The VP40 is the .40 S&W model of the acclaimed VP pistol line first introduced in 2014 with the VP9 (9 mm).
In development for more than four years, the VP Series is Heckler & Koch’s latest handgun and the first striker fired HK since the renowned P7 series pistols were introduced in the 1980s.
Experience gained by HK engineers with the P30 pistol had a direct influence on the design of the VP, but the VP Series breaks new ground with its integration of a unique striker firing system with an enhanced HK “light pull” trigger. The net result is trigger quality unequaled in any production striker fired handgun.
Heckler & Koch pioneered the first striker fired handguns, producing both the VP70 and P7 series, designs that impacted several models by HK competitors. But a superior trigger has eluded most striker fired pistol designs.
The VP trigger surpasses those found on competitors. It has a short, light take-up with a solid, single action type break followed by a short positive reset.
The VP trigger has a consistent pre-travel pull with a positive wall/crisp break. Typically, striker fired guns have a pre-travel pull that increases in weight as you go through the trigger stroke. With the VP, you have a less than noticeable pre-travel pull until the trigger reaches the engagement point of the fire control parts prior to trigger break.
The VP40 uses HK’s ergonomic handgun grip design that includes three changeable backstraps and six grip 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 customized grip.
Although influenced by other HK models, the VP Series has all the hallmarks of the latest, state-of-the-art handgun. All controls are completely ambidextrous. Slide releases are present on both sides of the frame and the paddle style magazine release can be easily activated by left- or right-handed shooters.
A new feature found on VP pistols is HK’s patented charging supports — simple components that are mounted on each side of the rear of the slide and provide better gripping leverage for racking the slide rearward. The charging supports speed reloading and make operating the VP easier for shooters with reduced hand strength.
Type: Pistol: Semi Automatic
Model Series: VP40
Caliber/Gauge: 40 S&W
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 4.09 in.
Minimum/Overall Length: 7.34 in.
Chamber Length: 0 in.
Frame Finish: Black
Front Sight: Dot
Rear Sight: Low Snag 2-Dot Luminescent
Grips: Interchangeable Panels
Features: Made in GermanyAmbi Slide & Magazine Release
Finish: Black
Magazine Count: 2
Firing System: Striker
Frame Material: Polymer
Magazine Type: Double Stack Magazine
Barrel Configuration: Single
Barrel Description: Cold Hammer-forged, Polygonal
Rifled Barrel: Yes
Forend Rail: Picatinny Rail
Minimum Pull Length: 0 in.
Caliber Dictionary
The Below Information Has Been Provided From Our Gun Caliber Dictionary And Is Meant For Informational Purposes Only. It Is Not Intended to Describe The Unique Specifications For This Ammunition.
Designed by Winchester and introduced by Winchester and Smith & Wesson in 1990, the 40 S&W was designed as a "compromise" semiautomatic pistol cartridge that would offer more performance than the 9mm Luger (9x19)…but would produce less recoil and allow higher magazine capacity than the 45 ACP. Few compromises in the firearms world have ever worked as well. From a manufacturing standpoint many pistols designed for the 9mm could be re-engineered to handle the larger cartridge; in a short time it has become a standard issue in the law enforcement community. Using a .400-inch bullet of from 135 to 180 grains from a .850-inch cae, the .40 S&W produces up to 1205 fps, and although recoil is greater than the 9mm, it is easier to shoot than the 45 ACP, and its greater velocity and smaller bullet diameter aid penetration. — Craig Boddington
