Sidearms & Scatterguns   HK or Glock

Barn Side

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 16, 2012
222
8
40
Thinking of upgrading my Glock 17 gen 4 with the new gen 5 or getting a HK VP9.Was just hoping to get opinions on what is the superior pistol out of the HK VP9 & Glock 17 (any gen) in terms of accuracy and durability?
Cheers,
 
My HKVP9 is more accurate in my hands and always goes boom. 1000ish rounds and no ftf. I personally couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a Glock. But they always go boom as well. I would say go with whichever you can shoot best. Every one that has fired my HKVP9 has gone on to purchase one with most being the next day. Great deals right now on HKVP9 at Palmetto State Armory. $549 with threaded barrel and MIR for 4 mags.
 
VP9 is the most comfortable semi-auto I've ever handled. Ergos are outstanding. The paddle release took about two range trips to get used to. Using my trigger finger to drop the mag, and the slide release location allows faster reloads and I never have to shift my grip on my firing hand.

I have somewhere between 4500 and 5000 rounds through my VP9 over the last 2 years, shot in rain, snow, rode on ATV's through dust, been camping/hiking with me etc... I had 1 partial failure to eject (stovepipe) with Tulammo steel-cased. That's it.

Trigger is outstanding, grip fits like a glove, sights are decent, ergos great... I put a light on it, and that's honestly all I care to do it.

I appreciate Glocks for what they are, but I sold all my non-collector fullsize pistols after a year of owning the VP9. I have a HK P30sk for a carry piece, and don't really have a desire to buy anything else, other than maybe a G43 or Walther PPS M2 for summer carry. I just know they'll sit in the safe and won't get shot.
 
Another vote for the VP9. Just bought one but rented multiple times the HK and others one being the glock you mentioned. Hands down the VP won time and time again for comfort, accuracy and ease of shooting all around. I can't add anything that transinator and ledzep already posted but between the two pistols for me its any easy choice, go with the HK.
 
I have several Gen3 / Gen 4 17's. I have added the Roger's Grip Force Adapter to almost every Glock as it adjusts the ergonomics closer the the HK grip. Also added Rogers Reactive Tactical Sights to the Gen4 G17. I am considering getting the Gen5 however its still not completely ambidextrous like the HK's. I don't notice difference in accuracy with the Glocks. I put an Apex trigger in my G43 and it really makes a nice difference but haven't installed any in my G17's but should.

I have thousands and thousands of rounds through all of them without any notable difference in function reliability. DSCN2448 copy 2.jpg

 

Attachments

  • IMG_5346 copy.JPG
    IMG_5346 copy.JPG
    76.7 KB · Views: 34
  • DSCN0062 copy 3.jpg
    DSCN0062 copy 3.jpg
    112.2 KB · Views: 33
  • DSCN0062 copy 3.jpg
    DSCN0062 copy 3.jpg
    112.2 KB · Views: 45
  • DSCN0189 copy 2.jpg
    DSCN0189 copy 2.jpg
    67.1 KB · Views: 53
Last edited:
VP9 owner for a year and a half now, VP9sk owner for two weeks. I love these guns! I owned a Glock for about 4 months a couple years ago, I just don't like them.

I also owned a USP9c for 16 years before I sold it to get the VP9. There is nothing to dislike with the VP9 imho.
 
As an alternative to the HK's you might consider the Walther PPQ M2. I have 3-4 thousand rounds thru this one I got in June. It has arguably the smoothest factory trigger in a polymer striker pistol. The ergonomics and dimensions are virtually identical to the P30 & VP9. The one difference is the Walther changed from HK style paddle magazine release on their M1 models, back to the "American" version of cross bolt style magazine release that is reversible, but not ambidextrous. The trigger appears "Glock-like" but feels more like an Apex trigger. I just put a HiViz front sight on and that's it. The Walther will also save you a few hundred $.
IMG_5968a copy.jpg
IMG_5970a copy.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have to agree with strikeagle about the PPQ. Really liked it when I was renting it side by side with the VP9. The reason I went with the VP9 over the PPQ was I have better accuracy and liked the HK sights better, otherwise I really liked the Walther. Both pimp slap the Glock.
 
