TFB Review: Q Honey Badger 5.56 - First 200 Rounds

Q LLC, a firearms manufacturer known for its bold "Live Q or Die" ethos, was founded by industry veteran Kevin Brittingham in Portsmouth, New Hampshire . At just 19, he incorporated Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in 1997, transforming it into a suppressor powerhouse with rapid growth . In 2009, he sold AAC to Remington Arms for approximately $18 million, but clashing with Remington's leadership led to his ouster in 2011 and a lawsuit that sidelined him until 2014 . Briefly serving as president of SIG Sauer's suppressor division, Brittingham departed in 2015 amid frustrations with corporate bureaucracy, reuniting with key alumni from AAC and SIG to establish Q . The Honey Badger, Q's flagship personal defense weapon (PDW), traces its roots to a 2011 AAC prototype developed under Brittingham's guidance to meet a U.S . Special Operations Command (SOCOM) call for a compact, suppressed replacement for the MP5SD, chambered exclusively in the newly adopted 300 AAC Blackout cartridge for versatile subsonic and supersonic performance . This integrated-suppressor short-barreled rifle (SBR) featured a minimalist gas system and AR ergonomics but stalled post-Remington acquisition, losing to SIG's MCX and never reaching commercial production . Revived by Q in 2017 as a semi-auto civilian versioncomplete with a 7-inch barrel, 1:5 twist, and two-stamp NFA compliancethe 300 Blackout Honey Badger weighed just 4

pounds 8 ounces

. In 2023, Q expanded the line with a 5.56 NATO variant, boasting a 9.69-inch barrel for enhanced velocity while retaining the PDW's 4-pound-9-ounce featherweight build . This past summer, I was lucky enough to build my own Honey Badger in 5.56 at Q, and here are my impressions on my first 200 rounds through the rifle. The Q Honey Badger in 5 .56 and the Q South Paw Suppressor were provided for this article, and while I am allowed to keep these products indefinitely, this will not influence my opinions on any current or future offerings from Q . Initial Setup and Impressions The Honey Badger felt exceptionally light and balanced when I first picked it up. The machined aluminum construction gives it a solid heft where it counts, but still agile . The adjustable gas block was tuned from the factory, and Im yet to touch it as I was told by Q that it should be good to work with and without a can attached . I mounted my Eotech for testing and ran it with standard AR-15 magazines from Magpul and Surefeeds. Lastly, I attached the Q Southpaw suppressor, their dedicated steel 5.56 can . I tried the gun in both configurations: running unsuppressed and then throwing the can on. Shooting Unsuppressed Starting unsuppressed, the Honey Badger cycles smoothly, yet there is a snappiness from the short barrel

. On the other hand, the blast from the 9.96-inch barrel was anything but subtle. Ear pro is non-negotiable when shooting this gun without a can attached . Zero gas blowback to the face, and I'm happy to report the gun cycled with no jams. The reset on the trigger is incredibly short, and if you have a quick finger, you can definitely burn it down with this gun . Shooting Suppressed Attaching the suppressor transformed the experience from fine to downright fun. According to Pew Science, the South Paw has a rating of 30.6 and an average DB of 143.3 out of a 10 .3-inch barrel, and shooting Federal XM193 ammunition. While not exact, this is close to what I was shooting. It's not the whisper-quiet subsonic magic of the 300 Blackout version, but for 5 .56, it's respectable and reduces the concussion significantly indoors or in confined areas. Recoil softened further, and the gas system handled the backpressure well, with minimal overgassing to the shooter . Heat buildup on the suppressor became evident after only about 15 rounds, and I would highly recommend having gloves around whenever shooting with a can attached . I ran another 100 rounds suppressed, mixing in some rapid fire, and it digested everything without hiccups. The compact length (around 23 inches overall suppressed) made transitions and shooting drills a breeze . The stock setup requires a slightly forward-leaning stance to get a proper check weld in my experience. Reliability and Observations After 200 Rounds No malfunctions across the board, which is a solid considering I shot the gun suppressed and unsuppressed

. Disassembly is straightforward, while a bit different. You need to take out both of the receiver pins at the same time to get the upper and lower to separate without too many issues . If you try and disassemble the gun like a standard AR and hinge it open, the recoil spring will get in your way

. Once I cracked the Honey Badger open, man, was this gun dirty! No noticeable wear at this round count, and that's what I anticipated. Pros and Cons Pros: Ultra-lightweight and compact: At 4 .5 pounds, it's effortless to carry and shoot. Excellent suppression for 5.56: Reduces noise and flash effectively. Balanced handling: Feels nimble for drills, with a crisp trigger . Cons: Heat management: Suppressor gets scorching after extended fire, requiring wraps or gloves. Ergonomics quirks: The stock will require adaptation for a comfortable cheek weld . Price premium: At around $3,000+, it's a luxury build with some proprietary parts that could complicate future mods. So far, the Q Honey Badger in 5 .56 lives up to its PDW heritage as a suppressed shorty that's fun and functional for close-range work. It's not perfect for every role, but man, is it a fun gun to bring to the range and play around with.