Which One Should You Choose: HK VP9SK vs HK VP9

Since Heckler & Koch offers two different sizes of their popular striker fired polymer 9mm, which one should you choose? Should it be the full size HK VP9 or the smaller HK VP9SK?
VP9 full review: • HK VP9
VP9SK full review: • HK VP9 Too Big for Car...
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[@lynnlittle8671]

I've had my SK for almost 4 years now, shot about 4000 rounds through her. Shooting with friends, one bought a VP9 (he's a really big guy), another bought two SKs, one for both of her homes. The accuracy, the ease of concealed carry, the trigger, the build quality, the paddle mag release, this thing is superb!

[@frankfattore989]

I have carried the SK now for 2 years, and I have never been happier with my decision!

[@newsnowadirondacksredux360]

I carry VP9 standard… been doing so for 6 years. I’m 6-0, 250 so easy to conceal. I have learned to rapid fire 16 rounds from draw and plant them in a 5” diameter at 7 yards.

[@millemaolchannel8608]

VP9SK for me, one of my favorite handguns

[@nmende00]

The advantage of the paddle release is that you are not going to accidentally drop magazine. If your thumbs are long enough you can reach both paddles.

[@mikey5848]

Go with the VP9. Might as well bc youre getting the full size version and size isn't crazy different. Also for carrying it, it compares more to glock 19 and that is a very popular carry pistol. Just my opinion.

[@carlcolvin8320]

Nice shot grouping . I have the V P 9. When I first bought it I went to the indoor range with 500 rounds. I fired the course of fire qualification for fed leo's , 3-5-7 and 12 yard line. I was the only on the range that morning the Range Safety Officer was right behind me. I fired the 3 and 5 yard line when I finished the 10 ring and 9 ring were destroyed I looked at the Range Safety Officer his response was damnnn. I had to get a new target for the 7 and 12 yard line. All rounds were in the 9 and 10 ring. I transitioned to weak hand and fired the 3 and 5 yard line , the 10 ring was destroyed. Range Safety Officer asked me ( that was weak hand ??? ) . I told him that I have never fired that accurate weak hand in 20 years of Law Enforcement. We were both surprised in a good way. I have fired over 2,000 rounds and have not had any malfunctions.

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you. Nice groupings yourself that you described. We are usually at about 12-15 yds as it allows us to keep the gun and the target in focus at the same time.

[@farwalker3672]

It’s an H & K. You can’t go wrong with whichever version you choose. I prefer the paddle versions but that’s just me whether it’s an H&K or a Walther, I just like guns with a paddle magazine release. Thanks for sharing and have a great day.

[@HammerStriker]

Paddle releases get a lot of hate in the US market but they really do work well. Have a great day yourself.

[@newsnowadirondacksredux360]

I use both. Everyone who I let shoot the VP9 says it is the most accurate and natural feel for a handgun.

[@InvestigatorsInCars]

I've had issues with reaching the mag release on my Glocks for a long time, probably age- and some arthritis issues. The paddle release were a big benefit for me.

[@sgator18]

1,000% paddle!

[@TheGratefulShooter]

Just bought one and it came with 2 17 rd mags. I found my perfect grip combo too. Large sides and medium back. This gun just feels right. Can’t wait to run some through it!

[@marbearcat1749]

I bought the VP9 about a month ago and love it. I especially like the 2 wings, or nubs on the back of the slide and wish more gun manufactures would incorporate this feature. I suffer from painful arthritis at the base of both my thumbs and many times it's difficult for me to rack the slide of a semi auto. Not so with the VP9. Thanks for the video! Subscribed!

[@stephenandrews8806]

Cocking assist: freaking love those

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

The cocking wings are a really nice touch.

[@robertborne895]

I actually prefer the SK version of the firearm. Carries better and shoots the same for me. Personally, if you are going with a “duty size “ firearm, I’d go with the USP. Less grip options but durable as all get out!!

[@MRsolidcolor]

well first off that's apple and oranges. USP and THE VP9?i love the vp9 but the usp is a gun that hk said "to hell with cost" and made the could be, best combat that it could be.. vp9 was just about the same but they said we need to go to the normies, and then made the most gun they have the vp9.

[@robertborne895]

@@MRsolidcolor They do make a carry version of the USP. A coworker has one. Got for a great deal on the used market and worth every penny.