I have the vp9 and ppq in 9mm and 45. I think all three guns are great but I have to give the edge to the walther ppq 9mm. All three are diffinetly different animals than the glock as far as grip sights etc..so the change may not be good if you are used to the glock. Glocks have so many aftermarket options to make them better while the ppq and vp9 are good to go outta the box
 
I'd go with the Gen 5 17 personally, there's many changes to them that make;

List of what is new:
Slide
Frame
Finish
Trigger bar
Connector
Extractor
Trigger return spring (which is now more of an assembly)
Plunger (not sure if same as g43)
Slide release
Slide lock
Slide lock spring
Trigger housing
Locking block
Locking block pin
Striker
Barrel (Marksmanship Barrel)
Recoil spring assembly
 
Go with what you feel comfortable with. I have Gen 1 and Gen 4's and a couple P30's, P30's are a dream in fit and function. Well thought out. The glocks all in various models are all just glocks. They all work perfect, I just don't talk about the glocks, makes me feel embarrassed.
 
VP9 Hands down. This is from someone who owns or has owned just about every handgun on the market over the last 20 years. I still own a half dozen glocks and they are fantastic pistols... but the VP9 is on another level.

More accurate, softer recoil, Faster Mag changes (don't need to alter grip), better grip purchase, better magazines, easier to rack,ect.

The PPQ is a very nice pistol as well however Walther USA support sucks and getting mags and parts is a pain in the ass. HKUSA on the other hand, is a pleasure to deal with.

 
You get my vote for the HK VP9. Right now Hk has a dealing going to September 30. Buy a a full size VP or P30 and get 4 free mags. Not a bad deal. I hear that there is a VP coming setup for a red dot. I also have a VP9 SK coming. A very nice compact about the size of a Glock 26 with a great trigger.
 
The HK VP9 has a much better trigger and far superior ergonomics than the Glock competition.
The price is not much more.
I'd go with the HK all day, but if you want to do endless customization to make it better, then the Glock would be the choice.
 
I had a P30L which has essentially the same ergonomics as the VP9 and though it felt "better" resting in my hand, 4th/5th Gen Glocks tend to feel locked into my hand better which helps with follow up shots. Same can be said about the M&P as well for me. YMMV
 
Out of the Box, a stock Gen 1,2,3 or 4 Glock can't touch a VP9. I can't speak for the Gen 5...haven't shot one yet.

In terms of parts replacement cost and availability and user serviceability, the VP9 can't touch Glock.
 
I find the VP9 easier to shoot very accurately, but my big gripe is the trigger reset. That doesn't mean that Glocks are inaccurate by any means.

The best thing to do is get as much trigger time as you can with both, decide what you prefer, and run with it.
 
I have both Glocks and HKs. Go shoot them both. They are different beasts. I think HKs are the best thing since the invention of the spoon but I use Glock 34s for USPSA matches since that’s what I started with for matches.
 
Thinking of upgrading my Glock 17 gen 4 with the new gen 5 or getting a HK VP9.Was just hoping to get opinions on what is the superior pistol out of the HK VP9 & Glock 17 (any gen) in terms of accuracy and durability?
Cheers,

Both are great pistols, and will outshoot you. If you are worried about accuracy, the weak link is you, not the pistol.
 
I agree with this, "Both are great pistols, and will outshoot you. If you are worried about accuracy, the weak link is you, not the pistol. " That said Glocks have never felt natural in my hand and the only one of the 5 Glocks I had and still have is my gen3 Glock that has a grip reduction to remove the "Glock" hump in the back. I just picked up a VP9 and a Sig320. The VP9 is hands down the best feeling grip in my opinion.
 
