H&K VP9 Review - As Good As They Say?? 

I own every Glock you can think of... I shot the HKVP9 and it’s now my go to everyday pistol.

This for me was the gun that made me understand quality triggers. I never really understood why reviewers always included trigger weight and how the take up is, etc. I figured that you’d adapt to any trigger you trained on. That said, I owned a ccw and a few rifles, and wanted a full-size handgun. I narrowed it down to a glock 19 and the m&p9. I went to the range to try both, and preferred the m&p. Then I asked the sales rep if they had a gun that would convince me not to buy the m&p. They handed me a VP9 and told me to get back on the range. I was blown away by the trigger and the accuracy and immediately fell in love with the gun. I found one later for $520, and I knew it had to be mine

Holy crap.... Watching this compared to the newer ones is night and day. Cool to see where HO started from and the comfort/progression into the videos today

That HK “name” is not just a name. It stands for quality. I’m willing to pay a little extra.

1000 rounds into mine; zero malfunctions of any kind. 600 of those were Tula steel cased even. The most comfortable grip of any pistol I've shot. I've had to re-work my grip to avoid holding the slide-stop down. On the flip side, though, it's right where it needs to be for my thumb to hit it without adjusting my grip. In conjunction with using my trigger finger to drop the mag, the result is the fastest reloads I've ever done with any pistol. The trigger reset is a little long to me, but I'm used to 1911's. With the grip panels 'tuned', presentation of the pistol is right on target, and it returns to target very nicely after recoil. Overall very happy with it.

I’m a leftie - and love the paddle mag releases. 9 / 10

I agree and disagree with you on some things. I adapted very fast to the mag release with my index finger. So that sounds like your issue. as for cutting yourself on the mag, I've owned this gun since It first started shipping to dealers and I've never cut myself. as for the extra money, you're paying for hammer forging, front serrations, multiple grip panel options, a great trigger, and the rear charging grips. Worth that extra money. what I have noticed is how accurate I am with rapid follow up shots with this gun compared to my glocks. I give it a 9 out of 10

I have 16 HK's, 3 pistols that work of this magazing (2 P30's and 1 VP9). I have never cut my thumb on them. Either yours is out of spec, or you really worked at it. I'd also recommend working the mag release with your middle or index finger. You'll find it is much faster than a button release over time. You also don't have to rotate the pistol.

I just bought a 2020 VP9 a couple weeks ago. I’d love to see an updated honest outlaw review for this gun. Keep up the awesome reviews man!

I bought my first 9mm semi automatic pistol about 7 years ago and was thrilled that I had a HK VP9. My wife was not overly happy that I had bought a gun, any gun. I asked her to go to the range with me, so she could fire the HK herself, hoping she would chill out a bit. Big mistake. She loved the HK right off and it was instantly, officially hers. It resides in her night stand and I get to shoot it second when we go to the range. We have other firearms now, I fire them all and have fun, but my semi ex-VP will always have my heart. Great trigger, great grips, very accurate, striker fired, and ambidextrous. Love it. Her loving the HK surely made it EZ for me to buy other firearms.

You should re-review the VP-9. Not to sure it was given a fair shake.

January 2024 Hey John and Amanda. Still enjoying your channel nine years later. I love my HK VP9.

Lefty here first time shooting and didn't know much about handguns, saw this one and fell in love. I am glad I got a full size handgun.

Wow, now there is a blast from the past! I have watched countless of your more recent videos over the last couple of years, this shows the advancement and progression of your work. 😃👍👍 Algorithm bump.

