HK VP9 | Still one of the BEST striker fired pistols?

Muddy River Tactical Holsters: muddyrivertactical.com/holste...
HK VP9 Holsters: www.muddyrivertactical.com
This HK VP9 a 4” barrel and is a striker fired polymer pistol. The VP9 comes with 2 - 15 round magazines and weighs in at roughly 25 ounces empty. It comes in a few variants including optic ready and prices for base versions start around the $700 mark. This particular model is an early version so it is not optics ready but they do make optic ready versions as well now.
Starting at the front, the VP9 has a full pic rail for any lights, lasers, or any other contraptions you can throw on it. The front slide serrations are not super deep, however they do work very well. The finish on the slide is really nice and has stood up to years of use and abuse I have thrown at this firearm.
The trigger guard is very large which is nice if you are one of those guys that shoots with gloves, it gives you plenty of room. The mag release on this model is the European style paddle mag release which is ambidextrous. I will admit it takes a little getting used to from a normal mag release button, however after a mag or two it is an easy adjustment.
The takedown level is easy to use and this pistol comes apart super easy for cleaning.
The trigger on this HK VP9 is a curved trigger with a trigger safety in the middle. Overall the trigger is very good for a polymer striker fired pistol. The only trigger that I personally think is noticeably better would be the Walther PDP, but there isn’t a stock trigger that comes even close to the PDP so you can’t hold that against the VP9.
The trigger has little take-up and then a solid wall. The trigger pull is roughly 5 pounds and has a nice clean break. The reset is also very short. One thing to note is on the reset you can feel a little push out which causes a little takeup again to hit the wall. However when shooting it you don’t notice it much and is very easy to overcome with a mags down range.
The slide release on this VP9 is ambidextrous with a longer bar style on the right side of the gun for us left handed shooters. I personally am a huge fan of the mag release and the bar since I am left handed, however I have heard a few people complaint about its placement being too far back. For me and my hand, it is perfect and easy for me to manipulate where it is at.
The rear slide serrations are just like the front ones and work very well. On the back they do have these raised grip points on both sides which I am a huge fan of. If your hands were wet or muddy it would give you that extra grip point to ensure easy manipulation of your pistol.
On the back there is a red striker indicator as well. The sights are 3 dot white night sights and they work very well. On other models they offer a lot of different sight options as well, but these have been great and I would see no reason to change them.
The ergonomics of this firearm are really amazing and there is only one other pistol that I believe has a better feel which would be the Walther PDP which we will have a full review on as well next week! The VP9 comes with interchangeable backstraps as well as side panels which is really cool. You can mix and match this backstraps and panels to get a grip size the is perfect for your hand no matter how big or small! The grip is long enough to get a full purchase and with the 3 finger groves it just melts into your hand. The beavertail is nice and deep which also allows for a great grip and control of the pistol. The texturing could be a little better in my opinion, however it does work really good and I have never had a grip issue. The buttom of the grip is notched to allow you to rip magazines if you ever had to.
Accuracy has been very good and consistent. The grip ergonomics and good trigger just make this good very easy to shoot well. It is also very natural pointing so target aquistition and transition is very quick and easy.
Reliability is the main reason this is my main home defense pistol. I have owned this pistol for years and have thousands of rounds through it without one single issue ever! For me when you are counting on a pistol to defend you and your family reliability is always number one! Of course, accuracy and feel and all that matter, however if a firearm is not reliable in all situations then it is just a paperweight! This VP9 has proven itself over the years and all situations, so that is why I trust it with the protection of my home, wife, and kids!
If you are in the market for an all around great pistol, be sure to check out the HK VP9, you will not be disappointed. It can defend your home, or be an excellent everyday concealed carry pistol!
Thank you all for joining us today, we truly appreciate you all!
Until Next Time, Keep Practicing and Always be Prepared!

[@ms.annthrope415]

HK examined the Glock and fixed the deficiencies, improved here and there, 3 sizes of side panels and rear panel, charging "ears" on the slide, paddle mag release, significantly improved the trigger, field strip without pulling the trigger. It is an excellent pistol. I love mine.

[@muddyrivertactical]

It’s an excellent pistol for sure Thanks for watching!

[@johnchristopher20]

Walther did it first with the P99; HK’s LEM is a hammer fired version of Walther’s fix. And the VP9 lack second strike capability of the P99.

[@cryptoronin3073]

I bought my first vp9 in March, and they come with 17rd mags now

[@randallbowman7899]

Got my vp9 about a month ago. Love it. Àfter first magazine it got in my rotation. It and my Masada are my carry. H&k vp40 is what i like to have next.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Great choices! Thanks for watching sir!

[@Elvis68spec]

Excellent review!

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you; we appreciate your support

[@Jimster481]

Thanks for this review!

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@ddm4v793]

Just bought a VP9L and Match and got to say they looooook good!!!

[@muddyrivertactical]

You will like it! Thanks for watching

[@randallhill7979]

Excellent review

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you for watching!

