullpup started out life as the Boberg XR9. TTAG reviewed Arne Boberg’s ballistic bauble back in 2012. We were not impressed. The author’s jam-o-matic experience would soon be shared by Boberg customers. While the design was interesting, the XR9 wasn’t ready for prime time. Enter Gordon Bond …

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nESqd0uvn_k

 

Bond Arms makes the world’s best derringers. Gordon’s guns are tanks, boasting solid design, world-class machining and extreme product testing. Not to mention Texas-style go-the-extra-mile-for-a-smile customer service. None of which applied to the Boberg design or its founder’s customer relations.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup right (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

Gordon Bond wanted to break out of his niche (there’s not much more niche than fairly large, heavy, two-shot derringer). Gordon took a shining to the innovative original Boberg. Well, not the pistol as it was. The pistol as it could be …

I’m not sure what engineering and construction challengers Bond Arms faced trying to fix the XR9, but I would have bet they were significant. And I would have won that bet. Bond Arms world-champion cowboy-action shooter Garrett Martin told me that the “new” Bond Arms Bullpup is the company’s ninth or tenth iteration of the XR9.

Man, I hope it was worth it, financially. Because shooting it totally is. But first the tech specs …

 

Bond Arms Bullpup in pieces (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

The Bond Arms Bullpup uses a locked breech, short recoil design with a rotating barrel. The set-up spreads the recoil over a longer time period while reducing the amount of space occupied by the mechanism.

The Bullpup’s barrel has a lug that runs in a channel in a locking block. After the cartridge ignites the barrel rotates 14 degrees, then unlocks and allows the slide to travel to the rear. Ejection and extraction are similar to most semi-auto handguns.

That tiny spring is not a recoil spring. It’s the slide-return spring (with a service life of around 8,000 rounds). The Bullpup9’s barrel is 3.35-inches long — in a gun that stretches a mere 5.1 inches. That makes the 7+1 Bond Arms Bullpup roughly an inch shorter than the 6+1 GLOCK 43, whose barrel is a measly .04 inch longer.

The stainless-steel slide moves easily; an arthritic septuagenarian could rack the Bullpup. If you know someone who has difficulty chambering a round in a semi-automatic pistol, this is the semi-automatic pistol for them.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup rear sights (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

I was going to ding the Bullpup for not having a ledge rear sight for single-handed slide racking. I can’t. The slide is so easy to move that even the small amount of vertical space on the rear sight provides enough grip to fully cycle the slide.

What makes the Bullpup a, umm…bullpup? The gun draws the next cartridge backwards from the magazine and lifts it directly inline with the barrel.

“The rearward feeding concept of mechanism is not unique,” Garrett Martin admits. “The Browning-designed M1919 has a rear-feed mechanism that maintains complete control of the round from the magazine to the bore.”

Yeah, but the Bond Bullpup9 isn’t a 30-pound machine gun. It’s a tiny pistol. I’m pretty sure that makes this bullpup design one of a kind.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup clip-a-zine (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

The Bullpup’s magazine is actually a “magazine-clip” (clip-a-zine?). There’s no follower because it doesn’t need one. The rounds insert forward into the magazine, with the base of the cartridge out and open.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup trigger (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

The Bullpup’s trigger doesn’t feel like a 1911, or any striker-fired plastic pistol I’ve ever fired. The hammer-fired double-action-only semi’s trigger feels as smooth and pure and controllable as a Korth’s go-pedal. That’s no exaggeration. The Bullpup’s trigger is that good, right out of the box.

The trigger pulls through a revolver-like length of travel (there is no external safety) without any grit or stack, right until hammer time. The stock trigger breaks with 7.5 pounds or pressure; customers can order a 6.5-pound or 8.5-pound version.

Takedown is super simple. Clear the weapon, drop the magazine, pull the slide back, rotate the takedown lever on the left side of the gun, move slide forward. Easy peasy. Just like the Beretta 92 series or the Sig P series, and many, many others.

The Bullpup’s engraved rosewood scales enable a positive, full grip on the little gun, with the wide backstrap well-positioned along the web of my hand. While the gun’s geometry soaks up recoil, the grips’ wide rear also helps control the impulse.

And renders the Bullpup less concealable. But not by much.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup boot carry (courtesy JWT for thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

I boot-carried the Bond Arms bullpup and stashed it in an inside-the-waistband holster without difficulty. Customers can order the gun with plastic grips only slightly wider than the frame, which would make the Bond Arms Bullpup a true pocket pistol. Even thinner G10 grips are in the works.

