{"id":40799,"date":"2015-08-07T09:46:20","date_gmt":"2015-08-07T13:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=40799"},"modified":"2015-08-07T09:46:20","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T22:18:27","slug":"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\/","title":{"rendered":"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Buy an H&amp;K VP40 on GunsAmerica: <a href=\"\/Search.aspx?T=vp40\" campaign=\"HK VP40\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">\/vp40<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Check out the details at H&amp;K: <a href=\"https:\/\/hk-usa.com\/hk-models\/vp40\/\" campaign=\"HK VP40\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">https:\/\/hk-usa.com\/hk-models\/vp40\/<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40847\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-11.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40847\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-11-400x282.jpg\" alt=\"Not a beauty queen, but not ugly either. The ergonomics and aggressive control surfaces come first.\" width=\"400\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-11-400x282.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-11-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-11.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40847\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Not a beauty queen, but not ugly either. The ergonomics and aggressive control surfaces come first.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I have an early-adopter personality by nature. I\u2019m the guy that has the latest and greatest electronic gadget, or is beta testing software. And it is certainly no different, perhaps even worse when it comes to guns. I love being among the first to shoot and\/or own the newest models. But for some reason, it took me nearly a full year to hop onto the HK VP9 bandwagon. Not because I didn\u2019t think it was a great pistol, I knew it was. I was just tied up (as was my money) with other projects and never got around to it. When I finally did, I immediately had the same impressions that most everyone else did \u2013 that it is a fantastic handgun. So when HK released the VP40, I camped out like it was a new iPhone.<\/p>\n<p>Pairing stable mates in 9mm and .40 S&amp;W is almost a certainty for most handguns, so it should come as no surprise that H&amp;K have offered us the instantly famous VP series pistol in that caliber. But where many other manufacturers simply change the barrel and maybe the recoil spring \u2013 the engineers at Heckler &amp; Koch seem to have designed the VP40 as a truly separate gun.<\/p>\n<p>At first glance, everything about the VP40 appears identical to its sibling except for the caliber markings. But take a longer look and you\u2019ll see some differences. Try to slip the VP40 into your Kydex VP9 holster, and you\u2019ll soon realize there are more differences than simply the bore size.<\/p>\n<p>[one_half]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40846\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-10.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40846\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-10-400x292.jpg\" alt=\"A rear angle view also helps us understand the different geometry of the VP40 slide.\" width=\"400\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-10-400x292.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-10-150x109.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-10.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40846\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A rear angle view also helps us understand the different geometry of the VP40 slide.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/one_half][one_half_last]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40845\" style=\"width: 320px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40845\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40845\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-9-310x300.jpg\" alt=\"One good look at the slides of the VP9 (left) and the VP40 (right) and one can understand why the 40 won't fit in the 9\u2019s holster.\" width=\"310\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-9-310x300.jpg 310w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-9-150x145.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-9.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40845\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One good look at the slides of the VP9 (left) and the VP40 (right) and one can understand why the 40 won&#8217;t fit in the 9\u2019s holster.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/one_half_last]<\/p>\n<p>So let\u2019s talk about that first, because if you want your VP40 to fit in your custom formed Kydex holster for your VP9 \u2013 it won\u2019t. Yes, I know that sucks \u2013 no sweeter way to say it. But it is what it is, and I\u2019m sure the holster makers will catch up. One already has \u2013 and I was advanced two different holster models from Multi Holsters made specifically for the VP40. The good news is that these also fit the VP9!<\/p>\n<p>While we&#8217;re on the subject, <a href=\"\/blog\/hks-new-vp9-striker-fired-perfected\/\" campaign=\"HK VP9\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">check out our review of the VP9<\/a>. And don&#8217;t hesitate to <a href=\"\/blog\/the-hk-vp40-first-100-rounds\/\" campaign=\"HK VP40\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">revisit our first impressions of the VP40<\/a>.<br \/>\n[full_width]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40840\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-5.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40840\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"wp-image-40840 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-5.jpg\" alt=\"Multi Holsters has the VP40 covered with a full line of holsters, including this 2-in-1 in carbon fiber.\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-5.jpg 900w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-5-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-5-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40840\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Multi Holsters has the VP40 covered with a full line of holsters, including this 2-in-1 in carbon fiber.