[@aldyperez3707]

@@MRsolidcolor j Ya

[@_VeDa_]

For EDC, the SK easy. But then, I have both. Even the VP40. Great series of guns.

[@Dqalex]

I went with the VP9sk. I liked it so much I bought another. The only thing I bought for both were extra magazines. I have a few 13 and 15 round mags for H/D I hope to pickup a few 17 round mags too

[@wreckagevic]

Same. I actually prefer my Vp9sk to my VP9 altogether.

[@Dqalex]

@Devin Breedlove Thank you I need to take a look

[@wreckagevic]

@Devin Breedlove I’m gonna check that out. Thanks

[@iceman5006]

Been looking for sk for 6 months can't find one anywhere so I bought the vp9 for now great gun

[@vudoodaddie]

I’ll take both. Thanks.

[@chestypuller997]

I own the VP9 SK with both the button release and the paddle release. I too prefer the paddle release but the button release was my first purchase because the paddle release was not available. About 6 months later I spotted the paddle release in stock and purchased it. I've been carrying this firearm for a year now and it's my primary concealed carry. IMHO it's the best sub compact to carry.

[@googlechicken]

Just had the pleasure of shooting an SK for the first time today and I am blown away buy the egos and shoot ability of this pistol. It is amazingly accurate and handles recoil better than any similar size pistol I have personally tried I carry a Springfield Hellcat daily and I love it for what it is and shoot it well but the HK is nearly as concealable and a much better shooter. I’ve been looking for a different edc pistol and was leaning towards a CZ Rami ( if I can find one) but now I’m seriously considering picking up one of these.

[@champy1210]

The P30SK V1 LEM with a GG SRS is what you want then.

[@reedr1659]

I have and carry both. If you have to buy one, get the full size. Shoots better. Surprisingly, the longer barrel keeps the grip closer to the body, making it easier to conceal. My VP9SK also fits the larger VP9T holster, which keeps the gun closer to my body than the SK holster (from the same company).

[@J.Young808]

What company makes your holster, IWB or OWB?

[@joshuadorries5629]

I have both. VP9SK I have is dessert and black and the VP9 is green and black. Love them both and love the paddle

[@heystarfish100]

I Have a P30sk. I picked up a couple of Factory HK 15 round capacity magazines. They should fit the VP9sk too.. I love them and no gapping and the grip extension is done well.

[@Bowiehair]

You rascal. I can't get that here in California. Tried. I love my Vp9 want a full size.

[@bamahi7142]

I went with the P30sk

[@wreckagevic]

Just got my first VP9 yesterday and shot it a bunch and loved it now if I can only find a VP9SK for sale to match

[@grumman7772]

HK Invented the Striker fire

[@J.Wick.]

Great review. I'm mostly an M&P guy. But recently, I've handled a VP9SK and a HK45C-T. Wow. Haven't fired either yet. But wow. They melt in my hand. I'm interested in picking one up. Maybe even a VP40 mainly because I like having the option of converting to 9mm or 357s. Excellent showcase of these sir.

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you.

[@InvestigatorsInCars]

I have both and train with both regularly. The full size I carry in cool weather (not frequently in S. Florida), and the SK I carry almost every day. The SK will take the 15 round mag and is just slightly larger in dimension than a G19. Very happy with both models. Thanks for the review! Haven't seen a comp of both for a while.

[@jonnyt16]

How does the SK shoot compared to the full size? I carry the standard VP9 now but I want the SK for easier/more comfortable concealment, however, I've never been able to shoot subcompacts as well as standard sized guns. Thanks.

[@InvestigatorsInCars]

@@jonnyt16 I carried the 10 rd mag with thumb extension and had no issues with it. My groups were equivalent at shorter distances (3-10 yards) with the VP9, but at greater distances, had better groups with the full size. The extra barrel length made the difference, I'm sure. The VP9 carried more like a Glock 17, which was a bit much on my build.

[@SlingsAxes]

I have smallish hands and have always struggled with mag releases. I found a VP-9 and a Walther PPQ at a gun shop and was able to dry fire them both. I preferred the PPQ trigger but just ever so slightly. It was really like splitting hairs. I didn't have the cash for either of them at the time. Later I found the VP-9 Tactical on sale and I could not pass it up. I use my middle finger to work the paddle, and my trigger finger stays indexed.