The Bullpup’s sights are a quality drift-adjustable three dots. They’re large enough to deliver an excellent flash sight picture while still facilitating precision shots — more than you have a right to expect on a pistol this size.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup left side (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

Given that the gun loads by withdrawing the round out of the magazine rearwards, locking back on an empty magazine wouldn’t make any sense. After dropping the magazine, you would still have to drop the slide and re-rack the pistol to chamber a new round. So the Bullpup doesn’t lock back on empty. But it does go click.

The Bond Arms website includes a prominent ammunition notice. The issue — the bullet crimp. As previously noted, the Bullpup’s action yanks the bullet backwards to align it with the barrel. Bullets that aren’t well crimped can separate.

True story. When RF was shooting IWI’s 115-grain die cut ammunition, the mechanism pulled a bullet from the case, spilling the powder out and, obviously, causing a malfunction. RF shook the powder out, cycled the action and kept firing.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup accuracy testing (photo courtesy of JWT for thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

Since I didn’t know about the notice until later, we just kept shooting. RF and I put at least 350 rounds through the Bullpup. I put another 500 rounds through it since. Only one out of some 400 IWI rounds separated.

Truth be told, of the more than 850 rounds of ammo put through the gun, not a one was on the recommended ammunition list. I shot the last of my Cap Arms 115-grain FMJs, the IMI 115-grain Die Cut round, Wilson Combat 124-grain +P XTP, Wilson Combat 147-grain XTP, Blaser 124-grain FMJ, and Remington’s 115-grain HTP round. No issues of any kind. I never disassembled the gun or provided any maintenance (I forgot to lube it).

I should also note that I almost always ran the gun as 7+1: a full magazine with one in the chamber. Many small pistols, like my Kahr PM9, have issues consistently firing a full load. Not the Bond Arms Bullpup.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup group (photo courtesy of JWT for thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

When a 9mm pistol’s total length is smaller than my hand, something usually has to give. Most of the time, it’s accuracy. Not so much with the Bullpup.

With any of the rounds mentioned, I was shooting under 4-inch five-round groups at 25 yards. The Wilson Combat 124-grain +P XTP round printed 3.5-inch five-round groups for a 4-group average. Remington’s HTP round shot just a little better. That one shot a groups right at 3 inches, but averaged 3.25 inches because of a few fliers.

That’s impressive bench accuracy for a boot gun from the bench. How it performs off-hand is even more remarkable.

 

Bond Arms Bullpup on a scale (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

The Bond Arms Bullpup weighs slightly less than the GLOCK 43, but stays on target far better. There’s simply no “snap” when shooting this gun. It recoils more like a compact SIG SAUER P229 than my Kahr PM9.

Fast controlled pairs at 7 yards and under were easy enough, either single handed or double. I tried drawing the Bullpup from the 4 o’clock position, driving the heel of the butt into my ribs and emptying the magazine, as I would a J-Frame Smith & Wesson revolver. The result was highly effective. (Nothing says “get off me” like eight 9mm rounds from zero distance.)

 

Bond Arms Bullpup with glass balls (courtesy thetruthaboutguns.com)

 

Gordon Bond didn’t invent the Boberg XR9. He perfected it. The Bond Arms Bullpup is a small, reliable, comfortable, easily manipulated, highly concealable, self-defense 9mm pistol with an 8-round capacity. A gun that’s a lot more than merely accurate at combat distances. At a Franklin more than a grand, the Bullpup isn’t cheap. But that’s a price worth paying if you want the ultimate in innovation, quality and utility in an American-made compact pistol.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Bond Arms Bullpup

Caliber: 9x19mm

Grips: Bond Arms Engraved Rosewood Grips

Magazines: 2

Barrel length: 3.35-inch barrel

Overall Length: 5.1 inches

Width .96 inch

Height: 4.2 inches tall

Weight: 17.5 ounces (empty)

Sights: Dovetail drift-adjustable non-illuminated 3-dot

Action: Double-action only (DAO)

Capacity: 7+1

Trigger Pull Weight: 7.5 pounds

MSRP: $1099

RATINGS:

Style and Appearance * * * * *

It’s a different sort of gun, but I like it. It’s built with the kind of flawless finish and minute attention to detail Bond Arms customers have come to expect. The rosewood grips are high quality, beautiful and functional.

Customization * *

So far, you can change the grips to plastic models as well as change the trigger-pull weight. More options on the way.

