By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2022
Heckler & Koch has taken their best-selling pistol and made it optics ready! The new VP9 has upgrades that include 17 round magazines to replace the previous 15 round models, improved iron sights with high visibility front sight and a “clean” black serrated rear sight, and the optics ready mounting system.
THE FRAME
The VP9 was one of the first pistols to use a polymer frame. The adaptable grip frame allows you to interchange both backstraps and grip panels in 27 unique configurations to fit your hand. All these features help you get the same consistent grip, every time you fire. All controls are completely ambidextrous for you left hand shooters out there. The VP9 trigger has a short, light take-up with a solid, single action type break followed by a short positive reset. The VP9 finishes off with an extended Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rail molded into its polymer frame for mounting lights and accessories. The rail has been tested and certified to handle mounted accessories up to 5.6 ounces.
THE SLIDE & BARREL
The VP9’s machined slide incorporates HK’s patented charging supports — simple components that are mounted on each side of the slide rear, providing better grip leverage when racking the slide.
HK’s famous cold hammer forged barrel — made from cannon grade steel — ensures long service life. Similar HK barrels on 9 mm P30 models fired more than 90,000 rounds in endurance tests in 2010. The polygonal bore profile, with no traditional lands-and-grooves rifling, contributes to longer service life as well as a slight increase in muzzle velocity.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Striker fired, Semi-Automatic
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine capacity: 10/15/17 rounds
Sights: high-visibility front sight and a “clean” black serrated rear, Optics cut slide.
Barrel Length: 4.09 inches, polygonal, 6 grooves, right-hand twist, 1 in 9.8 inches
Overall Length: 7.34 inches
Height: 5.41 inches
Weight: 25.56 ounces
MSRP: $849
URL: www.hk-usa.com
THE VERDICT
The VP9 is a Winner! This classic pistol is upgraded for modern optics, has a higher capacity standard magazine, and retains the famous Heckler & Koch legendary quality. Get over to your HK dealer and see if this is the pistol for you!
That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected]