Heckler&Koch VP9 - Manual (Page 3)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Precautions & Clearing .......................................................... Inside Cover
Section 1 Introduction .......................................................................................5
Section 2 Nomenclature ...................................................................................7
Section 3 Specifications ....................................................................................9
Section 4 Function & Op er a tion ....................................................................10
Cycle of Operation .........................................................................10
Safety Features ................................................................................11
Section 5 Instructions for Use .........................................................................12
Clearing Procedure .........................................................................12
Installation of Backstraps and Grip Panels ......................................13
Ammunition.....................................................................................14
Filling & Emp ty ing the Magazine ...................................................14
Loading ..........................................................................................15
Sights and Aiming ...........................................................................16
Firing ...............................................................................................16
Unloading .......................................................................................17
Selection & Use of a Holster ...........................................................18
Storage & Trans port .......................................................................18
Section 6 Disassembly & Assembly ...............................................................19
Disassembly ....................................................................................19
Magazine Disassembly ....................................................................20
Assembly ........................................................................................21
Magazine Assembly ........................................................................23
Function Check ..............................................................................24
Section 7 Cleaning & Main te nance ................................................................25
Cleaning .........................................................................................25
Inspection .......................................................................................26
Lubrication .....................................................................................27
Troubleshooting Prob lems & Re pair ..............................................28
Warranty Registration Information ..................................................28
Section 8 VP9 Accessories ......................................................................................29
Section 9 VP9 Parts List ..........................................................................................32
Exploded View ........................................................................................33
Firearms Service Record .......................................................................34
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
The VP9 was developed by Heckler & Koch to meet the need for a safe, robust,
ergonomically enhanced, striker fired handgun.
Incorporating a variation of the well-proven, modified Browning link-less short recoil
system of operation, the VP9 striker fired design ensures a consistent trigger pull weight
from the first shot to the last.
Safety features abound on the VP9 and include a unique side mounted drop safety for
the firing pin. The frame incorporates a trigger mounted safety that prevents accidental
discharge from impact if the VP9 is struck or dropped, and a disconnector ensures that the
slide must be in battery for the VP9 to fire.
The take down lever acts as a disassembly safety and precludes the VP9 from being
disassembled unless the magazine is removed from the magazine well. If cocked, the firing
pin is also decocked as the take down lever is rotated forward.
The design of the VP9 allows the operator to visually assess the status of the firearm by
featuring an extractor that also functions as a loaded chamber indicator. A red colored
insert at the back of the firing pin indicates if the firing pin is in the cocked or uncocked
mode. Witness holes on the back of the magazine housing allow the operator to view the
amount of ammunition present by means of a quick glance.
VP9 controls are completely ambidextrous. Slide releases are present on both sides of the
frame, as well as an easy-to-access ambidextrous magazine release on the rear, bottom
portion of the trigger guard. Ambidextrous finger recesses, located on the bottom sides of
the magazine well, allow the operator to achieve purchase on the magazine’s floor plate in
the unlikely event that the magazine does not drop free when the extended flanges on the
magazine release are activated.
The VP9’s high strength polymer frame includes a unique ergonomic handgun grip design
consisting of interchangeable grip panels and backstraps, as well as a dustcover with a
standard Picatinny rail interface. The handgun grip design includes three changeable
backstraps and 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 customized grip.
Milled from a solid block of high carbon steel and then enhanced with a corrosion
resistant nitro-carburized finish, the slide on the VP9 features non-radioactive luminous
sights as standard that are adjustable for both windage and elevation, front and rear slide
serrations, as well as extensions on the back of the slide.
Designated as charging supports, this new patented HK feature allows operators of
different sizes and statures — and shooters with reduced hand strength to obtain
better gripping leverage for racking the slide rearward, facilitating smoother and easier
manipulation of the slide during clearing or reloading.
Heckler & Koch, famous for small arms construction and technology, has outfitted the VP9
with a cold hammer forged barrel and a polished feed ramp. The barrel — made from
canon grade steel — ensures long service life. Similar barrels on HK P30 9 mm models
have fired more than 90,000 rounds in endurance tests in 2010. 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.