I have been watching Honest Outlaw reviews for some time now, but just ran across this one. Wow! He has came a long way! I've owned guns for over 50 years, but have only got into personal defense pistols in the last few years. Honest Outlaw's review of the P30, along with a few other P30 reviews by some of the more respected reviewers, is what led me to buying a P30 v3 for my first PD pistol. A few months later, I decided to try my first striker fire pistol, and bought a VP9. A few months after that, I bought a PPQ, because I had seen several reviewers claim that it had a better trigger than the VP9. I have not found that to be the case. I absolutely love the VP9, and prefer the way it shoots over the PPQ. Enough that I have recently added a VP9SK for cc. Honest Outlaw does a great job on his reviews, and I have come to trust his opinion. But I do disagree with him regarding the paddle mag release vs the button mag release. I strongly prefer the paddle release. For me, the button release seems to be in the wrong place, right there where it could easily be pushed while firing a pistol. I also prefer the paddle release on the VP9 over the PPQ. The PPQ paddle release is plastic, and flexes, which adds to a feeling that the PPQ is cheap, compared to the VP9. If the first experience someone had with a paddle release was on a PPQ, I could see why they would have a negative opinion of the paddle mag release. My PPQ will be up for sale soon. I have become a huge HK fan. For me, there is no question that they are worth the premium price.

Been shooting for over 30 years. I normally agree with your content. You came up a little short on this one. This is the finest polymer gun Ive ever owned and Ive owned them all

Love this pistol and rent it periodically (I own a PPQ), but I agree with you about the sharp magazine edges. Also, I was racking from the top and got a slide bite from the casing ejector. This pistol seems to demand blood 🩸, and yet, I still love it.

I like how you pointed out the downsides outright and then highlighted on the upsides. Great Review even 6 years later!

Thanks for the review. While you bring up some fair points, I actually bought this as the only pistol I own. I'm not new to shooting, but I've just not owned a handgun until now. As such, the mag release is a non-issue because I am not accustomed to one or the other. Second, the issue of cutting yourself... I bought the LE version, which came with an extra mag and a speed loader or load-assist. That made it much easier to load! It also came with Tru-Glo night sights which, as an added bonus, allows me to rack it one-handed if necessary. I love the grip, and the fact that you can perform takedown without pulling the trigger. To me, the cocking indicator (and chamber indicator on the side) are just extra safety benefits - not necessary, but good to have. And as a bonus, I got all that for $650 out the door!

I decided to start looking for my first done about a month ago. Lots of research and RU-vid videos and my final four were the Glock 17, Smith & Wesson M&P, Sig's p320 and the VP9. Keeping in mind that I had never shot a handgun before so I made sure to get out to the range and rent all four of these weapons. And that came after an introduction to handguns course with a licensed instructor. Just off of my inexperienced ability to discern differences I immediately gravitated to the sig Sauer and the H&K. They both felt immensely better in my hand and I could definitely tell the difference in the triggers. I made two or three trips to the range where I shot variations of all four of these guns until yesterday when I narrowed it down and shot 100 rounds each through the Sig and the HK. They were very close in my opinion, keeping in mind completely inexperienced. For me personally it boiled down to two things: I was slightly more accurate with the HK and it just felt better in my hand, again not a tremendous amount but better nonetheless. A secondary thought that went into my decision is that my wife is a southpaw and the weapon is set up to be ambidextrous out of the box. I can see where the European paddle release could be a problem, especially for someone that has grown up on the American style button release. Yes they're in the same vicinity but they are different. For me I don't think it will be that big of a problem because I will be learning on the paddles and it might actually become an issue to go to a button at some future point. Anyway I do appreciate the video and your insight as well as the comments. Very happy with my decision and no regrets. Of course it's only day one and I have yet to put a round through my own personal weapon yet but that's coming soon.

I have a VP9 and a VP9SK, love them both!

HK is worth every penny, been using them since 1987, my favorite ever is the HK p30sks, never any issues

I sold my Glock 19 gen 5 for a VP9 and I do not regret it

Send it to Rick Holm at Lazy Wolf Guns. He use to work at Grayguns and has done all my Hk's. He currently has two more of my Hk's at his new shop. I had my first VP9 done by him when he was at GG. When I got it back I couldn't believe how you could take such a great pistol and make it that much better. The trigger and reset rival my high end 1911's. It's that good. It's not 1911 perfect, but its right on its heels. The trigger pull is about 3.5 lbs and the reset is short. Can't say enough good things about his work!

