HK VP9
We'll be discussing the HK VP9 Review and we'll begin by introducing its background. HK is a well-known manufacturer of firearms, but is popular as the maker of their MP5 range of guns.
They are renowned for their police and military worldwide use and for creating reliable, bombproof firearms.
They also have handguns that aren't the only the only exception. HK is the very first manufacturer of firearms to launch a striker-fired pistol made of polymer.
While it wasn't as commercially profitable like Glock 17, it was still a great handgun. Glock 17, the HK VP70 is the holder of the first semi-commercially profitable striker-fired handgun with a polymer frame.
Following the discontinuation of the HK VP70, HK worked predominantly on polymer handguns that fired hammer, like those in the HK USP series, the HK Mark 23 and finally, it was the HK P2000, HK P30 and the the HK-45 series.
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Each of them was popular for their durability and extremely reliable, as well as having longevity of service that was far superior to many of the competitors.
The durability and reliability of a firearm do not come for a low cost, at least when HK builds the firearms.
The polymer-framed firearms that were hammer-fired were available at about $1,000, which is roughly twice what the Glock, Springfield Armory, and Smith & Wesson offerings cost.
US Market
It was a time when the US marketplace was heavily dominated by pistols that were in the $500-$700 price range. HK tried to get in on the market.
However, given the quality of the materials as well as the technological advancements and money they'd invested, it was difficult to achieve this with their hammer-fired systems and striker-fired was their most popular trigger mechanism at the time and remains the case to this day.
The HK P30 series was the most recent introduction of HKs in the US market, and it enjoyed moderate success. This HK P30 was a very comfortable firearm.
It has a great grip that let you replace the grip panels on the sides as well as the backstrap on the firearm.
This meant that there was plenty of personalization that before pistols on the US market or any other place were not available in a polymer frame.
It's true that the HK VP9 is not a small gun. It's comparable in size to that of the Glock 17, and when it first came out it had an ammunition capacity of 15 rounds.
Since then, 17-round flush-fit magazines have been made available to allow for more capacity out of the gun, which makes it more comparable to its competitors.
Given that it's a bigger firearm and a larger model, this HK VP9 does make a excellent choice for all-purpose range as well as duty or competition.
HK has an eight-inch competition model that they're marketing to rivals.
Concealed Carry by HK VP9
I'll begin by saying that the HK VP9 is probably a bigger gun than the majority of people would consider for conceal carry.
In particular, with guns in the market, like those like the Glock 43, Sig P365 or Springfield Armory Hellcat and others, they offer decent capacities, and are still compact or micro size.
In spite of these alternatives and other options, the HK remains a viable concealed carry option, however those who choose to carry the gun needs to be aware that it's larger and might need to make sacrifices in order to carry it.
IWB Carry
When we talk about IWB carry IWB carry, we're talking about carrying the firearm in around the three-five clock position for right-handed shooters.
Its HK VP9 works fairly well for this job and due to the contour of its grip, it's possible that the grip will be slightly printed however it isn't as prominent in a more streamlined design as with the Glock handgun.
If you're planning to carry a heavy firearm like one like the HK VP9, or the Glock 17, you'll see that the HK VP9 has a couple advantages from the point of view of concealment even though it's an extremely large gun.
HK the VP9
The majority of semi-automatic pistols feature this grip that is blocky, but that grip is what the HK VP9 does not.
Therefore, if your firearm has have a print printed on its grip it's more likely that you'll be able to live with it using an HK VP9.
The grip is big however, if you carry an ample amount of cant in your holster it will be easy to conceal this HK VP9, assuming you wear a shirt that is appropriate in size and that your frame is big enough to hide the gun.
If you're five feet four likely have more trouble with concealing this firearm than if you're six feet two.
The HK V9 Appendix Carry
The grip of the HK VP9, again being long, can be somewhat of a drawback however, the gun could remain very concealed at the appendix , so long as your body is suitable for the gun.
