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VP9 article with bad hand positioning

3K views 32 replies 10 participants last post by  Ninjamamaseeta 
#1 ·
First of all, I'm a female so I think it's ok for me to rip on this article.

Scroll down to the 2nd photo of the female blonde who you see at the top of the article - there's another with the same person.

http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/gun-reviews/hk-vp9-review/

I'm aggravated at the hand position of the female operator.

Just look at her left thumb. Can you say, "release me"?
 
#3 ·
Yes, and it's a bit disheartening to me that it happens to be a woman. :(

I know what you mean about brass to face syndrome. I'm glad you said that. I thought it was me since I'm just scratching the surface with range time but obsessively learning at lightning speed about safe and proper ways to handle firearms in general. Coming to this forum has been one of the greatest internet finds so far! Thanks for commenting! I had to buy a hat yesterday while using the VP9 for the first time. Spent cases kept landing on my head and one went down the front of my T-shirt! Talk about momentary wow!

I've been to the range only 5 times since January and have made 2 purchases so far, with many likely in the future. Accessories are plentiful and it seems to be more of an issue of having enough time to read about what's available and talk to the gun shop owners to get recommendations on which brands tend to be more reliable than others.

That said, I'm seeing plenty of people in general, handle firearms in a not-so-safe manner and it freaks me out to be standing anywhere near them at these ranges. Evenings and weekends seem to be the worst where everybody and their cousin wants to go shooting but hasn't had any training or instruction worth a darn.

Then photos like these show up on the internet which further emphasizes that even these so-called experts who are writing articles, don't bother to check the photos and see if there's any portrayal of poor technique being demonstrated.

Why is it so hard for anyone to take a little extra time to learn beyond basics? Handling a firearm isn't like picking up a paint brush and painting trim on a window. It's serious business. To that point, I'm now starting to go to the range at mid-day when it's less likely that just any interested party off the street who has been given a 2 minute tutorial on how the operation of a handgun works, will be standing next to me. <end rant>
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the tip on the 124 grain ammo.

I have a couple questions since I've had a chance to follow up with the store where I purchased the VP9.

During my first session with the VP9, I had 4 instances where the slide lock released on me without me releasing it after I inserted the mag. I called the store and they told me this happens on semi-automatic pistols and that it was normal. He said that if you inject the mag and give it a good spank, that it'll do this. He also said it happens on one of his Glocks which surprised me. I've not once, had the slide release on me with my G43 and since it's supposed to be a mechanically 'locked' position (I know it's not really actually locked, but, engaged until otherwise wanting it not to be engaged has been my thinking), to have the slide release on its own without me hitting any slide lock release mechanism had me concerned as a first time firearm owner.

What's been your experience with the slide lock release on Glocks, H&K's or any other firearm for that matter and is there a mod that could be done to make this a little less likely to happen? Knowing that it does this now, I won't be so surprised but this leads me to yet another question. Has anyone exchanged mags with 1 round still in battery? When the slide released on me, a cartrdige loaded into battery but if there's already 1 round ready to fire, what happens and can this lead to a misfire or some other mechanical problem? I think the answer is no but I haven't tried this to see. Might try it next time out because of the 'what if' scenario. I want to know what's going to happen and better happening at a range than in a crisis situation.

Looking forward to your responses!
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the tip on the 124 grain ammo.

I have a couple questions since I've had a chance to follow up with the store where I purchased the VP9.

During my first session with the VP9, I had 4 instances where the slide lock released on me without me releasing it after I inserted the mag. I called the store and they told me this happens on semi-automatic pistols and that it was normal. He said that if you inject the mag and give it a good spank, that it'll do this. He also said it happens on one of his Glocks which surprised me. I've not once, had the slide release on me with my G43 and since it's supposed to be a mechanically 'locked' position (I know it's not really actually locked, but, engaged until otherwise wanting it not to be engaged has been my thinking), to have the slide release on its own without me hitting any slide lock release mechanism had me concerned as a first time firearm owner.