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/full_width]<\/p>\n<h2>Specs<\/h2>\n<p>Heckler &amp; Koch say that the VP40 weighs 2.37 ounces more than the VP9 (they also list it as only 1 oz. heavier, which is wrong). I can tell you where all of that extra weight is \u2013 in the slide. More specifically, it\u2019s in the thickness of the steel. This was undoubtedly done because someone in Germany with a slide rule in his shirt pocket said to do it \u2013 and I never challenge a German engineer with a slide rule.<\/p>\n<p>The .40 S&amp;W cartridge releases considerably more pressure and energy than the 9mm cartridge does. There are a few ways that gun makers can address this difference: 1) Design the slide for the pressures of the hottest caliber intended and then compensate for lighter loads with springs and lightening cuts; 2) Design a \u201cshould do the trick\u201d gun and chamber it for multiple calibers; or 3) Make one size for 9mm and one size for .40 S&amp;W. H&amp;K obviously chose door number three, but whether it was an afterthought, or there is more to come, we don\u2019t yet know. I seriously doubt that the HK VP40 will suffer from any of the structural fatigue and accelerated wear that is common to most 9mm-designed pistols that get chambered in .40 S&amp;W (one of the main reasons the FBI is moving away from .40 and back to 9mm). Speculations and wishes for the VP45 and even the VP10 (mm, that is) are already in the Internet discussion zones. The problem there, as I envision it, is that either of those would mean a significantly longer cartridge, and would require a larger magazine and likely a larger magazine well to accommodate it. That means a bigger grip and a whole new frame with a different feel. That said; the line for either or both of those forms behind me.<\/p>\n<p>[one_half]<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-40865\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-2-400x225.jpg\" alt=\"VP40 specs 2\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-2-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-2-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-2.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a>[\/one_half][one_half_last]<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-40864\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-1-400x225.jpg\" alt=\"VP40 specs 1\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-1-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-1-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-specs-1.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a>[\/one_half_last]<\/p>\n<p>Let me back up a little and give you the basic specs on the HK VP40. This is a polymer framed, striker fired handgun \u2013 from a company that is not (or wasn\u2019t until recently) the first name you think of in striker fired handguns. Even though H&amp;K pioneered the striker technology decades ago, they are still best known for their hammer fired models. The barrel is hammer forged polygonal rifling, another long-time H&amp;K tradition. What that means is this: imagine yourself very, very tiny and standing inside the barrel of a gun. Traditional rifling made of lands and grooves would look like sharply cut cliffs and square ravines. Polygonal rifling would appear more like the gentle rolling hills of an English countryside. The idea is that there is less friction (meaning more velocity) and less galling (meaning less fouling and better accuracy). The trigger is double-action-only type and pulls at between 5.5 and 7.5 lbs.<\/p>\n<p>[full_width]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40848\" style=\"width: 865px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-12-e1438868162197.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40848\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-full wp-image-40848\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-12-e1438868162197.jpg\" alt=\"The ergonomics make this design easy to control.\" width=\"855\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-12-e1438868162197.jpg 855w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-12-e1438868162197-150x51.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-12-e1438868162197-400x136.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 855px) 100vw, 855px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40848\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ergonomics make this design easy to control.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/full_width]<\/p>\n<p>Controls are fully ambidextrous out of the box. The magazine release is the European style paddles located at the lower rear of the trigger guard, like a pair of tusks. Slide stop\/lock levers are on both sides of the pistol. There is no external safety catch. If you\u2019re new to H&amp;K pistols, they may seem odd to you compared to most others, but believe me they have rabidly loyal customers. Last year, the VP9 put HK handguns in front of a lot of newcomers to the brand. The VP40 is a logical progression.<\/p>\n<p>[one_half]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40844\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-8.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40844\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-8-400x225.jpg\" alt=\"Ambidextrous paddle controls for magazine release are a common trait of H&amp;K handguns.\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-8-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-8-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-8.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40844\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ambidextrous paddle controls for magazine release are a common trait of H&amp;K handguns.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/one_half][one_half_last]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40843\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-7.