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

Mossberg Maverick Sa F
Mossberg Maverick Sa F

Mossberg Expands Budget-Priced Maverick Line With Semi-Auto Model

As part of its International family of shotguns, Mossberg announced the introduction of the Maverick SA Semi-Auto, a versatile, value-focused semi-automatic platform built to deliver reliable performance.

New For 2026: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC

Springfield Armory's new Echelon 4.0FC combines the full-size capacity of the full-size Echelon with the compact slide of the company's 4.0C model.

Beretta Celebrates 500 Years In 2026

In 1526, Bartolomeo Beretta received his first order of arquebus barrels. Now the company is celebrating 500 years in business, and the Beretta family is still at the helm.

CVA Does Plinkers: The Cascade Rimfire Series

Known for its extensive line of muzzleloaders, this year, CVA is expanding its cartridge-firing lineup with the introduction of the CVA Cascade Rimfire series of rifles.

Favorite Firearms: A Little Rifle, A Big Gift From Dad

My story starts in a small gun shop in Brewster, Ohio, run by a Korean War veteran out of his garage. He had some nice new guns and sporting goods and a small rack of used guns.

The PR-3AT: KelTec's Magazine-Free .380

At its heart, the KelTec PR-3AT is a compact concealed-carry pistol chambered in .380 ACP that uses the same rotary-barrel and top-loading, magazine-free design as the PR57.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.