What's been your experience with the slide lock release on Glocks, H&K's or any other firearm for that matter and is there a mod that could be done to make this a little less likely to happen? Knowing that it does this now, I won't be so surprised but this leads me to yet another question. Has anyone exchanged mags with 1 round still in battery? When the slide released on me, a cartrdige loaded into battery but if there's already 1 round ready to fire, what happens and can this lead to a misfire or some other mechanical problem? I think the answer is no but I haven't tried this to see. Might try it next time out because of the 'what if' scenario. I want to know what's going to happen and better happening at a range than in a crisis situation.

Looking forward to your responses!
We actually have a name for this phenomenon you describe, we call it "Auto Forward". With some guns it's common place enough, we'd use it to our advantage when competing. I've done this thousands of times with Berettas, XDs, and M&Ps without issue. As long as the round feeds properly, I'd not worry about it. The properly working gun isn't going to go off, just because the slide released on its own.

Funny thing is, I could never get my Glocks to do this, though I've seen many that do. I actually tried.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I agree, 124 grain or higher for the first 100-200 rounds will work - at least it did for my P30. I congrats on the VP9 - just bought my first one last weekend.

Oh people are totally unsafe at the range at times. Not everyone, but you get those few that make you nervous. I'm fortunate in that there are 4 indoor ranges nearby and one them is very diligent and strict with their range officers. One range will only do something if you complain. I've been hit by shrapnel.
 
#11 ·
Thanks Michael! I went to the range yesterday and had 5 lanes to myself until the last 10 mins. That was the safest I've felt yet at any range. :)

I had my very first 'brass to face' experience with my own brass and the VP9. :) The range sells reloads so I was using 115 grain. The brass case left two black streaks on my nose which I didn't know until I went to wash my hands before I left.

I'm going again today with Remington 124 grain FMJ. I hope to notice a difference.
 
#13 ·
Thanks Michael! I went to the range yesterday and had 5 lanes to myself until the last 10 mins. That was the safest I've felt yet at any range. :)

I had my very first 'brass to face' experience with my own brass and the VP9. :) The range sells reloads so I was using 115 grain. The brass case left two black streaks on my nose which I didn't know until I went to wash my hands before I left.

I'm going again today with Remington 124 grain FMJ. I hope to notice a difference.
You're welcome! I'm sure you will. I did. I'm jealous, I haven't gotten mine out to the range yet lol.


Oh nice! Love those days where it's just me.

Just finished going through 500 rounds of Remington 124 grain today and no shells to face, no jams... Love my new VP9! I bought 4 additional mags today at the Gun and Knife show. Instant gratification - $170 flat for 4 mags. Not too bad.
Awesome! Not a bad price actually lol.
 
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#17 ·
The auto slide release happens from time to time on all my Glocks, HKs, SIGs and Berettas.

The new CZ P10C was designed to do it from the get go I believe. Won't know until they finally ship.

I always tell my g/f and daughter to wear a hat and an overshirt when we go shooting.

I agree with you about scary people at the range. I stopped going to those places. I found some friends with land and we shoot there without issues.

Also come on people, it's an HK thread. Post some pictures!

I actually bought spare mags and a holster before I even ordered my VP9.

This is it when I first got it, I had to do the one mag with the backwards round as an homage to HK's old catalog.






Then I sent it out for NP3.
I did have a threaded barrel for it but I liked shooting my 1911 suppressed more than I did with the HK so I sold the threaded barrel for the HK.


This is how it looks now:
 
#18 ·
Oh my! That holster! Swoon!

Thanks for the pics. Sorry, I drooled.

I takea hat now. Works well for added protection. It stays in my tactical backpack which by the way, is screaming for me to buy 2 more pistols to fill the vacant slots.

Not a whole lot for me to take photos of that you don't already include in yours. But, by end of the day today, there might be another handgun in my collection. I'm looking at the HK P30SK LE.

