The Keefe Report: HK's VP70M—The Coolest Gun I've Shot In Years

by
posted on October 25, 2017
** 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. **

This is a gun that I have coveted since I first became aware of its existence. It is the first polymer-frame handgun of all time. Conveniently, it also happens to be a selective-fire machine gun. The gun is the Heckler & Koch VP70M. By today’s standards, this gun big and heavy for a semi-automatic pistol, but back in its day it was the ultimate in dignitary protection. There was also a semi-automatic-only version named the VP70Z.

                          
                                         

For the next season of American Rifleman TV, we asked our friends at HK to pop open the Gray Room. That is the room that contains not only all of HK's current products, but also just about everything they have brought into the United States. In there you will find guns like the MP5, the MP5SD (as used by Navy SEALs), and the failed XM8. There's even a G11

When attached to the shoulder stock this gun can be semi-automatic as depicted by the “1” on the stock, or you can throw the lever to “3” and it becomes selective fire. That "3" is a three-round burst, which exits the muzzle at about 2,000 rounds per minute. This week we were filming with the guys from Heckler & Koch, and they believe this is the first time this particular VP70M has been fired in 20 years. You can see the full episode next season on American Rifleman Television. In the meantime, here's an advance look at some of the fun we had yesterday on the range.


Latest

Guns Ai F
Guns Ai F

Does AI Pose a Threat to the 2nd Amendment?

Several recent studies highlighted AI's propensity to dispense anti-Second Amendment propaganda, and more alarmingly, AI also seems willing to sacrifice human lives to avoid being taken offline.

I Have This Old Gun: Winchester 1886 Saddle-Ring Carbine

As our country was celebrating its centennial 150 years ago, Oliver Winchester dominated the lever-action market with his Models 1866 and 1873 and was just introducing the Model 1876.

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection

Looking for a smoke after smoking some targets? The Tactical Cigar Protection case from Gunsmoke Arsenal keeps your stogie secured until you're ready to relax.

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.