Heckler & Koch SFP9 pistol: the new variants
IWA 2017 - Heckler & Koch expands the SFP9 line of semi-automatic, polymer frame striker-fired pistols with the introduction of the SFP9 OR optics ready version, of the SFP9 SK subcompact version, and of the SFP9 L long-barrel sporting variant
Heckler & Koch introduces new SFP9 pistol variants
The Heckler & Koch SFP9 line of polymer frame, semi-automatic striker-fired pistols (known in north America as the VP9) appears to be destined to become Heckler & Koch's mainstay in handguns, replacing venerable product series such as the USP and even the more recent P30.
That became even further evident at the 2017 edition of the IWA OutdoorClassics expo of Nuremberg, where the German company showcased three new versions of the SFP9, dedicated to sport shooters and professional operators alike.
The Heckler & Koch SFP9 SK pistol
The Heckler & Koch SFP9 SK pistol is a brand new subcompact variant of the baseline SFP9, conceived for concealed carry, personal protection, backup, home defense, and the likes. The double-stack magazine holds 10 rounds in the basic version, but extended 13-rounds magazines with thumb rest are available, and the pistol will accept the standard 15 rounds magazines of the full-size version.
At 168 mm (6.61" approximately) of overall length, the SFP9 SK sports a 3.3" (86 mm) barrel and is barely 33 mm (1.29") wide and 116 mm (4.56") high for a deep concealment. The overall weight can top up to 687 grams (approximately 24 oz.) when fully loaded.
The SFP9 OR is an optics-ready variant of the baseline full-size SFP9; the only feature that tells the two variants apart is the adaptation of the SFP9 OR slide for a series of issued adapter plates that will allow the installation of nine popular low-profile reflex/red dot pistol sights: Docter Sight III, Insight MRDS, Meopta MeoSight III, Vortex Viper, Vortex Venom, Burris Fastfire 3, Trijicon RMR, C-More STS 2 and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.
The Heckler & Koch SFP9 L pistol
Finally, the Heckler & Koch SP9 L pistol is a long-slide variant of the SPF9 design that can cover a plethora of purposes – from tactical applications to home and property defense – albeit with a strong sports-inspired soul that will satisfy the vast majority of leisure shooters and even the most dedicated target shooters, and may find acceptance even among IPSC shooting circles.
The SFP9 L is 209 mm (8.2") long overall and comes with a 129 mm / 5-inch barrel; the rear sight is adjustable and longer 20-rounds magazines are available besides standard 15-rounders.
Last, but not least, Heckler & Koch announced that the SFP9 pistols will be made available with a reversible push-button magazine release ("American-style") upon request in lieu of the standard ambidextrous, "German-style" paddle release magazine. Availability of the SFP9/VP9 pistols with push-button mag drop is slated for late 2017.
