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

001 HP15CC W Cover 01
001 HP15CC W Cover 01

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Preview: Lee Precision 7 mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

Lee Precision is now backing Federal’s 7 mm Backcountry cartridge with an all-inclusive kit, along with load data to reload once-fired Federal Premium cases.

Rimfire Resurgence Trend?

With suppressor sales booming, are shooters rediscovering their love of rimfire firearms?

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.