The Heckler & Koch VP9 is the most successful pistol in the company’s history. Introduced in 2014, it was HK’s first modern striker-fired pistol. Fast forward to today, and HK is moving to set a new standard in striker-fired pistols with the VP9A1 K. But does this new evolution of the VP9 hit that mark?
History of the HK VP9A1 K
This story is much more than just a new pistol. For many years, the P30 and USP pistols had enjoyed tremendous success. However, by around 2012, HK Obendorf realized that to continue to be competitive in the European military/law enforcement market, it needed to innovate. Instead of hammer-fired pistols, agency contracts were specifying that new pistols must be striker-fired.
To get the full story, I sat down in the Gray Room with James Williamson. James has been a connoisseur of HK firearms for many years. He has over 30 years of combined military and firearms industry experience. In October 2024, he came on as the head of Business Development for HK-USA. James is a wealth of knowledge, and it is a treat anytime I can visit the Gray Room.
HK Obendorf, HKO, set out to design a new pistol to meet the specific requirements of the Bavarian State Police. The engineers in Obendorf started with the proven design of the legacy P30/USP series of pistols and evolved it into a striker-fired system.
In Germany, the new pistol was designated SFP9 (Striker Fired Pistol 9mm). It retained many of the innovative features of the legacy HK pistols. These included adaptable grip panels, fully ambidextrous controls, and many of the same internal components. The cold hammer-forged barrel featured a polygonal bore that was both accurate and durable.
The SFP9 also retained specific safety features that don’t allow the pistol to be disassembled or assembled when a magazine is in the pistol. One specific feature is that the new pistol could be field-stripped without manipulating the trigger.
From SFP9 to VP9
From an ergonomic standpoint, the SFP9 was a masterpiece. The interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels provided 27 different configurations. This allowed the user to tailor the grip to their specific hand.
HK’s patented “charging supports” provided a wider gripping surface at the rear of the slide, assisting in cycling the slide. The trigger on the SFP9 was considered, by many, to be “best in class” for a striker-fired pistol. It had a very clean break with a very short reset. It also retained HK’s famous ambidextrous paddle magazine release.
When the new pistol was introduced to the US market, it was re-designated as the VP9. It quickly became the Mercedes of the polymer frame pistol market. Over the years, the VP series of pistols expanded to include the VP9SK sub-compact and several versions with longer slides. In addition, the VP40 was offered in .40 caliber.
HK fans flocked to it to show their loyalty to the brand. Law enforcement agencies were slower to adopt the VP9, mainly due to its price point. However, those who did adopt the VP9 quickly understood the advantage of the pistol’s German engineering, quality, and reliability.
In the last couple of years, HK did some in-line improvements and also introduced several optic ready models. But the pistol has remained largely unchanged for that last decade.
HK-USA DRIVES THE A1 MODELS
By 2020 or so, it was decided that the VP9 needed a full “mid-life” refresh. The A1 project was driven by HK-USA as a result of the increasing market share of the VP9. The most significant change is the actual size of the new models.
Originally, the VP9 featured a full-size frame and a 4.09-inch barrel. The new A1 models are designated as the VP9A1 K and VP9A1 F. The K has the same slide length as the original VP9 but has a newly designed compact-length frame. Similarly, the VP9A1 F has the same size frame as the original VP9 but has a longer barrel and slide.
The chart below reflects the specifications of the new models compared to two other popular striker-fired pistols.
| Full Size | VP9A1 F | G17 | SIG 320 |
| OA Length | 7.76″ | 7.95″ | 8″ |
| Height | 5.47″ | 5.47″ | 5.5″ |
| Width | 1.32″ | 1.34″ | 1.25″ |
| Weight | 23.28 oz. | 24.87 oz. | 28.03 oz. |
| Compact | VP9A1 K | G19 | SIG 320 Compact |
| OA Length | 7.32″ | 7.28″ | 7.25″ |
| Height | 5.12″ | 5.04″ | 5.25″ |
| Width | 1.32″ | 1.34″ | 1.25″ |
| Weight | 22.57 oz. | 23.73 oz. | 26.6 oz. |
Improving the VP9A1 Platform
Other improvements were directly related to improving the operations and shooting experience. Based on shooter feedback, the new A1 models have a new grip texture, and the finger grooves on the front strap have been deleted.
The adaptable grip panels still include three different sized side panels. However, the backstrap panels now include two different-sized units that fill the top of the backstrap and change the length of pull.
The slide stop has been redesigned with a more prominent shelf for improved activation. Additionally, the slide also features HK maritime cocking serrations that have a wider channel for better purchase. The new pistols also have a flared magazine well, and all A1 models are optic-ready.
