Heckler & Koch’s VP9 remains one of the more popular full-sized pistols of the past few years. I remember when shooters first got it into their hands, they immediately started calling for a compact model for concealed carry. Now, after a few years, H&K have release that smaller-version pistol.
The VP9SK (SK for subkompakt, I think) is an abbreviated version of the VP9. I have been shooting the VP9SK this month and have some thoughts to share on that experience here. I was pleased to find that it does bring with it that butter-smooth trigger and the contoured, configurable grip. It also brings with it some of the less attractive features of the larger model, but not all of them. Here are my thoughts after spending a few hundred rounds with this oddly-large subcompact.
Why Consider the H&K VP9SK?
The H&K VP9SK is a large-ish “subcompact,” double-stack pistol that is purpose-made for concealed carry and it has many of the qualities of its larger namesake. You might consider this pistol for the manufacturer’s reputation for producing firearms of excellent quality. You might also consider this one if you don’t want to carry a full-size pistol, but don’t want the lower capacity of a single-stack gun. Mostly though, you might consider this pistol if you really enjoy the popular features of the VP9 and wished there was a smaller version for concealed carry. There is!
H&K VP9SK Specs:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 6.61″
- Height: 4.57” with flush magazine, 5” with extended magazine
- Width: 1.31”
- Barrel: 3.39”
- Trigger: 4.5lb to 5.5lb.
- Sights: Luminescent 3-Dot, steel
- Weight: 23.07 oz. w/empty magazine
- Slide: Black oxide finish
- Capacity: 10+1
- MSRP: $719 (often found for much less)
The overall size and weight of this supposed subcompact pistol are a bit surprising. While slightly smaller than a compact Glock 19 and with considerably less capacity, the VP9SK is a couple of ounces heavier! That’s not what I would have expected from a gun that is labeled a subcompact. The fact of the matter is that despite the claim, the SK is not a subcompact and is among the larger and heavier compact pistols on the market. This may or may not matter to some individuals, but it’s worth noting for comparison purposes.
Shooting the VP9SK
Putting rounds on target with the VP9SK was, for me, a better experience than shooting its full-size brother. The shorter slide of the SK greatly reduces the muzzle flip found with the full-sized VP9. In that respect, the VP9SK provides a superior shooting experience. Not surprisingly, the trigger on this compact model is as good as on the full-sized original; smooth and relatively light. I, like many others, think this is one of the better stock triggers available on a striker-fired pistol.
What I first noticed when I started shooting the SK was that my hands could not find a comfortable position for a good grip. I felt awkward holding the pistol, due to the extended mag finger-groove mismatch for my primary hand and the lack of any anchor point for my support-hand thumb. Others with different-sized hands and grip conventions may or may not have this experience. The only other things I found less than enjoyable on this pistol were the paddle-style magazine release and the polymer “wings” on the back of the slide. More on those later.
The extra weight this medium-sized gun carries makes for a relatively soft shooting experience. I find its recoil impulse to be less noticeable than that of the G26 or other double-stack short guns. The fact that the VP9SK is considerably larger than most of these certainly helps on that score.
Comfort, Controllability, & Capacity
Controlling the VP9SK is easy. With its relatively soft recoil impulse and lack of muzzle flip, fast follow-up shots are a breeze. It would be even more controllable if there was an index point for your support-hand thumb on the forward frame. The takedown lever is there, but it is too far back to be a worthy anchor point for anyone with large or medium-sized hands.
As I mentioned earlier, I did not find the SK to be a comfortable gun to hold or fire. I like the finger grooves in the grip, but the added groove that comes on the magazine extension does not play well with the rest of the grip. I ended up with either odd finger placement or my pinky on the hump of where the grip and extension meet. And for reasons already mentioned, my support hand always felt oddly weak on the gun. Shooting was not a comfortable experience for me.
The SK’s 10-round capacity is fine for a double-stack subcompact, but given the fact that with the extended magazine the grip is larger than even the 15-round-capacity Glock 19, there should have been room for a couple more rounds here. This is not a tiny gun and it flat out dwarfs the 10-round Glock 26. So it’s not bad capacity, just a little disappointing based on the size. That said, there are 12-round extended magazines available from H&K. At around $70 each, they’re not an easy purchase to contemplate.
