Heckler & Koch VP9A1 K

INTRODUCTION

The VP9 was first introduced in 2014 and represented Heckler & Koch’s first modern, polymer frame, striker fired pistol. It was designed to meet the requirements of the Bavarian State Police. German engineering has always been exceptional, and the VP9 was no exception.

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The VP9 had a feature set that was trend setting. The original VP9 featured a full size frame with a 4.09” barrel that gave the pistol an overall length of 7.34”. The magazine release was a dual paddle style and the frame featured both interchangeable backstraps and interchangeable side panels. The VP9 used a pre-cocked striker system that, in effect, makes is a single action pistol. Heckler & Koch ensured the VP9 would have a long service life by using a cold hammer forged barrel with a polygonal bore, a captive flat recoil spring system. The slide featured a corrosion resistant finish and introduced Heckler & Koch’s patented “charging supports”. 

Heckler & Koch-USA DRIVES THE A1

Several years ago, Heckler & Koch-USA began working with Heckler & Koch-Obendorf to upgrade the VP9 with the result being the new VP9A1 pistols. The new A1 series consists of a compact “K” model and a full size “F” model. This change gives the user an option of a compact and full-size duty pistol. Significant changes include deleting the front strap finger grooves and improved backstrap modules that actually change the length of pull between the web of the hand and trigger. The grip panel texturing has been improved and specific “touch points”, such as the magazine release, the side of the frame, have be textured. 

Heckler & Koch-USA decided to delete the front strap finger grooves as well as give the new A1 frames a flared magazine well. To facilitate magazine removal, the A1 has a newly designed magazine base plate with finger recesses. To improve an already great trigger, the trigger bar has a nickel Teflon finish.  

The slide retains Heckler & Koch’s “charging supports” and the same, corrosive resistant finish. The forward and rear cocking serrations have been upgraded to the more aggressive “maritime” design. The VP9A1 pistols are all optic ready via a series of mounting plates. These are sold on the Heckler & Koch-US website and are available in six different patterns. This will allows the VP9Aq to be adapted to the hands of the individual shooter.

FIRST LOOK
We were able to obtain a VP9A1K, with a Holosun SCS VP9 green dot optic for a review. My first impressions are the pistol is everything it has been billed as. I was impressed with the trigger, adaptable grip, and the overall shoot ability of the pistol. Stay tuned for a complete review.