HK VP70 - Turning 9x19 into 9x17 since 1970
The HK VP70, released in 1970, was the first polymer-framed handgun and pioneered the Volkspistole concept. Its direct blowback action, combined with deep rifling to manage 9x19mm pressures, significantly reduces muzzle velocity, effectively turning 9x19mm into 9x17mm performance. While historically significant, it features a heavy DAO trigger and lower ballistic performance compared to modern firearms.









