The VP9 is Heckler & Koch’s long awaited, full-size, striker-fired 9mm pistol, suitable for duty, open carry, or home defense. Even so, “striker fired” doesn’t tell the whole story. The firing system has yet more interesting details than the typical double-action-only trigger configuration.
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I got to put a few hundred rounds through this pistol recently at Eagle Gun Range and found a lot to like and, of course, a few things I didn’t warm up to. Let’s look at the specs and then I’ll share some more in-depth details and my impressions from shooting the VP9.
HK VP9 9mm Specs:
- Chambering: 9x19mm
- Length: 7.34″
- Height: 5.41″
- Width: 1.32″
- Barrel: 4.09″ / Polygonal, 6 grooves, right-hand twist, 1 in 9.8 inches
- Sight Radius: 6.38″
- Sights: 3-dot luminous (glow in the dark)
- Trigger Pull: 5.4 lbs.
- Weight: 25.56 oz. (w/empty magazine)
- Finish: Black frame / black oxide slide
- Capacity: 15+1
- MSRP: $719
Shooting the VP9
In preparing to shoot the H&K VP9, I first took a few dry-fire shots. I was immediately impressed with the trigger. It has a smooth and resistance-free take up, a clear wall, and a decent break. I’m used to a Glock trigger that has some resistance and sponginess on the take up. The VP9’s trigger was rather a breath of fresh air.
I first did my typical warm up of 10 rounds each at 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards so that I’d have a baseline to compare the experience. At 3 and 5 yards I was still getting used to the initial trigger break, the trigger reset, the felt recoil, and overall controllability. By the time I was at 10 yards I was putting all 10 rounds inside of a 3” circle in about 8 seconds (for me, this is really good). My conclusion is that this is an eminently shootable pistol.
HOWEVER, bore axis matters. It matters a lot (something too many manufacturers don’t seem to realize or care about). The HK VP9 has a somewhat high bore axis and I was continually fighting the effects of this defect. As a mildly experienced shooter I know how to compensate for bore axis consequences, but as a discriminating shooter I don’t cotton to too much muzzle flip.
The sights were easy to pick up and contributed to my accuracy results with this pistol. Both the front and rear sights are dovetailed. The frame-mounted controls seemed to be well placed for my medium-sized hands, and did not interfere with my operation of the pistol. I didn’t have any trouble with the paddle-style magazine release and used my index finger to manipulate it. I would not, however, prefer this sort of control over the typical side-mounted button release. Your mileage may vary. I really like the inset cuts at the bottom of the grip, to help gain purchase on the magazine baseplate if you need to clear a difficult malfunction.
Comfort, Controllability, & Capacity
I enjoyed the feel of the VP9 in my hands. It reminded me of a wider-grip version of the Walther CCP that I shot last month and really enjoyed. Like all of the newer Heckler & Koch pistols, the VP9 has a highly ergonomically designed grip. With the nine interchangeable grip panels, you can likely craft a perfect fit to your hands, too.
While the felt recoil is fairly soft, the relatively high bore axis makes muzzle flip a bit of an issue. Seeking to control the recoil and flip, I found little purchase for my support hand forward thumb. I tried resting it on the takedown control, but it was not far enough forward for my hands. So I had a bit of trouble maintaining proper grip for more than 3 or 4 shots in a row.
The VP9 is about a half-inch taller than the Glock 19, but it has the same 15-round capacity. That’s not terrible, but it’s oddly anemic for a full-size 9mm pistol.
Components and Features
As the photos show, the slide has useful serrations fore and aft, but what might not be obvious without careful inspection is that there is a set of assistive “wings” at the rear of the slide. This is a polymer insert that fits into a slot below the rear sight and provides a bit more purchase when racking the slide. I don’t know if this feature is necessary, but I didn’t find it at all uncomfortable or problematic.
The VP9 has a chamber-loaded indicator and a striker-cocked indicator. I will merely say that these features are irrelevant, as only unsafe people care about such things. Gun manufacturers should stop building them into their pistols.
