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Posted: 11/5/2021 8:37:01 PM EDT
broken picture links repaired
A Few Observations on the Heckler & Koch VP9  Here’s a brief look at the heart of the Heckler & Koch VP9, its barrel. It is known by many that the barrel of the VP9 is cold hammer forged. The barrel has a 1:9.8” twist and a fully-supporting chamber. According to my digital calipers, the length of the VP9’s barrel is 4.093”. For comparison, the VP9’s barrel is nearly identical in length to that of a factory barrel for a Glock 19 with the Glock barrel measuring 4.019”.    The VP9 compared to my Glock 19 . . .  The slides compared . . .  Backstrap compared to my Glock 19 . . .  The trigger-pull weight of the VP9 . . .  The "stepped" chamber of the VP9 barrel . . .  The two cases on each end were fired from the VP9 . . .  I fired some of the more common bullet weights for the 9x19mm over my Oehler 35-P chronograph from both the VP9 and my Glock 19. The results are shown in the table below. All velocities listed are muzzle velocities as calculated from the instrumental velocities using Oehler’s Ballistic Explorer software.  The VP9 at 25 Yards. Using match-grade hand-loads topped with the Hornady 125 grain HAP bullet and shooting off the bench, my VP9 turned in a 10-shot group that had an extreme spread of 1.6”.  I also tested some factory loaded duty/self-defense ammunition in the VP9. The results are summarized in the table below.   The VP9 at 50 yards. Strictly for kicks and giggles I fired some statistically insignificant 6-shot groups from my VP at a distance of 50 yards. Using one of my best 9x19mm hand-loads topped with the Hornady 125 grain HAP bullet, I fired seven, 6-shot groups in a row from the bench. The average extreme spread for the seven groups was 2.40”. The cherry-picked group of the bunch is pictured below. The group has an extreme spread of 1.52”.   The exterior of the barrel shows minimal wear after 1,000 rounds were fired through it.  …. |
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Posted: 11/5/2021 8:52:10 PM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 11/5/2021 9:31:07 PM EDT
[#2]
so...the VP9 is preferable.
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Posted: 11/5/2021 9:43:46 PM EDT
[#3]
Got dang.
This guy could outshoot a ransom rest! 
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Posted: 11/5/2021 10:06:29 PM EDT
[#4]
As always, great write up and thank you for your splendid contributions.
But I have to wonder how the Glock 19 would have done in the same accuracy tests. |
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Posted: 11/5/2021 10:15:58 PM EDT
[#5]
I used to be like...
 And then I shot a friend's VP9, and shot it better than my Glocks. Now I be like...  
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Posted: 11/6/2021 1:58:36 AM EDT
[#6]
I know people like to talk shit about HK. The VP9 is a superb striker fired pistol. It is very accurate and reliable. The only thing a 9mm Glock has going for it over the VP9 is slightly cheaper mags.
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Posted: 11/6/2021 2:10:14 AM EDT
[#7]
Awesome post
 The VP9 is a great pistol...even better now knowing the exceptional accuracy it’s capable of. |
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Posted: 11/6/2021 2:55:43 AM EDT
[#8]
They are very accurate shooters. Four ten-shot groups at 15 yards unsupported.
 Twenty-yard group of 10. 
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Posted: 11/6/2021 3:25:06 AM EDT
[#9]
Cool read. Thanks OP. The VP9 is exceptionally comfortable in my hand.
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Posted: 11/6/2021 3:58:48 AM EDT
[#10]
Posts like this make me not want to sell my last VP9 and focus on the P30/2000 V3's I like.
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Posted: 11/6/2021 7:23:12 AM EDT
[#11]
Great write-up. I was severely unimpressed with my first VP9. My second one impressed the hell out of me and I sold off all my GLOCKs. The VP9 is my night stand gun now.
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Posted: 11/6/2021 7:51:01 AM EDT
[#12]
Thanks for the post OP, I purchased one of the first VP9s in my area and I wasn’t impressed over my G19. I have an old picture somewhere with them side by side I’ll have to find it. Glad to see they improved!
And the post above showing going From a pile of glocks to a few HKs with mags made me chuckle. Mags were $$$!!! |
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Posted: 11/6/2021 8:49:06 AM EDT
[#13]
The last few mags i bought for my VP9 were $36. Not cheap, but not crazy. Go look at USP .45 mags for something expensive...
