Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about the H&K VP9 today. The pistol has been around for about a decade and has seen use by civilians and armed professionals alike.
Today we are going to delve into what the pistol is and explore its many traits and features. Without further ado, let's examine the H&K VP9.
Who is H&K?
Before we talk about the VP9, we should first go over the company who produces the firearm. Heckler & Koch, commonly referred to as H&K or simply HK, is an iconic German firearms manufacturer.
Since their founding in 1949, H&K has produced a wide range of firearms like the G3, MP5, USP, and Mk23 handgun. Many H&K designs have been developed for law enforcement and military use and have seen adoption by various entities around the globe. The company also frequently collaborates with other entities in the industry like Aimpoint and B&T.
What is the VP9?
The VP9, or "Volkspistole" is a 9mm polymer-framed striker-fired handgun produced by H&K at the request of the Bavarian State Police. Initially introduced in 2014, the pistol emerged as the first striker-fired handgun produced by H&K since their iconic P7 line of handguns from the 1980s.
At its core, the base model VP9 is a semi-automatic handgun with a detachable box magazine. Taking many design cues from the H&K P30, the VP9 is essentially a striker-fired version of the hammer-fired design.
Initial offerings included 15 round magazines, a capacity which was bumped up to 17 in later years. Notably, H&K and other retailers offer components to update existing 15 round mags to the new 17 round capacity.
Like other duty-oriented handguns, the VP9 has seen use by military, law enforcement, and civilians across the globe. Notable users range from various law enforcement agencies in America to governmental entities in Germany and even the Japanese JGSDF.
VP9 Variants
Since the pistol's introduction in 2014, a number of different variants have been introduced. Perhaps one of the most notable variants is the VP9 Tactical model, a variant with a threaded barrel and raised sights which allow for the use of suppressors. These suppressors include designs like the SilencerCo Omega 9k and the Surefire Ryder 9.
As mentioned above, the base VP9 is optics ready and is designed to accept a wide range of pistol red dots. There are also Tactical models which are both optics ready and designed to accept suppressors, hence the "Tactical Optics Ready" designation. Some manufacturers also produce pistols with extended 5.3" barrels opposed to the standard 4.09" barrel.
Ambidextrous Controls
A key feature of the VP9 which contributes to its usability and ergonomics is the suite of ambidextrous controls present. The pistol features controls which can easily be operated from the left and right of the firearm. This allows both left and right-handed shooters to easily utilize the firearm.
One can easily engage the magazine release, slide release, and other controls regardless of which hand they shoot with. Controls such as the charging supports also allow for various manipulations of the firearm to facilitate ease of use and personal preferences.
Customizable Grip
Taking cues from the H&K P30, the VP9 notably features interchangeable backstraps and side panels. This allows an end user to configure their grip module to accommodate their hand size and shooting preferences. By swapping out these components, a shooter can make their grip panel wider, narrower, and add texture and contouring.
Notably, this contributes to both improved ergonomics and ease of handling. While aftermarket grip panels and backstraps do exist, H&K traditionally includes three backstraps and side panels with each pistol. This allows shooters to easily configure their VP9 out of the box without the need to acquire new components.
Shootability
Like other duty-oriented service pistols, the VP9 is quite easy to shoot well. The pistol's ergonomics, well-designed controls, and low bore axis all lend to a highly shootable design. A low bore axis reduces felt recoil and muzzle flip, making it easier to control and get back on target.
The pistol's good trigger also contributes to its shootability by offering a predictable and consistent break. In short, the VP9 is easy to shoot well and displays traits which make it easy to employ for various types of shooters and shooting disciplines.
Compatibility with Accessories
As a modern service handgun, the VP9 is compatible with a wide range of accessories. A universal feature which is present across all VP9 offerings is the presence of a 1913 rail on the bottom of the frame. This rail allows for the attachment of various accessories like flashlights, lasers, and other devices.
Shooters can easily attach something like a Surefire X300 Turbo or Streamlight TLR-1 HL to the bottom of their VP9 pistols if they so desire. As mentioned above, there are a number of optics ready VP9 offerings on the market. These pistols utilize interchangeable optics plates which accommodate various pistol red dot footprints.
Due to the wide range of optics on the market which use common mounting footprints, shooters have a litany of options to consider for their VP9. Shooters can easily mount an Aimpoint ACRO, Steiner MPS, Holosun HS507 Comp, EOTech EFLX, or other popular optic to their optics ready VP9.
VP9 Industry Support
At the time of writing, the VP9 has been on the market for over a decade and a half. During this period of time, the optic has been employed by professional end users and civilians alike. Due to the pistol's track record and wide use, there is a high degree of industry support for the pistol.
This support comes in the form of aftermarket magazines, optics plates, components, muzzle devices, and more. Notably, the VP9 enjoys a wide degree of support in the form of holsters in both inside-the-waistband and outside-the-waistband varieties.
This is to say that shooters can easily find duty, competition, concealed carry, and casual use holsters for VP9 offerings. Of course, the world of custom kydex holsters makes it easy to accommodate some of the most obscure and esoteric firearm and accessory combos. In short, the VP9 is well supported by the industry.
What is the VP9 Used For?
As mentioned above, the VP9 has been employed by many countries for law enforcement and military applications. Beyond martial applications, the pistol is employed in many ways by private citizens.
Of course, like all firearms, the VP9 is plenty viable for recreational shooting. Beyond casual use, owners of various VP9 pistol models trust their handguns for defensive purposes. These purposes range from concealed carry to duty and home defense.
Of course, the competition variant of the VP9 and other models are employed in various shooting disciplines. In short, the VP9 excels in various use cases and will serve shooters well for serious and casual use alike.
Conclusion
All in all, the Heckler & Koch VP9 is a popular handgun which excels in many roles. Hard use and casual applications are easily handled by the ambidextrous and capable H&K pistol.
If you are looking for a capable handgun which can potentially accept optics and suppressors, the VP9 may be right for you. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not carry firearms, we do carry a wide range of ammo for sale and accessories which are great for your VP9.
With offerings spanning from 9mm ammo to flashlights and optics from Surefire, Steiner, and more, we have you covered. Our wide range of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR.
Whether you want to buy ammunition or accessories for your VP9 or you want to buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