[@kwisatzhaderach1458]

G19 was my first. VP9 is next on my list. It looks fantastic.

[@muddyrivertactical]

It is a great pistol Thanks for watching!

[@mistermister737]

im telling you rn, vp9 just feels better than any glock ive held, you can do thumb index racks without getting cut on the racking grip, it has a rubber bump instead of serrations, the trigger feels way more responsive, mag release is a bit annoying, but somebody with bigger thumbs certainly wouldent have any problems

[@scottsmith4710]

You grew a set with this one buddy! You have a great channel and I agree with you 100%. The VP9 is pretty hard to beat!👍

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@hrlkt3413]

this was my first love =) i will always cherish the vp9's =)

[@muddyrivertactical]

They are good pistols for sure!

[@KirilVarbanov]

Just stumbled upon this review while looking for solid, ergonomic striker that is not Glock. Thanks for that useful video. I am sold.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for watching

[@RepentorPerish77]

Yes, yes it is…love my VP9 and VP9sk

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanfrost944]

I am a massive hk fanboy, and the vp 9 is a favorite:)

[@muddyrivertactical]

Great pistol for sure

[@wcsdiaries]

​@@muddyrivertactical was yours never ammo picky? My p30sk stovepipes often with 115g ammo

[@TheProAer]

Yours is as old as mine, I can tell by the "BG" markings it was made in 2016. The HK VP9 is a excellent pistol.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yes sir!

[@cbwelch4]

I love mine. I shoot it so well…. It is that or my Walther PDP. I also like my Steyr M9 and want a CZ P10C. These are my favorite polymer striker shooters. I also like my M&P9c with the Apex trigger upgrade.

[@claudb1029]

My first pistol purchase was the S&W MP9c. I'm far from an expert but I believe the standard mags are either 10 or 12. You can purchase 17 round mags and a spacer ring to take up the gap of the longer mag, I believe the MP9c is discontinued and perhaps the 17 round mags as well

[@a.d.c7941]

Ive bad both the vp9 and the pdp. For me, the vp9 is the clear winner. The pdp felt like a true explosion going off in my hand. And I hate the soft reset on the pdp. I tried to love the pdp and just could not. The vp9 is such an amazing polymer framed pistol. Definitely my choice.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Both great guns, just comes to personal preference. I personally prefer the PDP if I had to choose. Thanks for watching, we truly appreciate it!

[@CLJ9676]

They make conversion kits to turn the 15rd mags to 17rds fyi, which is their standard now👍

[@keithrader9758]

I’m hoping H&K brings another new pistol to the market. Love my VP9. May get me a P30 too if they don’t drop anything new

[@muddyrivertactical]

You can’t go wrong with HK in my opinion. They have a lot of great options!

[@keithrader9758]

@@muddyrivertactical yeah man just really debating between another hk or get a CZ 😮‍💨 such a tough decision in this market

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yeah that’s a tough one, there are some great CZ’s as well. In this market we are lucky to have hundreds of great options!

[@michaelphillips5786]

Hk is coming out with a micro compact 9mm with removable trigger control system..

[@stevecox2020]

My VP9 has not failed, ever.

[@cbwelch4]

The area the VP9! bests the PDP is recoil management. The PDP is snappier for sure. The Hk grip is more comfortable over a long range session and the grip is better for bigger hands. The texture on the grip is a perfect balance of grippy but not harsh on the skin. It is my go to. The PDP is also excellent. The grip texture is softer, yet more aggressive. I’d be hard pressed to pick one over the other. They are both excellent. The PDP is a laser beam and really well engineered. Everything Hk is overbuilt and the build quality is second to none. Their barrel is quoted as “cannon grade” steel. Really? Come on! Never had a misfire on either yet. I’ve seen reviews where one or two people claim the Glock is more reliable than the PDP. I probably have just under 1k through my PDP. No issues yet. I have easily around 2k through my VP9. Not a stutter yet. Why it is my go to. It also fits my hands perfectly and it super comfortable.

[@ShaunPanzer]

Great point ! I feel that people forget to mention recoil and the HK rocks ! Not sure if it’s slide wt or because of how the pistol can be melted into your own hand ! I noticed that new shooters feel more confident because it just belongs in someone’s hand .

[@cbwelch4]

@@ShaunPanzer I just think the grip is very well engineered to spread the recoil over the heel of your hand. Hk engineering. You get that for which you pay. I was shooting my P220 and was reminded of that today.

[@RepentorPerish77]

You’re 100% correct! That PDP is like shooting .40 😂😂

[@cbwelch4]

I own both the PDP and VP9. I think the PDP breaks a tiny bit crisper but the VP9 has less take up and breaks further out in the perfect spot while the PDP breaks closer to the grip. It is a wash to me.

[@simpslayer6299]

Love this pistol...and my muddy river tactical holster. Im buying more of both 🎉

[@muddyrivertactical]

we appreciate you!!