Components and Features
Not surprisingly, the slide is nicely contoured and finished, and has excellent serrations front and rear that provide excellent purchase for manipulations. A conspicuous feature on the slide is the presence of polymer “wings” at the back. I assume they’re meant to assist a weaker operator in racking the slide, but I found them to be quite uncomfortable when doing so. Moreover, they’re entirely unnecessary since the slide serrations are well done and easily gripped. I’m told you can remove these wings and I’d highly recommend doing so.
Again, the trigger is excellent and it doesn’t ask to be modified in any way. There is a trigger-shoe safety rib that, unlike with some other models, doesn’t create any discomfort when pressing the trigger a couple hundred times in a shooting session. Well done.
The grip has a conspicuous hump in the backstrap, but I found it fit my hand quite nicely. Like the VP9, the SK model comes with replaceable side and rear grip panels that allow you to find the perfect combination of contour and size. This is a good feature more guns should have.
The paddle controls are not easy to reach with either my thumb or index finger so I have to modify my grip considerably to actuate it. I ended up using my index finger, as it was the easiest to use and required the least grip modification. Others with different sized hands may not have this trouble.
The frame includes a picatinny rail for lights or lasers and I found the drift-adjustable 3-dot sights to be just fine. Like the magazine release, the slide-lock lever can be accessed on both left and right sides. While the SK comes with a flush and extended magazine, the extended mag does not add any capacity. C’mon, H&K, stop being stingy!
For color and magazine complements, the VP9SK comes in several configurations, as described on the Heckler & Koch website:
Conclusions
Pros
The VP9SK is relatively soft shooting for a subcompact. The trigger is excellent and the stock sights are good (they’re glow-in-the-dark, but not “night sights”), combining to make this a small pistol that’s easy to be accurate with. The configurable grip panels allow you to find just the right grip size and contour for your preference. Some folks will like the ambi slide-lock lever.
Cons
The VP9SK is heavier than the G19 even though it is smaller and has considerably less capacity. Some folks may find that the VP9SK doesn’t conceal as well as other subcompacts, due to the wide slide and heavier weight. The finger grooves don’t match well with the magazine extension. The magazine extension doesn’t afford any extra rounds. There is no forward anchor point for the support-hand thumb. Some people will not like the paddle-style magazine release and the slide “wings” just get in the way. Finally, it’s a bit pricey.
So for rating the H&K VP9SK…
Ergonomics (***)
The VP9SK was not for me very ergonomic. The grip was excellent (and configurable), but I was never comfortable holding and shooting the gun, owing to the mag-extension finger affordance and no good place for my support-hand thumb. Additionally, the magazine release controls were not easy for me to manipulate. I admit I was a bit disappointed on this score.
Shootability (****)
Definitely a shootable pistol in other respects; has a great trigger, it’s easy to get quick follow-up shots, and it’s not too snappy.
Accuracy (****)
I found it to be plenty accurate for a small gun.
Concealability (***)
At 1.31” wide, the VP9SK is rather chunky—even for a double stack—and with the magazine extension the grip is a long as that of a G19. So it’s not unconcealable, but for a supposed subcompact it will be a bit more difficult to conceal.
In Summary
I simply found too many nitpicks to really enjoy this pistol. That said, lots of folks love the VP9 so I expect they’ll enjoy this smaller version too. Moreover, Heckler & Koch are known for the excellent quality of their guns and I found nothing here to cast doubt on that quality.
If you like chunky, heavy, small guns of excellent quality with moderate capacity that afford right-hand or left-hand manipulations, The VP9SK is definitely worth checking out. As a model to bring something new and special to the compact/subcompact market, this is nothing to write home about. Even so, I encourage you to rent this pistol and see what YOU think of it.
* * *
HK is legendary for their ergonomics! Your literally the only review I’ve seen on the entire internet that said they are bad. You keep comparing VP9 to Glock 19’s.. get a clue and stop reviewing guns on the internet, stick to road cycling.
I have the VP9SK and HK45. I have medium to large hands and find the ergonomics to be better than most guns on the market. Glocks are awesome but can not in anyway compare with the ergonomics of the HK. The SK has many combinations for grip configuration to suit large medium and small hands. Your review does not make sense.
there are dozens of reviews noting issues with the placement of ergonomics, especially if you have medium to large hands
I have the SK, and absolutely love it. The overall size is a bit larger than most subs, but I have large hands, so the gun fits mine perfectly. I love the ergonomics, trigger, mag release, just most things about this hand gun. I have used mine as a demo and have had to order 4 more for clients. I definitely recommend it.