I guess I'll be the one to offer a different opinion. I have a pair of HK pistols. I despise them. I don't like the ergos at all. In all honesty I have to say that they're both reliable. I really like the Euro style mag release & that's all I like about them. FWIW, I shoot them both very well as far as score is concerned. Both versions are a compact & sub-compact.

As far as personal choice is concerned I'll carry a Glock all day. Every day. I own a Glock 17 (Gen 1) & a G22 (Gen 4). I like the longer sight radius, increased magazine capacity, grip angle & IMO a better factory trigger. I also think the full sized Glock pistols absorb the recoil much better. The G22 (Gen 4) feels like shooting 9 MM. Faster follow up shots & more time on target is a huge plus in my opinion. I also think the Glock pistols are much more durable / reliable. The upgraded night sights on the Gen 4 pistols are a huge plus as well. The Glock is highly customizable w/ assloads of available accessories. Glock pistols just run, & run & run. I haven't seen anyone kill a Glock yet. I have seen more than a few HK pistols go down.

Cost is another factor; I can buy two Glock pistols for the price of one HK pistol. HK seems to think there pistols are made of gold. As far as personal preference goes, I hate the HK pistols. The HK pistols have all sorts of issues w/ rust in salt water environments (more so than other pistols) & weak trigger springs. I had one HK pistol that had the front end of the slide come apart after about 17,000 rounds. I expected more from HK.

In closing, I'm not trying to ruffle anyone's feathers as we all have our own opinions. OP, you're going to have to make your choice based on personal opinion.
 
Last edited:
VP9 and Glock 19 pricing is really similar. I'm not sure if you're comparing used G19's to a new VP9 tactical or how you're getting the 2:1 price ratio. Most of the time they're within $50 at the same store, often priced identically ($580ish).

P30's, Hk45's, etc.. yes they're more expensive, but this discussion is mostly about VP9's. So I'm not sure what pistol you've got, but the VP9 trigger vs. a Glock trigger has been universally a no-brainer in my experience. Even my Glock-fan friends agree the trigger on the VP is better. I've said this before, a lot... The Glock has a bigger aftermarket, the VP9 doesn't need it.

To each their own.
 
I don't have the VP9. I've never shot the VP9 for the record. I've held it & the ergos don't work for me. I'm referring to the P2000 pistol. I probably should've clarified this in the initial post. This gun has left a very bad impression on me as far as HK is concerned. One of my buddies had a USP 40 Tactical that I really enjoyed shooting, but the P2000 has soured me on HK.
 
I don't have the VP9. I've never shot the VP9 for the record. I've held it & the ergos don't work for me. I'm referring to the P2000 pistol. I probably should've clarified this in the initial post. This gun has left a very bad impression on me as far as HK is concerned. One of my buddies had a USP 40 Tactical that I really enjoyed shooting, but the P2000 has soured me on HK.



Ive had (not have as they are gone) USP's and the trigger pull on double action HK pistols is bad. The VP9 is nothing like it. It's a great feeling gun all around.
 
I don't have the VP9. I've never shot the VP9 for the record. I've held it & the ergos don't work for me. I'm referring to the P2000 pistol. I probably should've clarified this in the initial post. This gun has left a very bad impression on me as far as HK is concerned. One of my buddies had a USP 40 Tactical that I really enjoyed shooting, but the P2000 has soured me on HK.

The P2000 is a fair bit different from most other of the HK models (the closest match is the HK45C)

I think you'll find the USPc or the P30 / VP9 /sk have much better ergonomics than the P2000 / P2000sk, if you have massive hands and like the brick feel, then the full size USP is an option.
 
Been around the horn and always come back to the glock. To me, the grip goes in the same position each time I unholster it and sets my wrist in an optimal position. This allows my sight picture to be very natural and smooth... And that reset hasn’t been duplicated. H&Ks, M&Ps, Sigs, etc don’t do that for me fwiw.
 