Reliability * * * * *

The only issue I witnessed was a bullet separation using ammunition not recommended by the manufacturer. I personally shot more than 500 rounds through the gun without issue, and all of it with ammunition not recommended by the manufacturer.

Accuracy * * * * *

Three- to 3.5-inch groups from a gun with a total of length of 5 inches is outstanding. Take into account that it did this with a broad range of ammunition not recommended by the manufacturer. The sight radius is the limiting factor.

Overall * * * * *

The Bond Arms Bullpup deserves six stars. It’s the end result of innovation, improvement and attention to detail. Mouse-gun size, compact-pistol velocity and handling. Outstanding.

Ammunition approved list from BondArms.com:

  • Hornady Critical Duty 135 gr. FlexLock
  • Hornady Critical Defense 115 gr. FTX
  • Barnes Tac-XPD 115 gr.+P TAC-XPD
  • Federal Low Recoil 135 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP
  • Sig Sauer 124 gr. V-Crown JHP
  • Sig Sauer 147 gr. V-Crown JHP
  • Federal 124 gr. Hydra-Shok JHP
  • Speer Gold Dot 115 gr. GDHP
  • Federal HST 124 gr. HST
  • Black Hills Ammunition 115 gr. Tac- XP +P
  • Sig Sauer 124 gr. JHP
  • G2 RIP 92 gr. HP
  • G2 Telos 92 gr. HP +P
  • Hornady American Gunner
  • 115 gr. XTP  1160 FPS Avg.
  • Hornady American Gunner
  • 124 gr. +P XTP  1100 FPS Avg.
  • Hornady Critical Defense Lite
  • 110 gr. FTX  1140 FPS Avg.
  • Hornady Critical Duty
  • 135 gr. +P Flexlock  1060 FPS Avg.
  • Hornady Custom
  • 147 gr. XTP  928 FPS Avg.
  • Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown
  • 115 gr. JHP  1186 FPS Avg.
  • Armscor
  • 124 gr. JHP  1066 FPS Avg.
  • Black Hills Ammunition
  • 124 gr. JHP  1097 FPS Avg.
  • Fiocchi
  • 147 gr. XTP  910 FPS Avg.
  • Fiocchi
  • 124 gr. JHP  1138 FPS Avg.
  • Federal Premium Ammunition
  • 147 gr. Hydra-Shok  929 FPS Avg.
  • Federal Premium Ammunition
  • 150 gr. HST Micro  881 FPS Avg.
  • Winchester PDX1 Defender
  • 147 gr. Bonded JHP  928 FPS Avg.
  • Team Never Quit
  • 100 gr. Frangible HP  1208 FPS Avg.
  • Hevi-DUTY by Hevi Shot
  • 100 gr. Frangible HP  1106 FPS Avg.
  • Remington
  • 115 gr. HTP JHP  1033 FPS Avg.
  • Remington
  • 115gr. +P HTP JHP  1166 FPS Avg.
  • Remington
  • 147 gr. HTP JHP  900 FPS Avg.
  • Remington
  • 124 gr. Golden Saber JHP  1052 FPS Avg.
  • Magtech First Defense Guardian Gold
  • 115 gr. +P JHP
  • NOVX 65 gr. 9mm Luger +P 1800 FPS

Range:

  • Monarch Brass 115 gr. FMJ
  • American Eagle 115 gr. FMJ
  • American Eagle 124 gr. FMJ
  • American Eagle 147 gr. FMJ
  • American Eagle Syntech 115 gr. TSJ
  • Federal RTP 115 gr. FMJ (Range Target Practice)
  • Fiocchi 115 gr. FMJ
  • Winchester 124 gr. NATO FMJ
  • Winchester SXZ 115gr. FMJ
  • Winchester SuperClean 90 gr. Zinc FMJ
  • Aguila 115 gr. FMJ
  • Aguila 124 gr. FMJ
  • Aguila 147 gr. FMJ FP
  • Browning 115 gr. FMJ
  • Sellier & Bellot 115 gr. FMJ
  • Winchester White Box 115 gr. FMJ (TOP CHOICE)
  • Winchester White Box 124 gr. FMJ
  • PMC Bronze 115 gr. FMJ
  • Speer Lawman 124 gr. TMJ
  • Herters Brass Case 115 gr. FMJ
  • MaxxTech 115 gr. FMJ
  • Remington UMC 115 gr. FMJ
  • Remington UMC Mega Pack 115 gr. FMJ
  • Remington Range Bucket 115 gr. FMJ
  • Remington UMC Leadless 124 gr. FNEB

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

103 COMMENTS

    • Agree about the logo but the trigger pull is essentially that of a DA revolver. A safety would also add a snag point, thus defeating the point IMO

    • The engraving is hideous. I wouldn’t buy it for that reason alone. Would Bond Arms manufacture one without the engraving?