[@wreckagevic]

Same boat. Own both and I prefer the VP9 more though because of the side panels. I would like to get a SK version but good luck in today’s market

[@1212poohs]

Awesome nobody cares

[@adriannunez8868]

Which one do you prefer? Have pretty small hands too. In between the P9 line and a FN 509 or CZ P10C

[@adriannunez8868]

@@wreckagevic Which one do you prefer? Have pretty small hands. In between the P9 line and the a FN 509 or CZ P10C

[@wreckagevic]

@@adriannunez8868 Can’t speak on the FN but the Vp9 felt better than the CZ

[@altheproudfilipinoamerican9137]

You're absolutely right these two are great firearms. I have both and both triggers are better than my PPQ. I regularly have my follow up shots touching or hitting the previous shot hole. A real "tac-driver". The only thing I don't like are the cocking ears when grabbing the slide on the top to slingshot release the slide. The "ears" tends to rub my pointer finger which gets raw after multiple manipulations at the range. I can always remove the cocking ears though.Great guns both and definitely keepers. As always great video Hammer and keep up the great work brother 👍.

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you. Those ears are definitely a love 'em or hate 'em thing.

[@4xfire1337]

Didn't know I have a unicorn. The VP9SK was the first gun I ever bought and it is still my carry gun to this day.

[@ProdByClockwerk]

He's not saying the sk itself is a unicorn. He's saying that variant of the SK that has the button mag release instead of the paddle is the unicorn.

[@a.d.c7941]

Great video on great guns. I own both. I have the vp9sk and the vp9 tactical Id have to say, if using the 15 round for the sk, I prefer it over the full size tactical. Now this is just in the hand. Shooting them, idk yet. Still have to shoot them more to see.

[@peteallennh]

I absolutely ADORE my VP9-SK. Fantastic carry gun.

[@nmende00]

I love VP9 but I shoot glocks and CZs better even though VP9 has a better trigger than either. I think its bc of the girth of the pistol grips of the GLOCK and the CZ.

[@allayre]

I solved the issue rather handily ... I have 4 VP9s (2 on permanent loan to my son and daughter in law for home defense) and 2 SKs ... one each in black and bronze so matched pairs ... the full sizes are carried about my homestead strapped to my thigh in a drop holster and the SKs are the CC preferences ... and I get the added option of color coordination *grins*

[@christoFlair777]

Excellent review!! I’m saving now!!🤓😎for the vp9 with the holosun

[@spec2057]

Great vid as always bud!

[@HammerStriker]

Thank you.

[@speedpick666]

I was surprised that you didn't have the triangular mag with the pinky grip, I absolutely love that for my SK.

[@metatronmen2431]

Summer carry and winter carry, concealed or open carry, IWB or OWB, you name it, they always go boom, eats anything, never failed on me, you can trust this guns hands down no doubt. The SK has 13 and 15 rounds factory magazines, I have both, I trust both, I carry both, nothing in today market will make me put this pistols in my safe. Adding: Thinking to buy now a VP40.

[@harryparker9452]

VP9SK is the best shooter for me, but I would get both. Excellent Gun.

[@johndeere1951a]

I use the 10 for flush or angled pinky based, or 15 magazines.with the full large base to fill my Large size hand. VP9 SK. 13 Rd mags are redundant. Beautiful masterpiece.

[@4MWPhoto]

Also, I own two standard VP9 pistols. They Al have been flawlessly reliable-no break-in period.

[@stick2dapoint88]

The new ones (2022 and beyond) are now 12rounds for the flush mag and 15 for the extended

[@agapitobatongbakal2313]

Perfect most complete explanation

[@zakspeer6441]

Looking forward to running these pistols. I have the mark 23 .45 and I totally love it.

[@scottgreer3485]

Between the two I'd go with the VP9.

[@yellowboxster06]

I own both. If I could only have one it would be the SK. I shoot them both equally well but the SK is very flexible with the magazine options out there. If I need the best concealment I use the flush fitting mag. Otherwise I have 10 and 15 round options that really help with my grip.

[@larrytaylor2692]

Also my vp9sk trigger felt horrible when I got it but after a good cleaning and some lube it’s super smooth now.

[@cbwelch4]

Had to have the VP9. In the micro compact space,10 rounds is anemic. This gun is not a micro compact. I can carry a G19. I can carry a VP9. Love the gun. It is a shooter. I bought the one they have which was not the “B” model, but I really like the paddle release now. It grew on me and I would prefer it now.

