does anyone here know anything about the vp9 or anything like that im a fairly new gun owner and i know holding this in store Ive never had anything fit me like this it felt more a part of my hand than a gun but i don't want to buy it if there are problems with it or if it will forever shoot to the left and stuff like that i haven't yet shot it either any and all reply's are welcome and very much appreciated thanks!
VP9?
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cslinger
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I owned one for a bit. My take is as follows.
Reliable except with Tula BrassMax ammo. This ammo will however jam if thrown down a length of 4inch PVC pipe so no big surprise here.
Very ergonomic but very easy to pull shots low until you figure out your grip setup and hold. I found it needed a lighter touch then I am used to.
Decent trigger for a striker gun. Can be run really fast.
Overall quality does not live up to other HKs in my opinion. It just felt and appeared to have a fair bit of cost cutting to hit a price point where most HKs are built to a standard not a price. I had no issues but it was an observation.
Easier to conceal then you would think.
Great sights on my LE model.
Expensive magazines
All in all mine was a good gun but I never gelled with it like my hammer fired HKs.
The Wather PPQ trigger is better and the build quality feels better finished to me. Glock triggers tend to suck but they have the history and hell for stout reliability going for them.
The VP9 falls in between for me. Nice enough but not great.
This is just one low speed high drag keyboard commandos opinion nothing more.
Reliable except with Tula BrassMax ammo. This ammo will however jam if thrown down a length of 4inch PVC pipe so no big surprise here.
Very ergonomic but very easy to pull shots low until you figure out your grip setup and hold. I found it needed a lighter touch then I am used to.
Decent trigger for a striker gun. Can be run really fast.
Overall quality does not live up to other HKs in my opinion. It just felt and appeared to have a fair bit of cost cutting to hit a price point where most HKs are built to a standard not a price. I had no issues but it was an observation.
Easier to conceal then you would think.
Great sights on my LE model.
Expensive magazines
All in all mine was a good gun but I never gelled with it like my hammer fired HKs.
The Wather PPQ trigger is better and the build quality feels better finished to me. Glock triggers tend to suck but they have the history and hell for stout reliability going for them.
The VP9 falls in between for me. Nice enough but not great.
This is just one low speed high drag keyboard commandos opinion nothing more.
Sergei Mosin
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The VP9, like anything else made by H&K, is a very high quality weapon that will serve you well. I bought one of the first ones to hit the shelves around here and it's been flawless. And yes, they do feel great in the hand!
have any of you experienced anything to go wrong with the mag release the torture test video i saw showed him drop it a couple times and the mag release broke off of one side =\ im really looking for a reliable gun that can be tossed around beaten and thrown in the dirt put under water and still work flawlessly i cant use glock as my hands just cannot grip a glock effectively so is there any other guns that you would recommend Ive also looked into the fns-9 do you guys know anything about that one?
Sergei Mosin
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Any machine will break if abused badly enough.
cslinger
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I cannot speak to torturing my gun. I can speak a little to the test.
Water in the striker channel tends to screw up most striker fired guns at least on the first shot. Hammer fired seems to do better.
The mag release breaking was pretty extreme and it still worked. That style of mag release has been used by our SEALs for quite some time with the MK23, USP 45 CT and HK45CT so I would imagine it's fairly robust overall.
Personally I think the VP is a bit under sprung and not quite as hell for stout as say a USP or HK45 or a Glock 17. That being said for the great majority of real world use I would imagine it would be more than fine.
Also remember that that particular test is one pistol. Try to find a bunch of similar tests before making a choice. I have seen folks destroy or cause to malfunction damn near anything.
Water in the striker channel tends to screw up most striker fired guns at least on the first shot. Hammer fired seems to do better.
The mag release breaking was pretty extreme and it still worked. That style of mag release has been used by our SEALs for quite some time with the MK23, USP 45 CT and HK45CT so I would imagine it's fairly robust overall.
Personally I think the VP is a bit under sprung and not quite as hell for stout as say a USP or HK45 or a Glock 17. That being said for the great majority of real world use I would imagine it would be more than fine.
