We had a chance to catch up with Heckler & Koch at Industry Day at the Range ahead of SHOT Show 2020, and at first blush, the VP9 appears to be the same pistol. Upon closer inspection, though, the discerning eye will note a few subtle and welcome changes, especially for those looking to the VP9 as their everyday-carry pistol. First off, magazine capacity has been increased from 15 rounds to 17 rounds. Secondly, and it’s in keeping with a common theme I’ve noticed this week, the new VP9 comes optics-ready. Now, this isn’t a special optics-ready version, mind you. All VP9 models will simply have an optic cut with a cover as standard equipment, with a variety of mounting plates available. Third, H&K has changed the iron sights to a high-visibility front sight and a blacked-out rear sight.
At the heart of it, though, is the same VP9 we’ve known since its release. The varying side- and backstrap are still standard features, as are the cocking “wings” at the rear of the slide. Trigger pull remains excellent, and the VP9 is still available with either the paddle magazine release or the standard push-button. Other variations, such as one in Flat Dark Earth, are also available with the new upgrades mentioned above. There’s even a version in what Heckler & Koch calls “midnight bronze.” Check out the video for the full story on the new Heckler & Koch VP9.
