Wasn't a big fan of the way the rear sight adjusted, but once I had it dialed in, I never had to mess with it again.
Carried it with the 13 round magazine in it, and two extra 20 rounders.
Steel frame and steel slide meant I as able to run some hot black-tipped +P+ submachinegun ammo that I'd gotten ahold of and did very well in it.
The blued finish on mine got pretty worn too and I probably would have had it refinished, but I traded it to the guy they sent to replace me for his Czech CZ-75 (which could be gotten through channels in Germany at the time and was seen as a big "Been There" badge among the cognoscenti and nearly impossible to get state-side if you didn't bring it back yourself.)
"Not super expensive"........$1,119, $1,119, $999.99, $989.98, $819.99.......
I have 10 other handguns that do the same thing or better and not one of them cost $820. This is a Gucci handgun, the same as it was 20 years ago when they offered the USP45 for $720.
I've got far more than ten pistols, running the gamut from sub $100 surplus to various ones that are several thousand. My absolute best-shooting pistol was only $350 on sale.
No HKs in my lineup, but VP9 owners always seem to be really into it.
Can ya tell me your recommendations? I'd be interested.
I like Kahr for concealed carry, some of the best DAO triggers around but holsters are a problem. So are their geographical politics since their pole barn is in NY.
I love Ruger for their revolvers, their autos disgust me and have since the P series.
I refuse to even touch a Taurus because I've had one right out of the box malfunction, another one sent back to the factory for their "lifetime warranty" only to return with more problems...and yet another malfunctioned because of their shoddy materials and/or design.
When Glock came out everyone was worried that these new plastic guns could get past airport security and then everyone hated them because they weren't "real american steel guns like the 1911"......and then the glock fanboys came along and everyone loved them.....and now everyone hates them again......
I like them. They're simple, reliable and serviceable.
I don't care for Beretta as of late. They're trying to ride the trendy wagon instead of sticking to what they know.
Smith & Wesson is hit or miss both with it's revolvers and autos.
I also might own some junk......or rather what some would refer to as junk but those are also just fine with me. It just has to work and be useful for the purpose you own it for.
Only Tarus I've ever trusted has been a revolver and still.
Ruger I won't touch with a mile long pole. Just heard way too many issues.
Glocks I've never heard complaints. My bud DC a .40 which I didn't get to begin with but not my problem. My pinkie kept lapping over the bottom of the magazine.
Beretta imo just needs to stick with their classic.
Smith & Wesson seems like it's on a scale. Ya you can get one cheap but good luck or you can pay for their performance center line. $$$.
HK VP 9 is all right but certainly not for the price.
Glock, M&P 2.0, the new echelon all do it better.
Nobody wins USPSA with VP9s. Nobody even shoots them. Their like 1% because they are expensive poly guns. Their finger grooves are fucking stupid. It either fits your fingers or it doesn't and makes for an uncomfortable grip.
M&P 2.0 is the goat. It has low bore, low felt recoil, it passed all the dirt and frozen guntuner tests. It has decent aftermarket. It has close to the best striker fired trigger with either Apex or Overwatch Precision upgrade. It has metal tube mags. Their competitor models are pretty good but overpriced. They have a new steel grip (although expensive and comped) should come out with a standard steel grip.
Glocks are great. If you like their grip angles.
Echelon has all the bells and whistles, solid performer.
PDPs are awesome but grip angle might not fit all and are a little snappy. They have the best striker fired trigger.
Canik are Turkish PDP clones but also have great triggers. Top world CO shooter uses Canik.
Nobody shoots Rugers striker fired, they are even less than the VP9.
1911s and their double stack counterparts are 1911s. Best triggers. Not as reliable "drop them in the mud" as strikers.
All of the above doesn't matter though. If the VP 9 works for you then it works for you. Are you proficient with it?
P320 shoot themselves. Lol.
Echelon with mischief machine alum grip (1911) grip angle, brass panels, tyrant trigger with some RRP sprins costs as much as the VP9, shoots better and looks better...
It's German, so it works. I could never get used to the design of their magazine release. After decades of repetitions of pushing "in", it just wasn't worth it to me to retrain to push "down", not when there are so many other proven alternatives already available.
I also use a very aggressive grip, with both thumbs pushing forward and along the side of the slide, which means the slide release lever was always get pushed down during recoil, so the slide was rarely ever able to lock back.
And I'm not changing my grip after all these years either.
[ + ] glooper
[ - ] glooper 2 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 19:39:15 ago (+2/-0)
https://www.americanrifleman.org/media/lxfpjuge/vp70.jpg
[ + ] BulletStopper
[ - ] BulletStopper 1 point 21 hoursJun 17, 2025 21:28:37 ago (+1/-0)*
https://files.catbox.moe/v1j9a4.jpg
Wasn't a big fan of the way the rear sight adjusted, but once I had it dialed in, I never had to mess with it again.
Carried it with the 13 round magazine in it, and two extra 20 rounders.
Steel frame and steel slide meant I as able to run some hot black-tipped +P+ submachinegun ammo that I'd gotten ahold of and did very well in it.
The blued finish on mine got pretty worn too and I probably would have had it refinished, but I traded it to the guy they sent to replace me for his Czech CZ-75 (which could be gotten through channels in Germany at the time and was seen as a big "Been There" badge among the cognoscenti and nearly impossible to get state-side if you didn't bring it back yourself.)