[@SmokesKwazukii]

the G19 is actually only slightly larger than the SK so the fullsize Vp9 is more like a G17 in size. They both take 17rd mags. vp9 15rd legacy mags can be upgraded with a spring kit btw. The SK with upgraded springs should be able to carry 12 flush and 15 in the extended 13 mags but u have to modify upgrade spring kits if u want that.

[@Bob-eo3gf]

Imagine The VP9 compact, glock 19 size.

[@MrHav1k]

That's basically what the PPQ (and now the PDP Compact) is.

[@JacksonWalter735]

Wished that would be a thing.

[@JacksonWalter735]

I prefer the full size VP9 but I understand why people would choose the SK variant for their needs.

[@YAHUAHWarrior61]

I own and like them both.

[@rickyricardo873]

Get both if you can manage it.great striker fired pew pews

[@velvetjones1856]

I just bought an SK-B with button release and night signs. Goes well with my other H&K button VP9 Match 5.5" barrel and VP9 with 4" barrel but I added an HK Parts compensator so its the same length as the match.

[@revshareglobal7334]

Def the VP9 full size. 4 more rounds w not much big of difference in size. Attach a TLR7A, and perfect for home...

[@johndeere1951a]

Own both. Spend quality range time with them, Sell the one your not in love with. Paddles are the best.

[@A_Son_Of_Yahuah]

Awesome review!!!!!!!!! Now they have the VP9SK OR. Not sure when they'll be available. You're new subscriber!!!!!!!!!!

[@brianshuler6951]

If anyone can help me, you may be the man! I and my local gunsmiths have not been able to locate a V1 Lite Lem trigger kit for an HK USP Compact I bought new in 2000. Do you have any suggestions of who might know a source for one? I love the gun, but, at 68 with arthritis and a few other issues the DA trigger that's on it is destroying my first shot consistency. Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to give me. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@larrytaylor2692]

I got the sk with a 15 round mag made by hk and it makes it a full grip also it’s perfect

[@johndeere1951a]

Love the VP9 SK and VP9 Match. Love the smallest and largest. The middle VP9 suprifilus. Grip Ergonomics are superior to all others.

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Mr. Hammer, I am usually pretty good at knowing but what does SK mean ? Thanks

[@sal8354]

It means sub compact.

[@zone3adk872]

I am surprised by the comments on MSRP. At my Cabela's the SK is less expensive.

[@Rustypan471]

SK fits my hand much better than the PDP compact does. I wish I had bought it first.

[@9988amrit]

Really great explanation, ty

[@Austin-qk3cg]

Thanks for the video great info!

[@ricklarence7751]

Just bought the VP9Sk

[@mascasa7502]

I like shooting the SK although the one time I held a VP9, the grip felt better on it.

[@courtneyrogers2485]

Would the optics ready (OR) slide fit a VP9SK? Thank you.

[@paulcallaway71]

I bought the VP9SK as a 50th birthday present to myself and I use it as an all purpose pistol; CCW, range, home defense with a small laser/light attached. It serves that role well for me and I've been very happy with it. I don't have very large hands so the normal pinky extension works fine for me, the ergos are great, the trigger is great, and the reliability is great. Love it!

[@Gunsandfun1961]

Happy birthday!...I just love my VP9SK...

[@dougedwards9772]

My present for my 54th😂😂, oh love the gun too

[@recordman555]

Serious question: Why do HKs look so much like Walthers? Are they company cousins, perhaps?

[@tylerkenyon]

Thats how they roll in Germany… similar to the way the interiors of a BMW and Mercedes are ? They build what people like and what sells.

[@Gandalf_The_Pale]

HK was also started by former Walther employees after World War II.

[@maverick_edc4014]

Full Size carry for me since it’s pretty slim

[@mattshaw3225]

How about a holster that will accommodate the VP9sk with a light?

[@bilzill1]

VP9 B for me

[@deangundlach-t4b]

I’ve owned both and currently regularly carry my SK. There is not much difference in shooting between the 2 both your excellent H&K pistol.

[@MarcelitoRecords]

One for the hip, one for the ankle

[@thomascozart1095]

Why would you choose only one of these? I am perplexed

[@russellgrice659]

For concealed carry, Obviously The Vp9 sk !!

[@graywind4326]

Hk now has factory 15 rounders for it with their sleeve.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Both, both is good

[@shanman1382]

Both.

