HK VP9 followed me home

JaPes · Nov 7, 2014

Yesterday, a HK VP9 followed me home.

I've owned several different brands of striker fired handguns over the years: Glock, S&W SD9, S&W M&P, Springfield XD-M, Ruger SR9, Taurus 24/7. My experiences shaped my opinion that striker fired pistols are all generally the same. I sold off my polymer framed striker fired pistols except for a few Glocks (17, 22, 26, 29). I held onto the Glocks because I can tune a Glock trigger to be almost right. Even with the same aftermarket parts, there are barely noticeable variances in trigger feel between my Glock pistols. Of them all, my Glock 17 is just right and I've not been able to replicate it.

Out of the box, VP9 trigger is slightly better than my modded Glock 17 trigger. Each and every different VP9 has the same exact trigger feel. The adjustable side panel and backstrap system are outstanding. The deep rear contour lets me get a high grip, lowering the bore axis. It feels like a beavertail grip.

Is the VP9 "worth" the higher price than than other striker fired pistols? I can't give that a 100% yes. Why? The Walther PPQ costs less, is similar enough, and the trigger is excellent too. A Glock with the necessary aftermarket trigger parts costs less than a PPQ. Would I buy a VP9 again? I don't know yet. Will I sell/trade my VP9? No. It's a good pistol.

hoc9sw · Nov 7, 2014

VP9 is a great choice. I picked up the LEO package (night sights, 3 mags).

Am at 805 rounds of whatever 9mm comes past me, and not one single failure of any sort.

I suspect you made a good choice

hoc9sw · Nov 7, 2014

And am considering a second as a dedicated car gun.

nyeti · Nov 7, 2014

Just picked up my second one. It is all I carry now. My business partner and I shooting the piss out of them and they run great. We both shot perfect scores in Tom Givens Instructor class (rarely does a single student shoot one, two with a "new gun" is impressive). We are teaching a VP9 class next weekend and are very positive about them. I wrote the VP9 article (the positive one, not the counter point) in the new Surefire Combat Tactics, and my partner is on the cover of the new SWAT with the VP9. Great pistol.

JaPes · Nov 7, 2014

I got night sights, but not the LEO package. Only two magazines for me. Yesterday, I sent 250 rounds downrange. I tried to intentionally induce a failure via light grip and limp wrist, single handed, weak and strong hand. Not a single failure to cycle. I can honestly say that the VP9 is the one polymer framed striker fired pistol which I could not induce such a failure.

hoc9sw said:
And am considering a second as a dedicated car gun.

I had to edit my original post due to your comment. I stated that I probably would not buy another VP9. I had to change that to a "I don't know yet". I've considered installing some sort of vehicle center console handgun securing system and having a dedicated vehicle handgun.

You've got me thinking that a 2nd VP9 might be the right handgun for the job.

Don't mistake my lack of excitement as a negative review of the pistol. As I said earlier, I'm not selling or trading this gun away. It's a keeper.

JaPes · Nov 7, 2014

nyeti,

What holster are you using? Because it's winter, my clothing is more amenable to concealing a larger pistol in an OWB holster.

LVSteve · Nov 8, 2014

On the subject of triggers on polymer guns, have you ever shot an original Steyr M9, the one with the funky safety inside the trigger guard? They have pretty good triggers.

JaPes · Nov 8, 2014

LVSteve said:
On the subject of triggers on polymer guns, have you ever shot an original Steyr M9, the one with the funky safety inside the trigger guard? They have pretty good triggers.

I've seen one, but not shot one. It had that double safety system. A nub had to be pulled down(?) then another part within the trigger guard pushed up(?) to fire. I have held and dry fired one of the newer ones that came into the country a few years ago. It was $400 and was a grey market gun. It had the Glock style safety on the trigger. It was nice, but nothing special.

I have shot a Caracal, the full size one, back before the recall. I remember the buzz about the pistol from the UAE. Again nice feel, but the trigger didn't feel like anything outstanding.

On a tangent, the only other polymer framed pistols I point friends to are:

1. Glock 22 or 23. The minimalist design consisting of 34 parts is inherently reliable. I can detail strip a Glock with a single pin punch. Parts are plentiful and easy to find. Used LE pistols are very affordable. It can be easily converted to shoot 9mm or .357 Sig with drop in barrels and magazines for 9mm.

2. HK VP9. Everything is good to go right out of the box. I like the customizable grip system. The trigger doesn't need to be polished, modified, or worked on. The paddle style ambi mag release is easy to use.

3. Walther PPQ M1. Again good to go out of the box. The trigger is excellent. No need to modify anything.

Malpasowildlifer · Nov 8, 2014

very cool....nothing like a new HK

kmyers · Nov 9, 2014

That is a nice pistol. We got one a couple of months ago and it is a favorite for both of us. The trigger and ergonomics are exceptional and we are up to almost 2000 rounds with not a single issue on FTF or FTE. We already had a Walther PPQ which has been shot more and the same. Both are fine weapons.

4006990 · Nov 9, 2014

Congrats for your new pistol. Enjoy it!
Out of the box trigger on polymer framed pistols that I like:

●Walther PPQ
●Steyr L9-A1
●Bersa BP9
●HK VP9
●Sig P320

nyeti · Nov 9, 2014

JaPes said:
nyeti,

What holster are you using? Because it's winter, my clothing is more amenable to concealing a larger pistol in an OWB holster.

For OWB I am running several from Tap Rack Custom Kydex in Fresno Calif. They do great work and have VP9's to mold from, including with lights. I have a FDE one, Multicam for the gun with an X300, and one with a HK logo on it. I run them as both training and working rigs and they have been stellar. I have a horsehide and alligator rig enroute from JRCustom Leather as well.

HK VP9 followed me home

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