Heckler & Koch VP9, VP9SK, and VP40

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If you want a Heckler & Koch pistol, but don’t know which one to purchase, then you can do no worse than a VP model pistol. All three of the guns described here today are made on the same frame but shoot different calibers—and so have slight variations in specs.
The reliability and stellar reputation of Heckler & Koch comes with a price. Any of the VP series pistols will set you back around $700-$900, which is actually quite reasonable for the expensive company. See Below for full review and Specs

 

 

Best VP9, VP9SK, and VP40 Accesssories

IWB Holsters

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OWB Holsters

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Heckler & Koch VP9, VP9Sk, and VP40 Review

The “VP” in Heckler & Koch’s VP series of pistols stands for the German Volkspistole (in English: pistol of the people). The Volkspistole has a long history in Germany for Heckler & Koch. H&K first used the VP title with their VP70—the world’s first polymer-framed pistol—released from 1970-1989.[1] Volkspistoles themselves have been around since World War II. These guns were reliable and accurate even if they were not the most elegant aesthetically.[2] Heckler & Koch’s VP pistols carry on this tradition perfectly, but with the addition of some of the features that make other Heckler & Koch guns famous. 9 Best H&K VP9 IWB Holsters 

 

            Models and Specs

Heckler & Koch currently makes three models of the VP pistol and includes an option to purchase the VP Tactical model that adds a threaded barrel to the VP frame. Despite their different measurements, all three VP pistols are made from the same design. Even so, we have included all three sets of specs.

 

So that you are aware of all of your options, we have also included the available configurations for each model as listed on Heckler & Koch’s website.

           

VP9

Available with

• two 15 round magazines
• two 10 round magazines
• three 15 round magazines and night sights
• two 10 round magazines and night sights
• FDE frame, three 15 round magazines, and night sights
• FDE frame, three 10 round magazines, and night sights
• Midnight Bronze frame and two 15 round magazines
• Midnight Bronze frame and two 10 round magazines
• Midnight Bronze frame, three 15 round magazines, and night sights
• Midnight Bronze frame, three 10 round magazines, and night sights

            Caliber: 9mm x 19

                                    Length: 7.34 in.

                                    Height: 5.41 in.

                                    Width: 1.32 in.

                                    Barrel Length: 4.09 in.

Sight Radius: 6.38 in.

                                   

                        VP9SK (sub-compact)

                                    Available with

• One flat and one extended floorplate 10 round magazines
• One flat and two extended floorplate 10 round magazines with night sights
• OD Green frame, one flat and one extended floorplate 10 round magazines
• OD Green frame, one flat and two extended floorplate 10 round magazines
• Grey frame, one flat and one extended floorplate 10 round magazines
• Grey frame, one flat and two extended floorplate 10 round magazines with night sights
• FDE frame, one flat and one extended floorplate 10 round magazines
• FDE frame, one flat and two extended floorplate 10 round magazines with night sights.

                                    Caliber: 9mm

                                    Length: 6.61 in.

                                    Height: 4.57 in.

                                    Width: 1.31 in.

                                    Barrel Length: 3.39 in.

                                    Sight Radius: 5.73 in.

 

            VP40

                                    Available with

• Two 13 round magazines
• Two 10 round amgazines
• Two 13 round magazines and night sights
• Two 10 round magazines and night sights
• FDE frame, three 13 round magazines, and night sights
• FDE frame, three 10 round magazines, and night sights

            Caliber: .40 S&W

Length: 7.34 in.

Height: 5.45 in.

Width: 1.32 in.

Barrel Length: 4.09 in.

            Sight Radius: 6.38 in.

Features

Heckler & Koch’s VP pistol series have many interesting and useful features for the novice as well as the experienced gun owner. Here are just some of our top picks. 6 Best H&K VP40 IWB Holsters

 

            Grip

As with many other polymer-framed pistols on the market, H&K includes three interchangeable backstraps with their VP series. Multiple backstraps means that the user can completely customize the grip to their own hands. H&K has also included a “beavertail-like tang” that creates a high grip.[3] Not only is this a more comfortable position for the hand, but it also helps control recoil.

 

            Trigger

H&K makes both striker and hammer fired pistols. However, today they are specifically known for their hammer-fired DA/SA triggers. In contrast, the VP series uses a striker fired trigger, which most reviewers enjoy. Although, it is often compared somewhat unfavorably with the trigger on the Walther PPQ.[4] Having any number of reviewers agree on a pistol’s trigger is really quite amazing and illustrates how well H&K’s VP series trigger works.

 

            Accuracy

Most reviewers note that the VP pistols are all extremely accurate firearms. Heckler & Koch reduced the recoil on all three VP pistols by creating a high bore axis. This is especially important for the VP9SK because it is significantly smaller than the other two pistols. However, the high bore axis means that there will be more muzzle flip.[5] Thus, if you don’t like muzzle flip, then you will not like the VPs.

           

            Safety

Unlike H&K’s hammer-fired pistols, the VP series does not include an external safety. So, for those gun owners who want their pistols without the multitude of safeties found on modern varieties, then the VPs are for you.

 

Why Buy?

Heckler & Koch guns are known for their reliability, and the VP series lives up to that reputation. All three models will provide a durable and accurate self-defense weapon. Your choice of one VP over the other will come down to your size—the VP9 and VP40 are compact while the VP9SK is a sub-compact—and caliber—9mm or .40 S&W—preferences.

 

Additionally, all three VP pistols are quite cheap for H&K. They are just about the least expensive guns the company manufactures. So, if you are in the market for a reliable and somewhat affordable pistol that may not be perfect, but will get the job done, then we highly recommend giving an H&K VP pistol a chance.

 

 

[1] Tom Beckstrand, “People’s Pistol: HK VP9 Review,” Guns & Ammo (October 22, 2014), http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/peoples-pistol-hk-vp9-review/ (accessed 3/19/18).

 

[2] Tom Beckstrand, “People’s Pistol: HK VP9 Review,” Guns & Ammo (October 22, 2014), http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/peoples-pistol-hk-vp9-review/ (accessed 3/19/18).

[3] Tom Beckstrand, “People’s Pistol: HK VP9 Review,” Guns & Ammo (October 22, 2014), http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/peoples-pistol-hk-vp9-review/ (accessed 3/19/18).

 

[4] Jeremy S., “Gun Review: Heckler & Koch VP9,” The Truth About Guns (August 29, 2014), http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/08/jeremy-s/gun-review-hk-vp9/ (accessed 3/20/18) AND Justin Opinion, “H&K VP40 Review-Great Pistol with More Punch,” Guns America (August 7, 2015), https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch/ (accessed 3/20/18).

 

[5] Andy Rutledge, “Shooting Review-The H&K VP9,” Eagle Gun Range TX (March 28, 2016), https://www.eaglegunrangetx.com/shooting-review-the-hk-vp9/ (accessed 3/20/18).

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