[@J.Young808]

2:40 even now in 2022 it’s rare to get a VP9 B (button). I’m still looking for the 🦄 horn. 😂

[@SmokesKwazukii]

its a crime that sk mags havent gotten the +2 treatment in all sizes. 12 flush 15 extended 17 full grip

[@rl56111]

VP9

[@jimmysmith3255]

Vp9 optics ready for shtf. Vp9 sk for concealed carry

[@stephanie_beth]

How easy or not are the slides to rack?

[@HammerStriker]

They are both similar and are close to a Glock 19 or other common Compact. Anybody with average hand strength can easily rack them. They both have very defined "ends" to the cycle so it is easy to know when you have fully cycled them.

[@stephanie_beth]

@@HammerStriker Thank you for the information.

[@johndeere1951a]

Please ignore comparisons with schlock. Make any comparisons with like quality, premium designs like Walther and CZ. Yours are good mature reviews 👍

[@nickypeeps93]

Aww Glock hurt your feelings?

[@kettlecrush]

VP9 easy choice

[@MRsolidcolor]

i have about 1000+ rounds in mine and its shot everything zero malfunction. pull trigger go bang

[@zeiss1382]

Both

[@mikec9636]

I had the sk and it continued to jam. Shot a various amount of ammo. HK customer service didn’t think it was important so I got rid of it. I’m now Glock and Sig. The P365X Macro is amazing.

[@Bowiehair]

I have man sized hands so no to the mini. I love my Vp . It's asking should I sacrifice accuracy for 1.5 inches of grip. Nope

[@romagman]

The HK-VP9 is my next gun for sure. However my problem is that I live in the communist state of New Jersey where everything here has a restriction. You can only have a 10 mag limit. Insanity for sure. Don't know what else to call it.

[@harryparker9452]

Fortunite for you can get a VP9 and other guns. California has restricted a whole list of guns including VP9. Any private party sales fetch 2 to 3 x retail.

[@romagman]

@@harryparker9452 I'm so sorry to hear this. I was not aware.

[@cluckbent6466]

vote them out

[@mr.pillsbury7610]

CT resident here., I know your pain. But 10 is better than none Lol Aim true !

[@SmokesKwazukii]

get the SK then

[@kobehal]

Life goes on till it doesn't.

[@MilitantX1]

VP9/VP9sk? I have both!

[@adriannunez8868]

Which one do you prefer? Have pretty small hands. In between the P9 line and the a FN 509 or CZ P10C

[@MilitantX1]

@@adriannunez8868 I like them BOTH! I carry them BOTH! Just at different times. When I want more capacity, I carry my VP9. When I want a little deeper concealment (summertime or other functions) I carry the VPsk. They BOTH shoot and serve me well. As far as a P9 or FN or CZ? I only carry HK's so you may need to ask someone else about those.

[@GHicks-lu5tu]

VP9 o n sale now at Palmetto State Armory for $499 RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!

[@MRsolidcolor]

well that's easy 1 can do everything the other can and the other cant....

[@cdepies3531]

Not a HK 9 and HK V9, this is a full and conceal carry VP9 comparison

[@MrVinte66]

There is a 15 round mags and a spring set to change the 15 round to a 17 round

[@thepatriotsrock2]

7 versions H&K VP9 H&K VP9 LE law enforcement H&K VP9 SK sub compact H&K SK LE sub compact law enforcement H&K VP9 B button release H&K VP9 Tactical threaded barrel H&K VP9 2020 Optics Ready 4 plates to choose (law enforcement edition) comes with Nite Sites & 3 Magazines $50.oo extra Available to Civilians Comes in 4 frame colors Black OD Green FDE flat dark earth Urban Gray limited edition run I carry the full size LE edition in Urban Gray with a Viridin C5L lite/laser on the rail in a Alien Gear 3.5 cloak tuck holster IWB all day long in extreme comfort.

[@hautehussey]

And an SK optics ready version now too!

[@4MWPhoto]

I have a compact double-stack. Big mistake. Due to weight and thickness it’s really no more concealable than a full-frame. If you need a pistol for concealment, get a micro compact or even single-stack, not a chopped off compromise gun like the SK or G26.

[@brandonduhon1933]

Vp9L OR , I just got ☝️

[@snakeman48]

I chose ghe P30sk. I like hammers on my gund

[@gsyoung54]

Neither, stick with HK hammer fire guns or get a Walther PDP to see how good a factory striker fire trigger can be.