I've been running one a few years :cool:

As a dedicated AIWB guy, I always used a P30 because it was light and had a hammer I could ride with my thumb during holstering. Once the Gadget came out, I sold the P30 and got a couple of Glocks. H&K makes a fantastic gun, but I’ll take a Glock. It’s a blunt instrument.... I’ll save the “work of art” budget for rifles and Nightforces.
 
Last edited:
As a dedicated AIWB guy, I always used a P30 because it was light and had a hammer I could ride with my thumb during holstering. Once the Gadget came out, I sold the P30 and got a couple of Glocks. H&K makes a fantastic gun, but I’ll take a Glock. It’s a blunt instrument.... I’ll save the “work of art” budget for rifles and Nightforces.

I was a student of Todd Green (Rest in Peace) and also had a short stint with a P30L LEM which I did not shoot nearly as well as my Glocks. I became a beta tester for the Gadget in 2014 and want them on all my carry glocks, I'm still waiting on the Glock 43 model and by the the I can buy a Gen 5 the Gadget should be available. :cool:
 
Get the one that fits your hand better.

HKs do not work for me, but I learned to shoot with the Glock. My first full size Glock has somewhere in excess of 50k rounds through it over the course of the last twenty years or so and never skipped a beat (not sure of the exact count, since I stopped counting a couple of years ago). I do not have to shift my grip for mag changes or slight release. I change springs on it occasionally.

Besides, I do not like HK's politics.

ILya

 
I have both HK and Glock Gen 4. I like them both for different reasons. I find the controls on the HK just a little easier to manipulate. However, I feel that I am ever so slightly more accurate with the Glock. Both have been extremely reliable, so for me it comes down to which one fits your hand better.
 
Lots of comments about choosing which one fits your hand better.... I don't think that's a good default. How about which one you SHOOT better instead? Lots of folks go with the VP9/P30 because the grip makes you feel warm and fuzzy. If that makes you shoot it any better, then that's fantastic. I don't think anything about a Glock grip gives anyone a warm and fuzzy feeling, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it takes anything away from the functionality of the gun.

for instance, I had a P30 and it is an absolutely fantastic gun, and felt great in my hands. however, I just shoot that clunky uncomfortable Glock more efficiently. leave your feelings at home, and do an objective comparison based on performance before you make your choice. best of luck, regardless of the outcome!
 
I have been an HK fan boy for the better part of 20 years. They make some of the coolest stuff out there, and I’ve owned quite a few HK pistols and rifles.

I was looking for a gun on par with my G19, and I tried the VP9. For ergonomics, I’ve not felt a better pistol in my hands. But I don’t shoot the gun as well as my G19. I shoot my P7M8 and USP tactical very well but wasn’t very impressed with my performance with this HK. Functionally though, I’d take it any day over a sa/da pistol.

I ended up going with a P320 which I seem to shoot very well. But between the Glock and VP9, for me the Glock works better.
 
Neither. Keep your G17 Gen 4 and put the money into more ammo and just keep practicing. Nothing special about Gen 5 unless your a lefty, and Hk is a great brand but despite a great feeling grip, the mag release is somewhat awkward at least for me and as always spare parts cost abit more
 
Depends what features you want in the pistol and its intended use. To me, stock Glocks are very basic and with HK you pay a bit more for better features. However there are tons of aftermarket items for Glocks and not many for HK pistols except for night sights. For my main carry I went with the HK P30 because it already had all the features I wanted (Lumisights, interchangable grips, large mag release, large slide stop, decent S/A trigger) and I don't need to do anything else to it. But now I'd like to get into shooting sports and feel that I'd like a Glock with a long slide that I can customize for competing.
 
I would keep your current glock and just pimp it out, since it’s what you’ve been running already. The walther is a good choice to and the aftermarket is growing for them. HK.... they are slick but I’ve had one and run practice drills etc and I stuck with the glocks in the end.