This time, I'll be reviewing the UMAREX/VFC HK VP9 (SFP9) DX special combo/JP version straight out of the box.

It was released in 2016, so it feels a bit outdated now, but apparently it's been improved and just arrived in Japan in June 2021 (when I'm writing this), so I thought I'd introduce it. I probably bought one from the May 2021 import batch.

This is a gas blowback model that became a hot topic in the summer of 2020 when it was announced that the VP9 would become the official issue pistol of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

I'm not particularly fond of the Self-Defense Forces (I respect them as a citizen), so it didn't bother me that much, but I bought it because it's HK's latest design Striker Polymer Auto.

Since I was going to buy one anyway, I opted for the DX version, which comes with metal sights, an extractor, and other accessories, instead of the standard version.

Let's get started.

Appearance and accessories

Since this is a brand new purchase, we'll start by showing you the process of taking it out of the box.

First, open the box.

I did remove the plastic bag, though.

Unlike the GLOCK 19X from the same company that I reviewed previously, this one wasn't shiny with oil.

From here on, it's the usual side view.

Other side

It definitely looks like a state-of-the-art striker-type polymer automatic pistol.

The only safety feature is the trigger safety.

Let's take a closer look at each part. First, let's look at the markings on the slide.

It has markings for HK's VP9 and 9mm x 19. There are also markings near the slide release lever indicating the company and that it's made in Germany (although this particular product is made in Taiwan).

Let's look at the back of the slide.

One of the features of this product is the part that you can hook your finger into when cocking the slide.

This is surprisingly useful. I'll explain why in the next article.

Next is the engraving located below the grip.

It has "VP" engraved on it. I'm not very familiar with this gun, but I can't find any "SFP9" engraving anywhere.

A quick search reveals that the American model is apparently called VP. I guess using the name VP, which means "national pistol" in Europe, was historically problematic, wasn't it?

Let's look at the markings on the slide on the opposite side.

The ambidextrous slide release lever and ejection port have HK 9mmx19 markings and presumably a nitro-proof certification mark. There is an official HK license mark on the front of the rail.

Next is the slide-open state.

Other side

The slide release lever is positioned differently from those on the 1911 and Glock series, and is closer to the position on the SIG P226.

This lever is designed to prevent snagging on clothing, but it has minimal protrusions and is difficult to operate.

The most recent trend is to re-cock the slide rather than the lever to ensure proper loading, so this might be fine.

Also, the slide is so heavy to pull back that it makes you wonder if it's a gas gun (the part you hook your finger onto is helpful), and I suspect the cause is that the hammer spring is too strong. It moves smoothly once the hammer is down, so I'm sure that's the case.

We will address this through custom modifications.

Next, let's look at the grip feel. This product's size can be changed by swapping out the included grip panels, but this time we'll be testing it with the standard M size straight out of the box.

For reference, I am a typical Japanese person, 175cm tall and weighing 70kg, with standard-sized hands and slightly longer fingers.

It's a pretty good size, and the grip has a well-thought-out shape.

I was previously impressed by the HK45's spider grip, but this is even better.

Next, let's take a look at the trigger guard area.

As usual, the serial number is located on the rail section, along with the instruction to "read the manual."

This trigger guard has a truly exquisite shape; there's ample space for your finger to pass through, but the frame itself isn't too large—it's a fantastic design.

Next is the magazine release lever.

This has evolved to an astonishing degree.

It's located at the base of the trigger guard, as seen on HK's USP, but on the HK45, the shape is a bit simpler, so if you handle it with bare hands, your fingertips can get caught between the trigger guard and the lever, causing blisters, but this has been addressed.

For reference, here's the KSC USP45. It's a very good product, so I'll review it later.

Furthermore, with the HK45, I once accidentally touched it and dropped the magazine, breaking it, but with the VP9, ​​the position seems just right so accidental operation is unlikely.

However, it's not all good news. With a medium grip size, the thumb can't quite reach the lever, and using the index finger feels cramped, making it difficult to operate. In machine design, ease of operation and preventing malfunctions are conflicting challenges, and it's true that this is a very difficult problem to solve.

