Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
The HK VP9-B is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm that features a push-button magazine release, an ergonomic grip, and a rear sight with a shelf for racking on a belt or pocket. It is a variant of the original HK VP9, which has a paddle-style magazine release.
The VP9-B (B is for Button) is designed to appeal to the American market where the button-style magazine release is more popular and familiar.
HK Rebate on VP9’s
HK is offering rebates on certain models of VP9 including the one reviewed here.
Features and Specifications
The VP9-B has a polymer frame and a steel slide with front and rear serrations. The VP9-B pistol comes with two 17-round magazines.
The pistol also has a Picatinny rail for attaching accessories, such as lights or lasers.
The HK VP9-B has a striker-fired action with a crisp and consistent trigger pull of about five and a half pounds. The trigger has a short travel and reset, which enhances accuracy and speed. The pistol also has a trigger safety and a firing pin block to prevent accidental discharge.
One of the main selling points of the VP9-B is its ergonomic grip, which can be customized to fit different hand sizes and preferences.
The pistol comes with two additional backstraps and two additional sets of lateral grip plates (total of three sets each), which can be swapped easily. The grip also has a textured surface for better control and comfort.
The VP9-B has a large green dot on the front sight and a black rear serrated. It’s my understanding that optional night sights are available.
SEE ALSO: A Poor Takes the Optics-Ready HK VP9 for a Spin
The sights are low-profile and the rear sight is ledged for emergency racking on a belt. The sights provide a clear sight picture and I liked shooting with them. The rear sight is adjustable for windage.
The HK VP9-B has an overall length of 7.34 inches, a height of 5.41 inches, and a width of 1.32 inches. It has a barrel length of 4.09 inches and a sight radius of 6.38 inches. It weighs 25.56 oz with an empty magazine.
There is also a cocking indicator and a loaded round indicator that can be felt and seen.
Pros and Cons
The VP9-B is a well-made and reliable pistol that offers excellent performance and versatility. Some of the pros of the VP9-B are:
- It has a push-button magazine release, which is preferred by many American shooters.
- It has a rear sight that can be used to rack the slide in an emergency and a very bright neon green front sight.
- The slide release is fully ambi and the magazine release can be moved to either side.
- It has an adjustable grip, which can be tailored to fit different hand sizes and preferences.
- It has a smooth and crisp trigger, which enhances accuracy and speed.
- It has a durable and corrosion-resistant finish, which protects the pistol from wear and tear.
- It has a reputation for being accurate and very reliable.
Some of the cons of the HK VP9-B are:
- It is relatively expensive compared to other pistols in its class.
- It may not fit some holsters designed for the original VP9.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between the VP9-B and the original VP9?
A: The main difference is the magazine release mechanism. The VP9-B has a push-button magazine release, while the original VP9 has a paddle-style release on both sides of the trigger guard.
Q: How many magazines does the VP9-B come with?
A: The Model reviewed came with two 17-round magazines.
Q: How can I adjust the grip size of the VP9-B?
A: The VP9-B comes with two additional backstraps and two additional sets of lateral grip plates that can be swapped easily by using a pin punch tool. You can mix and match different combinations of backstraps and grip plates to find your optimal fit.
Q: How can I clean and maintain the VP-9B?
A: The VP9-B can be disassembled easily by following these steps:
- Remove the magazine and make sure the chamber is empty.
- Pull back the slide back and lock it open.
- Push the takedown lever straight down to the six o’clock position.
- Release the slide by pushing the slide release then pull the slide forward off the frame. Pulling the trigger is unnecessary.
- Remove the recoil spring assembly and the barrel from the slide.
You can then clean and lubricate the parts using a gun cleaning kit and follow the reverse steps to reassemble the pistol.
Conclusion
The HK VP9-B is a high-quality and versatile pistol that offers a push-button magazine release, an adjustable grip, and the German engineering of HK. It is a great choice for shooters who want a reliable and accurate pistol that can be customized to their preferences. The VP9-B is also backed by HK’s lifetime warranty and customer service.