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Posted: 11/6/2021 9:12:08 AM EDT
[#14]
Great write up and info!
I’ve only heard good things about the VP9. It’s most likely going to be my next handgun that I will buy. This thread helped with that decision 
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Posted: 11/6/2021 10:30:58 AM EDT
[#15]
Thanks, OP.
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Posted: 11/6/2021 11:41:33 AM EDT
[#16]
Awesome write up…on a related note, does anyone know if you can buy vp9 frames on their own?
I bought the long slide kit and now I have the old 2 uppers/1 lower itch… |
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Posted: 11/6/2021 2:07:07 PM EDT
[#17]
Dimensionally the G19 and the VP9 are very similar, but to me the VP9 just seems to carry “bigger”.
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Posted: 11/6/2021 2:11:48 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Dimensionally the G19 and the VP9 are very similar, but to me the VP9 just seems to carry “bigger”. The VP9 is a full size gun. 
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Posted: 11/6/2021 9:02:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The last few mags i bought for my VP9 were $36. Not cheap, but not crazy. Go look at USP .45 mags for something expensive... Right on, back then they were super hot |
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Posted: 11/7/2021 8:56:02 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The VP9 is a full size gun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/278546/620E2029-87C6-4586-82E1-77593716663F-2157008.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Dimensionally the G19 and the VP9 are very similar, but to me the VP9 just seems to carry "bigger". The VP9 is a full size gun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/278546/620E2029-87C6-4586-82E1-77593716663F-2157008.jpg |
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Posted: 11/7/2021 10:17:08 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: VP9 is more of a crossover. It beat the G45 to the market. Maybe now with the 17 round mags. With the original 15 round mags version I had, not so much. David |
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Posted: 11/7/2021 11:59:37 AM EDT
[#22]
It’s a full size gun. Doesn’t matter what Glock calls the 45 or how many rounds in the mag.
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Posted: 11/7/2021 5:39:22 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's a full size gun. Doesn't matter what Glock calls the 45 or how many rounds in the mag. |
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Posted: 11/7/2021 9:58:32 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: As always, great write up and thank you for your splendid contributions. But I have to wonder how the Glock 19 would have done in the same accuracy tests. My personal experience is the glock can hold its own out to 25 yards but tend to really open up at 50 yards |
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Posted: 11/23/2021 7:40:25 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Who did the machining on your slide? |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:50:34 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Dimensionally the G19 and the VP9 are very similar, but to me the VP9 just seems to carry “bigger”. It’s the current trend of putting a compact slide on a full-size frame. I personally think it’s a terrible idea and the worst of both worlds, but I’m not everyone else. I can bang a silhouette at 100 yards with a VP9. Despite that, I just can’t run it fast. Too flippy in my hands. |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 11:03:11 AM EDT
[#27]
Should I expect a follow up report on the 19?
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Posted: 11/24/2021 6:37:15 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know people like to talk shit about HK. The VP9 is a superb striker fired pistol. It is very accurate and reliable. The only thing a 9mm Glock has going for it over the VP9 is slightly cheaper mags. Glock pistols are cheaper and more widely available. Any VP9s with factory red dot cuts?  Attached File |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 6:49:46 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Glock pistols are cheaper and more widely available. Any VP9s with factory red dot cuts? /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/simpsons_nelson_haha2-36.jpg yes |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 8:55:01 PM EDT
[#30]
The VP9 is still around?
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Posted: 11/24/2021 9:29:43 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know people like to talk shit about HK. The VP9 is a superb striker fired pistol. It is very accurate and reliable. The only thing a 9mm Glock has going for it over the VP9 is slightly cheaper mags. almost all modern striker fire guns are better than glocks. |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 9:48:08 PM EDT
[#32]
I started with a VP9 end of summer and have since bought a P30L and USP Expert, my last full size Glock sold a few days ago (still have a 42/43/43X for carry). After 15 or more years I finally admited to myself that the Glock isn't as naturally easy for me to shoot and there are better options for me.
