Nearly a decade ago, Heckler & Koch (HK) returned to the striker-fired pistol market with the release of the VP9. Since then, HK added to the VP lineup with the VP40, VP9SK (subcompact), and, most recently, the HK VP9L Optics-Ready pistol.
HK is renowned for its superb engineering and the quality of its firearms. Whether rifles, pistols, or submachine guns, HK’s products have earned them a reputation for quality and reliability – but at a cost. However, when HK announced the release of the VP9 in 2014, the price point was surprisingly attractive (~$600). As a budget-conscious person, I was intrigued by HK’s first striker-fired offering since their venerable P7 series.
The first time my hands touched a VP9, it came home with me. Shortly thereafter, it accompanied me to Massad Ayoob’s legendary MAG-40 (formerly LFI-1) course. I later used my newly acquired VP9 to earn “Top Shot” in the class. Since then, the VP9 has held a special place in my carry rotation.
A few years ago, Heckler & Koch added the HK VP9L Optics-Ready to their lineup. Recently, I got my hands on one and ran it through the paces on the range. After a few hundred rounds, I felt it worthy to discuss why the VP9, and now the VP9L, should become a part of your firearm collection.
What makes the HK VP9L and VP9 different?
The HK VP9L differs from the VP9 in several areas. Capacity, barrel length, barrel design, and slide contour and cut have distinct changes to them when placed next to a VP9. Let’s take a look at a few of these differences:
Capacity
The HK VP9 came standard with 15-round magazines when introduced in 2014. If there was one complaint about the VP9, it was capacity. Since then, HK introduced a flush-fitting 17-round magazine, as well as an extended 20-round magazine. The VP9L comes from the factory with the option of two or three 20-round magazines.
Optics-Ready Cut
With the introduction of the HK VP9L, Heckler & Koch included the “OR,” or “Optics-Ready,” designation. Falling in step with what has become an industry standard, HK outfitted the VP9L with a removable top plate on the slide. The addition of this plate makes the VP9L readily capable of accepting a pistol-mounted optic. However, take note of the absence of the phrase “readily capable of accepting.” Unlike Glock’s MOS series and many other manufacturers, the VP9L doesn’t include mounting plates for an optic.
The VP9L acquired for this review was conveniently outfitted with a Holosun SCS, specifically made for the factory optics cut VP9. I already have extensive experience with the Holosun SCS for the Glock MOS lineup and sing its praise. The transition to using an SCS on the VP9L from predominantly using one on a Glock was seamless. Since the optic mounts directly to the slide and doesn’t require a mounting plate, the Holosun SCS is seated in line with the factory iron sights. In short, if you’re looking for an inexpensive but reliable optic for your VP9L optics-ready pistol, I strongly recommend the Holosun SCS.
Slide Length, Barrel, and Slide Cuts
The original VP9 featured a 4.09-inch barrel and was designed around applications, such as concealed carry and law enforcement. The VP9L fulfills a different niche as a competition-ready pistol. The slide is extended to accommodate the 5-inch barrel and includes slide cuts to reduce the slide’s weight.
The barrel features Heckler & Koch’s unique O-ring bushing design. This O-ring is located near the muzzle and HK claims it enhances accuracy while providing better lockup. The O-ring bushing is nothing new for HK. Since its first appearance on the legendary MK23 pistol, HK has integrated it into many of its long-slide handguns.
HK VP9L First Impressions
The HK VP9L retains the vast majority of features many enjoyed as part of the original VP9. The modularity and comfort of the pistol’s ergonomics, as well as ease of operation inherent to the VP9, have not changed with the VP9L.
Grips
The VP9L features three sets of backstraps and palm swells that are fully interchangeable. One of the best features of the VP series is the ability to customize the grip’s ergonomics for your hands. HK advertises 27 different grip configurations available using the provided palm swell and backstrap sizes. Since purchasing my original VP9 in 2014, I’ve been hard-pressed to find a grip as modular or comfortable as the VP9. This carried over into the VP9L by maintaining those same features.
Controls and Features
The VP9L retained the distinctive wings on the back of the slide. These wings and the slide’s positive serrations make the VP9L’s slide exceptionally easy to operate under stress or when hands are sweaty, wet, or otherwise compromised.
In classic European (and HK) style, the magazine release is not the familiar American push-button design. The release is two wings integral to the bottom of the trigger guard. By pressing down on one of the wings, a left or right-handed shooter can quickly release the magazine from the firearm. The wings are positioned conveniently for access but not so exposed as to inadvertently release the magazine. I prefer this style of magazine release as it tends to avoid inadvertent magazine releases during concealed carry.
The slide release is ambidextrous and easy to manipulate. However, it takes some practice to not inadvertently “ride” the release while shooting. In my experience with both the VP9 and VP9L, I occasionally rest my thumbs on the slide release, inadvertently preventing the slide from locking back on the last shot.
HK VP9L on the Range
When I first shot the original VP9, I was shocked at how gentle the firearm’s recoil was. 9mm isn’t a hard-recoiling round, but the VP9 was a surprisingly flat shooter. The HK VP9L is absurdly flat-shooting. When combined with an optic, muzzle rise was controllable, and accurate follow-up shots were second nature.
The VP9L’s trigger is a striker-fired design. The trigger is surprisingly light, crisp, and accompanied by a short reset. Follow-up shots, as well as precision shots, are surprisingly easy to accomplish with the VP9L. While it would have been nice to ring this pistol out at 100 yards, I settled for 50 yards and found it exceptionally easy to make hits on an 8-inch gong. With the Holosun SCS, it was a significant multiplier to the pistol’s accuracy.
Earlier, I mentioned how it was easy to inadvertently activate the slide release if your thumbs weren’t properly positioned. This issue was easily overcome with slight repositioning of the thumbs above the slide release. Beyond this minor issue, I have no criticism for the VP9L – except for one thing.
My One Gripe
HK, for reasons unbeknownst to me, built a small “trough” into the interior of the trigger guard. This trough acts as a small channel for the bottom shoe of the trigger to travel through. While not everyone may experience the same issue, my trigger finger was routinely pinched by this channel. If it wasn’t pinched, it dragged through the channel and after an extended shooting session, it was increasingly unpleasant to shoot.
I corrected this issue by removing and rounding the edges of the channel. This modification isn’t for amateurs and I relied on an expert gunsmith to do this. Since this modification, I’ve had no complaints about the pistol. Unfortunately, the VP9L retained this channel and was a mild irritation for me during shooting. Nevertheless, I’ve only heard this issue as an intermittent complaint with others. Maybe it’s me?
Parting Thoughts
The HK VP9L is an impressive firearm. If you have an affinity for HK products like I do, you will not be disappointed. MSRP on the VP9L runs between $999 and $1,119 depending on if you want a third magazine and night sights. After doing some online sleuthing, the VP9L appears to be going for $100 or more below MSRP. If you’re in the market for a competition striker-fired pistol, I strongly recommend the VP9L. After shooting this one, my love for these pistols was encouraged. After you get a chance to handle one, I think you’ll feel the same way.
