Heckler & Koch has brought out its new VP9SK, a subcompact version of its highly popular and incredibly reliable VP9 full-size pistol in 9mm.
A few years back when Heckler & Koch unveiled its VP9 9mm striker-fired pistol, it made a pretty substantial splash in the gun industry. In the time since, the VP (which stands for Volkspistole, or “people's pistol”) line has only continued to grow. Within the past two years, HK has added a .40 S&W variant in the VP40 and tactical models and different finish options for both calibers. Now, the company is at it again with a new subcompact model in the VP9SK.
Announced just ahead of the recent NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, the new HK VP9SK is the first subcompact offering in the VP family of pistols. As such, it offers added concealabilty while retaining the great features of its larger brethren. This includes HK's VP precision strike trigger, which has a pretty high reputation courtesy of its crisp, single-action break and quick reset.
“The VP9SK is the right combination of compact size and firepower for a subcompact — and it's loaded with unique HK features like our adjustable ergonomic grip, the only grip in the industry that can be customized to fit any shooter,” said Michael Holley, HK-USA Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The VP9SK possesses the accuracy and durability that shooters know they can expect from a Heckler & Koch pistol.”
The adjustable ergonomic grip, a major highlight of earlier VP models, has obviously been scaled down with the VP9SK. However, its functionality and flexibility remain the same. The grip adjusts to fit any user via the interchangeable backstraps and lateral grip panels, and there are also finger grooves on the front of the grip instinctively placed for shooters.
As an added bonus in the ergonomics department, the VP9SK's controls are also completely ambidextrous. There are slide releases on both sides of the frame, and the gun's paddle-style magazine release favors both right- and left-handed shooters. And, the new VP9SK also carries over HK's patented charging supports found on earlier full-size models — polymer inserts mounted on each side of the rear of the slide that offer improved leverage for manipulation.
Of course, the most important difference is the change in dimensions, which takes the VP9 from a full-size duty pistol to a subcompact perfect for concealed carry. The VP9SK shaves .73 inch off the overall length of the VP9, .84 inch off the height and 2.49 ounces off the weight. Some of those figures might not sound that impressive, but it's just enough to make the VP9SK a serious contender as a carry gun.
The new VP9SK incorporates an abbreviated Picatinny rail up front, an addition not all carry guns feature but one that's beneficial for those using a laser sight or a weapon-mounted light. The gun is compatible with a variety of HK magazines, including compact double-stack 10-rounders with flat or hooked ergonomic floorplates. According to HK, later in the year there will also be 13- and 15-round magazines with sleeves that mimic the grip profile of the manufacturer's full-size VP models.
The brand new VP9SK is available at a fairly reasonable $719, which, incidentally, is exactly the same as for HK's full-size VP9 and VP40. Like other HK guns, the VP9SK comes with the manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty.
For more information, check out the specifications below, or visit the HK-USA website.
Specifications:
HK VP9SK
Type: Semi-auto, striker fired
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.39 in., cold hammer forged, polygonal
Overall Length: 6.61 in.
Height: 4.57 in.
Width: 1.31 in.
Weight: 23.07 (with empty magazine)
Grip: Polymer, adjustable ergonomic with interchangeable backstraps and grip panels
Sights: White three dot, (night sights also available)
Trigger: HK VP precision strike single action
Capacity: 10 rounds (13 and 15 rounds in the future)
Price: $719
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
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I pre-ordered a VP9SK when they were first announced and it just arrived last week. So far, I’m really pleased with the purchase and like it even more than my fullsize VP9. The one challenge I’ve seen so far is trying to find a holster for it. It kind of seems like only kydex holster makers have jumped on the SK bandwagon so far, but I really prefer leather.
I finally found a place that offers leather and I’m going to give them a try. Ordered a leather IWB here (https://www.gunnersalley.com/h-k-vp9-sk-holsters/) and it’s suppose to be ready in another 4 weeks or so. Hopefully it’s a winner but we’ll see.
The new SK has almost the EXACT dimensions as the Sig P320 Nitron sub compact. The Sig is a bit heavier but this is due to a 12 round mag and is $40 cheaper at retail. Should be a very interesting comparison when the SK hits the market. I’m an HK guy but like what I’m seeing from Sig; 6.5 lb trigger pull, custom fit back strap and no need to pull the trigger on take down.