If you're sure your body is big enough and that you're using an appropriate holster that has the wedge and claw You shouldn't have an issues covering the VP9 underneath a properly-sized shirt.
With a good holster for a six-foot tall male, you will not need to alter the way you clothes.
However, if you are wearing forms-fitting t-shirts all the time... When I say"form-fitting," I'm referring to the ones that you can feel your abs showing through it, then the HK VP9 is probably going to be a bit large or print a lot.
OOB Carry
When we talk of OWB carrying, it's talking of OWB conceal carry.
This will be less concealable in comparison to IWB carry. The most crucial dimensions are usually the size of the weapon.
The HK isn't a gun that's narrow yet, it is, however due to the way it's formed and contoured makes it appear less bulky than Glock 17 or Glock 17, despite not really being any less.
HK V9
The HK VP9 will conceal as well as it could for an gun of this size when carried OWB at the hip.
It's important to make sure you're wearing a properly appropriate size shirt, most likely like a button-down with an embroidered pattern like plaid or flannel which cut off the silhouette that the firearm has.
Additionally, having plenty of cant that can be incorporated to fit into the holster itself is a huge advantage when it comes down to the concealment of a gun this size.
Features
Capacity
We mentioned earlier in the HK VP9 Review, the HK VP9 comes in both an 17 and 15 round flush-fit magazines.
Nowadays, the majority of guns are now sold with the 17-round version however, many guns are available equipped with 15 round magazines. it's easier to find magazines that are 15 rounds.
However, there are many alternatives to the HK VP9 magazines.
There are magazines that can be extended at Taylor Freelance, or factory extensions, or even a company known as XTech creates 20 round extension magazines.
There is plenty of options There are a lot of smaller companies that produce longer HK VP9 magazines, but the majority of these magazines have a maximum capacity of around 20 rounds.
21 rounds represents the most capacity magazine I've observed in this series. HK VP9 series.
Magwells on HK VP9 isn't anything to boast about.
The grip itself is thin across all dimensions. There isn't a true bevel on the grip's bottom and one thing that's pleasant to have is that on side of grip There are two indentations. This means you are able to easily take magazines out of the firearm in the event of problems.
The time it was the HK VP9 was released, it was regarded as a impressive and revolutionary feature. There were very few firearms available that had something like it.
Grip/Ergonomics
Backstraps
The HK VP9 is unique in that it doesn't only have adjustable straps for the back and a padded seat, but also adjustable side straps too.
This means you can swap around a number of options for the back strap inside of your strap. This means you can use a smaller side strap insert on your left side, and an extra large insert on your right to take up more space in your palm.
All of these options come equipped with the HK pistol, which means you won't struggle to tailor the grip to your own hand.
One issue I'm going to have regarding the system is that the straps on the back don't alter the pull length for the trigger.
This is a major drawback over other guns, for instance, Glock 19 MOS gen five, for instance. Glock 19 MOS gen five because altering the length of trigger pull is beneficial for shooters with larger hands.
The grip's feel itself is incredible I'm not sure there are many who would not like it.
Beavertail/Tang
One thing that the HK VP9 series does really right is that it comes with an extremely nice, round tang inside the grip.
There's a drawback to this tang however. If you draw your firearm using your rear view as an index while drawing out of your gun holster, the web of your hand will need to slide a considerable distance before it can reach the Tang since it is that deep.
This can cause your index on your firearm to fluctuate in a slight manner as you draw. This isn't too serious of a problem, but it's something you need to take note of.
If you take a complete grip on the firearm prior to bringing out your gun, you should have no issues about that.
HK did a excellent job of creating the tang it's very well-designed and will work for people with smaller hands up to the size of extra large hands.
Texturing
The HK VP9 has texturing on the bottom of its grip. Texturing is in a 360-degree style.
There are grooves for fingers at the top of the gun which are perfect for me but I'd skip them and prefer to look at a flat surface. The texturing is between all the grooves on the fingers as well as on the entire panel on the three other side of the handle.
