Low prices on the HK VP9L Optics Ready Luminescent Sight 20+1 9mm start at Champion Firearms:

In a World of Compromise, Some Don't. In development for more than four years, the VP9 is Heckler & Koch�s latest handgun addition to the lineup and represents the company's first striker fired pistol since the renowned P7 series debuted back in the 1980s. Experience gained by HK engineers with the recent model P30 had a direct influence on the design, which breaks new ground with its integration of a unique striker fire system with an enhanced trigger pull.

The net result is a system unequaled in any other striker driven handgun available today. With its short, light take-up, the VP9 has a solid single action type break followed by a short reset.

This trigger has a consistent pre-travel pull with a smooth, crisp let-off. Typically, striker fired guns have a pre-travel pull that increases in weight as you press through the trigger stroke. With the VP9, there is no stacking and you have a less noticeable pull as the trigger reaches its breaking point.

The pistol uses HK�s ergonomic grip design that includes three interchangeable backstraps with six side panels� accommodating all hand sizes. Molded finger grooves in the front of the pistol�s grip also instinctively position an operator�s hand for optimal shooting.

Only HK handguns have such a versatile customized grip. With a surface texture that encircles the entire frame, the shooter is able to maintain maximum weapon retention and a solid grasp throughout a broad range of pistol operations.

Although heavily influenced by the company's other models, the VP9 has fire controls that are completely ambidextrous. Slide releases are present on both sides of the frame and the magazine release can be easily activated by left- or right-handed shooters. HK was the first to develop a release that is an integral part of the trigger guard and this hinging paddle style lever allows the magazine to easily drop free.

Front and rear slide serrations allow the shooter to effortlessly rack the slide and load the chamber; or to perform a safe press check verifying the gun's ready status. A newly added feature is HK�s patented charging supports � which are wing-like extensions mounted on the top rear of the slide which provide improved grip leverage for loading or unloading.

The charging supports speed reloading and make chambering rounds much easier, especially for shooters with reduced hand strength. The VP pistols also uses the proven P30 steel magazine, of which two 20- rounders are provided with the package.

A proprietary captive flat recoil spring helps tame muzzle rise, improving shooter control during rapid fire and extending the gun's overall service life. HK�s famous cold hammer forged 4.09" polygonal rifled barrel � made from cannon grade steel � ensures extreme accuracy.

Similar barrels on HK P30 handguns have fired more than 90,000 rounds in endurance tests. The polygonal bore profile, with no traditional lands-and-grooves rifling, contributes to longer service life as well as a slight increase in muzzle velocity.

The VP9�s machined steel slide is protected from rust or wear by HK�s Hostile Environment finish and all metal components, including springs and pins, feature superior metallurgy. If you are unfamiliar with the process, Hostile Environment is a highly corrosion resistant black nitrocarburized coating that's impervious to just about everything.

An excellent set of low iron sights are highly visible and get on target well. The pistol's integral Picatinny rail provides attachment points for adding tactical accessories such as a light and/or laser. VP pistols are made in Heckler & Koch�s Oberndorf factory in southwest Germany.

For warranty or repair, the pistol is back by a manufacturers lifetime warranty. Overall, the HK VP9 is a well-built, accurate, versatile and extremely durable striker driven self-defense handgun engineered to provide many years of reliable service.