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As most readers are conscious, till the brand new CC9, all the HK firearms have been the results of a request from a navy or authorities group. The VP9 collection of pistols is not any exception. In 2014, it was adopted as the usual service pistol, by the Bavarian State Police. The official designation was the P30X, however they modified it to the VP9 for the American market.
Setting A Normal
The design of the VP9 was very superior for 2014. The polymer body featured interchangeable aspect panels, backstraps, and HK’s distinctive ambidextrous paddle journal launch and slide launch. The working system included a single-action striker system, giving the VP9 a superior set off over its opponents. Being designed as an obligation pistol, the VP9 had a corrosion-resistant end and was designed for an prolonged service life.
Over time, the VP9 has undergone some minor enhancements. A number of fashions are actually supplied in an optics-ready configuration, and an ungraded journal elevated the usual capability from 15 rounds to 17 rounds.
The unique VP9, as requested by the Bavarian State Police, has what could be finest described as having a full-size body and a compact size slide. The VP9 gained recognition with each the U.S. business and regulation enforcement market. However some wished it to be both a full-size responsibility pistol or a real compact pistol.
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Enter The A1 Ok & F Fashions
Because of the reorganization, HK-US is positioned to serve the U.S. market. Right this moment, HK-US introduced the brand new VP9 A1 in Ok (Compact) and F (Full Measurement) fashions. The Ok mannequin retains the identical fundamental slide as the unique mannequin, however has a brand new compact measurement body. The F mannequin has the identical fundamental body with a brand new, longer, slide/barrel. This brings the VP9A1 in keeping with the usual measurement pistols supplied by its opponents.
The brand new A1 fashions, that are manufactured in Germany, have the identical ergonomics, set off, reliability, and security that the unique VP9 is understood for. In addition they retain the ambidextrous working controls and the twin paddle journal launch. The A1 has six aspect panels and three backstrap panels that permit the consumer to suit the grip to their particular person palms. Two of the newly designed backstraps lengthen the complete size of the backstrap and permits the consumer to vary the size of pull.
A1 Enhancements
The A1s additionally retain the identical confirmed hammer-forged barrel and inside working system. Different legacy options, which have been retained, are the patented charging helps, the accent rail, and the generously sized set off guard. All A1 fashions are actually manufactured with an optics minimize that may accommodate particular direct-mount optics. Further adaptor plates can be found for almost all of standard pink dot optics.
The A1 enhancements go additional than only a new sized body and slide. Sharp eyed readers will discover that the grip texture has been up to date and the finger grooves on the entrance strap have been deleted. HK has added a texture to the first contact factors to offer a tactile reference level. These surfaces embrace the aspect of the body and paddle journal launch. The left slide launch has been redesigned with a extra pronounced ledge for simpler manipulation. The cocking serrations on the entrance and rear of the slide have been enlarged to the maritime configuration.
The journal nicely, on each fashions, is flared for simpler reloads. Along side this characteristic, the journal baseplate has been redesigned with a aspect recess to facilitate elimination. One other good enchancment is the nickel Teflon end, on the set off bar, for a fair higher set off pull.
Vary Time With the A1
Shortly earlier than the discharge date, I obtained a VP9A1 Ok and F . Each have been shipped with direct mount Holosun SCS VP9 inexperienced dot optics put in. I examined each fashions with a number of standard private protection/responsibility masses. I used to be particularly fascinated by seeing how a lot improve in velocity the F mannequin had over the Ok.
Efficiency
Each pistols shot exceptionally nicely and I skilled no malfunctions or different points. The set off, on each weapons measured simply over 5 lbs. Whereas I’m not a devoted optics shooter, I appreciated the non-compulsory Holosun inexperienced dot optic. Nonetheless, given the time constraints, I spent most of my time taking pictures the Ok compact. I used to be particularly fascinated by the way it in comparison with my day by day carry Glock 19.
On the vary, the Ok shot exceptionally nicely and was very controllable, even when taking pictures the recent Winchester M1115, 115 gr. TMJ load, which averaged 1,300 fps. From 10 yards, I managed to shoot a 10-shot group that measured 1.24” which is phenomenal for me. I attribute this to the VP9’s superior ergonomics, nice set off, and the Holosun optic. At 20 yards, I used to be in a position to hold all of the rounds within the black of a B8 restore middle. Pinging a metal silhouette at 50 yards was exceptionally simple if I caught to the fundamentals.
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By the top of the check, I had put roughly 100 rounds by way of the F mannequin and 300 rounds by way of the Ok. I discovered that, for me, the Ok balanced barely higher whereas the F shot just a little softer.
Last Ideas
Earlier than this, I had restricted set off time with HK merchandise. The extra I shot these two fashions, the extra I appreciated the sophistication and German engineering. The unique VP9 is a time-proven design that’s solely made higher by the introduction of the brand new A1. Each fashions are nicely fitted to the armed citizen in addition to an company that’s on the lookout for suitable full-sized and compact pistols. The VP9A1 launches on January 3, 2025, and must be at sellers shortly thereafter.
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