BUL Armory TAC PRO 5"
- Graham Baates
- Aug 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 4
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Combining my previously-existing love for BUL Armory handguns with my recent return to the joy of 5" 9mm pistols is the BUL Armory TAC PRO 5". This model extends the barrel of the previously-reviewed BUL Armory TAC by .75" and as a "PRO" model includes BUL Armory's V-8 porting.
V-8 Porting is a line of four smaller ports along the length of two side of the barrel, oriented in a "V". This differs from the simpler "chunk" porting we've seen on other models, both in complexity, and I believe in effect. A chunk port, typically at the muzzle, dumps all of it's pressure very rapidly. Such ports are able to be effective because they're at the end of the muzzle where they have the most leverage.
In contrast, the BUL Armory row of smaller ports release pressure progressively with the ports closest to the chamber releasing the highest pressure while having the least leverage, and the last ports in the line having less pressure to release, but more leverage to accomplish compensation. The end result is compensation felt by the shooter as smoother and stretched through the shot instead of a quick smack downward with chunk porting. I describe all of this with a simple understanding of physics. To verify this would require an incredibly high-speed camera and two of the same firearm make and model ported in two different ways to be fired with various ammunition types by multiple shooters. As a consolation to that near impossibility, I only thought of how BUL Armory's porting was different after shooting the gun and sensing a different and smoother recoil impulse.
One other note on porting is that it has been my experience that hotter ammunition often provides the most effect, so much so that it often feels softer than genuinely softer ammunition will. To figure out how much energy the ammunition you're currently using has and compare it to others see my 9mm Range Ammunition Guide.
Who's it for? The 5" length, steel frame, and porting definitely make the BUL Armory TAC PRO 5" a competitor's gun, but it's also loads of fun on the range. All that nose weight, plus porting makes the pistol very easy to shoot, especially with a crisp trigger that's instantly ready for the next shot.
...but I can't find a BUL Armory! As I've explained in the past, currently the only way to buy a BUL Armory in the US is direct from BUL Armory. They do not use distributors which means gun shops aren't stocking them as part of their regular inventory. You'll likely see on the BUL Armory USA website that many models are out of stock. Thousands of guns are shipped to the US every couple of weeks and they can sell out in hours or even quicker. If you want one you've got to sign up for their notification and be ready to complete the purchase as soon as you get the in-stock notification. You have to remember that these are hand fit guns made by a small team for a world market. When doublestack 1911s came into fashion again a couple of years ago BUL Armory made the deciscion to retain the quality they've been known for and not massively expand like some other brands have. Those other brands can be found on store shelves, but afficianados will tell you they're not the same quality that built the brand. If you get your hands on a BUL Armory you'll see they remain a high-end shop staffed by skilled builders.
Take a Look at the BUL Armory TAC PRO 5" in the tabletop video below. Rumble Link
Specifications:
Platform: SAS2
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 5” V8 Ported bull barrel
Frame: Stainless steel
Grip: Full Size
Optic system: BAO multi footprint system
Sights: Black serrated rear & front
Capacity: 20+1
Trigger weight: Up to 3.2lbs
Finish: Black (PVD)
Weight (unloaded):1000g / 2.2Lb
What’s in the box:
- Magazines: 4
- BAO adapter plates (3): RMR / DPP / Holosun K & RMSc
- Short mainspring house pin
- Guide rod takedown tool
- 9lbs options recoil spring
- Bore brush kit
- Owners manual
- Range bag
MSRP: $2,450 direct from BUL Armory
BUL Armory TAC PRO 5" Kit
After 11 BUL Armory reviews I've come to know them as superior firearms leaving little-to-no appreciable reason to spend any more money for something similar from another brand. With the assumption I was going to have a good range trip, and ready to violate my warranty by shooting plated ammunition for your education, I mounted a Viridian Optics RFX 35 (matching my 4.25" TAC model) and headed to the range for the GBGuns range review protocol:
Cold Shots: Truly my first shots through the gun.
Full Magazine +1: Suprisingly some modern guns still struggle with this. It's a test of how much play is in the magazine as well as how the slide cycles with pressure. This is also when I do my best to learn the trigger.
What's For Dinner™: A test to see what ammunition the gun will eat. Does the gun feed the round from slide lock, will it cycle and feed another round of the same type, does the slide lock to the rear on empty, and is there any notable point of impact change with different loads.
For this gun the following ammunition was used:
Priced and linked where found at the time this article was written
95gr Magtech JSP $21.85 / 50 at Widener's
100gr Federal BallistiClean Frangible (no longer listed by Federal)
100gr Blazer Reduced Recoil $17.89 / 50 at Palmetto State Armory
115gr Sig 365 JHP $19.99 / 20 direct from Sig
124gr Hornady American Gunner $22.85 / 25 from Widener's
124gr Federal Premium HST $39.95 / 50 from Widener's
124gr PMC SFX JHP $24.85 / 50 from Widener's
135gr Hornady Critical Duty $29.85 / 25 from Widener's
147gr Winchester Defense JHP $25.85 / 50 at Widener's
165gr AMMO, Inc. /stelTH/ $21.25 / 50 at Target Sports
Standard range ammunition was Winchester Target & Practice 115gr $11.50 / 50 at Target Sports USA
Sights & Trigger Control: on a 6" spinner target at a distance of 12 yards. We got this from Titan Great Outdoors and use it to gauge how learnable the trigger is and usable the sights are for forced, timed, precise shots.
Practical Accuracy: Five shots from a distance of seven yards at a one inch target. This isn't so much about printing a tight group as it is a culmination of the shooting experience and time for to collect thoughts prior to making a conclusion.
After Shots: Final impressions and reflections from the range session.
See the process yourself from my very first shot as I explore the BUL Armory TAC PRO 5" in the shooting impressions video below. Rumble Link.
On the range I was startled a bit at first by the difference. I've put a lot of rounds through my BUL Armory TAC and even more through my BUL Armory EDC that serves as my winter carry. As a result, my hand felt familiar with the grip, texture, and controls of the TAC PRO 5" as if I was shooting a gun I already knew, but the shooting experience was completely new. While the 4.25" models are smooth shooting, especially the TAC, adding .75" and some ports to the end to make the TAC PRO truly made it a new shooting experience.
As discussed in other reviews, a 5" 9mm tends to produce more of a rolling recoil impulse versus the quick and jarring impulse of shorter slides. Combine that slower rolling feel with the compensation provided by the ports and the TAC PRO 5" turns a shooting day into an easy day. I really enjoyed it. Everything I loved about other BUL Armory models, but now an even softer shooting experience that just begs to be run quickly. I plan on comparing results differences between the TAC PRO 5" and TAC 4.25" in a future video when time permits to film that.
One feature I've come to really appreciate on the BUL Armory SAS II frames is the real double undercut. It may not look like much, but it helps the support hand find the same spot every time; building consistency that helps in training and accuracy. While shooting things just feel "the way they're supposed to be" until I shoot a pistol that doesn't have such an undercut and then I feel like I'm wresting the gun on my support hand instead of wrapping my support hand into the gun.
Another note is that between the low mounting of the BAO mount system and slightly-taller sights included with the TAC PRO 5" a true co-witness was possible with the Viridian Optics RFX 35. This makes it easier for traditional iron shooters to get quick with a dot as the presentation height is the same. It also means that should the optic fail you've still got usable sights.