  2. A very interesting concept and I would consider picking one up just for the uniqueness factor alone.

    Then I saw the price tag……. PASS

    I’m not saying the Bond people aren’t justified in charging that much (I’m sure a good bit of R&D went into this) but $1100 for a 9mm pocket pistol is just too much (until I win the lottery). For that price I could buy 2 G43s, upgrade to night sights, buy extra mags and still have money left over for a case of ammo.

    Sure this gun may be “better” in some respects than a G43 but I doubt it’s THAT much better. Still it’s great to see innovation, hopefully it sells well… translated: maybe I can find a good price on a used one heh heh.

    • Who can put a price on ‘pointless’? Apparently Bond Arms can. What they took off the muzzle they added to the rear of the gun. And barrel length isn’t the issue, it’s grip length that makes a gun hard to conceal.

      • Hank, take a closer look at the specifications. You’ll see this eight shot 9X19 fits inside the footprint of many pocket .380s (such as the G42) with an inch longer barrel.

    • I agree that the price is steep given the seemingly small returns (extra round capacity, slightly longer barrel).

      IMO they should have released the “long” version of the Boberg XR9 first. That gun better show cased the advantages of the design–the XR9L had a barrel that was longer than a Glock 19, yet was still compact enought that it would fit into the front procket of (most) jeans.

    • Yeah, I’d like to think of myself as a practical man: I’ll not spend a grand or more on a gun that isn’t going to serve a real, almost daily, function. In others words, I’m a stingy skinflint.
      That said, when I’d first read about the Boberg years ago, I was rooting for it – I wanted it to succeed. Still do. I just love the innovative design and the fact that a Texas company is now producing a perfected version definitely puts it on the “when I win the lotto” list. A list that is not at long as some here might believe: as I said, I’m practical – and a Bullpup in my collection will not be a barbecue gun or safe queen. It will be carried, daily, and shot as often as I can get to a range. Glad to see they worked the bugs out so I can feel confident in betting my life on it… now to go buy a lotto ticket or two.
      🤠

      • Your philosophy is in sync with mine. I can justify the cost not only becasue this pistol offers reasonable capacity AND ballistics, but becasue it does so in a pocket-sized package that I have no excuse not to carry. Sure, there are similarly-sized guns, but once you start talking about 9mms with sub 2.5″ barrels you’ve really cut this cartridge off at the knees.

      • I carry mine nearly every day and shoot it every chance I get. Completely unlike any other pocket 9 I’ve shot; I can put 200 rounds down range and still want to shoot it more.

        I sold a couple of other guns to help fund the purchase, and don’t regret it one bit.

    • 4 comments in someone is complaining about the price tag….

      I’m a cheapskate people, but I’ve learned you often get what you pay for. In this case, a unique, innovative, pocket pistol that does something better than its competitors. It’s coming from a reputable company and it’s made in Texas. If you don’t like it, it’s not meant for you. Buy a couple blocks or something….

  5. The folks that make this gun were wise enough to recognize that for this type of ‘get off me’ gun the double action revolver style trigger works best.

    That easy to rack slide makes it a real winner for those of us getting along in years. Wonder how much the mags cost?

  7. Interesting to say the least. For $ 1099(!) I can get 5Taurus 709’s. Which has been perfect…a top finisher in Guns & Ammo single stack countdown. Yeah that’s seriously pricey.

  8. What is the trigger reach like on this gun? It intrigues me from a purely mechanical point of view because there isn’t anything else like it. However, I have short fingers and even the trigger reach on a gen 4 glock is a tiny bit too long . Would hate to order one of these only to find out it doesn’t fit my hand.

    • I have a Boberg XR9L and pretty long fingers. For me, I actually find the reach a little too SHORT and would prefer that the trigger break a little furhter forward.

    • I don’t have a problem with it at all. You can see in the opening photo that my finger actually extends slightly past the muzzle. But I have large hands. Someone with smaller hands may have a problem with it. If I were you I would find one to shoot prior to buying it.

