Lionheart LH9

[Kevin_d77]

They're selling them direct from Lionheart for $432 w free shipping. Tough to beat that. Anyone actually have trigger time with them??? Think the sale ends tonight


http://www.lionheartindustries.com/lh9/#.UpwPTrK9KSM

[TennJed]

This is a gun that really interest me

[Kevin_d77]

Me too. For $423, almost $200 less than MSRP....tough to pass up!

[PSP]

Back to $615. I'd have bought at $423 for sure. Oh well...

[Skans]

It has an aluminum frame. If it had a steel frame, I'd be interested in it. However, it does resemble my S&W 659. Based on the description, the trigger may be an improvement.

[Fishbed77]

Back to $615. I'd have bought at $423 for sure.

I think that's the main problem with the Lionheart pistols. At the $615 price point, they are competing with heavy hitters like the Glocks, Berettas, M&Ps, and XDs, not to mention superior pistols like the Walther PPQ or P99.

The $423 price tag makes a lot more sense, especially since Sarco is still selling DP-51s (the same pistol minus the ceracote finish and forward slide serrations) for under $300.

[Kevin_d77]

Curiosity got me. Always looking for something new and unique. Even though I really don't need another 9, I felt this was too good of a deal to pass. I'll let everyone know my opinions on it although I find it hard to think it will unseat my new fave (Sig 228) or be as fun to shoot as the Baby Eagle, but I could be mistaken.

[PSP]

The $423 price tag makes a lot more sense...

It isn't that I don't think the gun is worth the $600 price, I do, but I would have absolutely no excuse not to buy one at $400. I own two Daewoos. They are very well made. I'll get the newer model one of these days.

[GLI45]

Picked up a Lionheart this past summer. My wife saw them at the NRA convention and really liked it. Very solid gun, well made, and comfortable to shoot. Like many have said they are facing some stiff, well established competition in the $600-$700 price range. If anyone were to catch them on sale in the $450 price range again it's a great buy and more than worth purchasing one.

[Jo6pak]

American made version of the Daewoo DP51.

Now they just need to start making the Daewoo rifles stateside (wishful thinking, but not bloody likely)

[predecessor]

American made version of the Daewoo DP51.

They (Lionheart pistols) are still made in Korea.

The question should not be why are these $600 pistols? (Look at the materials, fit, finish, and package that it comes in).

The better question is why is a Glock $550? If we're basing price solely on materials and the value of the complete package, the Lionheart pistol is probably priced right and the Glock should sell for $300

[RickB]

Predecessor has it exactly right. A gun with forged steel slide and forged aluminum frame that costs $650 has people questioning the price point, but a gun with a $5 plastic frame that costs over $500 somehow seems a good deal? Glock's genius was in marketing, not engineering!

[Kevin_d77]

When it's all said and done, got mine for under $450 out the door. If I like it, great! If not, sell it or hold on to it for its unique action.

[TunnelRat]

Predecessor has it exactly right. A gun with forged steel slide and forged aluminum frame that costs $650 has people questioning the price point, but a gun with a $5 plastic frame that costs over $500 somehow seems a good deal? Glock's genius was in marketing, not engineering!

I think the issue is that they were previously sold in the US for significantly less money.

[Jo6pak]

They (Lionheart pistols) are still made in Korea.

Thanks for the clarification. I thought they were assembled her from Korean made parts. Is Lionheart simply the importer?

[carguychris]

I thought they were assembled her from Korean made parts. Is Lionheart simply the importer?

Nothing I can find on the website clearly states that Lionheart actually manufactures any part of the pistols, and the pistols pictured in the "Firearms" section all clearly display "S&T MOTIV - MADE IN KOREA" slide legends.

IMHO it's reasonable to conclude that Lionheart is solely an importer, but I can't say for certain.

[Fishbed77]

I think the issue is that they were previously sold in the US for significantly less money.

That and the fact that, at $650, they are priced above some well-established and high-quality DA/SA pistols like the Beretta 92FS (with alloy frame), various CZ offerings (with steel & polymer frames), and the Walther P99AS (which has a curiously similar trigger system -albeit striker-fired- to the Lionheart). I don't see anything the Lionheart offers over any of these pistols, and a few areas where it currently comes up short (viability of spare parts and accessory availability). A lower price point would give the Lionheart a better footing, and make it much more relevant.

Then of course, you have the established striker-fired polymer players like Glock, the M&P, and the XD pistols, which all cost $100 or more less than the Lionheart.

[TunnelRat]

That and the fact that, at $650, they are priced above some well-established and high-quality DA/SA pistols like the Beretta 92FS (with alloy frame), various CZ offerings (with steel & polymer frames), and the Walther P99AS (which has a curiously similar trigger system -albeit striker-fired- to the Lionheart). I don't see anything the Lionheart offers over any of these pistols, and a few areas where it currently comes up short (viability of spare parts and accessory availability). A lower price point would give the Lionheart a better footing, and make it much more relevant.

You're even in used SIG territory.

For $450 or less I might pick one up just to try it out.

[armoredman]

Daewoo DP51s had a good rep last time I was in the industry, but that was years ago. Good to see them make a comeback.

[Kevin_d77]

At 450 it was hard to say no. I have plenty of other options (strikers, DA/SA in poly, metal and aluminum) so why not try something new. They may just be the new CZ!

[PSP]

Nothing I can find on the website clearly states that Lionheart actually manufactures any part of the pistols

The web site clearly states that Lionheart Industries is the manufacturer and importer.

[Wishoot]

Looks like Sarco has used DP51's starting at $225.

I've bought a few things from Sarco without any issues, but never a gun.

[carguychris]

Originally Posted by PSP

The web site clearly states that Lionheart Industries is the manufacturer and importer.

Look again, and pay close attention to how I worded my last post. The website says that Lionheart is a manufacturer, but what they manufacture is never explained.

[PSP]

You're kidding, right?

[Walt Sherrill]

The basic Lionheart LH series of 9mm guns seem to be little-changed versions of the basic DaeWoo DP-51.

The differences between the LH9 and DP-51 seems to be mostly minor upgrades: new and different finishes, a variety of sights, and whether there's a frame rail or not. What little can be seen suggests that the guns are functionally identical to the DaeWoo DP-51. One big difference: Lionheart isn't offering a compact or .40 version of the DP-51 design. (I"ve owned both the fullsize 9mm and .40 versions.)

None of this should be considered criticism. I liked the DP-51 and DH-40s I owned. Good guns.

If you read the website closely, in the ABOUT pages, you'll find that Lionheart formed a partnership with S&T Motiv, a DaeWoo company. The website doesn't say that LH manufactures the LH series, only that LH has entered a partnership to co-design and manufacture a new series of guns. I think it's safe to say the LH9 isn't really a new series of guns. It's safe to assume that new line of guns is coming.

A more basic point: if Lionheart were manufacturing the LH series in the U.S., they'd not have to also be an importer...