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 T650 W Cover 01
001 T650 W Cover 01

The Taurus 650: Embracing The Snubby Lifestyle

With more people embracing the "snubby lifestyle," companies like Taurus USA are providing capable self-defense platforms like the 650, a snag-free design that offers plenty of punch in a pocketable package.

White Flyer Supports Opening Of South Dakota Shooting Sports Complex

Thanks to a generous donation from White Flyer and Winchester Ammunition, South Dakota's newest shooting sports facility opened with plenty of targets available to shotgunners.

Walther Arms Suspends Production Of PPK Line

Walther Arms announced a suspension of its PPK, PPK/S and PP production lines, as the company plans what it calls a "multi-year modernization journey."

Rifleman Review: Colt Viper

As part of Colt's continued expansion of its second-generation "snake guns," the Viper revolver offers a compact, carry-ready variant that offers magnum power in a strong steel-frame format.

Benelli's M4 EXT: More Of A Good Thing

For the first time, with its M4 EXT, Benelli USA is offering a version of its M4 semi-automatic shotgun that has the same features found on its military and law-enforcement models.

Review: Steiner Predator: 4S 4-16X 44 mm

The benefit of a lightweight rifle is lost the moment you top it with a clunky, overweight optic, particularly a lengthy one. To that end, we are starting to see an emphasis on riflescopes that are less cumbersome when mounted, such as Steiner’s Predator 4S.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.