It appears like bananas are sprinkled all over the firearm.
Ironically offers a good texture however, it's also a bit slippery when your hands sweat very badly, the skin is likely to become a more slippery.
It's a shame that the HK VP9 just doesn't feel more aggressive than I'd like from a perspective of texture. The texture, however, is adequate. It's at the lower end of acceptable however, it's still enough.
It would be great to have HK provide grip inserts that have an aggressive feel to the inside, so that you could alter this aspect on the front strap as well as the rear strap of your gun.
I'd love to see this on the strap that runs behind the gun.
The rough texture of the sides of the panels won't cause any abrasions or chafing in the majority of people carrying the gun concealed against their body.
General Feel
It's a great gun. HK VP9 overall feels excellent in the hand. It's a pleasure to shoot and it's a step over other polymer striking-fired handguns. However, if you've used previously the HK P30, this gun is a more affordable version of the firearm.
The polymer in the HK VP9 seems more in the same way as you'd expect from Glock Glock rather than the polymer on an HK handgun.
It's a bit different. HK P30 just feels a much better in the hands despite it being the HK P30, supposedly having similar ergonomics to those of the HK VP9 series.
This isn't a HK P30 vs VP9 review however if you're a lover of HK and you've had some prior experience using their polymer frame handguns fired with hammer, you need to be aware of the fact that this gun feels somewhat less expensive than the other models.
It is still a higher-quality gun than the majority of handguns made of polymers that striker fire on the market.
Eyes
It is worth noting that the HK VP9 comes with a range of sights, or three, as I would say. If you purchase an HK VP9 2020 edition, as I do the model has an illuminating white dot front sight with the largest dot in the world and a wide blade that has an elongated black rear.
The 2020 is an optics-compatible version and we'll cover it here in a bit further.
Overall, I am very pleased with the optics of this version but I'd likely swap off the front sight for something with a smaller blade, possibly fiber optics, or perhaps tritium vial.
The rear view is nice however.
I am awestruck by the square cut. It's serrated on the back , and it provides a clear view. I'd like to see something different front view.
Another HK VP9 variants include the traditional three dots sights, which are not anything different. They've got luminescent paint on their surfaces and they'll glow after exposure to sunlight.
This is a kind of hokey feature with no practical use however the sightings aren't bad, they're made of made of steel, and they're tough.
Real World Use
If you don't intend to carry a gun or utilize it to defend yourself then you'll see the sights as to be more than usable.
Personally, I think if planning to carry a gun to defend myself or for serious purposes I'll swap from the standard factory sights for something more premium
Another option is the industrial night visions.
They're designed to look similar to the three-dot luminescence lights, but they're not great.
They're reliable however, they're a older when you look at alternatives on the market that handguns other than Glock and Sig come with.
Aftermarket
Unfortunately , there's not a lot of alternative aftermarket sights to choose from for HK VP9.
There are more sights available for HK VP9 than other HK handguns, however you'll have be restricted to a few tritium options like Trijicon, Heinie and XS sights.
There are also options for 10-8.
The HK is one of the firearms that have plenty of scope options, but it doesn't have an extensive selection of sights. It is likely that you will discover something you'll be content with, but you might not get your ideal sighting system for this firearm.
HK the VP9 Review Optics Mounting
The process of mounting an optic on an HK VP9 is fairly expensive in the event that you're having milled slides, however HK has developed an option called the HK VP9 2020 series that are designed to be mounted to the red dot sight.
- The problem is that it is not supplied with any mounting plates for optics.
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The plates aren't too expensive.
It's nice to not have an assortment of gun parts inside your firearm parts storage.
It's great to see that they come with a factory option, as prior to this, custom-built red dots were quite costly as you needed to construct an adapter plate that could fit over the firearm.
The slide is shorter at the top, it's more narrow than other alternatives like that of the Glock and it's the Smith and Wesson M&P.
Controls
There aren't any external security features for the HK VP9 and currently none are provided.