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40843\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40843\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-7-400x225.jpg\" alt=\"VP40 as tested included the base model 3-dot sights without Tritium. The 'cocked striker indicator' is a highly visible red dot. Also on the VP40 are the cocking assist 'ears' or tabs on the rear of the slide. The author actually finds these quite useful.\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-7-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-7-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-7.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40843\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">VP40 as tested included the base model 3-dot sights without Tritium. The &#8216;cocked striker indicator&#8217; is a highly visible red dot. Also on the VP40 are the cocking assist &#8216;ears&#8217; or tabs on the rear of the slide. The author actually finds these quite useful.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/one_half_last]<\/p>\n<p>The trigger on the VP40 is not the best in the business, but it is far from the worst. It has a fairly long take up and then a very crisp break. The reset is fairly short with good tactile feedback, which helps you achieve those double and triple-taps without slapping at the trigger. H&amp;K incorporates a trigger safety of common design \u2013 a lever inserted into the center of the trigger that must be depressed to defeat the interference of a stop that prevents trigger travel. I find the HK trigger to be ergonomic and comfortable and the safety to be unnoticeable \u2013 save for a tiny polymer burr at the end of the safety lever that seems present on all copies of the VP. Some fine sand paper ought to do the trick, but it\u2019d be nice if it came without that.<\/p>\n<p>[full_width]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40841\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40841\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-full wp-image-40841\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-6.jpg\" alt=\"Polymer trigger incorporates a dongle-style safety lever. Note the tiny (but quite irritating) burr at the toe.\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-6.jpg 900w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-6-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-6-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40841\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Polymer trigger incorporates a dongle-style safety lever. Note the tiny (but quite irritating) burr at the toe.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/full_width]<\/p>\n<p>Another argument against .40 S&amp;W in addition to its punishment on guns is its punishment on the shooter. A lot of folks feel that the .40 is just too \u201csnappy\u201d a round for habitual use, or for personal defense carry. That\u2019s a valid consideration of course, but if that is your only complaint then I recommend you try the VP40. I think this is probably the flattest shooting .40 caliber pistol I\u2019ve shot -at least without a ported barrel. Felt recoil is pretty soft, owing mainly to the heavy slide and sturdy recoil spring. But there is another element to the HK VP pistols that aids in felt recoil reduction, and that is the modular grip design. The VP\u2019s come with three sets of polymer grip backstraps and side panels in small, medium, and large. This allows you to interchange them to create the grip that best fits your hand \u2013 but it also creates built-in \u201ccrumple zones\u201d of a sort. If you pick up a VP handgun and squeeze the grip, you\u2019ll feel it give \u2013 actually compress. That\u2019s because there has to be some tolerance built into the seams and edges where the removable panels fit. This also acts as a sort of micro shock absorber system during live fire.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40837\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40837\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40837\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-2-400x225.jpg\" alt=\"Standard VP40 comes with two 13-round magazines. Excellent quality with nice rubber baseplates.\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-2-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-2-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-2.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Standard VP40 comes with two 13-round magazines. Excellent quality with nice rubber baseplates.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The VP40 is available in two configurations from Heckler &amp; Koch. The most common is the basic package with phosphorescent 3-dot sights and two steel 13-round magazines. For about $100 more, you can get a third magazine and tritium night sights. That\u2019s a lot cheaper than it would be to upgrade, so it\u2019s worth considering. The VP40 will accept P30 magazines, as they are identical. This is also great news, because HK mags are among the most expensive to buy. I always expect mine to arrive on a red velvet pillow, considering the price. The .40 S&amp;W magazines are also easier to find in stock than their 9mm counterparts \u2013 another bonus.<\/p>\n<p>The ergonomics of the VP pistols is the best I\u2019ve experienced in handguns. There are some close challengers out there, like M&amp;P and Walther PPQ, but the VP edges them out. This is of course; a wholly subjective topic and your mileage may vary. The grip surface is good but not great. The texture is composed of small semi-circles and raised dots that do a good job of providing grip, but they are overall still to smooth. On a hot July day with sweaty hands, I like a little more friction. Talon Gun Grips are my favorite aftermarket solution for that. The controls are well designed and all within easy reach. The slide stop\/release operates smoothly for righties or lefties, although the left-hand lever looks a bit frail by comparison. The mag-release paddles are superb and operate flawlessly. The magazines eject cleanly with a positive kick-out. I tend to use my index (trigger) finger to operate the control, as it requires no shift to my grip on the gun.<\/p>\n<p>[full_width]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40838\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40838\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-full wp-image-40838\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-3.jpg\" alt=\"The ergonomics of the HK VP pistol is already the stuff of legend. Customizable grip panels help tailor the gun to the shooter. The author also likes the rubberized Talon grip for better friction.