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Posted: 11/24/2021 9:59:58 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: almost all modern striker fire guns are better than glocks.  |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:09:17 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: almost all modern striker fire guns are better than glocks. Well, he is right... |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:18:39 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Well, he is right... |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:30:17 PM EDT
[#36]
better looking, options for thumb safety, better material zytel and nylon and tungsten filament as opposed to regular toy plastic, same reliability and accuracy but none of the block, looks better. better triggers
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:43:34 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Better in what way? Quantify it in a measurable way. Are you not emotionally capable of admitting that perhaps a certain platform performs better for certain individuals than others? Man I love Glocks, I really do, for all that they are. But also not so much for all that they aren't to me. I wish they could be, the magic doesn't happen. Now an M&P 2.0, or a VP9, that's where the magic happens for me. For whatever reason. Oddly I shoot both about the same. The only Glock I seem to shoot as good is the 48 strangely.... |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:46:08 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: better looking, options for thumb safety, better material zytel and nylon and tungsten filament as opposed to regular toy plastic, same reliability and accuracy but none of the block, looks better. better triggers I must say, this is probably one of the most drag responsibilities I've read in a long time. I could barely read it and it sounded like a very boring monotone voice in my head. But you are right, much better trigger. |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:49:56 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are you not emotionally capable of admitting that perhaps a certain platform performs better for certain individuals than others? Man I love Glocks, I really do, for all that they are. But also not so much for all that they aren't to me. I wish they could be, the magic doesn't happen. Now an M&P 2.0, or a VP9, that's where the magic happens for me. For whatever reason. Oddly I shoot both about the same. The only Glock I seem to shoot as good is the 48 strangely.... |
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Posted: 11/24/2021 10:50:52 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: better material zytel and nylon and tungsten filament as opposed to regular toy plastic |
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Posted: 11/25/2021 10:02:58 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Glock pistols are cheaper and more widely available. Any VP9s with factory red dot cuts? /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/simpsons_nelson_haha2-36.jpg All VP9s made beginning in 2020 are RDS capable. |
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Posted: 11/25/2021 10:11:24 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: better looking, options for thumb safety, better material zytel and nylon and tungsten filament as opposed to regular toy plastic, same reliability and accuracy but none of the block, looks better. better triggers Lol acting as if Glock doesn't use Zytel polymer. |
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Posted: 11/25/2021 11:02:55 AM EDT
[#43]
Don't derail this thread guys.
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Posted: 11/25/2021 12:23:03 PM EDT
[#44]
OP, thanks for the report.
I like my VP9s very much. Only complaint I've ever had is that they are slightly tall for a 15-round handgun. I haven't yet bought one of the 17-round magazines. The VP9 and PPQ are class handguns in the polymer striker field. I enjoy shooting both of them a bit more than my Glock 19s. I'm looking at a Walther PDP and may have one sometime this winter. That said, neither of my G19s are going anywhere. They are good solid guns if not the most ergonomic and natural pointing handgun.......for me anyway. Thanks again, OP. |
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Posted: 11/25/2021 12:47:04 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Who did the machining on your slide? Quote History@Molon Jarrod at Parker Mountain Machine in New Hampshire. Notice what he calls the "lightening cuts" on the slide. He removed the exact weight of metal from the slide to offset the added weight of the RMR. That gun, as it sits, weighs exactly the same as a stock VP9. To 1 gram. So no need to swap springs, worry about different ammo, etc. |
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Posted: 11/25/2021 10:24:18 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Posts like this make me not want to sell my last VP9 and focus on the P30/2000 V3's I like. Do it! I walked away from strikers over a decade ago. Wait until you test convert one of your V3s to V1 LEM, like I did. Then switch that to a Grey Guns short reset V1 with a V3 trigger return spring. ( you get a trigger that is surgically precise, and the reset is guess proof when it "drops") |
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Posted: 12/6/2021 8:34:19 PM EDT
[#47]
Nice post as usual Molon. I’ve only got one VP9 and it’s an older Tactical. I sent it back to H&K and had some Heinie straight eight suppressor sights installed. It doesn’t get shot as much as it should but it puts a smile on my face.
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Posted: 12/7/2021 5:13:12 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The last few mags i bought for my VP9 were $36. Not cheap, but not crazy. Go look at USP .45 mags for something expensive... Botach had a sale about 6 months ago on VP9 17rd mags for $25. I bought 12.
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Posted: 12/7/2021 5:18:32 PM EDT
[#49]
Is this the model that if dropped or a strike on the butt will allow the striker to slip and catch on the safety block?
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Posted: 12/7/2021 11:07:33 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Is this the model that if dropped or a strike on the butt will allow the striker to slip and catch on the safety block? No, this is the model that one guy was able to do that with when held it at a specific angle and hit it with a rubber mallet, and no one else easily duplicated it, and no one Has had anything remotely similar happen in actual use. |
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