Also remember that that particular test is one pistol. Try to find a bunch of similar tests before making a choice. I have seen folks destroy or cause to malfunction damn near anything.
justin22885
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i was recently shooting some polymer pistols including the glock, VP9, PPQ, M&P, SR9, etc and my opinion was that the best overall was the PPQ, felt better than the HK, build quality is just as good, better trigger, compatible with a lot of P99 aftermarket, and a lot more reasonably prices as well.. the VP9 is a great handgun but with the PPQ being overall better in my opinion and costing less and i would try one of those out first
Seems to me he did a heck of a lot more than just "drop" the gun.
I owned one when they first came out. bought it on the spot because of the ergonomics and soft shooting nature. However, I sold it rather quickly as the wide trigger bar was effecting my grip and it was painfully obvious when I used it in competition (USPSA).
I only put about 600 rounds through it in the weeks I had it, never failed to function and was quite accurate.
The VP9 is a great gun. Mine has been extremely reliable, shoots fantastic, and feeds everything, even empty pieces of spent brass. I had one FTRTB in the first 150 or so rounds using cheap junk 115gr ammo, it has been flawless since. 1,800 rounds and counting.
And lol no, mac didn't break the magazine release by "dropping" the gun
And lol no, mac didn't break the magazine release by "dropping" the gun
I love mine, I got it 3 weeks ago and have about 4-500 rounds through it. Only complaint is the trigger break feels a bit stiff. Once I get to 1k rounds I may tear it down and do some polishing to smooth that out. Or order a spring kit for it.
Zaydok Allen
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My vp9 has been fantastic. I really enjoy shooting it.
That torture test was utter nonsense. Treating any gun that way and expecting it to work is silly. Take care of your gun, and it will take care of you.
That torture test was utter nonsense. Treating any gun that way and expecting it to work is silly. Take care of your gun, and it will take care of you.
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I went through the PPQ vs VP9 thing a couple weeks back.
I liked the PPQ's trigger and mag release a bit better, and it was about $100 cheaper. I liked the looks of the VP9 a tiny bit better, it also has replaceable side panels as opposed to just backstraps, and it has more accessories such as sights and holsters available for it.
I ended up buying the PPQ, and after three range trips am perfectly happy with my choice, however if my PPQ magically disappeared and VP9 appeared in it's place I would not skip a single beat. Both are just that good.
yeah....MAC didnt "drop" the gun a few times.........he whipped it at steel plates.
if you are stupid enough to abuse your gun that badly......yes, any gun will break.
wanting a rugged gun is fine......wanting an indestructible gun is impossible.
dont throw it at steel plates and it will be just fine.
cslinger
Member
Honestly I don't think that was the main issue with the test. The light dunking seemed to be the biggest issue and small(er) amounts of debris seemed to cause HIS gun issues. Could be a fluke could be endemic I don't know. Like i said my only observation is that it seemed to be undersprung and seemed to show some cost cutting side by side with other HKs. I never had any real problems however.
Like was said any gun will fail when abused or in extreme circumstances. These torture tests have brought down GLOCKS, SIGS, HKs etc. etc. on the Internet. Best thing is to know how to clear your gun.
I don't think MAC has any agenda or anything and it is kind of nice when an individual is willing to throw away 600 bucks or so to destroy a weapon not widely adopted to possibly expose any possible failure points no matter how remote they may be.
I think the VP9 is a perfectly serviceable handgun. I think it's priced well and fits fantastically well. It just doesn't have the real world testing the rest of the HK line has / LEO MIL adoption as of yet so individual single data points are all that is out there. They are data only to help in a decision making process. As far as I know a similar test was done over on HKPRO and the VP acquitted itself well.
You pays your money you takes your chances.
Beretta locking blocks fail
SIG frames crack
CZ slide stops break
GLOCKS shoot the target and you with brass to the face and the blow up
FNs melt on a hot afternoon
HK hates you and has firing pins break
Smith Revolvers randomly lock themselves
Ruger has great guns after you beta test revisions 1-3.