\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-3.jpg 900w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-3-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-3-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40838\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ergonomics of the HK VP pistol is already the stuff of legend. Customizable grip panels help tailor the gun to the shooter. The author also likes the rubberized Talon grip for better friction.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/full_width]<\/p>\n<h2>Accuracy<\/h2>\n<p>This gun is a tack driver. Yes, I know that is an over-used phrase, but in the hands of a better shooter than me it would be capable of some fantastic results. Even in my hands it performs impressively. 25 yard rested shooting with a variety of ammunition provided consistent good results. Every gun has favorite ammo, and for the VP40 it was Federal Premium HST \u2013 expensive taste, but amazing accuracy. The accompanying video shows the entire 25 yard test and results. The VP40 likes a center hold. With a good sight picture, it\u2019s going to print right where that front sight dot is.<\/p>\n<p>[one_half]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40851\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-15.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40851\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40851\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-15-400x180.jpg\" alt=\"Results of 25 yard tests, hand held rested on a bag.\" width=\"400\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-15-400x180.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-15-150x68.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-15.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Results of 25 yard tests, hand held rested on a bag.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/one_half][one_half_last]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40839\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-4.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40839\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-40839\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-4-400x225.jpg\" alt=\"The best group (of many) was produced by Federal Premium HST. Seems the VP40 likes defense loads.\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-4-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-4-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-4.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40839\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The best group (of many) was produced by Federal Premium HST. Seems the VP40 likes defense loads.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/one_half_last]<\/p>\n<p>Should you run out today and buy a VP40? That depends on a few things. If you don\u2019t like .40 S&amp;W for reasons other than recoil then probably not. If recoil is the only thing that keeps you in the 9mm section of the store, then you owe it to yourself to feel just how this gun compares. If you\u2019re worried, especially now that the feds are moving away from .40, that it\u2019s too rough on the hardware \u2013 I think H&amp;K has that handled with the ultra-thick slide. But if you are a fan of the .40 S&amp;W cartridge and don\u2019t already own the VP9 \u2013 this could be the gun for you. It would be a mistake not to put this gun on your shopping list.<\/p>\n<p>[full_width]<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_40836\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hk-vp40-review-great-pistol-with-more-punch\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40836\" title=\"H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch\" class=\"size-full wp-image-40836\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-1.jpg\" alt=\"One of the advantages of the thicker slide on the VP40 is deeper cut serrations for a better grip.\" width=\"900\" height=\"719\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-1-150x120.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/VP40-1-376x300.jpg 376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-40836\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of the advantages of the thicker slide on the VP40 is deeper cut serrations for a better grip.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[\/full_width]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Buy an H&amp;K VP40 on GunsAmerica: <a href=\"\/Search.aspx?T=vp40\" campaign=\"HK VP40\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">\/vp40<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Buy an H&amp;K VP9 on GunsAmerica: <a href=\"\/Search.aspx?T=vp9\" campaign=\"HK VP9\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">\/vp40<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Check out the details at H&amp;K: <a href=\"https:\/\/hk-usa.com\/hk-models\/vp40\/\" campaign=\"HK VP40\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">https:\/\/hk-usa.com\/hk-models\/vp40\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The opinion of the editorial team here at GunsAmerica is unanimous: the new H&amp;K guns are rock stars. The VP9 set itself apart as a compact design that offered full-sized control. And now, for those who want more intense ballistic performance, there is a .40 S&amp;W model. How does the compact design handle the increased energy? Read our review&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":40838,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[87,36,1],"tags":[132,102,108],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-40799","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-justin-opinion","8":"category-reviews-pistols","9":"category-uncategorized","10":"tag-buzz","11":"tag-feature-articles","12":"tag-guns"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>H&amp;K VP40 Review\u2013 Great Pistol with More Punch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for a hard hitting compact pistol that makes no compromises? 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