Q Firearms Buying Guide
Every Q rifle and pistol we carry, from the Honey Badger and Sugar Weasel to the Boom Box, The Fix and the Mini Fix: what each one is built for, which versions are SBRs, and which Q suppressor to pair with it.
How to Choose a Q Firearm
Q, based in Dover, New Hampshire, builds its rifles to run suppressed. They ship with threaded, tapered muzzles, and most come with a Q Cherry Bomb brake installed, so they're ready for a Q Quickie Fast-Attach suppressor out of the box. Every Q product carries a lifetime warranty.
Start with the action and the caliber:
- Compact semi-auto in 300 BLK: the Honey Badger, or the lower-priced Sugar Weasel built on standard AR parts.
- Semi-auto in 8.6 BLK: the Boom Box.
- Light bolt action: The Fix in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor or 8.6 BLK.
- Compact bolt action on AR magazines: the Mini Fix in 6mm ARC or 300 BLK.
Then pick the version. Most of these come as an SBR (short-barreled rifle), which ships after your ATF Form 4 is approved, and some come as a pistol or a full-length rifle. The SD versions include a suppressor, so they need two approvals. Looking for the suppressor first? See our Q suppressor buying guide.
Which Q Firearm Should You Buy?
Here's where we'd point you based on how you'll use it. Each pick links to the full breakdown further down the page.
Compact 300 BLK
Honey Badger
7 in. 1:5 twist barrel, Q's two-stage trigger and a collapsing stock or brace. SBR, pistol and SD versions.
Factory suppressed 300 BLK
Honey Badger
The Honey Badger SD pairs the SBR with its own integrated suppressor under a 12 in. handguard.
Lower-priced 300 BLK
Sugar Weasel
Honey Badger barrel, Cherry Bomb and handguard on standard M16-spec receivers.
8.6 BLK semi-auto
Boom Box
12 in. 1:3 twist barrel for heavy subsonic 8.6 BLK, on SR-25 magazines. 5.5 lbs.
Light hunting bolt gun
The Fix
One-piece receiver, 45-degree bolt throw and a folding stock, about 6.2 lbs in .308.
Smallest suppressed bolt gun
Mini Fix
The 300 BLK SBR folds to about 17 in. The limited Mini Fix SD adds an integrated suppressor.
Q Semi-Auto Rifles: Honey Badger, Sugar Weasel and Boom Box
All three are direct impingement ARs with adjustable gas blocks, so you can tune them for your suppressor and ammo, supersonic or subsonic.
Q Honey Badger
The Honey Badger is a compact 300 BLK PDW built for suppressed use from day one. The original was developed for a U.S. special operations request to replace the MP5-SD, and Q rebuilt it with a new gas system, Q's two-stage trigger and a refined telescoping stock.
Caliber: 300 BLK; 5.56 NATO | Barrel: 7 in., 1:5 twist (300 BLK); 9.7 in., 1:5 twist (5.56) | Muzzle: 5/8x24 Cherry Bomb (300 BLK); 1/2x28 Cherry Bomb (5.56) | Length: 20 to 25.5 in. (300 BLK) | Weight: 4.8 to 4.9 lbs (300 BLK); 5 to 5.1 lbs (5.56) | Trigger: Q two-stage | Handguard: 6 in. M-LOK
The two-position stock collapses short because the buffer system lives in the upper receiver. It takes standard AR-15 magazines. The SD version adds the integrated Honey Badger suppressor (8.4 in., 1.5 in. diameter) under a 12 in. M-LOK handguard and weighs 5.4 lbs; the Honey Badger suppressor isn't sold separately.
What reviewers found
RECOIL: Tested the Honey Badger SD and called out its "incredibly thin and great-handling front end," a 2.8 lb trigger break, and several hundred rounds with no noticeable accuracy loss out to 350 yards. Read the review
The Firearm Blog: Ran a 5.56 Honey Badger for a year: 800+ rounds with no malfunctions, suppressed and unsuppressed, and a best group of 1.04 MOA at 75 yards. Read the review
Versions we carry
- Honey Badger SBR, 300 BLK (7 in.)
- Honey Badger SBR, 5.56 (9.7 in.)
- Honey Badger Pistol, 300 BLK (7 in., with SB Tactical brace)
- Honey Badger SD (300 BLK SBR with integrated suppressor)
Q Sugar Weasel
The Sugar Weasel is the lower-priced way into a Honey Badger-style 300 BLK. It uses the same 7 in. 1:5 twist barrel, Cherry Bomb, adjustable gas block and 6 in. M-LOK handguard as the Honey Badger, on a clear anodized M16-spec receiver set without a forward assist.
Caliber: 300 BLK | Barrel: 7 in., 1:5 twist | Muzzle: 5/8x24 Cherry Bomb | Gas: Pistol length, adjustable gas block | Trigger: Single-stage | Handguard: 6 in. M-LOK | Buffer: Carbine buffer and spring in a 6-position receiver extension
The SBR uses a standard adjustable AR stock; the pistol uses an SB Tactical SBA3 brace.
