Heckler & Koch · Pistol

HK VP70

Name: HK VP70
Brand: Heckler & Koch

Blowback (semi-automatic) · 9x19mm Parabellum · introduced 1970

Also known as Volkspistole 70, VP70M, VP70Z

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About the HK VP70

The HK VP70 is a 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol introduced by Heckler & Koch in 1970. It was the world's first polymer-framed handgun, predating the Glock 17 by twelve years. The double-action-only striker-fired pistol fed from an 18-round magazine and was produced in two variants: the civilian VP70Z (semi-automatic only) and the military VP70M, which accepted a detachable stock/holster incorporating a selector that enabled three-round-burst fire at a cyclic rate of around 2,200 rounds per minute.

The VP70 was conceived as a mass-producible 'people's pistol' to arm civilian resistance in the event of a Soviet invasion of West Germany. Its polymer frame and 18-round magazine were radical for 1970, making it the conceptual ancestor of modern polymer striker-fired pistols.

HK VP70 specifications

General

Type: Pistol
Action: Blowback (semi-automatic)
Firing mechanism: Striker-fired
Trigger: Double action only
Calibres: 9x19mm Parabellum
Magazine capacity: 18 rounds
Magazine: Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 116 mm (4.6 in)
Overall length: 204 mm (8.0 in)
Height: 140 mm (5.5 in)
Width: 38 mm (1.5 in)
Weight (empty): 0.82 kg (1.81 lb)
Weight (loaded): 1.09 kg (2.40 lb)
Sight radius: 175 mm (6.9 in)

Barrel

Rifling twist: 1:10 in (250 mm)
Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 6

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Polymer
Slide: Steel
Stock: Polymer
Finish: phosphate

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 483 J (356 ft·lb)
Effective range: 50 m

History

Introduced: 1970
Discontinued: 1989
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: DE
Designer: Alex Seidel

Features

Polymer frame
Detachable stock holster
Three round burst via stock
Double action only trigger

Safety

Double action only trigger
No external safety

VP stands for Volkspistole ('People's Pistol'); the '70' designates the year of its first production, 1970. Burst fire is only available on the VP70M when the combination stock/holster is attached. The high cyclic rate makes the three-round burst fire almost as one report.