Image of the HD1 courtesy of Heizer Defense via Twitter.
Heizer Defense is developing a single shot pistol they call the HD1 Pocket Shotgun. The pistol is chambered to fire both 45 Colt and .410 bore shotgun shells like the Taurus Judge. Unlike the Judge, the HD1 is smaller, flatter and fires…well…only one shot.
From a tactical standpoint, I would never recommend anyone rely on a single shot firearm for self defense. I don’t care what caliber it is, or even if it uses mercury-filled, exploding-tip kryptonite rounds. Relying on a one shot stop is poor tactical doctrine. But, does that mean this handgun doesn’t have a place in someone’s self defense arsenal?
I could possibly see carrying this as a third pistol. As a backup, I’d prefer a five-shot Smith & Wesson J-frame as a minimum. This would make a decent contact weapon since there is no slide that could be pushed out of battery. But then, my J-frame covers that specific shot pretty well too.
I am amused by the fact they are calling it a “pocket shotgun.” If I understand the legal ramifications of the production of these types of firearms, the barrel has to be rifled to avoid being labeled a shotgun and the 18″ barrel requirement. While I understand the marketing angle, technically it cannot be a shotgun unless the company goes all NFA with it. According to the Heizer Defense Facebook page, they are currently testing rifling with a 1:10 LH twist with six grooves.
The pistol will be available in both a stainless steel frame and in a titanium frame. The butt of the gun opens, allowing for the storage of two .45 Colt cartridges. The pistols should be available this spring.
