G&A 2014 Handgun of the Year: Heckler & Koch VP9

Guns & Ammo received its first two samples of the HK VP9 during the third week of June. We're still shooting them. A midyear introduction, the VP9 was immediately well received by several other gun publications and media outlets on the Web who continue to join this magazine in praising these pistols for long-term reliability, sustained accuracy and, most important, overall value. Although we recognize that HK once offered a striker-fired pistol (VP70, 1970 — 1984), the striker-fired VP9 was largely considered a departure from the company's more recent hammer-fired lineup. Additionally, several other value-added features work in its favor for recognition as Handgun of the Year.

Though MSRP is set at $719, consumers have been finding VP9s under glass at the gun counter for much less.

It's compatible with existing P30 accessories including a plentiful supply of magazines. It features ambidextrous controls and handling, interchangeable grip panels — not only with backstraps but also palmswells for a personalized fit — a great trigger and accuracy that produced a 25-yard best group of 1.24 inches with Barnes' 115-grain TAC-XP.

"The HK VP9 is an abandonment of its hammerguns as a product line and a recognition of advantages presented by striker-fired guns," stated Patrick Sweeney. "It is evidence that HK is now willing to make guns not for a German engineer's hands but for the average American."

Guns & Ammo of the Year Awards 2014

We are proud to announce our selections for the best of 2014. Click on each for more information regarding how it achieved this prestigious rank:

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