Heckler & Koch upgrades their flagship VP9 pistol with the launch of the VP9A1; available in two variants – the VP9K, with a 4-inch barrel, and the VP9F, with a 4.5" barrel – the new polymer frame, striker-fired, single-action handgun does without the finger grooves on the grip, opting instead for a total of four replaceable backstraps to change the circumference of the palmswell and two additional extended backstraps to finely tune the length of pull; extra small and large backsraps are available for purchase from the HK web store, bringing the total possible grip configurations up to 54.

The VP9A1 features improved ambidextrous controls, easier to manipulate without being overly obtrusive, and an enhanced trigger with a nickel-teflon coated trigger bar, providing a smoother pull and cleaner break.

The high-strength steel with carbon-nitride "hostile environment" corrosion-resistant finish features front and rear maritime serrations for an enlarged gripping area, a set of front and rear three-dot sights, and a machined red dot interface that makes the VP9A1 pistols compatible with a vast majority of micro red dot sights via the use of nine interchangeable adapter plates; optionally, the VP9K and VP9F are available issued from factory with a Holosun SCS red dot sight.

The VP9A1 pistol also comes with tactile serrated indexing points on the frame, above the trigger guard, and a flared magwell for easier reloading; magazines hold ten, fifteen, seventeen, or twenty rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. A Recess cut on the magazine base facilitates easier removal and/or retention.

MSRP is set at $979 for both variants, and $1,319 for versions equipped with Holosun SCS red dot sight.