I'm definitely going shooting again today. Going twice yesterday has made my left forearm a bit sore (about 300 rounds, maybe more) but I really want to get comfortable handling my firearms since my CPL arrived and my G43 doesn't have a manual external safety. I'm instinctively keeping my trigger finger along the barrel so there's that. Can't say that about others I'm seeing at the range though.

Oh, and another digression... My husband and I gave my sister a 1 hour class at our house (tutorial on safety and handling of a couple models she was going to be shooting at the range after our session), then we went to the range. She had an absolute blast and commented afterwards that she was really glad we did the class beforehand so she could know what to expect. It was slightly intimidating for her but she's fearless and will try anything and she did an excellent job with all her instructions. Two or three more times and she'll start remembering more about hand position and stance. It took me a couple times of going and reminding myself of a few things but yesterday, I was doing these things without too much thinking and much more enjoying.

Too bad ranges aren't open 24/7. I'd be one of those going in the wee hours of the morning to avoid the crowds.

Pics will be posted later today. Thank you everyone for commenting and including me as a noob. I'm really enjoying this forum and its 'personality'. Not all forums are as enjoyable and I've been on many.
 
#19 ·
Thanks! It's been pretty amazing so far. Just got back from the range after a very efficient and effective 2nd practice session for the day. I was pleased with my precision. Groups were mostly within a 6" circle with a slight tendency to hit on the low side. I definitely need new contacts. The target gets blurry at 21'.

Having extra mags is sweet!

I need a holster for my new baby and I'm gonna forego the rail mounted tactical light for now.

Gonna look for a .40 cal next. My husband had an XD and I really like it but I need my own. Just because.
the VP9 is not my main CCW pistol, so I went with a Milt Sparks 55BN OWB holster.

 
#22 · (Edited)
Reading a lady post on her love of shooting and desire to improve is refreshing. We need more of you.


And as far as these gun reviewers, whether it's a publication or amateur YouTube channel, most are not great skilled shooters. Heck I've watched some popular YouTube channels give crappy advise. I won't name names to be nice.

Fortunately there are great information out there from the actual pros. Look up instructional videos by Jerry Miculek, Bob Vogel, Max Michell, Rob Leatham, Jessy Harrison (is that still her last name?) etc....
Edit: and don't forget Ron Avery. He has some of the best instructional vids. Tactical performance center channel.

Keep at it! :)
And remember the journey of improving shooting skills involves a lot of self analyzing. I'm still in this journey. Once you get more comfortable please enter some local IDPA type matches. That's when the fun learning starts...

Rock on!
 
#25 ·
No. It's the handloads.
Don't trust anyone's handloaded ammo but your own.

My HK and Glock have not been cleaned or lubed in months and thousands of rounds with no issue. I'm beating up on my guns on purpose.

I don't handload to save on cost per round. I handload to try to find the best subsonic round for me to shoot suppressed. Each round is checked and double checked to make sure powder is correct and bullet is properly seated. Then (I'm cheap) each loaded round is dropped in a spare barrel to test fitment. So this is time consuming and not saving me money.
Handloads sold at gun shows are loaded as fast as possible so they can make a quick buck.
 
#27 ·
Oops. Forgot to edit.
Anyways to continue about handloads.

If you get a kaboom, you can bet the person that loaded that ammo won't take responsibility and the gun manufacturer won't either. With factory ammo they will take responsibility and replace your gun. This is why I recommend to people to keep their ammo stored in the boxes it came in so you have lot/date information for the manufacturer.

I know people that just dump all their ammo in a can and all the ammo is mixed up so you don't know what ammo blew up your gun. Some departments will do this to save on space.

I don't. Each case that comes in I date the box before I put it away. We shoot our oldest ammo first. Once case at a time. If we have any issues we know which case the box came from.
 
#32 ·
The scientist in me thought that traceability might be a good thing. I'm going to get some religion so to speak, on these matters.

These tips are great. The last thing anyone wants is a kaboom gone wrong.

Thanks!
I would not use reloads from individuals unless I know them and their hand loading habits.

Even one of my best friends, an experienced shooter and rifle hand loader screwed up on his first couple of batches of simple 9mm FMJs.
 
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