HK VP70Z - The best polymer handgun of all time?

Published on June 14, 2016
Duration: 15:23

The HK VP70Z, the first polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun, is reviewed as a historical innovation despite being a commercial failure. Its double-action-only trigger is criticized as one of the worst, exceeding 15 pounds, and the sights are deemed poor. While revolutionary for its time, it significantly pales in comparison to modern designs like the HK VP9.

Quick Summary

The HK VP70Z was the first polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun, a revolutionary design predating Glock by a decade. However, it suffered from a very heavy DAO trigger (over 15 lbs), poor sights, and harsh ergonomics, making it a commercial flop despite its historical innovation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the HK VP70Z
  2. 01:42Trigger and Sight Critique
  3. 02:22Military Origins and Civilian Model
  4. 02:57Shooting Demonstration and Ammo Issues
  5. 04:38Comparison with HK VP9
  6. 11:47Field Stripping the VP70Z
  7. 13:43Ammunition Failure Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the HK VP70Z historically significant in firearm design?

The HK VP70Z is historically significant as it was the very first polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun ever produced, predating the widely popular Glock by approximately ten years and pioneering a design that would dominate the market.

What are the main criticisms of the HK VP70Z's performance and ergonomics?

The primary criticisms include an extremely heavy and poor-quality double-action-only trigger pull exceeding 15 pounds, an unusual and ineffective sight picture, harsh ergonomics, and the absence of a last-round slide lock.

Was the HK VP70Z a military or civilian firearm?

The VP70 was initially designed for military use with a detachable stock for burst fire. The 'Z' in VP70Z signifies 'zivilist' (civilian), meaning it was the commercial variant that lacked the stock attachment and burst fire capability.

What ammunition issues were encountered during the HK VP70Z review?

The review highlighted significant reliability issues with Winchester USA Forged steel-cased 9mm ammunition, which caused stuck-case malfunctions not only in the VP70Z but also in a modern HK VP9, indicating a problem with the ammo itself.

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