My review of the Lionheart Industries LH9C

[ruchik]

So I've been eyeing the LHI LH9C for a while now. Its list of features is quite impressive, and I've read nothing but good things about it. I decided to get one and see for myself what it's all about.

A brief history lesson. The LH9C, and it's larger counterpart, the LH9, started out as the Daewoo DP-51 and DP-51C. The DP-51 is the standard sidearm of the South Korean military, and has been since 1989. Since then, it has earned a reputation for being a quality, dependable sidearm, just like many other official sidearms used by other countries. It used to be imported into the states as the DP-51 and DP-51C, but that stopped once Daewoo was disbanded. Manufacturing was taken over by S&T Motiv, who then partnered with Lionheart Industries to bring the firearms into the states once again as the LH9 and LH9C.

LHI has added their own upgrades to the gun. I'll detail exactly what those are later on. Before we go into that, however, you may notice that my gun has no grip panels. That's because I'm currently modifying them, so they're off the gun at the moment. Here's what it looks like stock:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/LH9CBrownNovak_LEFTcopy_zpsd3ef7401__7760913702995641200900_zps17c115a1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/LH9CBrownNovak_LEFTcopy_zpsd3ef7401__7760913702995641200900_zps17c115a1.jpg.html)

The rundown:

This particular model sports Novak sights.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192821_zpsb3528ca9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192821_zpsb3528ca9.jpg.html)

Lionheart also added front cocking serrations for press-checks. It also wears a well-executed Cerakote paint job in Patriot Brown. Weight comes in at a respectable 24.2 ounces. The fit and finish on these guns are impeccable. The slide glides back and forth like it was hand-fitted.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192636_zpsc8950a4f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192636_zpsc8950a4f.jpg.html)

What is by far the most interesting feature of this gun, however, is its trigger mechanism. Lionheart dubs it the "Double Action Plus" system. There's something here for everyone. Here's how it works.

Traditional DA/SA

The gun can be run as a traditional double/single action firearm. To do this, you pull the trigger and lower the hammer. The first trigger pull is long and heavy, while subsequent shots are lighter and shorter single action.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192714_zpsc13586c0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192714_zpsc13586c0.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192725_zps1866c01d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192725_zps1866c01d.jpg.html)

Cocked and Locked

The LH9C and LH9 can be cocked and locked just like a 1911. Note, however, that the lever itself hinges at the front instead of the rear like a 1911 thumb safety. While this is somewhat awkward to re-engage after firing, there's no issues with swiping it off during a draw stroke. It clicks on and off with authority.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_195149_zpsc26e9d3b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_195149_zpsc26e9d3b.jpg.html)

Double Action Plus

The DA+ system is unique to the LH series handguns. Once the gun is loaded, and the hammer/trigger is in SA mode, you can decock the gun by simply pushing the hammer forward.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192735_zps13787262.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192735_zps13787262.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192740_zps1765b66d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192740_zps1765b66d.jpg.html)

You will now see that the trigger returns to a DA length of pull. However, the pull weight is that of a single action trigger. The first portion of the trigger travel comes in at around 3-4 pounds would be my guess, with the last few millimeters of travel being between 5-6 pounds. Here's why.

From it's resting position in DA+ mode, you can simply slice through the entire length of travel. As long as you do it in one smooth and steady motion, you will not feel the pull weight stacking. At least I couldn't. Very neat.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192845_zps18221144.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192845_zps18221144.jpg.html)

Or, you can touch the trigger back towards the rear....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192851_zpsb39d605a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192851_zpsb39d605a.jpg.html)

...and the hammer/trigger resets back into single action. This comes in handy if you draw your weapon but don't immediately fire, or need to take a longer precision shot. Alternatively, simply thumbing the hammer back will accomplish the same thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192900_zps9a63792e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192900_zps9a63792e.jpg.html)

If any of you guys have handled a Walther P99 equipped with an AS trigger, that's pretty much exactly how the DA+ system works. Except that unlike the P99 AS, the trigger doesn't automatically bounce back into the longer DA length of pull every time you reload the gun. I found that quirk of the P99 to be pretty damn annoying, and thankfully it isn't the case here. The gun will always go back into regular single action mode whenever it's loaded or reloaded. The break is clean and snappy, and the trigger reset is very tactile and audible.

It is also worth noting that the safety completely disengages the trigger bar. Once the safety is engaged, the trigger will just move back and forth all day long and never contacts the sear itself. In addition, the safety can be swiped on at any point, in any mode, loaded or not. That means you can load, reload, or otherwise manipulate the gun however you need to while the safety is on.

Accuracy

I'm no expert pistolero. At my current skill level, combined with using a new, unfamiliar firearm (yeah, yeah, excuses I know. Deal with it.), the best I could manage was a 2.5-3 inch group at 10 yards. This is the test target that came with the gun.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_193007_zpse92a8a8a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_193007_zpse92a8a8a.jpg.html)

I'm sure those more skilled than I could turn it better groups. I was satisfied with the accuracy just fine.