Likely the most important feature of the VP9 is the grip component system. There are 3 size variations of grip panels each for the backstrap, right, and left sides of the grip, allowing you to tailor the grip dimension and shape it to your hand. This is a really nice feature that should go a long way toward making this Heckler & Koch pistol just right for you. As for the grip texture, it is aesthetically pleasing, but in no way aggressive enough for my taste.
Another nice feature of the pistol is that the controls are entirely ambidextrous. The paddle-style magazine release and the slide lock can be manipulated from either side. The right-side control for the slide-lock is a long, odd-looking lever. It seems out of place on this pistol and I have to wonder about its long-term durability or propensity to snag on things.
You can’t see it from the outside, but this pistol packs a significant surprise. Though the VP9 is a striker-fired pistol, it’s not necessarily a double-action-only pistol. When the slide articulates, it cocks the striker spring. The trigger, then, doesn’t have to actuate the striker spring and when pressed merely clears the trigger and drop safeties, and releases the already-cocked striker. By definition, that’s makes the VP9 a single action pistol! A result of this mechanism is that the trigger take up is free from resistance and quite silky. The break is fairly crisp, but involves a bit of creep. Reset is very firm—perhaps too firm, but I have to wonder if things would smooth out a bit after a couple thousand rounds. In any event, as compared to other factory striker-fired pistols the VP9’s trigger may be the best one going.
Conclusions
Pros
The H&K VP9 is a very nice-feeling, comfortable pistol to hold. The grip-customizing system with both backstrap and side panels mean you don’t have to settle for a single grip made by the manufacturer for some nonexistent everyman. The trigger is delightful. Mechanical innovation aside, I expect that anyone can appreciate the quality of this trigger. The slide has both fore and aft serrations and the operating controls are available on both sides of the pistol. If one requires different sights, both front and rear sights are dovetailed for easy replacement. The polymer charging assists at the back of the slide are useful for people with lower hand strength. The full-size rail will be useful for some folks and the interesting striker action mechanics has immediate benefits here with the trigger and may cause other manufacturers to rethink their pistol mechanics.
Cons
The high-ish bore radius makes for a bit too much muzzle flip for my taste. I’m also no fan of the paddle-style magazine release, though some may find it to be no problem. Those who know how grip texture factors in gun fighting will not appreciate the deceptively nice-looking grip texture. The 15-round capacity is a bit small for a full-size pistol. The rear sight is sloped, which makes one-hand slide manipulation a problem. The right-side slide lock lever is odd and I believe it to be potentially problematic.
So for rating the H&K VP9…
Ergonomics (*****)
The customizable grip makes for an eminently ergonomic feel in my hand. I found the controls to be well placed and did not get in my way at all.
Shootability (****)
The grip makes for a comfortable beginning to shooting, but the high bore axis makes followup shots more of a chore than I prefer. The sights are quite nice and I have to give props to the wonderful trigger.
Accuracy (*****)
This is an accurate pistol and I found it very easy to score precision hits and small groups. That nice trigger was, for me, a big part of the overall accuracy equation.
Customization (****)
The customizable grip fit is a huge plus, since your pistol should ideally be tailored to you and not to someone else. There are plenty of aftermarket sights and plenty of holster options to suit your needs and preference. The full-sized picatinny rail will allow for a host of lights and lasers.
In Summary
This is a formidable pistol and not just for a single feature. There’s a lot going on here to like despite what I’ve cited as negatives. Of those negatives, the bore axis is the one I find most fault with, but the popularity of other high-bore-axis pistols means that my opinion of them may not even matter to you.
Ultimately, I found the H&K VP9 to be a smooth-shooting, comfortable tack driver. I think you should probably give this one a try and see for yourself just how this pistol fits your needs and preferences.
hey Andy I
would like to take a gun safety course and practice shooting and just need some refresher training . I’m not interested in a CHL . it’s just a hobby and for home defense
Hi Anthony,
That’s great. If you’re local I encourage you to peruse the Eagle Gun Range site and see the classes they offer. If you’re not local, I’d encourage you to do the same at your local gun range. Take care and best of luck!
What’s a good handgun for a woman with a small hand?
Sheila,
There are a few good ones that might suit your small hand. There are, however, other important factors for you to consider (chambering, controls complement and position, ergonimics, etc…). I recommend you visit Eagle Gun Range or your local shop(s) and try out a few. Rent and shoot them, too, to make sure you’re comfortable with how they run in your hands.