I think changing the grip size would solve the problem, but I wonder how the Self-Defense Forces will handle it (will they even distribute grip panels to everyone?).

Finally, there's the sight picture and cocking indicator.

First, the gun is not cocked.

A red dot will appear when you cock the gun.

The site itself uses a dot-based layout, which I really like, and is very easy to read.

While the cocking indicator is an interesting gimmick, I don't think it's very practical.

Finally, here are the accessories.

Let's take a closer look at the grip panels. While adjustments using only the backstrap are common these days, the ability to replace the side panels as well is a testament to the latest design.

I'll try replacing it in the next customization episode.

Next are the metal sights and other accessories that come with the DX SPECIAL COMBO. We'll incorporate these in the customization section.

Next, I'll introduce field strips.

Fieldstrip

Put it in the slide stop position. It's possible to do it in other positions as well, but I find this easier.

In that state, lower the takedown lever.

All that's left is to pull out the slide.

Let's start by looking at the slides that were removed from the presentation.

First, let's look at the recoil spring. It's just a regular spring.

Next, let's look at the outer barrel.

First, from the side.

Next, let's look at it from a different angle.

The hop-up dial is the same type as older Tokyo Marui models, requiring the slide to be removed to access it.

A coil spring is attached to the base of the barrel to pull the outer barrel. This is a very interesting mechanism; in this product, when short recoil is performed, only the outer barrel moves, while the inner barrel and hop-up chamber remain fixed to the frame and do not move at all.

In other words, if you shoot using a tool like a benchrest, you'll notice a significant improvement in accuracy.

If you look at it from a different angle, you'll see that it has a cam that only operates on the outer barrel.

To illustrate with a clear picture, the outer barrel assembly can be attached to the frame.

In other words, the fired projectile is completely unaffected by the movement of the outer barrel or the recoil spring. It's very well thought out.

Next is the hop packing. It's a bifurcated type like the one from KSC, but it's slightly tilted, so it needs to be addressed.

Next, let's look at the blowback engine. The bottom is the direction of the muzzle.

It has an unusual piston structure, but it's a standard negative-pressure gas blowback pistol. What's interesting is that the groove for the knocker return (the silver part) on the left side of the photo is a separate part for some reason. I'm not sure why, but I think it's either to ensure durability or to easily change the gas cut-off timing.

Next is the piston.

The piston is made of resin and has a very intricate shape, and it's quite large, so you can expect a powerful blowback.

Next is the nozzle.

The nozzle is long and has a good aperture shape, so it seems to have a significant airflow rectification effect and should perform well. According to rumors, the nozzle was made slightly longer at some point during development. Incidentally, the fact that the nozzle is shaped to resemble a bullet is interesting.

Next is the interesting cocking indicator mechanism.

When the lever shown in the picture is pushed down, the red indicator switches. When the hammer is up, the lever is pushed by the hammer, which switches the indicator.

Since we're at it, let's measure the weight of the entire slide assembly.

While the slide assembly of most handguns weighs around 200g, this one weighs 272g, which is quite heavy.

As a rough guide, it's about the same size as the bolt on a Tokyo Marui gas blowback M4.

The field stripping frame and the live-fire performance test will be covered in the next installment.

If you're interested, please join us again next time.

A word of caution when purchasing: Based on my research, it seems that the valve knocker settings are different for versions other than the JP version, and they may not operate smoothly with HFC-134a.

If you enjoy customizing it yourself, that's fine, but otherwise, you should definitely buy the JP version.

Even if it's slightly cheaper, if you're not entirely sure it's the JP version, I think it's best to think carefully before purchasing.
・UMAREX/VFC VP9 DX Specialcombo/JP version
It comes with a steel extractor, a luminous sight set, and a slide takedown lever.

・UMAREX/VFC VP9 STD JP version
The extractor, sight, and lever are made of aluminum. The only difference is the appearance.

・Le Pair Magazine
It seems they've restocked, and the price is now reasonable. I recommend getting it while it's still in stock.

・Injection valve for domestic gases
I recommend it (but be sure to use genuine O-rings).