Heckler & Koch VP70
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Heckler & Koch VP70 | |
|---|---|
 VP70Z |
|
| Type | Machine pistol |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1970 |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Produced | 1970 – 1989 |
| Variants | "Z" (civilian, without 3-round burst capability) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 820 g (29 oz.) (empty) |
| Length | 204 mm (8.01 in.) |
| Barrel length | 116 mm (4.56 in.) |
| Height | 142 mm (5.59 in) |
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|
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| Cartridge | 9 mm Luger Parabellum |
| Action | Recoil operated intertial bolt, Striker-fired DAO |
| Rate of fire | 2200 round/min (3-round burst mode) |
The VP70 is a 9mm, 18-round, double action only, semi-automatic/three-round burst capable polymer frame pistol manufactured by German arms firm Heckler & Koch GmbH. VP stands for Volkspistole ("The people's pistol"), and the designation 70 was for the year of the first edition: 1970.
It predates the Glock as the first polymer-framed pistol. The weapon weighed 820 grams unloaded, which is lighter than most other metal framed pistols of the time. Although it is the first polymer pistol, the Remington Nylon 66 rifle was the first polymer-framed firearm in production.
The most unique feature of this weapon, however, is the combination stock/holster that is compatible with the military version of the VP70. The pistol itself is able to be stored in the stock while not in use, and the stock also allows the pistol to be fired three-round burst through a selector switch mounted on the stock. Cyclic rounds per minute for three-round burst is an impressive 2200rpm. The VP70 uses a spring loaded striker like a Glock, instead of a conventional firing pin. It is double action only so the trigger pull is relatively heavy.
Another unique characteristic is the front sight. In lieu of a blade, the VP70 uses a polished ramp with a central notch in the middle to provide the illusion of a dark front post.
The handgun comes in two varieties. The "Z" (Zivil, civilian) variant is the civilian version and is incapable of firing bursts or mounting the stock, and the "M" (Militär, military) variant that is burst capable. The VP70 first entered production in 1970, and ceased production in 1989. Four hundred VP70-Z pistols were made chambered in 9 x 21 mm IMI; these samples were made primarily for the civilian market of Italy, where the use of the 9 mm Luger Parabellum is a sole privilege of Military and Law Enforcement agencies. Those VP70-Z pistols sold in Italy actually can mount the stock-holster, and some quantities of them were sold with it; but the selective-fire capability is permanently disabled, with the switch having been removed from the stock itself.
