HECKLER AND KOCH VP9 MATCH
Posted May 19, 2023
The Heckler & Koch VP9 Match is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by the German defence giant Heckler & Koch. To meet the demands of today's elite shooters, the VP9 was designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and reliability. Equipped with adjustable sights for a customised sight picture and improved ergonomics, the VP9 offers the shooter maximum comfort and precision.
The Heckler & Koch VP9 Match, as its name implies, is a match-grade pistol designed to meet the demands of competitive shooters. Even compared to the original or non-match VP9, it is a step up when it comes to accuracy and reliability.
The VP9 Match is a 9x19mm caliber semi-automatic featuring a 4-inch cold hammer-forged barrel which is designed to deliver a high level of accuracy. The barrel, along with the trigger mechanism and slide, are all machined from a solid block of high-grade steels for optimal durability. The frame is made of high-grade polymer to reduce the pistol's weight and profile.
The VP9 Match features adjustable sights for a customised sight picture. Additionally, the rear sight is designed for easy swapping of various models. The sights are dovetailed into the slide so that they can be sold together when needed. Rear sights can be adjusted for windage and elevation and the VP9 also features a fiber optic rod insert in the front sight for improved target acquisition.
So what about its accuracy? In addition to the VP9's adjustable sights, the design and construction of the barrel play a significant role in accuracy. The 4-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is designed to provide the shooter with repeatable accuracy. In testing, the VP9 maintained excellent groups of 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches at 25 yards. That kind of accuracy can make all the difference in competitive shooting events.
For reliability, the VP9 boasts an attractive 92% reliability rate out of the box. This is an impressive statistic, as most pistols usually require several rounds through them in order to break them in over time. The VP9 simply works, and it works as soon as you pull the trigger.
Ergonomically, the VP9 Match is one of the most comfortable semi automatics available. The VP9 utilizes what Heckler & Koch calls the “SoftCap” system. Basically, the major parts of the grip are moulded from plastic and filled with foam. This softens the recoil and dampens the grip, making the VP9 comfortable to handle and shoot.
The VP9 is also equipped with interchangeable backstraps to further customize the ergonomics. The kit includes four backstraps so you can pick the size that feels best in your hand. The variations are thumb rests, backstraps, and palm swell. They are easy to change and the kit also includes additional mounting screws. This allows for a fully customized feel.
When it comes to build quality, it is difficult to find fault with the VP9. All of the parts are meticulously machined and fit together flawlessly. Even after several hundred rounds, there is no noticeable wear and tear, and both the slide and frame work together like clockwork. It is reassuring to know that even after thousands of rounds, the VP9 will still function as it did when new.
So, what about the price? The VP9 Match will set you back roughly $1,100 USD. Is it worth it? Well, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are an experienced shooter looking for a match-grade pistol for competitions, the VP9 is likely worth the money. The accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics of the VP9 combine to create an excellent package.
However, if you are a casual shooter and you are looking for a more affordable pistol, the VP9 Match is likely not the best choice for you. There are plenty of other pistols on the market that offer similar features and performance at a lower price point.
At the end of the day, the Heckler & Koch VP9 Match is an excellent semi-automatic pistol for competitive shooters. It offers match-grade accuracy, reliable operation, and excellent ergonomics. On the downside, it is more expensive than some other semi-automatic pistols on the market. But if you can afford it, the VP9 Match is an excellent choice for competitive shooting.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent trigger pull – The VP9 Match has an impeccably clean and crisp trigger pull, which is adjustable according to user preference.
- Precision accuracy – The VP9 Match is renowned for its above-average accuracy. This makes it an ideal choice for target shooting or competition purposes.
- Top-notch ergonomics – HK has made sure that the VP9 Match is comfortable to handle, featuring an ergonomically designed frame and a grip angle that fits the shooter's hands.
- Military-grade construction – HK has used steel components for the VP9 Match's frame and slide, which makes it robust and durable.
