HK VP9 Review Is It Hype Or A Range Hammer You Need?

Published on January 28, 2020
Duration: 27:10

This review of the H&K VP9 highlights its ergonomic grip, which feels excellent in hand, and its unique paddle magazine release. While initially underwhelmed by the trigger's grittiness and the pistol's complex internals, the reviewer found that leaving the slide locked back for a week significantly improved the trigger feel. After approximately 400-700 rounds, the VP9's trigger smoothed out considerably, making it a more enjoyable firearm. The reviewer notes that while the ergonomics are top-tier, the pistol's internal design is complex and may require specialized tools for full disassembly, suggesting it's not the most user-serviceable firearm out of the box.

Quick Summary

The H&K VP9 is lauded for its excellent grip ergonomics and customizable fit. While its trigger can be gritty initially, it smooths out significantly after 400-700 rounds or by leaving the slide locked back for 1-2 weeks. The unique paddle magazine release and complex internal engineering are notable features, though the tight magazine well and serviceability are points of critique.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the H&K VP9
  2. 00:27H&K Company History and Reputation
  3. 02:05VP9 Entry into the Striker Market
  4. 02:23Unique Paddle Magazine Release
  5. 02:48Grip and Ergonomics Walkaround
  6. 03:39Trigger Analysis
  7. 04:34End-User Serviceability and German Engineering
  8. 05:02H&K Quality vs. Customer Service
  9. 06:08VP9 vs. Older H&K Models
  10. 06:19Aftermarket Support and Competition
  11. 06:40Detailed Look at the VP9 Internals
  12. 08:02Magazine and Grip Details
  13. 09:21Magazine Well Critique
  14. 10:28Paddle Release Functionality
  15. 11:20Trigger Shoe and Safety Features
  16. 11:43Picatinny Rail and Slide Serrations
  17. 12:04Trigger Grittiness and Reset
  18. 13:02Ambidextrous Slide Stop and Takedown
  19. 13:20Striker and Chamber Indicators
  20. 13:38Plastic Cocking Serration Inserts
  21. 13:47Sights and Slide Serrations
  22. 14:12Front Serrations and Barrel Details
  23. 14:43Internal Slide Components and Pins
  24. 15:48Striker Safety Mechanism
  25. 16:32Trigger Bar and Striker Safety Interaction
  26. 17:30Trigger Bar Spring Design
  27. 18:15Reassembly and Trigger Pull Tests
  28. 19:30Trigger Pull Weight Results
  29. 20:00Overall Impressions and Initial Underwhelm
  30. 20:48VP9 Opening Up After More Rounds
  31. 21:17Plans for Customization
  32. 21:38Pet Peeves: Paddle Release and Magwell
  33. 22:11Trigger Break-in Tip: Locked Back Slide
  34. 22:35Critique of Cocking Extensions and Slide Release
  35. 23:06Grip and Magwell Gripes Revisited
  36. 23:52Sights and Overall Decent Setup
  37. 24:04Final Verdict: Not First Choice, But Good
  38. 24:32Positives: Feel, H&K Name, Reliability
  39. 25:07Needs Break-in for Optimal Feel
  40. 25:32Plans for Modifying the VP9
  41. 25:42Call to Action: Subscribe and Like
  42. 26:01Conclusion and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ergonomic features of the H&K VP9?

The H&K VP9 is praised for its exceptional grip ergonomics, feeling very good in the hand. It features customizable interchangeable backstraps and side inserts, allowing users to tailor the fit. Despite having finger grooves, which the reviewer typically dislikes, the VP9's grip design is considered top-tier.

How does the H&K VP9's trigger perform, and can it be improved?

Initially, the H&K VP9 trigger can be gritty with a long reset. However, after approximately 400-700 rounds, it smooths out considerably. A suggested method to speed up this break-in process is to leave the slide locked back for one to two weeks, which the reviewer found effectively improved the trigger feel.

What is unique about the H&K VP9's magazine release mechanism?

The H&K VP9 features a distinctive paddle-style magazine release located on the trigger guard, differing from the more common button release. This design requires a different manipulation technique, often using the index finger or thumb, and is ambidextrous.

Is the H&K VP9 easy to disassemble and maintain?

The H&K VP9's internal engineering is complex, described as intricate German engineering. It is noted as not being the most end-user serviceable pistol, and full disassembly may require specialized tools, making it more challenging for routine maintenance compared to some other striker-fired firearms.

What are the reviewer's main criticisms of the H&K VP9?

The reviewer's primary criticisms include the paddle magazine release, the tight and non-flared magazine well which can make reloads difficult under stress, the plastic cocking extensions which feel slippery and unnecessary, and the overall complexity of the internal design which impacts serviceability. The initial trigger grittiness was also a point of concern.

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