    • My youngest son was shooting mine at age 10 and he’s smallest kid in his class. Small fingers should not be a problem. Also remember you can change the trigger weight so that along with the low bore height, grip strength should not be an issue.

  9. A pistol that’s the same size, weight, same capacity, shoots same group sizes and cots double or more of others. Thanks for the review but it’s a no

      • Hey Man, good review, I am especially interested in the easy slide racking for my wife. Innovation has a price.

  10. Interesting take on the original design, curious to know how initial pricing correlates with R&D costs. Read the review twice for any mention of takedown ease or concerns, did I miss that piece? Is it safe to assume the light slide action equals simple operator-level maintenance?

    • A more technical review here: A Bullpup Handgun? | Range365
      No apparent difficulties.
      I’m prepared to call myself impressed.
      🤠

    • Sorry, I forgot to add that. But yes, super simple. Clear the weapon, drop the magazine, pull the slide back, rotate the take down lever on the left side of the gun, move slide forward. Easy peasy. Just like the Beretta 92 series or the Sig P series, and many, many others.

  11. Very nice! I like the look of the pistol, and I like Bond Arms. The price is beyond what I can justify spending for one, but I’d like to have one all the same.

  12. I think it’s a great idea, and Bond Arms deserves a pat on the back for putting the time into getting this right. They’ve just proved out a true, bullpup, 9mm that’s reliable. That’s a pretty significant achievement.

    And it’s really stepping out of the box for a company which only makes derringers.

    I think the neatest feature is using the entire back of the slide as the Hammer.
    Hammer fired gun with the no-snag profile of a striker fired weapon.

  13. So Mr Taylor, can I infer from your (now deleted reply to me) and the (now changed) lead-in photo that we can expect some more news from Bond Arms at SHOT? 😉

  15. Thanks Jon, I was hoping for a review from you or Jeremy. I love the pistol but don’t have a $1100 need (that I am aware of) for it. If I thought I was going to need a smaller gun much longer (I am leaving the no guns job), I’d get one. For the couple remaining week I’ll stick with my .45acp Snake Slayer which I like very much in-spite of it’s trigger and capacity.

  16. I’ve followed this firearm and its story quite closely for years and years. My comments:
    1) AMMO: Bullets must be crimped with at least 30 foot-pounds of pressure for this firearm. That’s the easiest way to tell if a particular kind of ammo will probably work in it. Ammo companies, if you call and ask, will usually provide you with their torquing specs for any ammo you’re condidering.
    2) REGARDING CRITICISM OF MR. BOBERG, THE INVENTOR: In my limited experience, he was always very honest and humble in describing the shortcomings of his work, not a bad-customer-service type of man, and how about some acknowlegement of his successes? He invented this gun. Who invents anything in America anymore? And he did it in his garage, with almost no money. So yeah, he could only take his invention so far, but we’d have a big fat nothing of this kind of firearm if it weren’t for him.

    • Mr. Crawford, your ire appears to be misplaced. At no point in the review did I criticize Mr. Boberg in any way.
      His pistol was a commercial flop purely because he didn’t have enough money to finish development and manufacturer the gun to the quality the buying public required.
      When it comes to the gentleman’s character or his dealings with his customers, I have heard nothing but good things.

      • back in the day, my experience interacting with Boberg Arms was in keeping with what your are saying. They were passionate and dedicated, but were also faced with the seemingly impossible task of developing and then producing a wholly non-conventional firearm. To make that even more complicated (from what I have gathered) Arnie’s early R&D went into the “long” version of the pistol, so that when Boberg then decided to push out the “Shorty” as their flagship, a lot of untested problems that suddenly popped up–not the best strategy for getting your best foot forward into the marketplace.

      • You’re right and I was wrong. I somehow got your compliment to Bond twisted into a criticism of Mr. Boberg’s customer service during his ownership of the product. Thing is, you didn’t actually do that.
        In my defense, I must point out that my sandwich was really, really good today, and I was completely justified in paying more attention to it that to my brain.

        • “You’re right and I was wrong.”

          Slow down there pardner. You’re not allowed to say that! This is the internet!!! 🙂

        • “I must point out that my sandwich was really, really good today”
          And now all I can think about is a good Philly cheesesteak.
          We’re all good, sir. I enjoy your comments as they often provide good insight and color.