The good

This gun is, in my opinion, an amazing deal. The LH series of handguns uses a forged 4140 chromoly steel slide, forged 4150 chromoly steel barrel (match grade, no less), a forged 7075-T6 aluminum frame. This, combined with the Cerakote, Novak sights, two mags, and this spiffy nylon case (which is so much nicer compared to the plastic cases and cardboard boxes other manufacturer's use)....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192913_zpsfd6c13f0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192913_zpsfd6c13f0.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/20140505_192930_zpsdb829cd3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/20140505_192930_zpsdb829cd3.jpg.html)

....means that it is a LOT of gun for your money. Especially since these can be found online for around $570!

But wait ruchik! I'll bet it's a royal pain the ass to find holsters for it! Fear not. G-code has partnered with LHI to bring their full line of holsters and accessories. I've got an Incog and OSH holster from G-code for this bad boy.

Ba-humbug! I'll bet magazines are a pretty penny too! Actually....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/nickparkus/Lionheart-Industries-Mag-Compatibility_zps37becbb7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nickparkus/media/Lionheart-Industries-Mag-Compatibility_zps37becbb7.jpg.html)

Yup. You can use magazines from other guns too, should you already have them or find them for cheap. Great flexibility here in all respects.

In addition, despite apparently having a very high bore axis like a Sig or an HK, the gun has negligible muzzle flip. In fact, I would actually say it has about the same amount of flip as my M&P. This surprised me quite a bit. I'm not sure how Daewoo managed to get that done way back in the late 80's, but it works.

The bad

I have two issues with this gun. The first is that I would occasionally get premature lock-back of the slide. I believe this is my fault, as firing the gun one-handed in either hand seemed to make the problem go away. The LH9C is shaped differently enough that if you're not used to it, you can inadvertently knock that slide lock lever upwards. It began to go away towards the end of my limited range time, further suggesting that it was my fault and not the gun's.

The other issue is that the LH9C has a noticeable kick, even with standard 115gr 9mm range fodder. It's a quick, brisk, solid punch to your hand, instead of the quick "pop" I am accustomed to. I suspect this has more with the fact that it's lightweight, and the recoil comes straight back instead of up. It's not painful or uncontrollable, but it feels like I'm shooting my Kahr CW9 instead of a steel/aluminum handgun.

Conclusion

This is a most excellent, fantastic buy. It's got a proven track record with over 20 years of service, and has many features that can really only be found on higher-dollar firearms. Its 3 different modes of carry mean that you can carry it every which way you want. I leave you today with a video of the LH9C being torture tested so you and I don't have to.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krOFAgfH0wY

[Omega Man]

Thanks for the excellent review!

[Topperdog]

Interesting review. I had never heard of this pistol and might take a closer look now.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

[SOW_0331]

One of the best reviews yet, thanks for posting this. A little embarrassed that I've never even heard of this pistol.

Looks a little like a P229 with some 1911-ish features. I'm intrigued.

[decodeddiesel]

Been looking at these pistols a lot since MAC did a review recently. Good review, the video is pretty silly.

[k9barco]

I saw another review of this on youtube, that was also very positive.. The trigger and hammer de-cocker got high marks, as did the fit and finish, and smooth DA pull. They also mentioned how smooth the slide action was.
There were a few negative comments about the safety lever being too far back or up; Did you notice any issue with the safety?
Thanks for taking the time to share; I am sure some wallets will be thinner!

Overall, it looks like s fine firearm!

[ruchik]

The only issue I had with the safety is that it feels weird to push back up with your thumb, because of its odd positioning. However, there's no issues swiping it off. I also have fairly short fingers, so moving it up and down was not that big a deal for me since my fingers are right there with no real shifting around required.

[brushy bill]

I may be misunderstanding your initial post, but if Daewoo went under, is this still mil issue to South Korean troops?

[ruchik]

It is. The older guns made by Daewoo are still in service, much like the M9's issued to our troops. New pistol manufacturing has been taken over by S&T Motiv.

When Daewoo went under in 2002, most of its shares was bought up by S&T Holdings. It then became S&T Daewoo, later renamed to S&T Motiv.

[montanadave]

Just received an email from my nephew today expressing an interest in this gun. I've never even heard of it until today. Interested to hear some of the more experienced shooters weigh in.

[cougar_guy04]

I'd almost forgotten the Daewoos until I saw that this was coming in and thought, "That sounds a lot like the old DP51 pistols." I actually almost bought one of the original Daewoo imports when I was looking at my first handgun (don't ask what I was thinking, I looked at buying a Double Eagle at the same time . . . I was young). Friend that runs a range had one in his (very extensive) collection and I got to put some rounds through it and was impressed.

The LH9 looks like something I'd like to get to play around with . . . probably will snag one in the next year or so.

[jaxman7]

Just received an email from my nephew today expressing an interest in this gun. I've never even heard of it until today. Interested to hear some of the more experienced shooters weigh in.

Dave,

Munch520 has had one for a few weeks now and I think he said has put 500+ rounds through his already and he seems to like it. You may want to PM him or maybe he can chime in.

-Jax

[brushy bill]

It is. The older guns made by Daewoo are still in service, much like the M9's issued to our troops. New pistol manufacturing has been taken over by S&T Motiv.