I Just purchased the h&kvp9sk ( 2/2019….took it to my local and put 500 rds Thu it….this firearm was just remarkable shooting…recoil… WHAT RECOIL..shooting this gun was like putting a hot knife the butter….recoil, back to target, was everything you would want and expect from hk firearms….I am very pleased with my h&kvp9sk….I have no complaints….NONE.. .. find out for yourself you won’t be sorry
why do so many gun aficionados write with a system of punctuation they have developed on the spot?
come on, dude. who is going to trust your opinion on anything if you were outsmarted by both the period and the comma?
Anybody with a brain, which you obviously lack….dude……
Agree. Own both and I’ll take the VPsk9 (Out of box) anyday over my G19 (modifications needed to an awful trigger and sights are horrendous.
Yeah I own both and I’m happy with both, but 1 up for the H.K
I agree 100%
I also have the full size HK45, P30 and VP9SK, they have the best ergonomics of all guns i own. I own Sigs, Beretta’s as well as revolvers and I still give the edge to HK. You can customize grips to fit any hand size, as said above your review does not make much sense. You seem to be biased towards Glock and not giving HK much of a chance.
Eveybody should know that one mans opinion does not make or break a pistol. Do your own testing and create your own thoughts. This handgun, in my opinion, is incredible. Every knock from above here, is simply not accurate from my experience. This is a truly great weapon and a true joy to shoot.
Do your own homework and formulate your opinion after a few rounds of testing. You’ll certainly appreciate this HK after you do.
Regards,
Just Another Dude w/an Opinion…
It’s sad that you have to trash such a fine pistol on “nitpicking” each and every detail you find personally offensive. Hell, you will find issues with any great firearm, that’s why you are not credible to do a review on any firearm. I had an USP HK 45 compact in the past and I’ve always regretting in allowing me to be talked, and traded, out of it.
I’ve not experienced any of the negative opinions of the reviewer. This is a quality “compact” pistol that can be customized to fit 85+% of the shooters. The reviewer seems to be the 5% of people that are not easily satisfied unless they find fault with their own agendas and abilities. What a waisted and unfair review.
I agree with the previous commenters. This pistol may not be for everyone. It works for me because I shoot it better than other pistols.
I’ve had my VP9SK for a few months, put almost 2600 rounds through her so far.
I use the 13 and 15 round SK mags, as well as a 15 round VP9 mag, all of which do offer a better support for the support hand, which would probably have made a world of difference for the reviewer…
And as far as concealability, carrying my SK AIWB in a Vedder LightTuck holster, along with one of the Vedder IWB mag holders carrying a 15 round mag, this setup is very concealable, almost as good as my Glock 26 rig, using another AIWB LightTuck holster and IWB mag.
I love my VP9SK! It has easily replaced my gen4 26 as my concealed weapon of choice.
Before my wife and I chose a gun for her first conceal carry we researched the hell out of almost gun out there. Rented many of them too. Because of left handed and small hands the VP9SK was our choice and we have been very pleased with all aspects. Love shooting it as it’s very accurate. Only problem with it is we keep fighting over it so I got a full size VP9.
You were incorrect when you wrote that the HK VP9SK is heavier than the Glock 19. The VP9SK is a little over a half ounce lighter.
Glock 19 (with empty mag): 23.63 oz
HK VP9SK (with empty mag): 23.07 oz
This is your main ‘con’, and it’s incorrect.
WRONG.
Glock 19 with empty mag is 20.99 oz (21 oz).
The VP9SK is 10% heavier.
A glock 19 with 15 rounds in it weighs about what a VP9SK with 10 rounds in it weighs
I don’t have a dog in this fight, but I wanted to throw my .02 in. According to Glock’s website, the Glock 19 weighs in between 23.63 oz – 24.83 oz with an empty mag. With NO mag it weighs in between 21.16 oz – 22.05 oz. Obviously, with a full mag it weighs more, between 29.98 oz – 31.39 oz. This is accurate information as of the time of this post and comes directly from Glock’s own website. Now, there may be a possibility that Glock doesn’t know how to use a scale correctly, or that their scales are off and yours is more accurate. However, I tend to think Glock probably knows what they are doing when it comes to weighing a gun. For reference, according to the HK-USA website, a VP9SK with empty magazine weighs 23.07 oz.
