chrisintexas
New member
Which one would you prefer as a defensive pistol and why? thanks
H&K VP9 vs Glock 17
- Thread starter chrisintexas
- Start date
I like the HK far better than the 17 or any Glock for that matter. The ergonomics of the HK are far better for me and I like the control layout much better. The HK is also fully ambidextrous, which is nice for weak hand operation. The 17 is time tested though. The 17 will have many more aftermarket products available. The HK for me does not need aftermarket tweaking. The 17 holds 2 more rounds than the HK which is really closer to size than the 19. Out of the box performance trigger goes to the HK and I would take HK accuracy in general over the Glock's.
They're both essentially equal in that they're polymer striker fired DOA handguns with similar size, barrel length and capacity. There's really not much difference in the two in what they can do. They're both good plastic bullet hoses.
Assuming you have no other handguns and are starting from scratch, the H&K VP9 will be less expensive to get to a similar level of performance mainly because the H&K is more mechanically accurate. A Glock would need a fitted barrel. The H&K also has better stock sights. The trigger is markedly better and I find the VP9 easier to shoot accurately immediately. My Glocks are set up with a roll trigger and there's things about that that I like, but you can't get a trigger in a G17 as good as the VP9 without spending more money. The H&K has ambi. controls which I like because I'm left handed, but they require some grip adjustment as the right side slide release is very easy to actuate unintentionally. If you're big on warranty, H&Ks is lifetime.
The downsides of the H&K are a lack of parts availability and limited aftermarket support (so far). Magazines are also harder to find and expensive in comparison. It also has a higher bore axis than the Glock, so there's more pronounced muzzle flip. Also, if you're used to a button magazine release, the H&K paddles take some getting used to and can lead to some muscle memory issues if you like switching between weapons regularly. Finally, the H&K is more complex in general so detail stripping is more complicated.
The Glock will be around for a very long time. You'll be able to find parts at your local gunsmith. Aftermarket support is huge. You can detail strip it with a pen. If something breaks, you can replace it yourself easily and things rarely break. They run, they shoot flat and you'll have a hard time beating your times with one if you objectively measure your performance.
So, bottom line pick the one you like and shoot the snot out of it. There's not a bad choice between the two unless you're trying to conceal either easily. If you want to carry one, Glock offers the G19 and G26 and both are easier to conceal than the VP9 due to the shorter grip length.
Assuming you have no other handguns and are starting from scratch, the H&K VP9 will be less expensive to get to a similar level of performance mainly because the H&K is more mechanically accurate. A Glock would need a fitted barrel. The H&K also has better stock sights. The trigger is markedly better and I find the VP9 easier to shoot accurately immediately. My Glocks are set up with a roll trigger and there's things about that that I like, but you can't get a trigger in a G17 as good as the VP9 without spending more money. The H&K has ambi. controls which I like because I'm left handed, but they require some grip adjustment as the right side slide release is very easy to actuate unintentionally. If you're big on warranty, H&Ks is lifetime.
The downsides of the H&K are a lack of parts availability and limited aftermarket support (so far). Magazines are also harder to find and expensive in comparison. It also has a higher bore axis than the Glock, so there's more pronounced muzzle flip. Also, if you're used to a button magazine release, the H&K paddles take some getting used to and can lead to some muscle memory issues if you like switching between weapons regularly. Finally, the H&K is more complex in general so detail stripping is more complicated.
The Glock will be around for a very long time. You'll be able to find parts at your local gunsmith. Aftermarket support is huge. You can detail strip it with a pen. If something breaks, you can replace it yourself easily and things rarely break. They run, they shoot flat and you'll have a hard time beating your times with one if you objectively measure your performance.
So, bottom line pick the one you like and shoot the snot out of it. There's not a bad choice between the two unless you're trying to conceal either easily. If you want to carry one, Glock offers the G19 and G26 and both are easier to conceal than the VP9 due to the shorter grip length.
My choice would be Glock.
The British Military thinks so too as they just scrapped all their Hi Powers and issued Glock 17 as standard side arm issue.
ref: http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23797.aspx
The British Military thinks so too as they just scrapped all their Hi Powers and issued Glock 17 as standard side arm issue.ref: http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23797.aspx
LockedBreech
New member
Glock 17.
The VP9 is really popular right now and from a brand with an outstanding quality reputation. It's probably a great gun. But don't let that overshadow the fact that it's new. I don't like to beta test new products. After a year+ where we see if the VP9 has any major issues develop, sure, but right now the G17 is a far more proven design with far more accessories.
The VP9 is really popular right now and from a brand with an outstanding quality reputation. It's probably a great gun. But don't let that overshadow the fact that it's new. I don't like to beta test new products. After a year+ where we see if the VP9 has any major issues develop, sure, but right now the G17 is a far more proven design with far more accessories.
LockedBreech
New member
I've never heard anything about Glock having bad magazines. Do you have sources?
Not really. The 17 is only .02" taller than the VP 9, and the VP 9 is .42" taller than the 19. The 19 has a barrel length length of 4.01" VS the 4.09" of the VP 9 and the 17's is 4.48". The 19 is only .06" shorter overall than the VP 9 and the 17 is longer by .61".
The 19 and VP 9 are in the 4" class where the 17 is in the 4.5" class. The 19 just has a short handle for a gun with a 4" barrel.
RangerHAAF
New member
Glock 17 for practical everyday reliability, simplicity, durability and accuracy.
If you're looking at these two guns, you might also take a look at the SIG P320 as well. It's similar in a lot of ways to both and I found I actually like the SIG trigger better than either the Glock or H&K trigger out of the box.
Admittedly, there's not a lot of data out there on long term durability, but what is out there looks pretty good so far.
Admittedly, there's not a lot of data out there on long term durability, but what is out there looks pretty good so far.
Yep, different strokes and the reason there are so many different models to choose from. Grip length is important to me too. More so for comfort with concealment secondary. Still though the 19 and VP 9 are closer overall in size than the 17. The 19's grip really cramps my hand.
glock magazines
i owned 2 glocks before. one was used. it was a bit hard to feild strip the magazine. i also had a brand new one. it was so tight i couldn't even get the magazine to feild strip. that is my beefs with glocks. i had a used glock 19 9mm and a brand new glock 26 9mm. i've owned over 20 guns.
i owned 2 glocks before. one was used. it was a bit hard to feild strip the magazine. i also had a brand new one. it was so tight i couldn't even get the magazine to feild strip. that is my beefs with glocks. i had a used glock 19 9mm and a brand new glock 26 9mm. i've owned over 20 guns.
I got a chance to shoot the VP9 a few days ago. The gal I was there with is about 5'3" tall and has short fingers. The Glocks and Springfields all worked fine, but the only one she could reach the slide lock lever and the mag release was the VP9. Everything else she had to use her opposing hand. I hadn't looked at it that way before being 6'5" and larger hands. She really liked the HK because it fit her. All the specs between the two are great, but which one fits you the best?
In all fairness, disassembling a magazine isn't usually considered part of field stripping.
Here's a thread on disassembling Glock magazines.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500338
Uncle Malice
New member
I've never understood why people have trouble or need contraptions to disassemble a glock magazine... it's incredibly easy. Just get the tool in the hole, put it down into your lap and use your shoulders.
Basically this method as shown by Lenny Magill of Glock Store. Simple simon. Leverage is your friend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB28dFAMVQc
Basically this method as shown by Lenny Magill of Glock Store. Simple simon. Leverage is your friend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB28dFAMVQc