I love this gun. It’s very accurate, trigger is awesome and the mags are the same price as my M&p shield. I did want a glock but you can’t get one in mass unless you find a private sale and it’s used at that point so I bought this and I’m very happy.

My H&k are great, my glocks hardley ever leave the safe now.

I like this pistol so much that I own two. Yea, it costs more, but you get what you pay for.

Great review, thanks a lot and really appreciate it. I agree and disagree with your comments. I agree the trigger is the best I have experienced. One review I watched noted the trigger would pinch him when shooting, but I have not noticed that. The Walther P99 does pinch my finger, so I know what it feels like. I also like the "charging supports" or slide fins. I think they help a lot especially if you've got an injured hand. One review stated one of their charging supports was loose, but they are replaceable and that can be fixed. I have the tritium night sight options, and they are nice at night but could be a little brighter in the day. This is the most accurate handgun I have fired. One guy at the range said, "I can't shoot well, but that gun makes me look good!" I told him, that's I need! lol . If you get the night sights option, it does come with three mags and I figured this was going to be my bedside gun so I wanted the night sights. I like the paddles for the mag eject. Every other thumb button eject handgun I have shot I have to shift my grip to get to the eject button, which is by design since you don't want to eject while you are shooting, but the paddle eject on the VP9 is great and much easier to use compared to the paddle eject on the Walther P99. What really sold me on it was the feel, this gun feels great in your hand. I went to the store to buy the CZ P-10F but after comparing both, the VP9 feels fantastic with the Medium size side and backstrap grips, which it comes from the factory with. I also did not have any trouble with magazine cuts, though I did use the mag loader it comes with. But it all goes back to accuracy, and the VP9 is a nail driver. I love it.

People arguing over what is the best. It depends on each individual. Just use what you shoot the best and dont worry about anyone's opinion.

Wow. Been following HO lately and just found this older review and my how people learn and grow lol. Good stuff and keep it up!

Accuracy, reliability, trigger pull, and sight picture on positive side. Mag release on wrong side, magazine feed a bit sharp, and slight more cost on negative. Good review. Concise and balanced.

I watched a special forces guy shoot this gun the ppq and the Glock 19, and he's went over pros and cons and stated this is the best overall gun out of the 3

9 out of 10. Love my P-30. I almost went for the VP9 and it has a better trigger, but the P30 is so well made. It is their best looking pistol too IMO. I might pick up a VP9. I do prefer the button mag release, but not a huge deal. You break it open and you realize how well engineered it is. I have a Glock and two M&P’s. They are not as well made. The only gun I have that is close is a Steyr M9A1. That is a clean build too. Not that the others suck. By no means. I just think these are the two best made polymer framed guns I own. I have a Beretta 92FS and it is slick too. Another quality gun.

Good video & information, I just got my VP9 and I love it, feels good in the hand & easy to control for a 9mm. As you stated , some things are personal preference, I like the sights, trigger & reset, I have no issues at all with it. It's my 1st H&K pistol I've ever owned. Even the mag release doesn't matter to me.

Fun Fact: the VP9 is the same size as the Sig Sauer P320 Compact.

Its amazing, the older video's are still good. Solid info, however compared to the newest ones you have a much better flow when speaking now. Love the channel

Things I noted on my new VP9 are... Softer recoil than G19 Gen 3, sharp mag edges, better grip ergos, uses easy-to-find P30 mags, annoying trigger finger rub on guard, really good accuracy, easy to shoot fast more accurately due to short, positive reset, great finish, decent workable steel sights, capable picatinny rail and ambi controls for primary or support hand shooting. I love the gun and it rivals the combat King of the Hill, the Glock 19.

I am starting my handgun homework and found your video super helpful. Thank you.

Definitely should do an updated VP9 review but on the Tactical model

My father in law bought be one for Christmas a few years back; the first gun I've ever owned. I completely love everything about it. My dad is a marine and tried it the other day at the range; completely loved it. Feels bad I can't afford to get him one to use over his Hi Point

just picked one up for $449 shipped from Palmetto State Black Friday sale

I've had every poly pistol out there. I think they're all great but for me my vp9 is the ultimate in every aspect.