[@charleshonaker2738]

The VP9 is definitely no slouch and I sure do like mine, but I like its bigger brother the VP40 even more. I'll admit it is hard not to fall in love with the PDP ( the 5 inch Compact is a tack-driver), but the fully customizable grips make small-handed control truly manageable. I know Walther has an answer for smaller hands with the PDP-F, but I don't see the need to buy a new pistol when I already have one that fits me like a glove. Do you think Walther might make a PDP in .40 S&W?

[@muddyrivertactical]

The PDP is amazing for sure. I’m not sure if they will or not…I just know a lot of shops have a hard time moving 40 cals now days.

[@charleshonaker2738]

I was just kidding about a PDP in .40 cal. Sarcasm is hard to express in text. I'm afraid that the .40 S&W is going to go the way of the 16 gauge shotgun. Cult followers only.

[@christ.5258]

I'd say the walther pdp is better too, but considering the VP9 came out nearly 7 years before the pdp, the vp9 has aged well. HK did take awhile to come out with it but when it was released the features on it were ahead of its time. I'd still give ergonomics to HK cause of how many customizations there are but grip texture feels better on pdp

[@muddyrivertactical]

I agree

[@RepentorPerish77]

The PDP is way too snappy..The VP9 is a much better shooter

[@tubero37]

Is that the small backstrap? It looks very good. I've seen some VP9's with very bulky grip.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yes it is. Feels great in your hand

[@AK-sn4md]

do you have an inside the belt holster for this or my HK P30

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yes we sure do

[@erikschall620]

Did they ever resolve the spring issues with 115 grain ammo ??

[@muddyrivertactical]

Never had an issue one with mine

[@eightcelticnations3640]

Funny I have both the VP9 with a long slide and the Walther PDP Compact. Germans make awesome pistols and are very reliable. I wouldn't trust my life on any other guns. The Walther CCP M2 .380 is my wife's favorite. Hence, German guns are my home and life's protectors. Thank you for this video.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Both great for sure!

[@eightcelticnations3640]

@@muddyrivertactical Yes they are.

[@truth1392]

How do you feel about the hkvp40

[@muddyrivertactical]

Same pistol just different caliber so it’s great as well. I just prefer 9mm over 40 cal.

[@michaelphillips5786]

Hk is coming out with a micro compact 9mm with removable trigger control unit...

[@muddyrivertactical]

That should be sweet!

[@michaelphillips5786]

@@muddyrivertactical Check out TFBTV, you will see the actual gun there..

[@maddoe2118]

Hkvp9 the best

[@muddyrivertactical]

They are great for sure!

[@skionen1781]

I got one and new I never shot it can’t wait to try out at the range

[@ResplendentRaider]

HK P30 said hold my beer 😂

[@Tom-cp6yj]

As long as you don't drop it in creek water! Lol

[@muddyrivertactical]

sounds like there may be a back story to this...lol

[@andrewbrumagen3479]

My wife is right handed and I am left handed I have pistols and they are set up for me, when I get one of those pistols we can use it.

[@muddyrivertactical]

For sure. Thanks for watching

[@glockman9c]

17 rounds now

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yes sir. Thanks for watching!

[@oceaser6977]

I have a V9T and I’m a bit underwhelmed

[@muddyrivertactical]

I haven’t had the chance to shoot the T yet

[@tymccutchen]

How do they handle 115g ammo? ✝️🇺🇲✝️

[@jtbk]

they're engineered for 124gr, during the break in period you will want to use 124. After 1-2k rounds you should be able to use 115 just fine. I've got a V1 VP9 personally which came with a light recoil spring and have run 115 with no issues for years. Talked my buddy into VP9's about a year ago and with the new recoil spring (same as vp40) the gun definitely need 124 to run reliably. That being said the malfunctions from running 115 just make a good training aid as it usually works out to one per mag lol.

[@darrtrubb]

Walthers are every bit as good as H&K for a much better price.

[@muddyrivertactical]

I would agree in my personal opinion. I shoot the walther PDP most of the time. Thanks for watching

[@doheo33]

My box comes with 3 clips

[@somethingtactical]

That is not a short reset. I think Glocks are shorter. One of the three things that stops me from buyer one. 2. If your put your finger on the takedown level when shooting it will burn your finger off. No real other place to put your finger. 3. Overpriced.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Personal preferences for sure.

[@Barchenhund]

November 2023 New VP9 for $566.74 out the door. This price includes sales tax and FFL fee. Forgot to mention free shipping. Included two 17 round mags, changeable grip back straps, side panels all tucked in a nice case. Oh yeah, this purchase included a $200.00 rebate for HK's online store which allowed me to receive 4 more 17 round mags ($50 per mag retail) for free. Well almost free, there was a $12.95 shipping fee. $579.69 total. Overpriced?

[@somethingtactical]

@roberthoffman8477 well worth it

[@mikey5848]

The VP9 is a striker fired P30. That is defintely hard to beat.

[@muddyrivertactical]

I agree!

[@simpslayer6299]

I ruined a holster with leather conditioner....ill be buying another one from you