cannonfire
New member
Well I just received my new HK VP9 about a week ago and immediately took it out shooting. I've been wanting to write my first "review" or impressions of the weapon for a couple of days, but work as been off the walls for the past couple of days.
Now I will say this, I am huge fan of striker fired handguns; especially ones in 40 cal. But I wanted an HK and I wanted a 9mm, so this only seemed like the perfect fit! And I will honestly say that I am no gun expert but I love shooting and anything firearms but this is my first gun "review"
First, I ordered the LE model from a gun dealer in Florida and had it shipped to my FFL at Governor's Gun Club in Hiram, GA. I walked out out the door paying about $695. Now in a previous thread I stated it came with 6 magazines. Turns out the gun store clerk made a mistake and gave me Mecgar mags for what we think is a Sig. Anyway, the HK came with night sights and three magazines and a hard case. It also came with all the grip panels that normally come with the VP9 and P30.
My first impressions of the feel of this weapon was that someone made a custom grip that fit my hand perfectly. I haven't even played around with the different grip options as the ones that came on the gun fit me perfectly. I do not like that HK did NOT include the punch/tool to remove the grips. I've been looking at my local stores for a 2.8mm punch like the book states, but no luck. I'll probably have to just order it online, but like I said, the grip feels great as it is, so I'm in no rush.
This weapon has every feature that I would want on a handgun. I love the Euro paddle mag release, the night sights, rail, loaded chamber indicator, and I am a HUGE fan of striker indicators. I know many people dont like LC indicators and striker indicators. I dont know if that is because GLOCKS don't have them or what, but I like it as a quick reference to the condition of the weapon. I never fully rely on them, but I would rather have it than not have it.
I just went through the police academy so all of my "official" training on handguns as been with a Glock, which as you all know, requires you to roll your wrists forward due to the angle of the grip. It took some changes to get the sights to line up with the VP9 but that is just changing my grip around. Not really a big deal.
Shooting the VP9 is a DREAM!!!! It took a little bit to find the POI, but once I found it, I had no problem hitting my target. I shot it from 10-20 yards and didnt have a problem hitting targets from paper plate size targets to soft ball size. I was able to hit the center x on all the targets from different distances, and I am by no means a great shot, good, but not great. The recoil, or lack there of, amazed me. It was the softest shooting 9mm striker fired handgun I've had the pleasure of shooting. It really had me wondering if I had a squib round or two at first!! The trigger is much better on the VP9 than I expected, knowing how HK isn't know for great triggers. I don't know if it is PPQ good, but it is very close! Much better than my glocks and XD.
I also just receieved my G Code INCOG IWB holster, which was a partnered design between G Code and Haley Strategic. It is an all kydex holster but the outside of the holster is covered in mole skin, so contact against the skin to not be so irratating, and honestly quiet pleasant. I have zero problem thus far with concealing the VP9 IWB or otherwise.
Overall, I think the LE version is the way to go as it comes with an extra mag and night sights. I recommend this gun to anyone that is looking for a striker fired handgun. HK hit this one out of the park for sure!! Only cons I can see with this weapon is why HK didn't include a tool to change the grips and the price and availability of magazines. IF you can find them online, they are about $55 +shipping per mag. Hopefully HK will be able to catch up with the market with the popularity of the VP9 and P30.
Now I have to start saving again for the VP40 and hopefully in the next couple of years there will be a VP9sk!!! One can only wish!
Now I will say this, I am huge fan of striker fired handguns; especially ones in 40 cal. But I wanted an HK and I wanted a 9mm, so this only seemed like the perfect fit! And I will honestly say that I am no gun expert but I love shooting and anything firearms but this is my first gun "review"
First, I ordered the LE model from a gun dealer in Florida and had it shipped to my FFL at Governor's Gun Club in Hiram, GA. I walked out out the door paying about $695. Now in a previous thread I stated it came with 6 magazines. Turns out the gun store clerk made a mistake and gave me Mecgar mags for what we think is a Sig. Anyway, the HK came with night sights and three magazines and a hard case. It also came with all the grip panels that normally come with the VP9 and P30.
My first impressions of the feel of this weapon was that someone made a custom grip that fit my hand perfectly. I haven't even played around with the different grip options as the ones that came on the gun fit me perfectly. I do not like that HK did NOT include the punch/tool to remove the grips. I've been looking at my local stores for a 2.8mm punch like the book states, but no luck. I'll probably have to just order it online, but like I said, the grip feels great as it is, so I'm in no rush.
This weapon has every feature that I would want on a handgun. I love the Euro paddle mag release, the night sights, rail, loaded chamber indicator, and I am a HUGE fan of striker indicators. I know many people dont like LC indicators and striker indicators. I dont know if that is because GLOCKS don't have them or what, but I like it as a quick reference to the condition of the weapon. I never fully rely on them, but I would rather have it than not have it.
I just went through the police academy so all of my "official" training on handguns as been with a Glock, which as you all know, requires you to roll your wrists forward due to the angle of the grip. It took some changes to get the sights to line up with the VP9 but that is just changing my grip around. Not really a big deal.
Shooting the VP9 is a DREAM!!!! It took a little bit to find the POI, but once I found it, I had no problem hitting my target. I shot it from 10-20 yards and didnt have a problem hitting targets from paper plate size targets to soft ball size. I was able to hit the center x on all the targets from different distances, and I am by no means a great shot, good, but not great. The recoil, or lack there of, amazed me. It was the softest shooting 9mm striker fired handgun I've had the pleasure of shooting. It really had me wondering if I had a squib round or two at first!! The trigger is much better on the VP9 than I expected, knowing how HK isn't know for great triggers. I don't know if it is PPQ good, but it is very close! Much better than my glocks and XD.
I also just receieved my G Code INCOG IWB holster, which was a partnered design between G Code and Haley Strategic. It is an all kydex holster but the outside of the holster is covered in mole skin, so contact against the skin to not be so irratating, and honestly quiet pleasant. I have zero problem thus far with concealing the VP9 IWB or otherwise.
Overall, I think the LE version is the way to go as it comes with an extra mag and night sights. I recommend this gun to anyone that is looking for a striker fired handgun. HK hit this one out of the park for sure!! Only cons I can see with this weapon is why HK didn't include a tool to change the grips and the price and availability of magazines. IF you can find them online, they are about $55 +shipping per mag. Hopefully HK will be able to catch up with the market with the popularity of the VP9 and P30.
Now I have to start saving again for the VP40 and hopefully in the next couple of years there will be a VP9sk!!! One can only wish!