This my favorite handgun I own.

The felt recoil has a lot to do with the strength of the recoil spring. I learned with mine that it really doesn't like 115 gr. due to it's stronger spring. But it handles 124 and 147 gr. ammo a bit better than most Glocks. I looked into this more and found that most European's don't like to shoot anything under a 124 gr. and even then they prefer a +P. I've compared these side by side with Glocks and you can feel the difference in the spring pressure.

wow, how your delivery improved.

i know im commenting on an old video but i was combing through options of the h&k's last night and i kept seeing this pop up and the p2000 in your comment sections. thank you for being so insightful

Had one and it was a great gun. I was able to get the VP9 LE (night sights and 3 mags) for $700 OTD from my LGS. It is probably the BEST striker fired gun I have ever owned. The only reason why I sold it was to get a rare CZ75. I would get another one in a heartbeat. Even after watching MACs torture test, I am still a fan. When it comes to striker fired guns, it is either this or a P320, even though I own and carry a Gen4 G19. Thanks for the video.

The two finest (out of the box) 9mm’s are the VP9, and the SA/DA CZ 75 B pistol…….Glocks are HighPoint’s in comparison. The VP9’s trigger (alone) is more valuable than any Glock.

Its kinda funny to go back to this video all these years later and hear you say that you are new to this. You've really upped your game over the years...but you've been doing a great job since the beginning.

Got mine nib for $519. Own Glocks, S&W, FN, CZ & HK polymer guns... CZ & HK are my favorite by far. Never had issue with sharp edges on mags... If look around mags can be picked up around $35... Very accurate & stock trigger is 10 times better than stock Glock trigger. This was my 1st H&K pistol so don't go for the brand love... So far, it's simply the best striker fired pistol I've ever fired. YMMV....

Normally, I agree with H.O. But in this review, we could not be more apart. I had a Walther PPQ Q4 tac which ai loved but sold to buy the VP9 tactical and have not looked back. The Walther was lightyears better IMO than either the Glock or the M&P. The mag release is not a big deal for me and I like that it is ambidextrous. Ditto with the slide stop which I don’t use anyway…at least not as a mag release. H.O. Has made that same complaint before on other pistols and it sounds more like shooter error than a gun flaw. As for accuracy, my VP9 is an absolute drill. The trigger is incredible. Also, I think this must be an older video since even Glocks right now are selling for $600-$700. My VP tactical was $1049 retail but I got it for a few hundred off because I work at a gun store. Make no mistake, you get what you pay for otherwise a taurus PT-92 would shoot as well as a beretta 92 which I can tell you from personal experience, it does not!

I appreciate that you were honest enough to say your dislikes were personal preferences. I agree with all of your positive points and find it to be a very accurate pistol. I'm 6'4"/300 and can easily carry it concealed without printing. It's been my EDC since I bought it a few years ago. Although I do have a Canik TP9sfx on backup that I also love :)

I've had this gun for several years now, and never had the sharp edge mag problem. I've shot Glocks, but while recoil might be marginally more than a Glock, the feel and smoothness compensate for it. I also now have the SK version, and both are crazy accurate. Love the SK, which is my EDC now.

The VP9 is the Glock version of H&K, everyone knows H&K make quality, reliable and durable guns. Is a great choice for Glock haters or for those who like H&K products better, The reality is in this days every single top brand has reliable and good pistols, Beretta, FN, HK, Walther, Smith, CZ, Glock, Sig just for mention a few, the true is at the end is a question of personal preference, you cant go wrong with either one.

Your channel has really come a long way. Well done

Overall a fair review I believe. I, however, love this gun, it is my edc with no problem at all concealing it for me. Built like a tank, much more accurate than me, fits my hand like it was built specifically for it and to me it looks dam good. My only nitpick is the slide release but after like 4 mags I figured that out and no problems since. And when I say no problems I mean this thing just keeps running no matter USPSA or IDPA it has not had a single issue yet.

crazy how much both the gun and mags have gone down in 8 years, I bought one new for $500 and my local hardware store has 1st party 17-round mags for $9 and as a lefty, this gun fits my hand perfectly.

