H&K VP9
Posted May 25, 2023
The Heckler and Koch VP9 is the world's most popular 9mm handgun for a number of reasons. From its ergonomic design to its cutting-edge features, this pistol is the ultimate in defense and could very well be the best choice for many shooters. However, despite all of the great reasons why this gun makes an ideal sidearm, there are a few things that can be improved upon. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of the VP9 and offer an in-depth review and opinion on how the gun feels and performs in a variety of situations.
When holding the VP9, the first thing that strikes you is its ergonomic feel. Heckler & Koch definitely thought about user experience when they designed this gun. The grip frame is well-shaped and the edges are beveled for a comfortable feel. The stippled texture also helps keep your hand in place, even if your hands get sweaty. The trigger guard is also curved in such a way that it prevents the user from accidentally engaging the trigger when manipulating the gun. The charging lever is also slightly recessed for a smooth pull and even if you pull the lever when in a defensive situation, there’s no chance it will catch on anything and throw off your aim.
The controls are also nicely laid out so that everything can be easily reached without having to adjust your grip. The magazine release is push-button, rather than lever style, which allows for faster magazine swaps if you’re shooting at the range or if you’re in a situation where speed is of the essence. The slide stop/release is also ambidextrous and can be manipulated with either hand, which is great for left-handed shooters. It also has a reversible magazine release, making this gun completely lefty-friendly.
Although the VP9 feels great in your hand, it’s also well-constructed to ensure that it’s reliable and up for any task you might throw at it. The polymer frame is well-built and very durable. The slide is machined from solid steel and has a corrosion-resistant finish. This ensures that your gun will stand up to the elements and also prevents it from wearing down with use over time.
The sights on the VP9 are top-notch and make shooting this handgun a pleasure. The standard sights are three dot style, with the rear sights being adjustable for windage and elevation. It also comes with an optional dot tritium night sight which is perfect for low-light conditions. The sight radius is also impressive, making it easier to aim and also helping to reduce the recoil felt after firing each shot.
The trigger on the VP9 is quite good. The trigger pull has a nice crisp break with very little over-travel. It also has a safety reset feature which prevents unintentional discharges. The barrel is of a polygonal rifling design which gives good accuracy and also helps minimize the barrel leading. This ensures that accuracy is consistent over time and won’t degrade with use.
Although the VP9 is great overall, there are a few things that could be improved. The gun is quite heavy, which can make it cumbersome if you need to carry it for long periods of time. The magazine capacity is also only 15 rounds, which could be an issue if you find yourself in a defensive situation. Additionally, the gun is only available in 9mm, although this likely makes it more popular in the US where 9mm is the most common self-defense cartridge.
Overall, the Heckler and Koch VP9 is an excellent pistol with lots of features to offer. It’s ergonomically designed to fit the shooter’s hand perfectly and is well-built to ensure long-term reliability. The sights are top-notch and the trigger pull is smooth with a crisp break. The gun is also available with an optional dot tritium night sight, which can be a great addition for low-light protection. However, the gun’s weight and magazine capacity could be an issue for some. All things considered, the VP9 is an excellent choice for shooters of any experience level looking for a reliable self-defense firearm, and we highly recommend it.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable trigger system: The H&K VP9 comes with an adjustable and reliable trigger system that allows for a smooth pull every time.
- Ergonomic design: The VP9 is designed specifically for enhanced comfort and accuracy with its adjustable grip to ensure a good fit for each shooter.
- Durability: The polymer frame and carbon-nitride finish make the VP9 highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- Multiple safety features: The VP9 offers multiple safety features including a firing pin block, loaded chamber indicator, and magazine disconnect safety That help to ensure your safety while shooting.
Cons:
- Expensive: The MSRP of the VP9 is close to $700 which may be high for some people’s budget.
- Heavy: While the VP9 weighs in at 25 ounces unloaded, it may be too heavy for some shooters.
- Limited aftermarket parts: There are not a lot of aftermarket parts and accessories available for the VP9, so customization can be difficult.
Who Should Buy
The H&K VP9 is a great firearm suitable for experienced shooters as well as those who are new to shooting. Experienced shooters who need a reliable defensive handgun with performance-enhancing features should consider the VP9. The ergonomics, accuracy, and low recoil make it an attractive choice for those looking for a reliable single-stack handgun.
Those who are new to shooting should consider the VP9 as well, but should determine if the gun fits their hands and needs. The gun is commandingly sized and may not suit those with smaller hands, those who are recoil-sensitive, or those who are more comfortable with long guns such as rifles.
Comparisons
| Comparison Feature | H&K VP9 | Glock 17 | Walther PPQ | CZ P10C | FN 509 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 15+1 | 17+1 | 15+1 | 15+1 | 17+1 |
| Weight (unloaded) | 1.5 lbs | 1.9 lbs | 1.6 lbs | 1.76 lbs | 1.78 lbs |
| Length | 7.34" | 7.32" | 7.4" | 7.3" | 7.4" |
| Barrel Length | 4.09" | 4.49" | 4" | 4.02" | 4" |
| Height | 5.41" | 5.43" | 5.3" | 5.2" | 5.25" |
| Width | 1.32" | 1.18" | 1.3" | 1.26" | 1.35" |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: 9mm
•Action: Striker Fired
•Magazine Capacity: 15 or 17 Rounds
•Barrel Length: 4.09”
•Finish: Tenifer (Matte Black)
•Overall Length: 7.34”
•Weight: 26.56 oz.
•Grip: Interchangeable Polymer Back and Side Plates
•Trigger Pull: 5.4 lbs.
•Sights: 3 Dot Night Sights
Popular Accessories
pistols
- Magazines – H&K VP9 magazines are widely available in both factory and aftermarket options.
- Sights – The VP9 comes with factory installed 3-dot sights, but aftermarket options offer improved accuracy and visibility.
- Holsters – Various holster-makers offer holsters made to fit perfectly for the H&K VP9.
- Slides – H&K VP9 slides are widely available in both factory and aftermarket options.
- Grips – The H&K VP9 offers plenty of aftermarket grips to provide a better fit and more secure grip.
- Laser/Light Combos – There are several options to attach a laser or light combo to the VP9 for better visibility and accuracy.
- Trigger Trigger Kits – H&K VP9 trigger kits allow you to customize the trigger pull to your exact preference.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Heckler & Koch VP9 is well-regarded, with many shooters finding it to be a reliable and accurate handgun. The barrel length contributes to its overall accuracy, as does the grip design and trigger pull weight. The VP9 features a polymer frame that reduces recoil, resulting in tighter groupings at greater distances. Its adjustable 3-Dot luminescent sights further contribute to its accuracy, allowing shooters to quickly and accurately acquire their target. With regular practice, most shooters find they can consistently hit targets up to 25 yards away with the VP9.