What reviewers found
AmmoLand: Put 1,000 rounds through a Sugar Weasel pistol, about 90% of them suppressed with a Q Thunder Chicken, with "absolutely no issues or malfunctions." Read the review
Versions we carry
- Sugar Weasel SBR (7 in.)
- Sugar Weasel Pistol (7 in., with SBA3 brace)
Q Boom Box
The Boom Box takes the Honey Badger idea to 8.6 BLK: a compact large-frame SBR built for heavy subsonic bullets, with a 1:3 twist barrel to stabilize them.
Caliber: 8.6 BLK | Barrel: 12 in. stainless, 1:3 twist | Muzzle: M18x1.5 with XL Cherry Bomb | Length: 27 to 32 in. | Weight: 5.5 lbs | Trigger: Q two-stage | Magazine: SR-25 pattern, 20-round included
It has an adjustable gas block, steel feed ramps, a two-position collapsing stock, an ambidextrous safety, a Q-Sert M-LOK handguard and a full-length top rail.
Versions we carry
- Boom Box SBR, 8.6 BLK (12 in.)
Q Bolt-Action Rifles: The Fix and Mini Fix
Both use a one-piece receiver with no chassis, a 45-degree short-throw bolt, a two-stage trigger, a folding adjustable stock, a full-length 1913 rail, a Q-Sert handguard and AR-style controls, so they feel familiar if you shoot an AR-15.
Q The Fix
The Fix is a light, full-size bolt gun that folds for transport. The 45-degree bolt throw is faster to run than a standard 90-degree bolt, and the folding stock locks up with a wedge hinge that has no buttons or latches.
Calibers: .308 Win (16 in., 1:10), 6.5 Creedmoor (22 in., 1:7), 8.6 BLK (16, 12 or 8 in.) and more | Muzzle: 5/8x24 (.308, 6.5); M18x1.5 (8.6 BLK); Cherry Bomb installed | Weight: 6.2 lbs (.308 16 in.); 7.7 lbs (6.5 CM 22 in.); 5.4 lbs (8.6 BLK 12 in.) | Folded length: 25.75 in. (.308 16 in.) | Trigger: Two-stage
The 8.6 BLK Fix is built around subsonic 8.6 BLK, so it's a natural suppressed hunting rifle. The 12 in. and 8 in. versions are SBRs.
What reviewers found
Gun Digest: Tested the 12 in. 8.6 BLK Fix with four loads and averaged 1.83 in. at 100 yards, with a best of 1.12 in. using 210 gr Barnes TSX, and found it placed both subsonic and supersonic rounds accurately out to 200 yards. Read the review
Field & Stream: Tested a 16 in. .308 Fix: five-shot groups averaged "just a tad more than an inch" at 100 yards, with flawless feeding and ejection. Read the review
Versions we carry
- The Fix (.308, 6.5 Creedmoor and other calibers)
- The Fix, 8.6 BLK (16 in. rifle)
- The Fix SBR, 8.6 BLK (12 in.)
- The Fix SBR, 8.6 BLK (8 in.)
Q Mini Fix
The Mini Fix is a smaller Fix built around short cartridges and AR-15 magazines. The bolt locks into the barrel rather than the receiver, so you can swap barrels yourself without a gunsmith.
Calibers: 6mm ARC (16 in., 1:7); 300 BLK (8 in., 1:5) | Muzzle: 1/2x28 with Cherry Bomb (6mm ARC); 5/8x24 (300 BLK) | Weight: 4.7 lbs (300 BLK 8 in.) | Length: 17.13 in. folded, 26.75 in. open (300 BLK 8 in.) | Bolt: 5-lug AR-style, 45-degree throw | Magazine: AR-15/M4 pattern
The 300 BLK version is an SBR. The limited Mini Fix SD (202 made) pairs the 8 in. 300 BLK SBR with an integrated suppressor and the Q Kickstand bipod.
What reviewers found
Outdoor Life: Tested the 16 in. 6mm ARC Mini Fix and found it "really accurate": a 1.03 in. 20-shot group at 100 yards with Hornady 103 gr ELD-X, and 0.88 in. with a handload. Read the review
Versions we carry
- Mini Fix, 6mm ARC (16 in. rifle)
- Mini Fix SBR, 300 BLK (8 in.)
- Mini Fix SD + Silencer (300 BLK, limited)
Which Q Suppressor Goes on Which Q Rifle?
