New Product Highlight: HK VP9CC

For certain discerning shooters, there’s an itch that only HK can scratch. The German pistol manufacturer is equal parts SOCOM tough and Bond-villain classy.

Now, the vaunted VP9 has a little sibling: the HK VP9CC. It’s too early to say if this can knock perennial favorites off the pedestal, but there are definitely some compelling features you should know about before picking your next carry gun.

Let’s pop the hood on this thing!

HK VP9CC Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker
• Capacity: 10+1, 12+1
• Optic Ready: Yes, adapter plates
• Barrel Length: 3.13”
• Overall Length: 6.02”
• Weight: 18 oz
• Country of Origin: Germany
• MSRP: $1,049 ($1,399 with Vortex Defender-CCW Enclosed)

Features

• Mounts optics 40% lower than conventional adapter plate systems
• Includes six backstrap insert sizes
• XS Sights come standard

Starting with the basics, this is another subcompact, polymer-framed, striker-fired, 9mm pistol. It’s optic-ready and comes with one 10-round flush magazine and one 12-round extended magazine (state-compliant versions come with two 10-round mags).

Beyond that, things get interesting in a hurry.

In true HK fashion, this pistol gets a quirky magazine release system that gives you ambidextrous paddles in the trigger guard instead of the usual button.

Up top, the VP9CC comes with XS Sights from the factory, and the front sight is tritium.

HK opted for an adapter plate system for mounting optics, but with an unusual twist. The slide cuts run deep along either side, leaving the striker assembly exposed when the plate is removed. That gets your optic 40% lower than it would with a conventional adapter plate, so there’s no need to upgrade to suppressor-height sights for cowitness capability.

I appreciate the clever takedown-lever design that won’t allow the slide to be removed without dropping the magazine and clearing the chamber first.

Ergonomics are tough to judge from photos, but the VP9CC looks promising. HK provides six backstrap insert sizes, and the slide features grab handles at the rear in addition to front and rear serrations.

HK lists an MSRP of $1,049 for the VP9CC. You can also get it with a Vortex Defender-CCW Enclosed for $1,399. Both are scheduled to hit dealers May 1.

Think the optic-equipped VP9CC might be the play for you? Check out our Vortex Defender-CCW Enclosed review!

What do you think of the new HK VP9CC? Let us know below. For more great carry guns, check out our guide to the Best Concealed Carry Guns!