  18. Interesting design/concept. I hope it does well. For me, the only box it checks is the “firearms that will be reviewed by the 75-years-in-the-future ‘Forgotten Weapons’ gun jesus” box. And I’m 65 years old so I don’t really need to check that box any more. 🙂

    • Ian already reviewed the Boberg version of this gun. He got a few of the details wrong but overall a good review. He thought it was a cool design, but also thought that the MSRP of the gun itself would alienate most potential customers. As a happy Boberg owner, I have to admit that I think he was right about the price though I’m not sure that Boberg could have offered it for much less. Bond Arms might have better luck as they have a more diversified product line

  19. IWI ammo? You don’t mean IMI?

    Nothing says thanks for the free ammo like not even knowing the name of the company.

  20. I really hope to see this in a larger model with a 5 inch barrel. The grip could be longer and barrel youd be getting that extra inch on whats already a full size gun. For me personally, this was probably the coolest gun to come out in the past year.

  21. The XR45 version of the Boberg would shoot 45 Super. So technically, a 10mm version should be possible! It being the year of the 10mm.

    • 10 mm blasts the firing chamber with 50+% stronger blast waves than .45 Super, it’s tricky to re-engineer for that much stronger a blast. A lot of companies made very smart engineers do that, and a lot of them failed and produced guns that don’t go bang all that often. I’m not against your wish, because I’m waiting to see if I can buy the exact version you want, not a 9 mm-version, but it will be a big project,and Bond is being very, very careful because another company’s version of this gun was not reliable. Bond is still limiting production of the 9 mm to 150 units a month for that reason,so I wouldn’t look to see a .45 for a good long time, if ever.

  22. Thanks JWT for writing this review. I’ve been interested in the “Boberg 2.0” since Bond bought them out. However, the normal PR releases masking as reviews weren’t very informative. It’s nice to see somebody actually shoot 800 rounds through this thing and give it good marks!

    • I’ve got 700+ through mine without a malfunction. About 500 of those were Bond’s “preferred range ammo” (WWB) and the rest were various defense rounds, most of which weren’t on the “approved” list.

      It’s a joy to shoot (not something I’d ever expected to say about a micro 9mm).

  23. Hey a novelty gun that could cause bullets to jump crimp and jam it up in the heat of battle? Something that doesn’t happen to normal pistols that cost less than half what this one does?

    I’m not bothering and neither should anybody else with a brain. Bond Arms makes high quality guns that are really works of art and engineering, but they’re all novelty guns.

    • Bullet crimp must also be considered when shooting revolvers. I don’t think it’s to much trouble to know your ammo capabilities.😀

      • Seems to me all the negative comments made by individuals are from those who never held and definitely never fired a BULLPUP 9. Take the time to find one and fire it then your opinion , and only then , would your opinion be meaningful. Sorry if this sounds harsh but how would you feel being judge by only a picture of yourself and by people who have never taken the time to meet you personally. Every one has a right to their opinion but how they obtain the information to make an honest opinion is a very important step that should not be skipped.Keep safe. Dave

        • “Seems to me all the negative comments made by individuals are from those who never held and definitely never fired a BULLPUP 9. ”
          …nor faced one! 🙂

  24. Seems like, after some iteration, a very nice sounding action. Unfortunately, it also sounds more complex than the current pistol actions. That means it is going to take a while for this to become cheap enough to be popular. Patent law doesn’t help in that regard either (but is necessary for Bond arms to have any hope of recouping). The given characteristics (easier slide pull, positive cartridge control, better use of physical space/size, etc) seem to be pretty good positives, but, the fact is, even Kimber’s pocket pistol is barely more than half the price of this thing. Not many people are going to buy it.

    Hopefully the tech itself has the longevity to last long enough until it can be made for cheap enough to actually sell.

    If money was no object, I probably would get one of these; it seems to check all the right boxes for a pocket 9. But money is an object; and one I’m not close to having too much of.

  25. Hmmm. Wasn’t the original designed to orient the bullets south-north in the “clipazine” rather than the usual north-south? So there was a LOT more re-engineering going on here. Either way, I love it and love what Bond arms has done. And I hope they sell a boatload of ’em. I’m definitely on board for one.

    • No sir, the bullet nose was always pointing toward the muzzle in the magazine. It looks weird because the magazine is open in the back, not the front. That’s because the action pulls the round out of the magazine, not pushes it like most guns. I think that might have confused a lot of people.

  27. I know it’s a stretch to call Bond Arms innovators but it’s nice to put them in the same pool with Hudson as making something different, newish and reliable, all while being from Texas!