You are super helpful thank you!
Have you done a review on the Kimber ultra carry ll in 45.
I took a friend for his first hand gun and helped him pick this one out (vp9) and took it to range. I must say this pistol shot as good if not better than my Beretta 92. Fs (Italian) .so I just purchased my own . Would suggest it . .PS. he shot extremely well for his first time .so I would contribute it to this handgun. As well as my instruction .
I have a slightly used H&K VP9 that I’m looking at to purchase. I have a smith SD9VE . Would you consider this gun to be much better? I like high capacity, a fat grip, a safety,and a good quick trigger. What do think about this upgrade?
I have both, and the VP9 is way superior to the S&W SD9VE. You will love the trigger, and the accuracy of the VP9.
Loaded chamber & striker cocked indicator are required on handguns sold in California.
Then it is imperative that Californians change those tyrannical and negligence-promoting laws.
So when you drain your wallet for this “new” HK P9 you get a striker fired pistol with the same trigger pull as the Glock 19, NO aftermarket trigger improvement “do it yourself” parts such as those supplied for the Glock by ZEV and many other companies that can take your trigger pull down to a icicle crisp high 2 to 3.0lb, no other aftermarket improvements from a true industry of such parts suppliers and with the extra money you spend over the Glock what do you get? A pistol that is every bit as ugly but functional as a stock Glock but NO WAY to improve its performance.
In other words folks, go the route of probably 70% of the Police Departments and go Glock. Never heard mention anything about the torture tests that Glock pistols have endured and still fired even when caked with mud or sand…….nothing did I read but a promo for yet another attempt to cash in on what Gaston Glock provided us with quite a while back. As for durability, I still have and regularly carry an early edition Gen 2 Glock 19 that has had in excess of 20K rounds through it and I am STILL waiting to have a gun induced FTF with that pistol. Can ANY HK say the same? Don’t buy the name, buy the proven gun and GO GLOCK. Your life could depend on it as many policemen can attest.
I purchased a vp9 for $50 less than a glock. Brand new with 4 free magazines in addition to the 2 that come with it. My main reason for choosing this gun over others is that i am left handed. This gun has the best ambi controls that I have found. Also i found the glock uncomfortable in my hand. There is no perfect gun for everybody. Many factors go into choosing a gun (for me, at least).
WHY are you on a page for a review of an HK, if you’re a “Glock fanboy”?
This is about the H&K VP9. Go to a Glock forum with your BS. Have you even ever shot a VP9?
I’ve never seen a cop carrying a Glock in Connecticut Just looked a list state police carry gun there was some Glock but no were near 30percent. VP9 is better in every way including trigger,accuracy, 30 year old Glock design is fine but it’s not close to Vp9
I found it to be much better shooter and ergonomics than glock. I would buy it CZ p10 or Sig p320before Glock. They all are good HK and CZ better after shooting all. The grip and trigger superior to Glock. Onlytrigger that may be better is PPQ. HK and CZ most accurate to me.
Michael J. Engles. Can you tell me where you bought you VP9? Love to get the extra mags and $50 below Glock is a great price. Thanks;
i would like to know where to buy a vp9 at that price thanks
I picked my VP9, and a VP9SK at my local Atwoods, on Clearance, for $424, before Arkansas sales tax. It was $460, out the door. My nephew, who was a Glock fanboy, is now a H&K fan, because of the VP9.
You can find the VP9 at Cabela’s and Academy Sports here in Texas as well as most gun shops and ranges with retail stores. You can also find them online at sites like Grab a Gun and have it transferred to your local licensed gun dealer for a nominal transfer fee. Search for online and in stores sales and you’ll be surprised by the savings you can find. We picked up one for my wife a little over a year ago for $629! She has since started competing in steel matches.
Btw, this is her first handgun and she is holding her own against seasoned shooters at these events. As for me, I prefer my 9mm M&P 2.0 full size. Another one some love, some hate and some love to hate. She’s saving her pennies for her next handgun, the HK VP9 SK, the compact version of the VP9.
I hope this helps you find your next favorite handgun!
