I appreciate this gun is not yet (ever) available in Canada. However if they do make a longer barrel version I think there are some things that folks should know.
Most of you know I am a SFG (Striker Fired Gun) convert.
While mostly a M&P household - my wife still retains here Boresight Custom Glock19.
She was interested in playing with the VP9 - so this was acquired as an anniversary gift (6th anniversary is a pistol right?)
There are a number of changes that Hk did from the P30 to the VP9 -- some needed for the Striker - and some for cost cutting (can't fight in a Glock world with a 1k pistol).
Initially impressions.
Gun is nicely crafted -- no sharp edges on the exterior. Other than crappy sights (I got a LE deal and snagged it when I could - beggars cannot be choosers), the gun is pretty nice out of the box. The varying backstraps and sidestraps are like the P30 very nice options (I suspect I will shot the large combo better slowfire but drawn and rapid fire better with small if my M&P's have been any example).
Trigger -- I was not impressed, mainly as so many reviews on the internet have been raving about it -- It was not bad, reminds me of a Glock, or M&P Pro trigger. Not the average Hk heavy mush trigger
Honestly out of the box for a $5-600 gun, I think it's pretty good.
Gun Stripped
Stripping is super simple -- lock slide open - and turn the slide locking level - then allow slide to go forward -- no pulling the trigger or sticking a finger in to trip a disconnector.
In this respect I think Hk has a major advantage over the Glock (and the M&P which in theory does not need the trigger depressed).
The barrel.
Hk barrels have always been good -- the polygonal rifling is MIRROR finished - no toolmarks at all. The picture really does not do it justice - and if there is one standout on the gun - the barrel is it.
"Bushing" okay technically not a bushing
Barrel to frame fit is quite snug - the front of the slide (what I like to call a bushing area) is well honed and chamfered.
WTF
Where Glock and the M&P have a firing pin stop that is a rounded nub, the Hk does it by a camming lever. Interesting take on the method - however I suspect that if you get crap into that area (like assembling the gun drunk blindfolded in a sand pit) it could cause an issue -- it does however get away from some of the gritty or heavier M&P and Glock trigger aspects. Mechanically its nicely done.
KY?
I'm not sure what Hk lubed the gun with - but it appears to be some sort of Petroleum Jelly -- seriously. I cleaned that crap all off and lubed with FireClean.
Slide Rails - and more KY
The above picture and the below are the one area where I think Hk cut some costs -- the locking block is a multi-piece item that has been welded together - and it exhibits some rough looking areas.
Neat
Not sure if you can see in both of the pictures but without the slide on - the magazine will not lock into the gun -- it will not go high enough.
I guess it can be viewed as a safety feature - as you cannot assemble the slide on the gun with the mag on it - but if you do any work on the mag release you need to re-assemble the whole gun (or be smarted than me) to check -- tried moving a number of things to allow the mag to go in, but could not.
I'll be back with a 500rd review tomorrow.
Most of you know I am a SFG (Striker Fired Gun) convert.
While mostly a M&P household - my wife still retains here Boresight Custom Glock19.
She was interested in playing with the VP9 - so this was acquired as an anniversary gift (6th anniversary is a pistol right?)
There are a number of changes that Hk did from the P30 to the VP9 -- some needed for the Striker - and some for cost cutting (can't fight in a Glock world with a 1k pistol).
Initially impressions.
Gun is nicely crafted -- no sharp edges on the exterior. Other than crappy sights (I got a LE deal and snagged it when I could - beggars cannot be choosers), the gun is pretty nice out of the box. The varying backstraps and sidestraps are like the P30 very nice options (I suspect I will shot the large combo better slowfire but drawn and rapid fire better with small if my M&P's have been any example).
Trigger -- I was not impressed, mainly as so many reviews on the internet have been raving about it -- It was not bad, reminds me of a Glock, or M&P Pro trigger. Not the average Hk heavy mush trigger
Honestly out of the box for a $5-600 gun, I think it's pretty good.Gun Stripped
Stripping is super simple -- lock slide open - and turn the slide locking level - then allow slide to go forward -- no pulling the trigger or sticking a finger in to trip a disconnector.
In this respect I think Hk has a major advantage over the Glock (and the M&P which in theory does not need the trigger depressed).
The barrel.
Hk barrels have always been good -- the polygonal rifling is MIRROR finished - no toolmarks at all. The picture really does not do it justice - and if there is one standout on the gun - the barrel is it.
"Bushing" okay technically not a bushing
Barrel to frame fit is quite snug - the front of the slide (what I like to call a bushing area) is well honed and chamfered.
WTF
Where Glock and the M&P have a firing pin stop that is a rounded nub, the Hk does it by a camming lever. Interesting take on the method - however I suspect that if you get crap into that area (like assembling the gun drunk blindfolded in a sand pit) it could cause an issue -- it does however get away from some of the gritty or heavier M&P and Glock trigger aspects. Mechanically its nicely done.
KY?
I'm not sure what Hk lubed the gun with - but it appears to be some sort of Petroleum Jelly -- seriously. I cleaned that crap all off and lubed with FireClean.
Slide Rails - and more KY
The above picture and the below are the one area where I think Hk cut some costs -- the locking block is a multi-piece item that has been welded together - and it exhibits some rough looking areas.
Neat
Not sure if you can see in both of the pictures but without the slide on - the magazine will not lock into the gun -- it will not go high enough.
I guess it can be viewed as a safety feature - as you cannot assemble the slide on the gun with the mag on it - but if you do any work on the mag release you need to re-assemble the whole gun (or be smarted than me) to check -- tried moving a number of things to allow the mag to go in, but could not.
I'll be back with a 500rd review tomorrow.
