VP9CC Overview
Offering a capacity of 10+1 with the flush-fit magazine, the HK VP9CC line is just a hair larger than the ground-breaking SIG P365. However, the VP9CC makes up for that with its great shootability, excellent trigger, and a unique low-riding optics system.
Heckler & Koch cut a clever “U-channel” down the center of the slide, which allows the optics plate to wrap around the striker assembly instead of resting right on top of it. The result is a red dot that rides 40 percent lower on the slide for factory co-witnessing with the gun’s iron sights.
This proprietary slide cut also makes the VP9CC a similarly sized carry package when compared to the P365, even with a Vortex Defender-CCW enclosed red dot mounted on top.
One reason I picked the VP9CC to be my new carry gun was its great trigger, which offers a crisp break at 5.2 pounds and a fast reset. The ergonomics are another win for me, and I find that this gun fits my hand and points naturally.
I opted for the optics-equipped VP9CC model. That’s a big move for me because I’ve always leaned toward iron sights for my carry guns. However, I found I just shoot the VP9CC great with a red dot, and the ergonomics make this an easy gun for me to draw from the holster and present consistently on a target while using a red dot.
You can also fine-tune the grip to your liking with the six different included backstrap options.
There is one quirk to the German-made VP9CC that is worth a mention: the ambidextrous paddle magazine releases. These are very versatile once you get used to them, but most Americans are accustomed to button mag releases and will need a bit of practice.
Still, I found it easy to load and reload with just a bit of training using these paddle releases on the trigger guard.
Specifications
Here’s a quick breakdown of the basic specs for the VP9CC.
Concealed Carry Holsters
I got my hands on three early models of holsters for the VP9CC shortly after Heckler & Koch announced its new pistol. While I predominantly carry appendix these days, I made sure to snag an outside-the-waistband option as well, which is a common winter carry solution for me.
My favorite holster so far for the VP9CC is the half-leather and half-Kydex Falco TalonGuard Hybrid IWB holster. The Kydex portion provides a positive “click” hold on the VP9CC’s trigger guard, and the leather keeps the holster comfortable and just a tad flexible so it molds to my body.
I also appreciate the long sweat guard that runs up the rear of the TalonGuard. The VP9CC with optic comes with raised rear sights. These are great and offer a lower co-witness with the red dot right from the factory.
However, the elevated rear sight has some sharp corners, and the TalonGuard keeps those away from my abdomen when I bend over or sit down. That’s particularly helpful while driving, when the sharper sight would be pressed against my body for extended periods.
The retention is also solid with the TalonGuard, but you do need to break this holster in for it to fit. Falco has instructions on how to do that, and a little patience works wonders for getting this hybrid IWB holster to fit your gun just right.
My only complaint isn’t really a complaint. The clip is made from some very strong spring steel – so much so that it takes a lot of finger strength to slip the clip over your belt. This offers superior belt retention, but you will need to get accustomed to muscling that clip over your belts.
I also snagged a Falco TalonGuard Pancake Hybrid OWB holster. If you carry at the 3 or 4 o’clock positions for OWB holsters, it helps to have some flexibility to bend the holster around your hip bone. The hard Kydex options often push out further on my beltline or feel uncomfortable on my hip when I tighten my belt to keep the gun close to my body.
The TalonGuard Pancake Hybrid OWB holster flexes just enough to fit any position on my beltline comfortably, and it also offers that Kydex “click” lock on the trigger guard.
The VP9CC inside one of these OWB holsters is still a slender package that hugs tightly to my side. I can easily run this as a range holster for training or conceal it under my fall/winter clothing.
Finally, I grabbed a Vedder IWB LightTuck all-Kydex holster. I’ve used LightTucks for years, and they are very slim while still offering great retention and reholstering performance. This option is thinner than the Falco Hybrid IWB TalonGuard, and the clip is a lot easier to manipulate over my belts.
For my needs, the Vedder is my go-to when I carry in running shorts because it is so thin. It conceals well, even while running. However, the sweat shield is thinner and sometimes allows the sharp rear sight to rub against my body.
I lean toward the Falco options when I am wearing normal clothing.
Reliability & Accuracy
I’m now sitting at 800 rounds through this VP9CC, and it has been a tank for reliability with various types of FMJ ammo and hollow-point rounds ranging from Federal 124-grain 9mm Punch to Hornady 115-grain Critical Defense.
I have yet to experience a malfunction with any of my various brands of test ammo.
The VP9CC backs up that reliability with great range performance when it comes to accuracy. Yes, it’s a small gun, but I shot it well out to 25 yards. Hitting 1/3-scale steel silhouette targets is easy at 25 yards, and shooting with precision under 10 yards is predictable.
I’ve put off carrying a gun with an optic for what has probably been too long. I shoot well with red dots, but I disliked the idea of training around a red-dot pistol when I was so accustomed to just using standard iron sights.
However, the VP9CC proved to be a sweet spot for me. The optic-equipped model comes with co-witness iron sights right from the factory, but the red dot presents so well for me that I was already consistently showing the red dot on target when drawing from the holster during my first range visit.
So, for what it’s worth, the VP9CC is the gun that finally convinced me to start carrying with an optic.
Pros & Cons
Final Thoughts
I like smaller guns, but many are rather hard to shoot well. The VP9CC is not one of them. This is a great concealed carry option right out of the gate, and there are plenty of holsters to support your carry method of choice.
Reliable, superbly accurate, and comfortable to shoot, the VP9CC does come at a premium price point. However, if you plan on carrying the same gun for years to come, then this is a solid investment for those looking for a highly reliable micro-compact 9mm.
Paul Peterson
Managing Editor Paul Peterson is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an awarded combat journalist. He's been collecting firearms for over 20 years and enjoys sharing that passion with the broader firearms community through his work with Guns.com.
View All Articles by Paul Peterson