Specific touchpoints, such as the magazine release paddles, the slide stop, and the side of the frame, have received texturing. The K compact model also features a newly designed 15-round magazine, while the F model ships with a 17-round and a 20-round magazine. The new magazine baseplate is relieved on each side to facilitate stripping the magazine when necessary.
Shooting the HK Striker-Fired Pistol
I was fortunate to receive a VP9A1 K model for this review. The pistol ships in a zipper case that is embroidered with the family red logo. Inside the case, the user will find two 15-round magazines, a complete set of side panels and backstraps, and a detailed user manual.
The pistol was shipped with the Holosun SCS VP9 green dot optic. I set up the K with small side panels and a medium backstrap to increase the length of pull.
I have not transitioned to using a dot optic on my carry pistols. So, I spent significant time dry-practicing my presentation and acquiring the dot. I tended to switch between the single dot and the circle/dot reticle, settling on the circle/dot, at least for now.
The trigger broke cleanly at 5 lbs. with much less overtravel than on my daily carry pistol. The grip and ergonomics of the K were exceptional, and I had no issues transitioning to a paddle-style magazine release.
On the range, the VP9A1 K was 100% reliable with over 19 different loads. It also proved to be very controllable, even with the hot Winchester M1115 Active Defense load. From 10 yards, I fired a 10-shot group that measured 1.24 inches, with six of the ten rounds going into a ½-inch group. Pinging steel targets at 50 yards was just fun.
5-Yard Roundup Drill with the VP9A1 K
I also shot Justin Dyal’s excellent 5-Yard Roundup. For those not familiar with this drill, it is an excellent skill test. It consists of ten rounds fired from 5 yards. There are four stages with a par time of 2.5 seconds for each stage.
As reflected in the photo, it is shot on a B-8 repair center bullseye target. Stage 1 is draw and fire one shot. Next, Stage 2 starts from a ready position, with four shots fired, using both hands. Then, Stage 3 is three rounds fired support hand only. Finally, Stage 4 has 2-rounds being fired.
I managed a score of 98/100, dropping two rounds into the 9-ring. I attribute my score to the trigger and ergonomics of the VP9A1, along with the Holosun optic. By the end of the test, I had run approximately 500 rounds through the pistol with no malfunctions or issues.
“It’s A Great Time To Be An HK Fan”
Those were the opening words of my visit with James. If you missed the news, HK-USA is now a separate entity and is no longer a subsidiary of HK Obendorf. While the design and production of HK products is still a joint partnership, they both report directly to the board of directors.
The HK VP9A1 series is a direct result of the US market and requirements. As the VP9 found increasing sales, specifically in the law enforcement market, HK-USA needed to compete in the same space with a similar-sized compact model and a full-size duty pistol. HK-USA and HK-O worked together to make the VP9A1 one of the most advanced and proven pistols on the market today.
The A1 will eventually replace the legacy VP9 A0 series of pistols. HK-USA has taken a holistic approach with a family of pistols that meets the requirements for a duty pistol, the F model, a compact pistol, the K, and a micro-compact pistol that is filled by the new CC9.
Heckler & Koch has been respected around the world for 75 years. The company’s foundation is built on “unswerving commitment to excellence” represented by a core philosophy that can be summed up in two words. “No Compromise.”
HK VP9A1 K Compact Specs
| Caliber | 9mm x 19 |
| Operating System | Recoil Operated/Single Action |
| Length | 7.32 inches |
| Height | 5.12 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4.09 inches |
| Weight w/o Magazine | 22.57 ounces |
| Sights | Fixed/Optic Ready |
| Magazine Capacity | Ships w/two 15 round |
| MSRP | Base Pistol: $979 As Tested: $1,319 |
HK VP9A1 F Full Size Specs
| Caliber | 9mm x 19 |
| Operating System | Recoil Operated/Single Action |
| Length | 7.76 inches |
| Height | 5.47 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4.53 inches |
| Weight w/o Magazine | 23.28 ounces |
| Sights | Fixed/Optic Ready |
| Magazine Capacity | Ships w/15 & 20 round |
| MSRP | Base Pistol: $979 As Tested: $1,319 |
Performance
| Federal HST | |
| Load | 124 gr. |
| Avg. Vel | 1,106 |
| ES | 28.7 |
| Accuracy | .80 inches |
| Hornady Critical Duty | |
| Load | 124 +P |
| Avg. Vel | 1,169 |
| ES | 15.4 |
| Accuracy | 1.20 inches |
| Speer Gold Dot | |
| Load | 124 GDHP |
| Avg. Vel | 1,144 |
| ES | 17 |
| Accuracy | 1 inch |
| Speer G2 | |
| Load | 147 G2 |
| Avg. Vel | 1,004 |
| ES | 17.5 |
| Accuracy | 1.25 inches |
