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

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

A Surprising Conversation on Just How Far an Anti-Gun State Can Go

In Massachusetts this fall, ballot question 9 is an effort to repeal 2024 legislation known as “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws,” a complex package of fees, red tape, training requirements, and other burdens placed on law-abiding gun owners. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 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.

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.