    When I heard about the Boberg my interest was piqued, and subsequently disappointed upon hearing about all the hands-on experiences. When I heard Bond Arms was picking up Boberg’s design I was optimistic. Reading this glowing review makes me want one, if only for it’s unique factor. Price is a little steep, but for a perfected, innovative design with a trigger that compares to a Korth? Sounds like it’s well valued.

  28. I think it’s cool, it looks like it’s high quality, and has a commensurately high price.

    I’m not in the market for this, but if I were, I would consider it.

  29. I had one of these for a few months. I liked the trigger, it’s pretty good for a double action. I generally liked the size, though it’s a bit thick from right to left for an otherwise very compact 9mm. I liked the accuracy I got from the rotating barrel. Didn’t care for the grip shape – it was a little too square across the web of my hand – but the grips were nice looking and otherwise felt good in hand. Recoil was easily manageable. Sights were more than acceptable. I liked the grooves on the front strap that encouraged a more positive grip.
    It’s ammo-sensitive, to be sure, but I never had a misfire, separation, stovepipe, or other firing malfunction while shooting it . . . and if you use Bond’s recommended ammo, I doubt you’ll have any issues with ammo either.
    Problems came when loading the first round. If I somehow managed to accidentally get the top round pushed a little to the rear in the mag, the slide would lock in place. Turns out the slide was getting stuck on the rim of the case.
    Bond seems to have addressed this now so that the slide doesn’t lock in place, but other owners I’ve spoken to indicate that having a round bumped back in the magazine may still sometimes make the mag difficult to seat unless you really beat on it, or you drop the mag and adjust the round forward. Jon – I wonder if you experienced anything like this while testing it?
    It absolutely is a great gun in many ways, and quite innovative – I’ll give Bond all the credit for everything good about it. It just didn’t quite meet my expectations for reliability and function of a gun at that price.
    My review of this gun: https://youtu.be/nJPswOxhD1I

  30. I understand all the comments made about price however, if price is your only concern for this 100% reliable CCW you can stake you life on then go down in quality and purchase a less expensive CCW it is your life. The one item I would like Mr. Gordon Bond to develop and sell is a magazine loader for the BULLPUP 9. Loading the 6th round into the magazine is hard not to mention loading the 7th round. This is the only improvement in my opinion that would make owning the BULLPUP 9 perfect for my range days. Let me leave you with this, I own two BULLPUP 9 pistols and trust them both with my life, and the article was very informative. Be safe. Dave

  31. Look at the Walther PPS M2 LE. More than 3 times less on price, better reliability, as accurate, less recoil………..you get the point.

  32. If you’ve ever held any Bond Arms gun, you will understand that it is a premium product. Industrial jewelry. I have a Bond Arms .45 Colt Snake Slayer, and while not the best for single-weapon concealed carry, it is fun to shoot. I daily carry a Sig P938 SAS, and want to see the Bullpup side by side with the Sig. If comparable, it may be time for an upgrade.

  34. My Bond Girl Mini derringer is a beautifully made product with the exception of the first generation trigger which is so difficult to pull it makes the gun almost impossible to shoot. Bond Arms answer was basically….yeah we know but we’ll fix it for 150 bucks. It’s been relegated to paperweight status ever since. It’s the LAST Bond Arms product I’ll ever own.

  35. I’ve owned a Boberg XR9-L since it was first introduced and as long as you abide by the recommended ammo list you won’t have a problem. When I heard about the Bond purchase of Boberg I was pleased that someone was going to be able to push forward the pioneering work Arne Boberg did in this development.

    I noticed that Bond has information on their site regarding the work they did to prevent “galling” in the Boberg design. They will coat the barrel and locking block at their facility OR you can contact Robar directly and for $75 +P&H they will put their NP finish on the parts. I had mine done a couple of weeks ago and it runs as smooth as silk now without the need for heavy lubricant.

    I carry it in a Stoner cross-draw holster and often forget I even have it on! It is a frequent carry gun for me and I feel I can rely on it completely.

  36. I really enjoyed reading your review, Jon. Thanks!

    This gun, in certain ways (price being one) reminds me of the HK P7 M8, low bore axis, easy to shoot fast, minimal recoil and comparable capacity. But this gun is beyond easy to conceal, the P7, not so much.

    As far as cosmetics, if it makes the bad guy laugh so I can get the drop on him, all the better! In a concealable firearm, I’m more interested in function than looks.