- Ample capacity – The VP9 Match has a 15-round capacity, higher than most other handguns on the market.
- Ambidextrous features – The VP9 Match features ambidextrous controls such as the magazine release and slide release.
Cons:
- Costly – The VP9 Match is more expensive than most other handguns on the market.
- Heavy – The VP9 Match is heavier than most other handguns out there, which may be a deterrent for some shooters.
- No manual safety – The VP9 Match does not have a manual safety, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Who Should Buy
The HECKLER AND KOCH VP9 MATCH is marketed as a competition-grade pistol, so it would be best suited to those who are looking for an advanced gun for competitive shooting sports, such as IPSC or 3-Gun. It is also suitable for target shooting or even home defense. Those who are not experienced, comfortable, or familiar with handguns should not buy the VP9 MATCH, or any firearm for that matter, since it is a complex tool and should be used with caution and respect.
Comparisons
| Feature | HECKLER & KOCH VP9 MATCH | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Striker Fired | |||
| Barrel Length | 5" | |||
| Magazine Capacity | 15 | |||
| Caliber | 9mm | |||
| Weight (empty) | 1.76 lbs | |||
| Finish | Two-tone finish | |||
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front & Adjustable Rear | |||
| Feature | CZ 75 SP-01 TACTICAL | FN 509 Midsize | STI Duty One | Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Action | DA/SA | Striker Fired | DA/SA | Striker Fired |
| Barrel Length | 4.7" | 4" | 4.27" | 4" |
| Magazine Capacity | 18 | 15 | 14 | 17 |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Weight (empty) | 2.22 lbs | 1.76 lbs | 1.83 lbs | 1.87 lbs |
| Finish | Black Matte | Flat Dark Earth | Black oxide | Matte Black |
| Sights | Fixed Tritium | Fixed Three Dot | Novak Low Mount Sights | Adjustable White Outline |
Features / Specs
• Semi-automatic striker-fired handgun
• 9mm Luger caliber
• 15+1 variants in 10 and 17 round magazine capacities available
• Polygonal 4.09 inch/104 mm threaded barrel
• Overall Length 7.28 inches/185 mm
• Height 5.41 inches/137 mm
• Width 1.32 inches/34 mm
• Sight Radius 6.38 inches/162 mm
• Weight (Loaded) 25.56 ounces/726 grams
• Polymer frame with aluminum slide profile
• Magazine release that can be configured for either right or left-handed shooters
• Picatinny mounting rail
• Cold hammer-forged steel barrel
• Tenifer-finish (salt bath nitride) slide & barrel
• Ambidextrous slide release
Popular Accessories
- H&K VP9 Match Pistol Sights: Many shooters prefer to upgrade the factory sights on their H&K VP9 Match pistols for better visibility and accuracy.
- H&K VP9 Match Optics: Red dot sights and reflex sights designed for H&K VP9 Match pistols are popular for fast target acquisition.
- H&K VP9 Match Magazines: Some shooters upgrade their factory magazines with higher capacity aftermarket options.
- H&K VP9 Match Grips: Several grip options are available, including stippled and textured grips for an improved hold.
- H&K VP9 Match Holsters: A good draw is one of the most crucial steps in personal defense, so the right holster is a must for your VP9 Match.
Accuracy
The HECKLER AND KOCH VP9 MATCH is one of the most accurate pistols currently on the market. It features an adjustable, fixed cold hammer-forged barrel that ensures precise barrel-to-slide lockup, resulting in unparalleled accuracy and increased performance. The bore axis is kept lower than other pistols on the market, reducing felt recoil and offering better control of the pistol for the shooter. With its adjustable light trigger pull, adjustable recoil control, extended slide and barrel release lever, and factory recoil spring weight available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the VP9 MATCH is great for achieving extreme accuracy. This combined with its ergonomic design, match-grade parts, and expanded capacity magazines, makes the VP9 MATCH one of the best pistols for target shooting and self-defense.
