While some of Heckler & Koch’s earliest handgun designs, like the VP70 and P7, were striker-fired, many of the company’s most popular modern pistols were hammer-fired, like the USP and P30. In 2014, the company introduced its updated, striker-fired, polymer-framed handgun, the VP9. New for 2026, H&K is expanding its VP9 line-up with the VP9A1 X and VP9A1 Tactical models.
All new models are based on the VP9A1 variant that H&K released last year, with updated features including improved ergonomics and trigger pull, enhanced controls, and an optics-ready slide. The VP9A1 X is a “crossover” model, a type of handgun that has become popular with both law enforcement and civilian users. This means the X model combines the slide length of the compact “K” model (4.09-inch barrel) and the grip length of the full-size “F” model (17-round magazine capacity).
The VP9A1 X is available in numerous configurations with an MSRP of $1,049, including one flush-fit 17-round magazine and one extended 20-round magazine, two 15-round magazines, and two 10-round magazines. Each of these configurations is available with a factory-installed Holosun SCS green reticle optic or Vortex Defender CCW enclosed optic (MSRP $1,399). California compliant models are also available.
New Tactical models add an extended and threaded (M13.5×1 LH) barrel and suppressor-height sights to the VP9A1. They are available in K (4.7-inch barrel), X (4.7-inch barrel), and F (5.2-inch barrel) sizes and with the same magazine packages as standard models. Tactical models have an MSRP of $1,149 or $1,479 with a factory-installed Vortex Defender CCW enclosed optic. K and X Tactical models are currently available with F models scheduled to be released by mid-year.
For more information, see the company’s VP9A1 X and VP9A1 Tactical websites.
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