[ + ] __47__
[ - ] __47__ [op] 0 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 19:43:52 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] RMGoetbbels
[ - ] RMGoetbbels 2 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 19:36:52 ago (+2/-0)
I have 10 other handguns that do the same thing or better and not one of them cost $820. This is a Gucci handgun, the same as it was 20 years ago when they offered the USP45 for $720.
[ + ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey
[ - ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey 2 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 20:16:26 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] MuricaPersonified
[ - ] MuricaPersonified 1 point 22 hoursJun 17, 2025 21:09:06 ago (+1/-0)
No HKs in my lineup, but VP9 owners always seem to be really into it.
[ + ] __47__
[ - ] __47__ [op] 0 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 19:42:44 ago (+0/-0)
I don't disagree with you. In my mind I'm largely comparing them to some 1911s I see that go for $5k.
I gave away an old HIPOINT 9mm that cost me $200 or so and once I figured out the feed issues it's never been a problem since.
Can ya tell me your recommendations? I'd be interested.
[ + ] protodonata
[ - ] protodonata 1 point 21 hoursJun 17, 2025 21:34:59 ago (+1/-0)
If you're looking for a smaller frame for carry then P365 Macro/Tacops or the fuse, Canik MC9LS, SW Shield, Glock 43, Hellcat.
9mm is better..cheaper to train and you can get P++ ammo if you think 9mm isn't enough stopping power.
As with everything hunting or defense, shot placement is key or as many rounds on target as needed.
If you really want stopping power 10mm
[ + ] RMGoetbbels
[ - ] RMGoetbbels 0 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 19:59:07 ago (+0/-0)
Korth 1911's?
I like Kahr for concealed carry, some of the best DAO triggers around but holsters are a problem. So are their geographical politics since their pole barn is in NY.
I love Ruger for their revolvers, their autos disgust me and have since the P series.
I refuse to even touch a Taurus because I've had one right out of the box malfunction, another one sent back to the factory for their "lifetime warranty" only to return with more problems...and yet another malfunctioned because of their shoddy materials and/or design.
When Glock came out everyone was worried that these new plastic guns could get past airport security and then everyone hated them because they weren't "real american steel guns like the 1911"......and then the glock fanboys came along and everyone loved them.....and now everyone hates them again......
I like them. They're simple, reliable and serviceable.
I don't care for Beretta as of late. They're trying to ride the trendy wagon instead of sticking to what they know.
Smith & Wesson is hit or miss both with it's revolvers and autos.
I also might own some junk......or rather what some would refer to as junk but those are also just fine with me. It just has to work and be useful for the purpose you own it for.
[ + ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey
[ - ] TheOriginal1Icemonkey 1 point 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 20:18:06 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] __47__
[ - ] __47__ [op] 0 points 23 hoursJun 17, 2025 20:18:29 ago (+0/-0)
Only Tarus I've ever trusted has been a revolver and still.
Ruger I won't touch with a mile long pole. Just heard way too many issues.
Glocks I've never heard complaints. My bud DC a .40 which I didn't get to begin with but not my problem. My pinkie kept lapping over the bottom of the magazine.
Beretta imo just needs to stick with their classic.
Smith & Wesson seems like it's on a scale. Ya you can get one cheap but good luck or you can pay for their performance center line. $$$.
[ + ] protodonata
[ - ] protodonata 0 points 22 hoursJun 17, 2025 21:21:58 ago (+0/-0)
Glock, M&P 2.0, the new echelon all do it better.
Nobody wins USPSA with VP9s. Nobody even shoots them. Their like 1% because they are expensive poly guns. Their finger grooves are fucking stupid. It either fits your fingers or it doesn't and makes for an uncomfortable grip.
M&P 2.0 is the goat. It has low bore, low felt recoil, it passed all the dirt and frozen guntuner tests. It has decent aftermarket. It has close to the best striker fired trigger with either Apex or Overwatch Precision upgrade. It has metal tube mags. Their competitor models are pretty good but overpriced. They have a new steel grip (although expensive and comped) should come out with a standard steel grip.
Glocks are great. If you like their grip angles.
Echelon has all the bells and whistles, solid performer.
PDPs are awesome but grip angle might not fit all and are a little snappy. They have the best striker fired trigger.
Canik are Turkish PDP clones but also have great triggers. Top world CO shooter uses Canik.
Nobody shoots Rugers striker fired, they are even less than the VP9.
1911s and their double stack counterparts are 1911s. Best triggers. Not as reliable "drop them in the mud" as strikers.
All of the above doesn't matter though. If the VP 9 works for you then it works for you. Are you proficient with it?
P320 shoot themselves. Lol.
Echelon with mischief machine alum grip (1911) grip angle, brass panels, tyrant trigger with some RRP sprins costs as much as the VP9, shoots better and looks better...
[ + ] BulletStopper
[ - ] BulletStopper 0 points 22 hoursJun 17, 2025 21:05:23 ago (+0/-0)*
I also use a very aggressive grip, with both thumbs pushing forward and along the side of the slide, which means the slide release lever was always get pushed down during recoil, so the slide was rarely ever able to lock back.
And I'm not changing my grip after all these years either.