Tell your wife her recycling does nothing

Crazy to see a old school Outlaw video. Cameras have definitely upgraded. But still same great review as always.

Dude lol I’ve been following you for a while and it’s like you went through puberty haha your voice sounds so different here than it does of recent😂. 🤷🏻‍♂️ keep good vids coming my man and you keep getting better , thank you for great reviews

The longslide kit makes it a beast at the range .

The magazine loader that comes with the pistol protects your fingers.

Hk vp9 rates 9# one of best in world for military/ police

The VP9 is one of the best 9 mm pistols made. It does take a slight learning curve, though, to work thru the ergonomics. I have one & discovered that being lefty is not a plus, when it comes to the slide-lock. Being ambidextrous, it will get you if you do not work at the proper thumb placement; whether you are righty or lefty. I discovered putting my thumb under the slide will ensure it will open on the last round. Also, the grips threw me off a bit, until I realized that using the large back strap with the medium side panels work perfectly. This allows my trigger finger to be placed level & in line, right where it should be. Also, my thumb cannot hit the mag release paddle. I just curl my trigger finger. It does not make me loose any time, as I am not competing or in a military situation. Practice will develop a faster & more efficient speed rate to switch mags. Finding your mix with these things will give you the perfect fit for your hand, It is extremely accurate.

You brought up some good points and I think that personal preference is honest. I like the VP9 but would never give up my Glock 17 RTF either.

Your production quality has skyrocketed since you first started doing this. Still a good video.

Install the Law Enforcement trigger and keep the reset spring stock and the H&K vp9 is the most accurate pistol you will ever fire

Appreciate your time in representing.. However, from my perspective, and after working with a variety of handguns and triggers, the VP9 trigger is mediocre. I wouldn’t consider it more than a 7.5/10. Still love my VP9. But I have to be honest.

Yeah this was my second gun .Actually a VP 40 . I've only been shooting for three years and love it . Love the sights , fantastic trigger hitting the wall very soon and easy . The break is crisp . Love the paddle mag release don't like my SA XDM FDE 9mm 4.5 in barrel . I got a great price with a lot of extra accessories with SA gun but not a good trigger . I tried the new SA XDM Elite seems good close to my VP 40

Just costs YOU time. No problems here and I switch from this to a 1911. I don’t understand the mentality of limiting yourself to a particular type of weapon.

Watch Hughes Enterprises reliability test of the HK VP9. He dunks it and submerges it in water, mud, and it fired. He also submerged the HK VP9 underwater, pulled the trigger and the HK VP9 fired. I love my HK VP9 (FDE color). It’s a sturdy, tough, good reliable HK striker fired firearm.

I love the European mag release . I have medium hands with the short thumbs ( think Trex arms except thumbs) I can drop my mag out so much easier with this pistol and I feel it shoots much softer than my Glock or my MP . Thanks for your thoughts on this pistol !

I like this outlaw cuz he's honest.... And his reviews are informative, thorough, and enjoyable to watch. 🤘

The HK barrels in my opinion are really hard to beat for longevity of accuracy. HK holds thats gold standard for round count durability for sure. I know this is an old video but try out the Vp9-B

This sounds like his brother, hard to believe a few years would change his voice vs newer videos.

Thank you for the review. What an awesome life. You have land and a range. Keep up the hard work

I love my VP9

Went to a range today where I could rent guns to shoot. Haven’t shot a pistol in years. Wanted to shoot some before I bought one. Went in thinking either a glock 43 or P365 xl, I shot absolutely horrible with them. Very inconsistent. Then I shot a glock 19 and a vp9. I was able to dang near hot quarters at 10 yards with the vp9. I was very impressed. The glock 19 wasn’t far behind, but the vp9 looks way cooler 😂

I love this gun for the accuracy and reliability. Fits my hand well. The mag release doesn't bother me. Thanks for the review!