When Daewoo went under in 2002, most of its shares was bought up by S&T Holdings. It then became S&T Daewoo, later renamed to S&T Motiv.

Not trying to be a pain, but this is the exact model S Korea still uses or does it have changes/upgrades/differences?

[ruchik]

No. The Korean model is still the K5, or DP-51. The one imported by Lionheart is exactly the same, except they added front cocking serrations, Novak sights, new grips, and a Cerakote finish.

[munch520]

Dave,

Munch520 has had one for a few weeks now and I think he said has put 500+ rounds through his already and he seems to like it. You may want to PM him or maybe he can chime in.

-Jax

Correct - Dave happy to help in any way I can!

I agree with the OPs assessment - I was going to throw a thread up soon but this has saved me the time :) As Jax said, I'm on the way to 1k rounds through the gun without issue, very happy with the purchase overall.

I'll echo that this is a great deal. I have the MKii, which is the "full size" (basically G19 size) with 1913 rail, which I got for just under $600. Sure not as cheap as a Glock/M&P, but still a few hundred less than comparable DA/SA options like Sig and HK. Things like the full cerakote, sights, feature set, case, etc. really tip the scales of the value equation IMO. The slide to frame almost feels hand fit, as the OP said.

Maybe it's because mine is larger/heavier but contrary to the original post, I've found this to be one of the softer shooting pistols I've ever tried. But this has all been with 115gr hand loads (3.8-4gr Titegroup...would have to look at my notes can't remember the exact #).

The trigger options on the gun are neat and for those uncomfortable with DA+, you can just use double/single. Or condition 1. I've found that from a draw, pulling through the DA+ to put the gun in single action is very similar to how I prep my Glock triggers on press-out. Not exactly the same, but similar concept. The single action trigger itself is very nice, not as light as some but I feel it's very similar to a Geissele SSA. Has some weight to it, but a very, very clean break.

Some complaints...
The location and geometry of the slide release could be better, and thanks to the LH website, individual parts can be purchased when needed as necessary. I've been meaning to get another slide release in here to see if I can tweak the size in efforts to eliminate premature lock back. The safety also isn't my favorite, due to the pivot location. Very easy to sweep off but re-engaging it takes some work. While bringing the gun back in to re-holster, I have been bringing my support hand thumb up to push the safety back on. This allows me to keep a good firing grip with my dominant hand all the way through re-holstering.

The site should have G Code and Savoy Leather holster options for the MKii soon as well, my one gripe with them is that while they've done a decent job supporting the compact and non-railed full size, support for the MKii has been sparse. I'm also told VZ Grips may soon be in the mix with grip options, which I'd be psyched about.

This isn't a contender for "if I could only have one gun it would be_________" but it is a purchase I'm very happy with and one I will definitely be holding on to.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/13763857763_7ecfcf110f_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/13764510373_1c18db27fb_b.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/14017485103_3d6c15a0b1_b.jpg
The stock sights are very nice, but I added orange paint to the front dot. Night and day better than a white dot.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/13994319301_2dc13da3fe_b.jpg

[montanadave]

Thanks for the additional feedback, munch520. My nephew is working in California and I don't know what kind of restrictions that puts on his possible purchases. The fact that he expressed an interest in the LH9 leads me to believe it might be on the "approved" list is California. Regardless, I will pass along the pros and cons discussed in this thread.

[munch520]

No problem Dave

and don't mean to steal your thunder OP, thought I'd add some thoughts and avoid starting another thread in the future.

[ruchik]

No problem at all! I'm not really looking for recognition or anything, just wanting to let people know of a great handgun.

Montanadave, the LH9 and LH9C are not on the California approved list. It has to be bought through something called a Single Shot Exemption. If you mention it to your nephew, he will most likely know what that is.

[brushy bill]

Forged slide and frame...guessing the small parts are MIM...anyone know?

[Drifting Fate]

While I find the "push the hammer forward" feature interesting, I just can't get past the bad taste in my mouth from the Daewoo days. Don't know if theirs were QC or design issues, but if the latter, than it's a problem. I'd rather not be the beta tester. Check back with me in ten years and let me know how its help up.

[ruchik]

Not as far as I can tell. I sanded down the trigger for the purposes of a small mod I am doing, and it appears to be aluminum or steel.

[munch520]

While I find the "push the hammer forward" feature interesting, I just can't get past the bad taste in my mouth from the Daewoo days. Don't know if theirs were QC or design issues, but if the latter, than it's a problem. I'd rather not be the beta tester. Check back with me in ten years and let me know how its help up.

This isn't a new design. The pistol has been in service for a couple decades. Not sure what needs more proving..

All LH does is import it and make it pretty.

[jadro]

hi Ruchik i have the same gun and i read your review and i see that you said that the ram-line s&w 15rd can be used on our gun and it is flesh on the bottom. when i tried to buy it there are many s&w 15rd rem-line. there is the 6906 and the 69 series and the 669 series. can you please let me know which model you use? thank you!

p.s.-do u have a picture of how it looks on the gun?