HK built the VP9 around one idea: make the grip fit as many hand sizes as possible without modifications. Interchangeable backstraps are common across the industry, but the VP9 adds interchangeable side panels that change palm swell and trigger reach independently. That gives 27 possible grip configurations. Most competitors offer 3-4 backstrap options and nothing else. The difference matters for shooters with unusual hand proportions who cannot get a proper trigger reach from a one-axis grip system.

The gun weighs 25.56 oz with a 4.09" barrel and holds 17 rounds. The trigger breaks at 5.4 lbs with good tactile feedback and minimal creep. Reviewers and owners consistently rate it among the better factory striker triggers. German manufacturing shows in the fit between slide and frame. The optic-ready slide accepts various red dot patterns, though HK's mounting plates are purchased separately. Charging supports on the rear of the slide make press checks and racking easier with wet or gloved hands. All controls are ambidextrous.

Buy the VP9 if grip fit is your top priority and you are willing to pay a premium for German engineering and 27-way adjustability. The ergonomics, trigger, and build quality are genuinely above average. Skip it if aftermarket depth matters to you. HK magazines run significantly more than Glock or Sig magazines, and the holster and parts ecosystem is smaller. The Sig P320 offers similar modularity through a different approach, and the Canik METE SFT matches the capacity with a lighter trigger pull.