I forgot to mention that some dealers will match advertised pricing on some guns. They usually need to be ads from LOCAL sticks and bricks stores. Ask your local dealer if they will price match, it could save you a transfer fee when buying your gun. We saved a LOT when we picked up my wife’s pistol from the retail shop at our local range. We took a picture of the gun on display at one store showing the price label and they matched it for us!
I appreciate your review. I have been considering the VP9 for several weeks. I own rifles, but this would be my first sidearm purchase. For me it’s between the VP9 9mm or a 45… I guess I need to get to a range and compare the two.
What is your opinion on whether or not this hand gun is too large for concealed carry?
Ron,
It’s a large pistol, but concealability is rather a personal issue. It’s a bit too big for me, but some folks might be able to conceal it just fine.
I bought this gun last year and have been loving it! I mean, I love it so much that I bought the subcompact version and use it as my main carry gun. Since this has become my favorite handgun, my views differ from yours quite a lot.
I have large hands so I can manipulate the mag paddle release with my right thumb. It took a day of practicing, but now it’s second nature. My support hand thumb rests far forward of the takedown control lever (whereas it rests right on the lever of any Sig, which makes them unshootable for me), so control is great and followup shots are quick and easy.
You must have shot the basic version because I bought the LE night sights version (excellent sights by the way) and the rear sights are flat so one handed drills are a piece of cake.
I will agree that 15 rounds for a gun this size is low, but the VP9’s main competitor, the Glock 19, is too small for my big hands.
Speaking of Glocks, you can compare the two, but that’s like comparing a Ford Focus to a BMW M3 – they’re both cars, but one is better in every way. Note, I do have around 2k rounds through a Glock 22 and carried one nearly every day for 3 1/2 years.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how awesome this gun this (I mean, I haven’t even spoken about the fantastic trigger, which you don’t have to pull in order to field strip it), but I’ll just end with this: the H&K VP9 is the best 9mm striker fired gun on the market, period.
I agree with some of the information listed above. The pv9 is an awesome all around handgun. You can find the perfect fit for you with all the extras. Shoots great, feels great, looks great and the price was $610 at Academy. Check it out. Some people like Chevy and some like Ford.
I’m getting another VP9 tomorrow. I had one some time ago, and can’t remember why I traded it. I loved everything about it, but the size for CC. With the right holster, the VP9 is very concealable. As for the “best” trigger? My Canick TP9SF Elite has the “best” trigger I’ve ever felt. Opinions may vary.
I bought my h&k vp9 a few months ago and so for I have nothing to complain about. It feels great in my hand it hits where I aim it recoil is quite light. If my review mattered since I’m not a gun expert I would give it 5 stars
Great review. Very thorough and well written. Thank you
VP9 question. I needed to transport my pistol in my vehicle and did not have a lock, so I thought the best thing to do for safety was to remove the barrel and spring and store them separately. I slipped the slide back on and now it is stuck. I don’t want to force anything. Any suggestions?
You mean you removed and barrel and the spring out of the gun and put the slide back without them? I’ve never seen or heard anyone doing that. How did you get it release after it got stuck?
I have a VP9 and am left handed. the unnecessarily long slide release gets in the way and is often manipulated to not allow the slide to stay back. this is an obvious defect on such a high qualify firearm (just from looking) – i’m surprised that H&K or a third party has not offered a short version.
i like the weapon, but will probably sell it due to this defect since i can’t tell when i’m empty.
I have read your articles – I would like your opinion. I am looking to purchase a 9mm all metal for home defense and to make my husband more comfortable -I am female 5’2 with thin wrists. I have been reading specs. I am a beginner and I want to do this the right way – training and practice and this is my gun – no one else will be using. What model do you thnk would be best? Thank you for your time.
My very first gun purchased was a Sig .22 caliber. Just for fun. When I actually decided to buy a 9mm at Bass Pro, I was shown the H&K VP9 Tactical, which has the threaded barrel. And I’ve never regretted it. It took me a little of practice at the beginning, but like everything else, once you get used to it, you end up liking it more. Now I am in search of a compact size gun. Someone mentioned the same H&K VP9 SK, which is the compact version? I might give it a try.