Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
The HK VP9CC brings the VP9 bloodline into a true micro-compact 9mm carry pistol, complete with German engineering, an ultra-low optic cut, and the kind of price tag that makes expectations very serious. After 800 trouble-free rounds, this little HK has plenty to brag about, even if a few sharp edges bite back.
HK VP9CC Surprise Launch: The German Micro-Compact Finally Hits America
The new structure and relationship between HK USA and HK Oberndorf have resulted in several new opportunities. One of those is the new HK VP9CC. For several years, the gun was visible to the European market, but it has not been available here in the United States. That changed when, without so much as a whisper, HK-USA released the VP9CC on April 7th of this year.
As with all German HK pistols, the VP9CC was designed to fill a “tender,” or request, for a specific agency or customer. The specific request was for a micro-compact pistol, chambered in 9mm, that would have commonality in operation with HK’s full-size VP9 service pistols. During the development, the VP9CC was required to meet the demanding NATO AC/225 standards regarding reliability, durability, and accuracy.
First Look: The HK VP9CC Feels Like a Shrunken VP9 With Serious Intent
The new VP9CC is chambered in 9mm and specs out at 6.15” in length with a width of 1.1” and an overall height of 4.4” with the 10-round magazine. The 12-round magazine has a longer length and extends approximately 7/8” on the front strap and ½” below the heel extension on the backstrap.
The VP9CC looks and feels like a VP9 that spent some serious time in the shrink ray. The design ensures that users familiar with the VP9 can easily transition to the VP9CC. Common features include the ambidextrous slide lock/release, dual paddle magazine release, and HK’s patented charging supports. The front and back straps feature a stippled texturing, while the side panels are left smooth. As with the larger models, the VP9CC has interchangeable backstraps. While retaining the appearance of the VP9, the VP9CC shares only a few parts with the larger model. These include a few pins and, oddly enough, the paddle magazine release.
Other common features include internal components that are coated for hostile environments and a cannon-grade steel cold-hammer forged barrel. As with other HK striker-fired pistols, the VP9CC is a pre-cocked striker system that includes the proven firing pin/drop safety system found on the full-size pistols. The trigger, on our test pistol, broke cleanly at 5 lbs. 6 oz. with minimal overtravel.
The VP9CC features a durable polymer frame and a chassis fire control assembly. The standard VP9CC features an accessory rail to mount a light or other accessory. Interestingly, HK USA is offering a VP9CC grip module that does not have the accessory rail.
Factory Vortex Defender CCW: The VP9CC Optic Cut Sits Low and Fast
As with all of the new VP9 series of pistols, the VP9CC is optic-ready. However, it breaks new ground with a proprietary slide cut that allows for the optic to sit up to 40% lower than other comparable pistols. This both lowers the profile of the optic and enables a faster acquisition of the dot.
HK has recently partnered with Vortex, and our test pistol came equipped with a Defender CCW optic. The Defender CCW is a closed emitter optic that features an aluminum housing and a slide-loading, CR2032 battery. It features three reticle options with 12 brightness settings, including 2 for night-vision. The back-up iron sights feature a plain rear notch with a Tritium insert front sight.
HK VP9CC Specs: Micro-Compact 9mm Details That Matter
| Model | HK VP9CC |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Overall Length | 6.15” |
| Width | 1.1” |
| Overall Height | 4.4” with the 10-round magazine |
| Capacity | 10-round magazine and 12-round magazine |
| Trigger Pull | 5 lbs. 6 oz. |
| Optic | Vortex Defender CCW |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Reticle Options | Three reticle options with 12 brightness settings, including 2 for night-vision |
| MSRP | $1,049 |
800 Rounds Later: The HK VP9CC Runs Clean and Shoots Tight
As I write this, I have approximately 800 trouble-free rounds through my VP9CC. I tested several popular personal defense loads that included Federal HST 124 gr., Speer 124 gr. Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Duty 124 gr. +P. Using my Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, we recorded an average velocity of 1,103 fps, 1,090 fps, and 1,116 fps. respectively. While not a dedicated pistol optic user, I did like the Vortex optic and found it to be very clear.
After the formal testing, I shot a number of my favorite drills to include Justin Dyal’s 5-Yard Roundup and the Hackathorn/Vickers 10-10-10 Test. Both are challenging, with the 5-Yard Roundup having very tight par times and the Test requiring consistency and concentration. Both drills are shot on a B-8 Bullseye and are scored with the values printed on the target.