I would suggest next time you want to prove someone wrong just because you are a fanboy and can’t stand that someone somewhere says something is better that your thing, you may want to do your research and actually know what you are talking about. Just saying.
I am not saying anything in regard to which gun is better, more accurate, or will help you look more manly. I am only commenting on the stated weights or the guns
Had my SK for almost two years. Every time I thought about getting something else, I shot the SK again and said, nope. I use 15 round mags exclusively; it then becomes the ‘same’ grip as the VP9. Also have Crimson Trace Red Laserguard with the N82 full size VP9 IWB holster; fits like a glove; good concealability; took me a while to get it all sorted out but it’s a great-shooting, reliable and controllable gun.
On the day I got my vp9sk, the right charger support fell off after shooting only 5 rounds. A week later I shot 100 rounds and everything was ok. When I got home I cleaned the gun using wd40 before oiling. As a result the stock sights coating started to peel off. last week I had the stock sights replaced for truglo’s tgx-pros. Fitness of Truglos to the rails is not exact as it leaves a little gap. During the procedure, the gunsmith used a brass tool which damaged the gun’s coating at the sights frame rails. Then I shot another 100 rounds (a total of 205 so far) and while shooting the right support fell off again. I have such a shi*ty luck whith this gun…Before this I had a G17c for 20 yrs without a single issue. I know these are minor issues which in a self defence situation have no influence on the outcome, but nevertheless I didn’t expect these issues from a HK…
Maybe was referring to both being loaded?
Problem number one ☝️.. your using wd40 to clean your gun 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤣😂🤣😂 You know the firearm comes with a manual for reason right? You might want to read… You might actual learn something…🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️😂🤣😂🤣😳😳 Problem number two ✌️ maybe you should find an actual creditable gunsmith who has a history of impeccable craftsmanship, not just trying to get it done as cheap as possible. 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ You get what you pay for… I for one know they are amazing guns and recommend them to everyone. I’ve owned a glock 19 and after throwing a few thousand in modifications I sold it and bought the VP9SK and have not had to do one ☝️ thing. Plus the range that I am a member of, one of the members is actually sponsored by H&K, but it’s like I always tell everyone to each there own. You might want to learn what products are good to use on a firearm and what are not… 🤷🏻♂️js
the lesson here is WD40 is garbage that has no business being around firearms, or moving parts in general. it’s total crap. there are gun cleaning kits, with specific cleaning products geared toward firearms and their delicate moving parts. WD40 is not one of them.
I’m sold on getting the VP9SK as my first gun!
You lost me when you said you used wd40. I’m a gun enthusiast but a 20 plus year master mechanic. Wd40 was not made to clean your guns. Wd40 is not just an oil, it’s oil AND solvents, so it will ruin any finish on the gun.
Interesting comments on the width vs. the G19. I watched Hickok45 put his calipers on this and the Glock 19. The overall width at the frame, including controls, was damn near identical. Also, no mention of the interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels? Unless you have alien hands, there is a very high probability that you can make it fit your hand pretty well.
I have a VP9 and VP9SK. The SK is my daily carry. I for one don’t get along with Glocks. I’ve never enjoyed the trigger or grip. I’ve owned a couple and spent $ on upgrades which still didn’t get them to the comfort and accuracy I have with my VP9s. I do wish it carried more rounds in a single clip. To me, that’s the only downside besides being a bit more difficult to find accessories.
This is an awesome firearm !! I am so happy I bought it after a SF mod 2 9mm with 7.4 lb pull put a powder river kit in it and it still felt bad. My friend at the Marksman range let me try her VP and I said get me one she said hers was the LE model with extra mags and nite sights
Andy you really dont get it !! This weapon puts Glocks to shame. I had a19 26 and 43 got rid of all of them. This VP puts them to shame. Ilove mine.
