Vektor SP1
Denel Land Systems · Pistol · Discontinued · 1992
Also known as: Vektor SP-1, LIW SP1
Overview
The Vektor SP1 is a South African full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced in 1992. Developed from the Vektor Z88, itself a licensed copy of the Italian Beretta 92, the SP1 is a short-recoil, locked-breech design using a Walther-type tilting locking piece. It features an aluminium-alloy frame with steel components, an exposed hammer with double-action trigger, and a frame-mounted ambidextrous safety permitting 'cocked and locked' carry. It served as a service and police sidearm in South Africa.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 995 g (35.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Barrel Length | 118 mm (4.65") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Safety
- Features: Exposed Hammer, Ambidextrous Safety, Fixed Sights, Cocked And Locked Carry
Variants
- Vektor SP2 — Caliber Conversion
- Vektor SP1 General's Model — Compact
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force
- South African Police Service
Production
Production years: 1992-2000s
Produced by Lyttleton Engineering Works / Denel Land Systems; succeeded the Vektor Z88
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Lyttleton Engineering Works (LIW)
Notes
The SP2 variant is chambered in .40 S&W with an 11-round magazine. Compact and short-barrelled 'General's Model' variants were also produced. The SP1 accepts Beretta 92 / M9 pattern magazines.
Background
The SP1's lineage runs straight back to the Beretta 92: South Africa's arms-embargo isolation under apartheid pushed it to license-build the Beretta as the Z88, then evolve it locally into the SP1 and SP2.