The 5-Yard Roundup has four stages, with each having a par time of 2.5 seconds. Stage 1 requires a draw from a holster and one shot. Stage 2 starts from a low ready and is 4-shots in the 2.5-second par time. Stage 3 requires the shooter to fire 3-rounds using the strong hand only. Stage 4 is 2-rounds fired weak hand only. That’s it, 10-rounds fired for a possible 100 points. My largest issue in stages 4 and 5 was finding and tracking the dot during recoil. On my first attempt, I managed a score of 86/100. Not great but not horrible. I would suggest you try this drill the next time you are at the range and share it with your shooting friends. My score on the 10-10-10 drill was 92/100.
I also found the VP9CC to be very accurate. This should not come as a surprise, given the legendary quality of HK barrels. Shooting from 25-yards, using a bench and a bag, a 25 5-shot group measured a mere 1.2”. Another shooter fired 10-rounds from 50 yards, on a B-8 with an impressive score of 89/100.
The ambidextrous paddle magazine release design is something unique to HK and dear to their loyal consumers. After a few minutes, I found it to be very intuitive and easier to use than a traditional button release. As with other small pistols, the little finger must be extended to allow the magazine to drop freely.
Safe Disassembly: The VP9CC Keeps the HK Process Simple and Smart
As with the VP9, the VP9CC is designed to allow for safe disassembly and reassembly. With the magazine removed, the slide is locked to the rear, and the disassembly lever is rotated downward. The slide can then be removed from the frame. The recoil spring assembly and the barrel are removed in a normal manner.
The HK design prevents the disassembly lever from being rotated if there is a magazine in the pistol. In addition, with the lever rotated in the disassembly position, a magazine cannot be seated into the pistol.
What Bites Back: Trigger Guard, Grip Texture, and Hot Spots
While I really liked the VP9CC, it is not perfect. There were several common issues that were noted by everyone who shot the pistol. First, the trigger guard is extremely small and will present an issue with shooters with large fingers or when using gloves. Second, the trigger shoe on the pistol is extremely short, resulting in the finger coming in contact with both the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard. This resulted in a “hot spot” after a firing session and, during extended shooting, could result in a blister. This is exacerbated by a ridge on the inside of the trigger guard that aligns with the bottom of the trigger.
The final issue, which is more subjective, is that HK Oberndorf engineers did not give the VP9CC grip panels any texture. This is in contrast with the effective stipple texture found on the front and back strap. This issue was recognized by HK USA, which, early in the process, partnered with Talon Grips. On the day of the VP9CC launch, Talon adhesive grip panels, in three different textures, were available for the VP9CC.
HK VP9CC Pros and Cons: Honest Take After Real Range Time
- Pros: Pure HK feel in a micro-compact package, 800 trouble-free rounds, excellent barrel accuracy, intuitive paddle magazine release, optic-ready slide cut that sits up to 40% lower, clear Vortex Defender CCW optic, ambidextrous controls, safe disassembly design, and 10-round and 12-round magazine options.
- Cons: Small trigger guard, short trigger shoe, potential trigger guard hot spot during longer range sessions, smooth grip side panels, and a base MSRP of $1,049 that will not appeal to everyone.
Final Verdict: The HK VP9CC Is Expensive, Small, and Very HK
The VP9CC is pure HK in a micro-compact package. It retains all of the durability, reliability, and quality that have made HK a worldwide leader for many years. The issues of the grip, trigger, and trigger guard are subjective and may not affect all shooters. I would place the VP9CC at the top of the micro-compact class.
However, with a base MSRP of $1,049, the VP9CC will not appeal to everyone. In that case, the US-designed HK CC9 is a great option. Still, I predict it will become a huge hit with the HK faithful. Look for the new HK VP9CC at your local dealer. For more information, visit hk-usa.com
Rob has been writing for the firearms industry for over 40 years as well as 38 years of law enforcement experience. With over 1,000 published article, he enjoys bringing a historical perspective to many of his articles. An ardent revolver enthusiast, Rob understands the practical application of the “art of the revolver.” In many articles, Rob includes ballistic testing data of many of the popular personal defense loads.
When not at the range, or pounding the keyboard, Rob enjoys spending time with his family, is active in his local church, and networking with an ever expanding group of like minded shooters.
Experience
40+ Years writing for the firearm’s industry
Retired Lieutenant with a large Georgia law enforcement agency
Avid shooter and daily practitioner
Consultant in the firearm’s space