With a Cherry Bomb on the muzzle, a Q Quickie Fast-Attach suppressor threads straight on. Match the suppressor to the caliber:
| Firearm | Muzzle | Q suppressors that fit |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Badger, Sugar Weasel (300 BLK) | 5/8x24 Cherry Bomb | Trash Panda, Thunder Chicken, Speakeasy, Blind Tiger, Tall Boy |
| Honey Badger 5.56 | 1/2x28 Cherry Bomb | Lefty |
| Boom Box, The Fix 8.6 BLK | M18x1.5 XL Cherry Bomb | Porq Chop, Short Chop |
| The Fix .308 | 5/8x24 Cherry Bomb | Trash Panda, Thunder Chicken, Speakeasy, Blind Tiger, Tall Boy |
| The Fix 6.5 Creedmoor | 5/8x24 Cherry Bomb | Jumbo Shrimp, Lil' Dropkick |
| Mini Fix 6mm ARC | 1/2x28 Cherry Bomb | Lefty, Lil' Dropkick |
| Mini Fix 300 BLK | 5/8x24, Quickie-ready | Trash Panda, Thunder Chicken, Speakeasy, Blind Tiger, Tall Boy |
For the most suppression on subsonic 300 BLK, look at the Tall Boy or Speakeasy; for the lightest setup, the Trash Panda. Already own another brand's suppressor? A Plan-B converts many HUB, ASR and other cans to fit the Cherry Bomb. Compare every can in our Q suppressor buying guide.
Q Firearm Comparison Table
Weights are from Q's manuals where Q lists them.
| Model | Action | Caliber | Barrel | Weight | NFA status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Badger SBR | Semi-auto | 300 BLK | 7 in. | 4.8 to 4.9 lbs | SBR |
| Honey Badger SBR | Semi-auto | 5.56 | 9.7 in. | 5 to 5.1 lbs | SBR |
| Honey Badger Pistol | Semi-auto | 300 BLK | 7 in. | 4.8 to 4.9 lbs | Pistol |
| Honey Badger SD | Semi-auto | 300 BLK | 7 in. | 5.4 lbs | SBR + suppressor |
| Sugar Weasel | Semi-auto | 300 BLK | 7 in. | Not listed | SBR or pistol |
| Boom Box | Semi-auto | 8.6 BLK | 12 in. | 5.5 lbs | SBR |
| The Fix | Bolt | .308 | 16 in. | 6.2 lbs | Rifle |
| The Fix | Bolt | 6.5 Creedmoor | 22 in. | 7.7 lbs | Rifle |
| The Fix | Bolt | 8.6 BLK | 16 in. | Not listed | Rifle |
| The Fix | Bolt | 8.6 BLK | 12 or 8 in. | 5.4 lbs (12 in.) | SBR |
| Mini Fix | Bolt | 6mm ARC | 16 in. | Not listed | Rifle |
| Mini Fix | Bolt | 300 BLK | 8 in. | 4.7 lbs | SBR |
| Mini Fix SD | Bolt | 300 BLK | 8 in. | Not listed | SBR + suppressor |
Buying a Q SBR or SD
An SBR ships to you after your ATF Form 4 is approved, the same way a suppressor does. The SD versions (Honey Badger SD and Mini Fix SD) include a suppressor, so they need two approvals: one for the SBR and one for the suppressor. Full-length rifles like the 16 in. Fix and Mini Fix 6mm ARC aren't NFA items. The pistol versions ship with a pistol stabilizing brace.
We file your Form 4s electronically and ship approved items to your door. Need a trust or fingerprints? We handle those too. If you're buying a Q rifle and a Q suppressor together, we can file both at once.
Q Firearms FAQ
What is the difference between the Honey Badger and the Sugar Weasel?
Both are 7 in. 300 BLK direct impingement ARs with the same barrel, Cherry Bomb, adjustable gas block and 6 in. M-LOK handguard. The Honey Badger adds Q's two-stage trigger, billet receivers and a compact telescoping stock with the buffer in the upper. The Sugar Weasel uses M16-spec receivers, a single-stage trigger and a standard AR buffer and stock, and costs less.
Is the Honey Badger direct impingement or piston driven?
Direct impingement.
Can I buy the Honey Badger suppressor separately?
No. The Honey Badger suppressor is sold only with the Honey Badger SD.
Do Q rifles come with a muzzle device?
Most do. The Honey Badger, Sugar Weasel and The Fix ship with a Cherry Bomb brake, and the Boom Box with an XL Cherry Bomb, ready for a Q Quickie Fast-Attach suppressor. Check each product page for what's in the box.
What magazines do Q rifles use?
The Honey Badger, Sugar Weasel and Mini Fix take AR-15/M4 pattern magazines. The Boom Box and the 8.6 BLK Fix take SR-25 pattern magazines.
Can I change barrels on the Mini Fix?
Yes. The bolt locks into the barrel instead of the receiver, so you can swap barrels yourself without a gunsmith.
Do I need a tax stamp for a Q SBR?
Yes. SBR versions need an approved ATF Form 4 before they ship, and the SD versions need two (one for the SBR and one for the suppressor). Full-length rifles don't.
What warranty do Q firearms have?
Q products carry a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
Ready to Buy Your Q Rifle?
We handle the Form 4 for every Q SBR and suppressor and ship approved items to your home. Need a trust or fingerprints? We handle those too.
Comparing brands? Browse all of our buying guides →