HK VP9 SK

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The P2000 SK model is a smaller "sub-compact" version of the P2000. American versions of the P2000SK will accept the longer USP Compact magazines which provide higher capacities; up to 13 9 mm rounds and 12 .40 S&W/.357 SIG cartridges. Some of the advantages of its compact size will be compromised as these longer magazines will protrude approximately 1/2" below the bottom of the P2000SK's grip. Lower capacity 10-round magazines are the same size as the higher capacity USP Compact magazines.

The Heckler & Koch P2000 SK is a polymer framed hammer fired sub compact with modest dimensions and better than average capacity. The 9mm holds 10 rounds and is still only 4.55″ high. The cold hammer forged barrel has polygonal rifling, and is 3.26″ long. It’s tucked neatly within an overall length of 6.4″, making is easily concealable. Yet the length of the barrel gives it more ballistic punch (when you compare it to some of the shorter 9mms on the market now). It isn’t the thinnest sub compact on the market, but its 1.37″ width is by no means bulky. The controls don’t stick out, but provide exceptional leverage. They are much easier to manipulate than many sub compacts.

For those who use H&K pistols, having cross platform familiarity is a strong selling point for the P2000sk. It is the smallest pistol H&K makes and it is a pistol with a purpose. The subcompact H&K is built for self-defense. The P2000 pistols are logical pairings with the larger  H&K USP. They’re small, ergonomic, and have easy to use. So why isn’t the P2000 SK any more popular than it is?

The P2000 SK was developed as a subcompact ambidextrous defensive handgun. Utilizing low profile controls, low profile sights, no external safeties, and the reliability of a full size handgun, the weapon seems to fit well within the pantheon of subcompact 9mms. At the time of its inception, the P2000 SK seemed more unique. Its biggest competition was the Glock 26/27.

Shooting the P2000 SK takes some getting used to. Its grip is very tight–maybe cramped is a better. I have a hard time getting three fingers on the gun comfortably. But it isn’t about comfort. If you’re drawing the P2000 SK in a defensive situation, you won’t be thinking about comfort. And there is a replaceable back strap to enlarge the grip if you find yourself too jammed up on the grip.

Firing the pistol starts with a long double action trigger pull that breaks at a hefty 11 pounds. That may seem excessive, but the pull isn’t gritty. It is crisp and manageable and easily staged. After that initial round fires, the pistol picks up a much more manageable 4.5 pound trigger pull in single action.

The P2000 SK shoots flat, thanks in part to the deceptive mass of the pistol.

One of the best features of the P2000 SK is the way it handles recoil. The pistol’s recoil is not sharp, nor is it snappy. I’ve shot a lot of 9mms in this size, and some of their muzzle flips can be especially brutal. But with proper grip and form the P2000 SK  is easily managed. Repeat shots are fast and consistent. The gun simply handles like a full size pistol.

The ambidextrous slide drop and magazine release make feeding the weapon effortless, with either hand. When holding the pistol with both hands all the controls are right where they should be and easily accessible, elevating any need to shift the gun to actuate any of its functions.

The magazines are stout, like all H&K mags, and hold 10 rounds of 9mm. If you prefer .40, the mags hold 9. The mag plates have a small nub for extra grip. It isn’t much to hold onto, but it does act as a leverage point. This is one of the extras that helps with the mitigation of muzzle flip. It is like a small anchor.Clearing your palm from the mag well makes loading easier. The decocking button sits on the rear of the P2000sk’s slide and allows the user to safely carry a round in the chamber. The double action first shot is heavy and long but easily managed to be just as accurate as the single action shots to follow.

If you would rather have a double action only version, H&K makes the Law Enforcement Modification package (which they also call Combat Defense Action). It is effectively a double action only trigger that can be dialed down from the heavy pull to as little as 5.5 pounds. The LEM package uses a pre-cocked hammer that works similarly to striker fired pistol, offering the same pull for every round.