08/16/2022
The Heckler and Koch VP9 SK
Well, it’s been a while, since we last visited, and the weather’s a tad cooler, today, so what better time for a quick review.
H&K has been a world renowned manufacturer of superior fi****ms for years. While a tad “pricey”, the quality certainly comes through in every aspect of these weapons.
Team Bear has been fortunate to have many H&K fi****ms, over the years. However, we’ve been very impressed with the VP series, overall. VP (in German) is an abbreviation for “Volkspistole” (pistol for the people). Which I think is a tad ironic, as many of these fi****ms are in service with elite military and law enforcement units, all over the world.
Our first encounter with the VP line was with a full size VP40, a few years ago. Both Nic and myself found it to be uncannily accurate. The full size VP9 came next, and while not as nail-driving accurate as it’s .40 caliber counterpart, it’s a great weapon.
The SK (German abb. for what we recognize as “Subcompact”) boasts a shorter frame which is much easier to conceal. The SK still boasts all of the whistles and bells of the full size weapon, but in a much more “carry friendly” design and size.
Granted, that also represents a compromise in round count. The weapon we have came from the factory with two 10 round, and one 13 round magazine. (And factory night sights). The interchangeable palm swells, back straps, etc. are still present, and the absolutely admirable cocking wings are still prominent on the back of the slide. (Probably my favorite accessory) .
This model also has the more “Americanized” mag release, as opposed to the paddles on the trigger guard (my preference) and is, for the most part, fully-ambidextrous.
Due to an unexpected cloudburst, I didn’t get a target pic, but found the weapon to be very accurate, both with sighted fire and tactical “pull and shoot”. It handled two cycles through the Kansas Concealed carry required firing, very well, without a single hiccup.
Now, here’s a question most are gonna ask: How does it compare to the G***k 19? (And a fine question it is).
The VP9 SK is a tad (and I mean a minuscule “tad” smaller than the G19. Honestly, the difference is negligible. However, for me, its in the way the overall weapon comes together, where HK has the advantage. It’s a very ergonomic, easily manipulated and fired gun.
That said, I do wish H&K would’ve matched G***k’s mag capacity. The G***k 19 holds 15 rounds, plus one in the chamber. (And for a round in which any discussion usually includes: “with proper shot placement”, those extra rounds (could be) important).
But for me, the HK kinda takes the win. It’s just an overall cool gun. The comparison to the G***k, in my opinion, is kinda like James Bond vs. Any average TV police character. It’s just a nicely designed, cool looking weapon. (Though my G***k 19 Gen 3 should still feel absolutely secure, as it’s not going anywhere).
Overall, I absolutely recommend the HK VP9 SK. You may have a bit of sticker shock, as it certainly tops the G***k line by an easy $200, but the investment, the lifetime warranty, and the sheer “coolness” of the gun make that seem like nothing.
