HK VP70
Heckler & Koch · Pistol · Discontinued · 1970
Also known as: Volkspistole 70, VP70M, VP70Z
Overview
The HK VP70 is a 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol introduced by Heckler & Koch in 1970. It was the world's first polymer-framed handgun, predating the Glock 17 by twelve years. The double-action-only striker-fired pistol fed from an 18-round magazine and was produced in two variants: the civilian VP70Z (semi-automatic only) and the military VP70M, which accepted a detachable stock/holster incorporating a selector that enabled three-round-burst fire at a cyclic rate of around 2,200 rounds per minute.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 820 g (28.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1090 g (38.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 204 mm (8.03") |
| Barrel Length | 116 mm (4.57") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Sight Radius | 175 mm (6.89") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Only |
| Magazine Capacity | 18 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 483 J (356 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 2200 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Double Action Only Trigger, No External Safety
- Features: Polymer Frame, Detachable Stock Holster, Three Round Burst Via Stock, Double Action Only Trigger
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Portuguese Armed Forces
- Royal Moroccan Armed Forces
- Paraguayan Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1970-1989
Produced by Heckler & Koch in West Germany; commercial sales were limited and the pistol was discontinued in 1989.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Alex Seidel
Discontinued: 1989
Notes
VP stands for Volkspistole ('People's Pistol'); the '70' designates the year of its first production, 1970. Burst fire is only available on the VP70M when the combination stock/holster is attached. The high cyclic rate makes the three-round burst fire almost as one report.
Background
The VP70 was conceived as a mass-producible 'people's pistol' to arm civilian resistance in the event of a Soviet invasion of West Germany. Its polymer frame and 18-round magazine were radical for 1970, making it the conceptual ancestor of modern polymer striker-fired pistols.