It does come with an outside trigger security but I wouldn't consider that as an external security. Let's look at how to trigger the magazine release.
HK V9 Review Magazine Release
It is the HK VP9 standard comes with an open-mouth magazine release in the style of paddles that HK is well-known for.
They also offer also the HK VP9 B series, that is a more conventional American magazine release style that has a button that is located just to the left of the guard for triggers.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of HK's paddle style releases.
If you shoot left-handed They are absolutely amazing in comparison to the majority of right-handed shooters.
The magazine release with a paddle is ambidextrous and is simple to use with either the trigger finger middle finger or thumb, or any other part of your shooting hands.
A lot of people will say that it is a little slower than the button-style release, but I've not found it to be slower.
It could be a less responsive in the drop but it doesn't affect your overall load time.
The most time-consuming part of reloading a gun is grabbing the new magazine and placing it in the gun without removing the magazine that was previously used out of the firearm. the magazines are on are able to be removed from the HK VP9 drop free easily.
It's a great design. It's one of those features can be loved or disliked by people. for me personally. I love it.
I'd like to see other guns, and I didn't find it difficult to switch from the button-style release that I have on my conceal carry Glock 19 to this paddle release on the HK VP nine.
It's similar to driving two cars. If you are driving them often or frequently it's not difficult to change between the various controls of one vehicle to the different controls in the other.
Slide Stop
The stopper on the slide of the HK VP9 is very minimal. In fact, it could be overly minimal. HK did an amazing job in designing the design...
I think it's a small, as it's built into the frame to the left of the gun. This is where shooters who are right-handed would reach the gun with their thumb. It's well-positioned and easily accessible with your thumb.
Even if you've got very tiny hands, you'll be able to access the control.
I have found the slide lock, which is mounted on the right part of the firearm, set up for shooters who shoot left handed, much more accessible than the lock on the left hand side, which is designed for shooters with right hands.
This is one of the areas where I'd like to deduct points for shooting with the HK VP9. It would be nice to see them expand their slide stop sticks just a bit further to make it simpler for the majority of shooters to operate.
HK V9 Review General Ergonomics
Overall the ergonomics of HK VP9 are absolutely fantastic.
It lets you have good leverage control over the gun under recoil, and the texturing isn't bad at all.
It would be nice to make texturing that is more robust.
It's easy to reach for the controls, and there's nothing about this firearm that is uncomfortable for most shooters.
Slide
The ergonomics of the slide are superior to what you would normally expect.
When the gun was first introduced this slide was in the forefront of technology. The serrations themselves aren't too violent, and this is another legitimate complaint I have with this firearm.
The slide's finish isn't as smooth as many other firearms, which means you won't require as much texturing, like you'd for a gun such as the Glock which has a smooth finish.
There are also the small Palmer wings that are mounted underneath the rear sight and let you get more control over the slide when you are unable to grip the slide with your hands.
Personally, I think that they can make the process of it a more easy, but I don't really use them often myself.
I may even replace them if I decide to take the front sight off.
HK the VP9 Review Trigger
A trigger for the HK VP9 is something that I'm not totally happy with.
When the gun first was introduced, gun enthusiasts were raving about how great the triggers on these guns is. In the early days, Glock, Springfield Armory XDs and Smith and Wesson M&PS were the only strikers that were common handguns with polymer frames that were that were available.
All of these had amazing triggers.
It was deemed normal for a trigger to be replaced on an Smith and Wesson M&P with an Apex aftermarket trigger kit straight out from the package. As we are all aware, Glock has a large range of aftermarket parks that were extremely popular at the time and continue to be so until today.
If you're taking the trigger pull on the HK VP9, you're going feel a little slack in the trigger as you pull out the take-up . This will hit a wall a bit ahead in the pull of the trigger.
Then you'll notice pressure building up prior to the trigger breaking.
The trigger certainly has a wall. It is a bit plasticky. The trigger is also much further forward than the majority of handguns made of polymer that fire strikers available.