  38. “The gun draws the next cartridge backwards from the magazine and lifts it directly inline with the barrel…”

    Ah, that must be how HK does it too!

    • Guess what someone has! Guess who! Give up? Answer: BOND ARMS , same company that makes the BULLPUP 9. Of course you would not know this. How could you when all you want to do is criticize without knowing the facts. Also, for all of you complaining about price, no one is forcing you to buy the BULLPUP 9 so go ahead and buy what you want and I will not complain because the choice is yours to make. Choice is yours to make sound familiar? It should because as gun owners that is the bottom line of what we want ( our choice to make ). So please stop being petty and get back to the important issues of gun ownership. Thank you. Stay safe. Dave

  40. Seriously ridiculous price, call me when they are in the $400 – $500 range, I’ll consider it then.

  41. I’m going to buy one. I’m sold. Here is a quick thought. for those of you that can’t afford one. If you drink or smoke ? Quit. Problem solved. Now go get one.

  42. Just wondering if any of you who own a BullPup ( like me ) have found a magazing loader? Even after shooting mine for many rounds I still find the magazine a pain to load.

    • Garrett M. from BOND ARMS informed me on FEB 4,2018 ( because I had the same question ) that the mag loader will be out in the next 30-60 days along with the extended base plate. Stay safe. DAVE

  43. Mr. Taylor,

    I wish cowboy boots could be made a part of my wardrobe at work. But they can’t. I’ve become more of an appendix carry guy. My point is, I’m interested in this firearm’s length for appendix carry, but do you know of any holster manufacturers for it? My go-to is a no-go. Thank you, sir.

  44. This was an excellent review and I’d be very interested in getting one for my wife. When we first met, over 32 years ago, our first date was to Church and our second to the RANGE. The day we were married, her dad made her a gift of a Beretta M84 in .380 but she hated it. Wussy gun she declared. Inaccurate, she said.

    Noooo she declared she wanted MY beloved Remington Rand Government Model 1911 in 45 acp. So, I ran out and traded the tiny Beretta for a Colt Commander in 45. It was bliss for years.

    Then came her cancer. Very aggressive and required even more aggressive protocols. It worked, thank God. But the aftermath of the Chemo was devastating and she has never recovered the strength to either rack the slide on her Commander (now a safe queen for 12 years) or handle any sort of 45 level recoil.

    Now that we’ve retired to East Tennessee and she’s begun moving on her business as a degreed jeweler and therefore taking more and more advanced classes that are often out of town or out of state. She’s expressed interest in a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit. That’s where this gun could come in. Price doesn’t bother me.

    I’m retired all I have to do is game online, shoot, drink a little whiskey and enjoy life. So I save quite a bit, too. I’d like to see if the Boberg 45 is also part of the lineup and if there’s a review of that.

  45. I was an early adopter of the Boberg XR9L pistol and never had any issues with it as long as I followed the ammo guidelines. I talked to Arne Boberg several times and always found him to be honest, and considerate of all comments I made.

    I was sorely disappointed when he announced he was getting out of the manufacturing end of the business but was elated when I discovered he was moving to BOND (and I think still works there?). I was aware of the issues with the XR9S version but had always wanted to get one for CC duty. I read all the information I could get on the BOND Bullpup when it came out and it appeared that the tweaks BOND applied to the firearm fixed all the issues with it.

    Of particular interest were comments about the coating they applied to the barrel and locking block. Therefore I disassembled my XR9L and shipped it off to my favorite plater for his attention. Even though I had never had any issues with it, I wanted to keep it “up to snuff” with the development work that had gone into the Bullpup.

    After I received my BOND bullpup I exchanged the BOND wood grips with the standard black plastic Boberg (thinner!) grips from the XR9L and…voila, I had a slimmer, pocketable CC gun. It shares CC duty with two HK P7 PSPs, and a Sig 232 SL.

    Being in my early 70s, I find that I don’t regret moving away from .45 ACP pistols, and the many new and improved 9mm cartridges are more than sufficient for my needs.

    Enjoy!

  47. I own this bullpup. It is the smallest 9mm that I have seen. Amazing craftmanship and reliability. I paid under $900.00 for it new and have looked at trying to find another for sale. I can’t find one and if I see one, they are selling between $1,300-$1,500. Reading some of these posts are commical. Complaning about $900 for the Bull Pup as being too expensive. Apparently some people have not looked at many brands of fire arms. I have seen Dan Wesson and many others in the $1,000++ range. So what?
    Your article is well written and to the point. Thanks!

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