The reviewer was expressing his personal preferences ,so I do not take offense at them, however he is the only one I’ve seen who had issues with the guns features or ergonomics. I’ve found the glock 26 s short thick grip to uncomfortable and the lack of contour make it a bit slippery. The sk’s light crisp trigger,fast reset and quick recovery make it far superior to the glock and definitely makes up for it’s slight size advantage
I have two H&K VP 9 sk’s. The paddle mag release works much better for me because I do not have to change my grip to press the release. The “chargers” on the back of the slide do not get in my way and can be helpful but not necessary. Did you try the other configurations of back straps and side plates? The trigger is indeed a nice trigger. For me it shoots better and feels better than any and all of the Glocks I have tried. My VP9sk’s are very accurate for defensive shooting. They are a bit harder to conceal than many subcompacts but the right holster and clothing make that no problem. I have 10 round, 13 round, and 15 round magazines for my VP9 sk’s and find the 13 round my all around preference 15 round back up magazines. No handgun is best for every shooter but my VP9 SK’s are better for me than the many other high quality handguns I have. I really just need to sell the others. I am not mentioning the other brands I have because I know people who love those other brands.
I have the sk and love it.
It fits my hand perfectly and shoots like a dream.
I’ve put 1000’s of rounds through it with not a single hiccup.
I trust my life with it.
How about a broader comparison other than Glock?
I had the .40 cal version which sucked. Never bought another.
One problem I really didn’t like and the only thing I didn’t like was the magazine release lever.
It didn’t contribute to fast reloading.
I looked and fired a lot of pistols looking for the right one. When i picked up 90% of them they just felt like they were there…I picked up the HKVP9 and it felt like it was supposed to be in my hand. If the SK is anything like it’s big brother, it will be my next gun.
I have the VP9 and the SK and have fired at least 5,000 rounds through each. If you arent used to the paddle magazine release, try using your middle finger on the trigger hand. It is faster and more accurate than conventional magazine releases on my other quality guns, even after extensive training on each. I love the release.
I carry a Sig P365 and the VP9SK and love both, but honestly, love the VP9 SK more for carrying because of the grip and trigger. I am more accurate and faster because I can control the recoil better and get my sight picture back faster. I do tactical training with the VP9, and having a smaller carry version of the gun that feels almost exactly like it is priceless to me.
I am considering the SK. I have the VP9 (blue label), yes they market a blue label. Unfortunately, not in the SK trim (so I’ve been told). I started with SW 586, Sig P220, 229, 226 (all duty weapons). Somewhere between the 229 and 226, I picked up a new HK USP Compact, so the mag release is familiar. (But even the USP feels outdated vs. the VP9.)
Then the transition to the G19 Gen 4 (duty), and I truly enjoy the ease of a striker pistol. I was officially a convert. I have not mentioned that I live on the other side of gun shooting majority (left). After retirement I saw the changes to the GEN 5, and got the G19 and G26.
For those unfamiliar, one long word, ambidextrous.
Which now leads to the VP9. I found this weapon to be amazingly easy to shoot and more single shot accurate (out of the box) then my G19 G4 or G5. I would rather shoot faster with a slightly larger grouping, then slower with a tighter grouping. Everyone has different skill levels and preferences, I have experienced the VP9 does this better then the G19. I’ve had the VP9 for 3 months, using a total of 200 rounds. Some say “time is money,” in some parts of your world, “a couple seconds could make all the difference in survivability.”
I enjoy both weapon systems, but now admit a preference for the VP9.
With today’s environment, I am looking for the SK to replace the G26 for everyday under T-shirt summer carry. If you’re talking less then a 1/2″ anywhere on a pistol for concealment, don’t bother, anymore then 1/2″ just get a larger size shirt.
Have your preferences, but pick a weapon for your specific needs that you’ll appreciate, then enjoy it more often.
There is an inconsistency in your review. You state (correctly) that the VP9SK is not really “subcompact” because it is slightly bigger and heavier than other subcompacts, but then you criticize it because you couldn’t find a comfortable position for your support hand. There actually is more than enough room for the support hand before the trigger guard, which is also grooved, and that’s usually where shooters place their support hand. Complaints about limited room beneath the barrel could apply to every compact pistol on the market, after all that’s why the gun is called compact. The grip itself is clearly more comfortable than virtually all other pistols, given its wide room for adaptations with the panels that are provided. I too don’t like the 10 round mag with your pinky dangling free at the bottom, but at this point there are options for extended magazines with extra rounds. 10 rounds is standard for sub-compacts, so that critique is not specific to any brand. The paddle mag release is unusual for American shooters, but I find it easy to depress with my trigger finger; also, it makes the gun easily ambidextrous. Meaningful critiques to me focus on accuracy, muzzle flip, and reliability.