From The Reset
If when you come back to the trigger it's light and is reset a bit in front of the wall, which makes you'll feel a less occupied when you return.
But then the trigger snaps when it hits the wall. Overall, I wouldn't claim that this trigger is outstanding. It's not even close to saying it's excellent. It's perfectly acceptable.
There's nothing to boast about it, but there is nothing to be proud of with the HK VP9 trigger, but there's nothing really to be unhappy about neither.
It's right between polymers, triggers fired by strikers exactly like any other gun that is available. The Glock Gen 5 triggers are quite good. They are pretty good. HK VP9 trigger is pretty excellent. The trigger on the Sig P320 is decent and so is those from the Smith and Wesson M&P series.
Each trigger is into the same category and any preference one has or the other likely to be exactly that.
Personally, I have my personal preferences regarding the way a self-defense handgun trigger will feel, but I am sure you have all of us. The way you define those preferences will assist you in determining the quality of triggers like the HK VP9 trigger.
It's true that there's nothing spectacular about it, but there's nothing bad about it either.
The market for aftermarket parts for this HK VP9 isn't bad, however, it's not the same as guns like Glock 19 and the Sig P320 and the Glock 19.
You'll see plenty of options for aftermarket to keep your customers happy, but not likely to get enough options to make any changes you'd like to change with the firearm.
Keep that in mind if you'd prefer to modify your firearms by using parts from the aftermarket.
HK V9 Review Maintenance
It's not difficult to remove this device. HK VP9.
All you need to do is secure the slide back to its rear, pull out the magazine and make sure that the gun is not loaded.
Turn the lever for take-down to 90 degrees, and then slide away from the firearm. When this gun was first introduced, it was an incredibly innovative feature.
Like Glocks, you were required pull the trigger to disassemble the gun. For the Smith and Wesson M&Ps you had to disconnect an orange spring within the gun to release the striker.
The gun can also be taken apart and not drop the striker which is an excellent aspect from the safety point of view.
It is a handgun that HK VP9 disassembles just like any other handgun.
The recoil spring assembly followed by the barrel so that you'll be able to clean it, and then put it back together once it's clean and well-lubricated.
One thing I would like to mention is that the lever for taking down is much simpler to use with this model than the HK VP9.
Particularly when compared to other guns such as especially the Sig P320. I was really impressed because I find it difficult or hard to operate the lever for take-down on other firearms.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is always a personal decision.
This gun is likely to look different from the outside in accordance with the grip you pick for it.
If you are able to add the larger side straps and the back strap will alter the look of your gun. It will make it appear heavy on the rear. It's the way it's popped out of the box it's stunning.
The serrations on the slide forward add the perfect finishing touch.
And the texture of the grip itself is pretty appealing.
Despite what I mentioned that it looked like miniature bananas. It certainly looks like bananas.
If you mix a lot of them together due to a reason, they don't appear like bananas, and they also are very appealing with their texture.
HK V9 Review Shooting
Its HK ergonomics are excellent and really stand through when you shoot the gun. It's similar to shooting the CZ 75 but in polymer.
The recoil pulse isn't the kind of thing I would describe as soft, but it's predictable. The sights of the HK VP9 track incredibly well and will be able get an even sight image of the target while firing.
It's not oversprung as many 9mm polymer handguns.
It's a fantastic weapon for shooters who are new and aren't the biggest of hands, however, they nevertheless desire to shoot the 9mm handgun. Also, it's great for experienced shooters who have large hands.
Final thoughts
Do you think this is the final handgun?
For me, it's no. Perhaps for many others, too.
It's not going to be the definitive solution.
This is an superb handgun.
With many options that shooters will be able make use of. It's all about the nitty-gritty characteristics to determine the accuracy of your gun. make the perfect gun for your needs.
If you aren't happy with the magazine release process or the absence of options for aftermarket accessories, this might not be the gun for you.
If you're looking for a fantastic new gun that can be improved by altering the sights, then this is the gun I'm sure you'll appreciate.
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