1911s are great as long as the extractor is just so, and they are 5 inches and shooting ball ammo, 230 grain ball ammo and are throated
Etc. they all have had their issues or endemic design problems. Much of it becoming hyperbole like above but there is some truth to everything above.
Point is there is no one true sword or caliber. Take the list of pros vs the list of cons and figure out what works best for you and learn it and prepare to mitigate any known issues. I think the VP9 is a bit less robust then the other HK offerings which lean towards really overbuilt. It wouldn't stop me from owning a VP9. I just didn't shoot mine/enjoy shooting as much as others.
I mean hell I have jammed a clean AK.
Like was said any gun will fail when abused or in extreme circumstances. These torture tests have brought down GLOCKS, SIGS, HKs etc. etc. on the Internet. Best thing is to know how to clear your gun.
I don't think MAC has any agenda or anything and it is kind of nice when an individual is willing to throw away 600 bucks or so to destroy a weapon not widely adopted to possibly expose any possible failure points no matter how remote they may be.
I think the VP9 is a perfectly serviceable handgun. I think it's priced well and fits fantastically well. It just doesn't have the real world testing the rest of the HK line has / LEO MIL adoption as of yet so individual single data points are all that is out there. They are data only to help in a decision making process. As far as I know a similar test was done over on HKPRO and the VP acquitted itself well.
You pays your money you takes your chances.
Beretta locking blocks fail
SIG frames crack
CZ slide stops break
GLOCKS shoot the target and you with brass to the face and the blow up
FNs melt on a hot afternoon
HK hates you and has firing pins break
Smith Revolvers randomly lock themselves
Ruger has great guns after you beta test revisions 1-3.
1911s are great as long as the extractor is just so, and they are 5 inches and shooting ball ammo, 230 grain ball ammo and are throated
Etc. they all have had their issues or endemic design problems. Much of it becoming hyperbole like above but there is some truth to everything above.
Point is there is no one true sword or caliber. Take the list of pros vs the list of cons and figure out what works best for you and learn it and prepare to mitigate any known issues. I think the VP9 is a bit less robust then the other HK offerings which lean towards really overbuilt. It wouldn't stop me from owning a VP9. I just didn't shoot mine/enjoy shooting as much as others.
I mean hell I have jammed a clean AK.
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sigarms228
Member
There is no such pistol.
cslinger
Member
You know, now that I think about it, I don't think I have ever seen an issue with a German, Bulgarian or Russian Makarov. So there you have it. The one true sword errrrrr sickle or hammer.
aarondhgraham
Member
I fired a friends VP9 last week,,,
I fired a friends VP9 last week,,,
I liked everything about the pistol except the mag release.
Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist,,,
But I thought it was awkward to use.
Everything else was very nice,,,
I hit with it as well as with my beloved CZ-75B.
I like that it is truly ambidextrous,,,
And that it comes with different palm adaptors and a mag loader.
But that mag release turned me all the way off.
Aarond
.
I fired a friends VP9 last week,,,
I liked everything about the pistol except the mag release.
Maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist,,,
But I thought it was awkward to use.
Everything else was very nice,,,
I hit with it as well as with my beloved CZ-75B.
I like that it is truly ambidextrous,,,
And that it comes with different palm adaptors and a mag loader.
But that mag release turned me all the way off.
Aarond
.
Zaydok Allen
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That's understandable. People either seem to love it , or hate it. I started out with traditional push button mag releases like on my 1911 and other semiautos. The "extended' mag release on my former FNP45 was an issue because they extended it in the wrong direction IMO. It should have been extended towards your thumb so it's easier to push, not towards the trigger. So every time I shot it, the tip of my trigger finger got hit.
