Bul Armory has been producing small arms for about a third of a century, since the Israeli operation’s founding in 1990. In the US, they’ve come to be probably most commonly known for their 1911s, notably their competition-purposed race guns. However, they also produce handguns intended for duty use and EDC/concealed carry. Over the last year or so, there have been rumblings about some new and improved polymer-framed models coming to the US, as James and Luke C. reported on at last year’s IWA trade show. More updates emerged earlier this month from IWA 2023, and now Bul has announced that their new 2023 Axe Hatchet handgun models, generally comparable to the Glock 17 and 19 but with some apparent aftermarket customization-inspired features, should be available later this year. Check out the details in the press release copied below.
Bul Armory @ TFB:
These competitors in the polymer-frame game feature grip texturing similar to styles popular with aftermarket stippling on some other manufacturers’ guns.
Bul Armory – New Axe Hatchet (IWA release)
Introducing the new 2023 Axe Hatchet models! featuring a new aggressive texture frame, a direct mount optic system (RMR footprint) and a stainless steel guide rod. Available in Compact and Full Size models.
– Release date: Q2
– Will be available in Black for the US market (!)
– Two magazines included with the gun.
– MSRP: 620$
Specifications:Caliber: 9mm.Barrel length:-Compact (C): 102mm / 4.02 inch.-Full Size (FS): 114mm / 4.49 inch.Optic ready: Trijicon RMR footprintSteel 3-Dot sights (Glock type dovetail)Flat face aluminum trigger / 3.5 – 4.0 LB trigger pull.Magazine capacity:-Compact (C): 15 rounds.-Full Size (FS): 17 rounds.Magazine type: Glock type.Weight without magazine: 587g (Compact).Available colors: Black (PVD) / Silver (Natural finish).*Optic shown in pictures but is not included with the gun.
Bul’s Axe Hatchet guns come optics-ready from the factory, cut for red dot models using the popular RMR/Holosun/Shield-style footprint.
With features like the grip texturing, slide cuts, and flat-face trigger, it appears that Bul is giving many shooters what they’ve been seeking in the aftermarket for years, with other makes such as Glock. What do you think about these new models? Do they provide updates that you want from a factory gun? Do you like the feature set that Bul has chosen, or would you do anything differently? Given the $620 MSRP, would you expect that they’ll be a good value? Will you be giving these new Axe Hatchet pistols a try, and why or why not? What experience do you have with Bul’s other handgun models, and how have you found those? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. See you at the range!