Triangle Tactical Podcast and Blog on Guns, Gear, and Competition Shooting
Everyone seems to be asking the question: Should I ditch my Glock 17 to buy an HK VP9?
Short answer: No.
I’ve put somewhere around 300-400 rounds through the new VP9 now, and its really a fantastic pistol that offers some features that the Glock does not.
The VP9 has a very comfortable and customizable grip, okay sights, and a fantastic trigger. The Glock feels like a 2×4 in your hand, has awful sights, and an okay factory trigger.
Both pistols are dead nuts reliable, and more accurate than I am.
[table caption=”Glock 17 vs. VP9″ ” colalign=”left|left|center|left|right”] ,Glock 17,HK VP9Changable Backstraps, X (Gen4), X
Changable Side Straps, ,X,
Acceptable Accuracy, X, X
Reliable, X, X
Crappy But Usuable Sights, X,
Okay Sights but Gimmicky Luminescent Feature, , X
$40 Magazines, ,X
17 Round Magazine, X,
Hates You, ,X
Decent Trigger, X (Yes the factory Glock trigger is decent), X (Yes the factory VP9 trigger is better) [/table]
My point is this: The VP9 is a fantastic pistol, but so is the Glock 17. I could trade in my old trusty G17 but the VP9 isn’t THAT much better that I’m willing to ditch the Glock for it. If I were in a gun store looking for my first pistol right now, and they laid out the VP9 and the G17 for me, I’d probably buy the VP9 though.
On a more serious note we compared the VP9 and the Walther PPQ in Episode 100 of our podcast. Check it out here, and make sure to subscribe!
The Glock leaves a lot of features ommitted that HK has incorporated into its offering. Having owned Glocks and currently owning the HK VP9 i can say hands down the VP9 is a much better
handgun. Is Glock a great sidearm…yes…is the VP9 better…most definitely.
Hmm, I’m not sure that more features necessarily make the VP9 a “better” gun. Make sure you check out episode 100 of the podcast when it releases next week, we talk specifically about the VP9 and it’s closest competitors.
I used to own 3 glocks and own one HK VP9…it isn’t even close. The HK VP9 is light years ahead of the glock. My Glock 23 jammed every 3 rounds…no malfunctions on my HK VP9 hundreds of rounds later.
This is crazy. i’ve been a Glock guy for about 23 years now, and have had several HK’s as well. Mostly USP models in 40 and 45, and a P2000 chambered in 40 S&W. Last weekend I got the VP9 and took it to the range. I put about 100 rounds through it and absolutely hands down love it over my Glocks. This is just my opinion for me. I’m not saying it’s necessarily better than my Glocks, just saying it’s more comfortable, and I shoot it better. And, since I recently bought the Gen 2 Glock 22 in Dark Earth and had it customized I traded my older Gen 3 22 for it and they gave me $325 for it so I only had to lay out an extra $245.
Sorry. I meant that I got the Gen 4 in Dark Earth, not the Gen 2.
The VP9 hates you?
^^That’s what I was wondering!? LOL
I believe what the author is referring to is the fact that obtaining parts from HK is nearly impossible, unless your military unit/LE department has a contract with HK. Glock parts are super cheap, easy to come by, and everywhere in the US: both factory and after-market. I’m sure the HK is a superior pistol in many ways, especially the trigger, which can really make or break the gun. However, if you want a gun you can always obtain replacement parts for, even in a SHTF environment or post anti-firearm legislation, no pistol can compete with Glock.
If cheap is what you care about get the glock, if you care about having a well finished more accurate pistol get h&k, got it. Does anyone really need a article this ignorant?