HK VP9 A1 – The New Duo For The American Market

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As most readers are aware, until the new CC9, all of the HK firearms were the result of a request from a military or government organization. The VP9 series of pistols is no exception. In 2014, it was adopted as the standard service pistol, by the Bavarian State Police. The official designation was the P30X, but they changed it to the VP9 for the American market. 

Setting A Standard

The design of the VP9 was very advanced for 2014. The polymer frame featured interchangeable side panels, backstraps, and HK’s unique ambidextrous paddle magazine release and slide release. The operating system included a single-action striker system, giving the VP9 a superior trigger over its competitors. Being designed as a duty pistol, the VP9 had a corrosion-resistant finish and was designed for an extended service life.

Over time, the VP9 has undergone some minor improvements. Several models are now offered in an optics-ready configuration, and an ungraded magazine increased the standard capacity from 15 rounds to 17 rounds. 

The original VP9, as requested by the Bavarian State Police, has what can be best described as having a full-size frame and a compact length slide. The VP9 gained popularity with both the U.S. commercial and law enforcement market. But some wanted it to be either a full-size duty pistol or a true compact pistol. 

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Enter The A1 K & F Models

Due to the reorganization, HK-US is positioned to serve the U.S. market. Today, HK-US announced the new VP9 A1 in K (Compact) and F (Full Size) models. The K model retains the same basic slide as the original model, but has a new compact size frame. The F model has the same basic frame with a new, longer, slide/barrel. This brings the VP9A1 in line with the standard size pistols offered by its competitors. 

The new A1 models, which are manufactured in Germany, have the same ergonomics, trigger, reliability, and safety that the original VP9 is known for. They also retain the ambidextrous operating controls and the dual paddle magazine release. The A1 has six side panels and three backstrap panels that allow the user to fit the grip to their individual hands.  Two of the newly designed backstraps extend the full length of the backstrap and allows the user to change the length of pull. 

A1 Improvements

The A1s also retain the same proven hammer-forged barrel and internal operating system. Other legacy features, that have been retained, are the patented charging supports, the accessory rail, and the generously sized trigger guard. All A1 models are now manufactured with an optics cut that will accommodate specific direct-mount optics. Additional adaptor plates are available for the majority of popular red dot optics. 

The A1 improvements go further than just a new sized frame and slide. Sharp eyed readers will notice that the grip texture has been updated and the finger grooves on the front strap have been deleted. HK has added a texture to the primary touch points to provide a tactile reference point. These surfaces include the side of the frame and paddle magazine release. The left slide release has been redesigned with a more pronounced ledge for easier manipulation. The cocking serrations on the front and rear of the slide have been enlarged to the maritime configuration.

The magazine well, on both models, is flared for easier reloads. In conjunction with this feature, the magazine baseplate has been redesigned with a side recess to facilitate removal. Another nice improvement is the nickel Teflon finish, on the trigger bar, for an even better trigger pull.

Range Time With the A1

Shortly before the release date, I obtained a VP9A1 K and F . Both were shipped with direct mount Holosun SCS VP9 green dot optics installed. I tested both models with several popular personal defense/duty loads. I was especially interested in seeing how much increase in velocity the F model had over the K. 

Performance

Both pistols shot exceptionally well and I experienced no malfunctions or other issues. The trigger, on both guns measured just over 5 lbs. While I’m not a dedicated optics shooter, I liked the optional Holosun green dot optic. However, given the time constraints, I spent most of my time shooting the K compact. I was especially interested in how it compared to my daily carry Glock 19. 

At the range, the K shot exceptionally well and was very controllable, even when shooting the hot Winchester M1115, 115 gr. TMJ load, which averaged 1,300 fps. From 10 yards, I managed to shoot a 10-shot group that measured 1.24” which is exceptional for me. I attribute this to the VP9’s superior ergonomics, great trigger, and the Holosun optic. At 20 yards, I was able to keep all the rounds in the black of a B8 repair center. Pinging a steel silhouette at 50 yards was exceptionally easy if I stuck to the basics.

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By the end of the test, I had put approximately 100 rounds through the F model and 300 rounds through the K. I found that, for me, the K balanced slightly better while the F shot a little softer. 

Final Thoughts

Before this, I had limited trigger time with HK products. The more I shot these two models, the more I appreciated the sophistication and German engineering. The original VP9 is a time-proven design that is only made better by the introduction of the new A1. Both models are well suited for the armed citizen as well as an agency that is looking for compatible full-sized and compact pistols. The VP9A1 launches on January 3, 2025, and should be at dealers shortly thereafter. 

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