NRA Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch VP9 Pistol

by
posted on September 17, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Heckler & Koch is renowned for the quality of its firearms—quality that has been recognized and adopted by myriad public service agencies around the world. The VP9 is a relatively new (it was American Rifleman's Golden Bullseye winner for "Handgun of the Year" in 2015), full-size, striker-fired pistol built on a reinforced polymer frame. From the sights to the polygonal-rifled barrel, to the trigger and the magazine, the VP9 is a pistol built to perform. Watch as American Rifleman's Kelly Young tells us a little more about this H&K pistol.

Specifications
Model: VP9
Importer: Heckler & Koch
Caliber: 9 mm Luger
Action: recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol
Frame: polymer
Barrel: 4.09”, six-groove, 1:9.8” RH twist
Trigger: striker-fired; 5-lbs., 7-oz. pull
Sights: adjustable, luminous, three dot
Magazine: detachable box, 15-round capacity
Weight: 26.6 ozs.
MSRP: $719

Additional Reading:
HK's VP9: Total Reset 
American Rifleman's 2015 Golden Bullseye Awards  
HK Adds .40 S&W Cal. to VP Line  

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.