As a result I decided to try a HK45 as there would be no button to get in the way. After a few months, the paddle release felt totally normal to me.
cslinger
Member
Yeah count me among those who LOVE the paddle release. I wish there were options for this on other pistols.
justin22885
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this is true about the makarov, somewhat true about the CZ so i was having a hard time deciding between the two myself but the maks you cant deny are much simpler in construction, far, far fewer parts which means less to break as it handles anything you throw at it, thats why i'm buying a bulgarian mak as my go-to end of the world type pistol.. though i have considered an uzi pistol as a brutally simple, reliable 9mm
stchman
Member
I'll second the PPQ M2 over the VP9.
A buddy of mine has both and I got to shoot them. I far preferred the PPQ over the VP9.
The PPQ can also use Canik TP9SA, SF, and v2 mags.
A buddy of mine has both and I got to shoot them. I far preferred the PPQ over the VP9.
The PPQ can also use Canik TP9SA, SF, and v2 mags.
sigarms228
Member
The VP9 is a terrific pistol. I have a VP9 and PPQ and they are both awesome. I can't really choose which one I like over the other and are both top favorites.
The VP9 is a fairly new pistol for HK and word is that they have sold well over 100,000 of them. I have seen extremely few reports of anyone having a problem with them. Typical HK quality. Very comfortable shooter and extremely accurate. Very customizable grip with changeable backstraps and palm inserts. Many CCW them but the height of the VP9 is about the same as the Glock 17 and length closer to the Glock 17 than the Glock 19. Almost everyone that owns or has tried the VP9 loves them. It also uses the same magazines as the HK P30.
The VP9 is a fairly new pistol for HK and word is that they have sold well over 100,000 of them. I have seen extremely few reports of anyone having a problem with them. Typical HK quality. Very comfortable shooter and extremely accurate. Very customizable grip with changeable backstraps and palm inserts. Many CCW them but the height of the VP9 is about the same as the Glock 17 and length closer to the Glock 17 than the Glock 19. Almost everyone that owns or has tried the VP9 loves them. It also uses the same magazines as the HK P30.
Chuck R.
Member
I've also got both (2 PPQ-9 M1s and 1 HK VP9)
Really comes down to a personal choice, but here's my assessment:
Trigger: PPQ (slightly) reset is shorter and the break is lighter. There is a kit out already for the VP9, I haven't messed with it as I find the VP9 trigger GTG as is.
Ergonomics: HK, very flexible grip due to panels.
Shootability: HK to me the PPQ is a little more muzzle "flippy". I'm slightly faster with the VP9.
Magazines: PPQ (M1) you can get the Magnum Research mags pretty cheap.
Reliability, seriously a wash, I've used both for classes at 500+ rds a day without issue. neither has not feed anything I've put through them.
I actually prefer the VP9, not to the point I'd get rid of my PPQs to get one (they're that close in performance). IF I had to do it all over again from scratch I'd VP9 it, but also because the mags interchange with my HKP30L.
Obligatory pic ( I sort of have a thing for plastic 9mms):
Now that I'm used to them, I also find the paddle release superior to the button. I haven't had an issue with mine, but I haven't chucked it against any of my AR500 targets yet.
Chuck
Really comes down to a personal choice, but here's my assessment:
Trigger: PPQ (slightly) reset is shorter and the break is lighter. There is a kit out already for the VP9, I haven't messed with it as I find the VP9 trigger GTG as is.
Ergonomics: HK, very flexible grip due to panels.
Shootability: HK to me the PPQ is a little more muzzle "flippy". I'm slightly faster with the VP9.
Magazines: PPQ (M1) you can get the Magnum Research mags pretty cheap.
Reliability, seriously a wash, I've used both for classes at 500+ rds a day without issue. neither has not feed anything I've put through them.
I actually prefer the VP9, not to the point I'd get rid of my PPQs to get one (they're that close in performance). IF I had to do it all over again from scratch I'd VP9 it, but also because the mags interchange with my HKP30L.
Obligatory pic ( I sort of have a thing for plastic 9mms):
Now that I'm used to them, I also find the paddle release superior to the button. I haven't had an issue with mine, but I haven't chucked it against any of my AR500 targets yet.
Chuck
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