HK VP9

I'm not sure why the price of magazines is such a contentious issue - not just with this gun, I see this issue brought up all the time in all sorts of contexts. How often are people really buying magazines? Magazines for my Beretta 92 are around $20-25. That's the price of ammo for one (small, brief) range trip. The magazines for my Beretta PX4 are around $40-45. That's two small range trips or a medium-sized one. Magazine cost is literally a non-factor when I'm selecting a firearm. I can't imagine ever having more than 3-5 of them. Perhaps it's because I don't compete. I've had the same two PX4 magazines for 6 years.
 
Yea, the mag issue is more a factor with price point guns. Both the VP9 and Walthers PPQ are a German engineered and produced high quality handgun. You don't buy a Porsche and balk about the price of the floor mats.
 
I looked at one of these today and was very impressed! The trigger is the best of the striker triggers I have personally felt.The grip is wonderful and the sights bright and if charged by a light they glow even in the daylight! The balance is great and overall feel of the gun is natural to point and should be a great shooter...
 
I have the PPQ M1 with the paddle release. It is, by far, my favorite pistol for a number of reasons (trigger, ergonomics) and I own Glocks, XD's, Rugers, S&W. I like them all but the PPQ is the leader of the pack.

Concerning the paddle mag release, I'm able to maintain my shooting grip with strong hand and eject the mag, reload and be back in business faster and cleaner than any other pistol I've tried. Granted, there are still many I've not had the pleasure of shooting...
 
I have a VP9

I have a VP9 and love it.

I've been around the block a few times; I've owned 1911s, Sigs, etc before consolidating completely to Glocks for personal protection and gaming (USPSA and IDPA). I found that I liked having a standardized platform, and really disliked DA/SA. I never got into HKs because I found their triggers to be inexcusable for the price.

That being said, when HK came out with the VP9, I was immediately drawn to it. On paper, it is a gorgeous gun; HK reliability and build quality, thought out ergonomics. When I finally handled one, I had to have it--I even sold one of my Glocks to get it.

I have no regrets. The trigger is superb--my gaming Glocks are better, but the VP9 trigger gives great tactile feedback and in no way hinders accuracy or speed, which is the most I can ask of for a trigger.

The VP9 really shines in ergonomics; I have large hands, but for some reason use the small grips and backstrap. It feels like a very small grip, but for reason it works very well for me. It has also made even my 9mm and .40 Glocks feel bloated and large. My wife also prefers the small grip.

It is a very intuitive gun to shoot. The first time shooting the VP9, my splits were great; I have never just been able to pick up a foreign platform and perform at that level. I can also run the gun very, very quickly and get very acceptable accuracy--I can run it so quickly that it gets too hot for comfort within a short amount of time. That is great for a stock trigger, stock sights.

The charging supports seemed corny at first, but they really are cool. It is a solution to a problem that I didn't know existed. My wife loves them. I like the stock sights; they are fast and easy to acquire. I am going to leave them stock even though all my Glocks have thinner front blades and FO fronts. the stock VP9 are great duty and combat sights.

The magazine release is easy to adjust to. It is just as fast as the button release after one range session. It feels neither slower nor faster, but I have not timed it, so YMMV. I find it easier to use my trigger finger to activate it; I don't have to adjust or reaffirm my grip after releasing the magazine, which I sometimes do with a traditional button release. I like it. It has not caused confusion when switching between the platforms.

The biggest downside for me is 1) The 15 round magazine; it should have been 16+1 or 17+1 2) The lack of holster support. I have purchased a crossbreed IWB and Fury OWB that should arrive soon--we'll see how those do. I usually use Raven and Bravo concealment. 3) It is not as user serviceable as Glocks are, but I don't really need to modify it; I really enjoy it stock.

Here is a pic of some of my failure to stop drills at 15 yards. This was my first range visit.
 

Attachments

  • photo 1.JPG
    photo 1.JPG
    214.7 KB · Views: 47
Concerning the paddle mag release, I'm able to maintain my shooting grip with strong hand and eject the mag, reload and be back in business faster and cleaner than any other pistol I've tried. Granted, there are still many I've not had the pleasure of shooting...
Click to expand...

I also prefer the paddle release. Quicker for me. All my self defense handguns have it.
 
I had a PPQ back when it first hit the market and I really liked it, except that the grip felt a little bit too slick to me and I was a little put off by how short and light the trigger was for a carry pistol. I also had wondered if the shorter trigger break could cause accidental discharge off the recoil under stress, and I then I actually read about that happening in a competition around here somewhere at some point as well. I ended up selling it.

I now have a VP9 and it's everything I wanted in the PPQ to begin with. I'm selling my P30 and sticking with the VP9. Holster is being made by Garrett Industries now and I can't wait to get it.

Recoil characteristics seem improved to me, I am more comfortable with the trigger for a carry pistol, and the grip has better traction than my PPQ's had. I'm a happy camper.

I am not saying the VP9 is better than the PPQ, but it's better FOR ME and what I look for. The only downside to it compared to a Glock is that it's the same size as the 17 with 2 less rounds, but the other features it has offset that disadvantage to me.
 
Threads like this remind me of why I don't buy glocks....



In other news I really liked the feel of the HK, and the feel of the trigger dry firing it, but they were crazy expensive at the gunshow last weekend. The few I found in stock were were in the 800 range, I suppose because they are still rare.
 
The few I found in stock were were in the 800 range, I suppose because they are still rare.
Click to expand...

Lots of price gouging at gun shows. Get on a few of the email lists online, like TopGun Supply and CDNN. Can get one for right around $600 when they come in stock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top