Gun owners love to debate what guns are best. So, we decided to introduce a series called “Which Gun Would You Rather Have?” In the last poll — SIG P320 vs Glock 19 — the Glock 19 has a narrow edge over the SIG P320 after nearly 5,500 votes. This time, we decided to try another major debate in the gun world: the HK VP9 vs Walther PPQ.
HK VP9 vs Walther PPQ
These two 9mm pistols come with very similar dimensions. In fact, both barrels measure right around 4 inches, with overall lengths of a little more than 7 inches. The KH VP9 is slightly larger, which accounts for it weighing just over 1 ounce more than the Walther PPQ. Of course, the additional weight is negligible, and both come with 15, plus one in the chamber, capacity. These pistols are also both striker-fired guns, with paddle-style magazine releases and ambidextrous controls. However, the fact that these guns come with similar features only pushes the debate even harder. Some shooters prefer HK over Walther, while others feel differently.
HK VP9
The HK VP9 is the company’s latest striker-fired pistol. It sports a cold hammer forged barrel with polygonal rifling in its 4.09-inch barrel. Its polymer frame comes with three interchangeable backstraps, as well as side panels in small, medium and large. This means shooters can adjust front-to-rear length, shape and even palm swell width. It features ambidextrous controls with a magazine release unfamiliar to most American shooters. It’s a paddle style, which allows easy access from either side. However, HK also puts out a reversible push-button version for those who don’t want to learn to use the paddle.
Now the VP9 doesn’t come with a manual safety. Instead, it features striker block safety, along with a trigger latch, to prevent unintended discharges. The trigger only releases the striker, which is different from many striker-fired pistols, making it virtually a single-action pistol. HK claims this gun comes with a 5.4-pound trigger, which makes is just right for self defense. It even comes with either luminescent three-dot sights or Meprolight tritium night sights, which cost a little extra, as well as front and rear serrations and an accessory rail. With all these features, the HK VP9 makes an excellent self-defense pistol for shooters, at those who prefer this gun. For more information, visit hk-usa.com.
Walther PPQ
The Walther PPQ is available in a couple of versions — the PPQ Classic and PPQ M2. For this, we’re looking at the Classic, which Walter brought back because of its popularity with shooters. This striker-fired pistol comes with a 4-inch barrel and an overall length of 7.1 inches. It also comes with an ambidextrous paddle-style magazine release and slide stop. This makes the gun good for right- and left-handed shooters right out of the box. Shooters can also customize the grip via one of three interchangeable backstraps.
Its Tenifer coating on the slide and barrel provides a matte finish, along with corrosion resistance. The gun’s low-profile, three-dot polymer sights allow rapid target acquisition without snagging clothing. Also the rear sight is adjustable for windage. Other features include a smooth, 5.6-pound trigger pull, a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories, and front and rear serrations. The Walther PPQ’s features, accuracy and reliability all combine to make this gun one of the best on the market. For more information, visit waltherarms.com.
Well, there it is. Now, it is up to you, the reader, to tell us which you would prefer. These 9mm pistols are similar, but each contains a different feel, especially to strong-mined shooters. Now all you have to do is vote.
