If you ask Bond Arms, they will tell you that their Bullpup9 (previously the Boberg XR9S) gets multiple benefits from its unique operating mechanism. Most everyone familiar with the gun knows about the idea that it provides and extra cartridge-length worth of barrel for the same overall length as a traditionally design pistol. However, it is also claimed that the Boberg design reduces slide weight and velocity, thus imparting less felt recoil and less muzzle climb when firing.

This is an interesting question, and one that is often ignored in discussion of the design, I think. It's easy to fixated on the more obvious strengths and weaknesses of the design, but the question of felt recoil has a lot of merit. Felt recoil is influenced by many factors, and I am curious whether Bond Arm's claim in this matter is justified.

So, I grabbed my long-time friend Joel and we took a selection of comparable pistols out to put it to the test. We have a Bond Bullpup9, a Rohrbaugh R9, a Kahr PM9, and a Sig P365. The intent is not to judge them overall, but just to compare recoil and handling, both by shooting impression and also through high speed videography. So, let's get down to it!