I have the one on this video as well as the VP9 Match that I bought 3 years ago. I have quite a few cool pistols so I've kind of ignored them for a bit but am revisiting them now. Glad I did, I genuinely like them much better than I remember I did. Likely could be that I've been shooting a ot more and I'm just a better shooter but that's can't be all of it, they're just really nice, especially when you get the trigger loosened up a bit.

I think at 500 rounds, you should have been accustomed to the mag release. Also, I don't know why you have to look at the mag release. It's located at the same area most (if not, all) of the handguns out there.

I got 3 mags plus night sights from the factory. And I only paid 628otd at my local gun shop.

dude use your index finger to actuate the paddle mag release

I like the European mag release, but you’re right about the lips on the mag I actually rubbed mine against the the concrete floor in my garage to dull them a bit and I have extremely rough hands, my calluses can start to shred fabric from just a few minutes of rubbing.

Mine misfired (stovepipes, wouldn't load a round, wouldn't eject) almost every round for both magazines out of the box. Called H&K who told me that it shouldn't be fired even out of the box until it is cleaned and lubricated. They also said that it was not designed with the supplied recoil spring to work with 115 grain ammo. Cleaned, lubricated it, and ordered the 115 grain weaker spring. Hope it makes a difference.

Vp9 is my favorite 9mm

VP40 with a .357 Sig barrel conversion is the real terror.

They're ~$600.00 again, now, over at CDNN with night sights and 3 mags. Just a tip, I snagged one and thought someone else might want to too.

good review from a right hander perspective I also have the VP9 and im a left hander the the problems you have with the gun my cousin had when he fired it with the slide release after his 4th time he adjusted to it and was fine but yes you are right for right handers its a small problem but something you cant eventually over come as for me i love the gun as a left hander its better than every other gun ive shot WITH MY LEFT HAND... Glock 17 and 19 Tarus, XDM, beretta and Sig the closest gun the the VP9 for me as a left hander was the M&P i havent shot a Walter yet so i dont know how that stacks up against it the only flaw for me with this gun was the sights they are garbage so i changed mine out for some truglow TFX pro and the back sight being closer made for much better accuracy and you dont have to charge them at nights if you wanna see them LOL just wanted to highlight that im not saying its better than any gun out there just saying the review for a right hander with this gun is accurate but its a totally different review for a left hander

Great review. I just picked one up and I'll do a review too when I've put a lot more rounds through it. Good job.

When I first bought this gun I had a hard time with slide release position as well but, I love the mag release. Took some getting use to shooting, actually had to reposition my thumb, but now with a flat faced lazy wolf trigger, lighter sear spring and RMR this is hands down my favorite handgun I own. Over 20,000 rounds and no issues. Recoil is higher than say Glock 17 or P10 F but I think with an addition such as a light and or lightening cuts on slide would fix this. Recoil is certainly higher because of the heavier slide and can't damm it for being made like a tank plus I think bore axis is slightly higher than Glock or CZ P10.

I love my K&K VP9 LE edition !!!!!

Nice review! I had a VP9 for a bit but liked my PPQ M2 better. YMMV

I have owned many 9mm pistols and this is the best in my opinion. Sold all others kept VP9

This is best polymer gun hands down.

Brilliant Beginnings!!!

Great video as always! Would love a review on the little brother Vp9sk!

Just got this gun. You have to adjust the back straps, to get your finger off then slide. Customize the gun. German engineering, is top notch.

Enjoy all your reviews. Purchased the sk version last week. I really like the grip. The mag release is difficult to use. It's my first pistol so I had to go with H&K.

Cont. Sorry, I think I am writing too much & have to continue here. The VP9 also conceals perfectly under my suit, as well as in my OWH which fits tight to my side. It is a very good carry gun. I hope you will work with it more & work out the ergonomics that fit you, so you can enjoy your weapon. Thanks for reading my comments.