Editorial H&K adds the VP .40 to their striker fired pistol line David Reeder June 13, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Heckler & Koch has announced they're adding a .40 caliber model to their VP striker fired pistol line. The VP40 (.40 S&W) joins the 9 mm VP9, which was released about this time last year. H&K advises the VP pistol line has been in development for more than four years and that the new guns are worthy successors to the HK VP70 and P7 pistols from 3 1/2 decades ago (apparently 2014's VP9 has been one of H&K's most successful weapons). H&K advises the VP40 was tested with thousands of rounds of assorted ammunition types through multiple evaluation guns. You can check out this page on the website for a close-up of the weapon and its various features. Says HK-USA Vice President for Commercial and Law Enforcement Sales Michael Holley, “Just a year after launching the VP series pistol with the 9 mm VP9, we are thrilled to have a .40 caliber model join the line-up. Last year the VP9 took the market by storm and the VP40 promises to live up to its birthright. For civilian shooters and law enforcement agencies looking for a little more power to go with the VP's well-recognized superior quality – this is it. Once again it shows Heckler & Koch's commitment to the U.S. market and American shooters.” HK President HK-USA echoes Holley's statement. “Like the 9 mm VP9, the VP40 has been through just about every test and challenge possible. Heckler & Koch's strict company testing program put the VP40 through just about every trial imaginable; NATO and U.S. NIJ drop tests, water, dust, mud, and sand…” The VP40 is described as having the “…same excellent, precise trigger that debuted on the VP9.” Furthermore its grip can be customized to fit any shooter by using a mix of three interchangeable backstraps and six grip panels. Like its predecessor it features charging supports; small, removable wings on the rear of the slide designed to make cocking and manipulating the pistol much easier than other handgun designs. H&K claims the VP pistols have a safer and easier disassembly process than many competing models. Now, to preempt those few crayon-eaters looking to be outraged about something, look; I can make a stupid reference to stuff that happened years ago too. *gasp* Now we'll see who among the disaffected few has time to make a smarmy remark but not enough to read the article; to all the rest of you, thank you! The VP40 is designed and manufactured in Oberndorf, Germany and is covered by Heckler & Koch's limited lifetime warranty. The H&K VP40 will be available to civilians and LEOs alike. Looks like getting one will run ya $719. A LEO configuration with tritium night sights and 3 mags will be $819. Explore RECOILweb:Crap Shoot: The Ruby Extra RevolverRECOILtv Mail Call Video: Blackhawk Omnivore HolsterTactical Tips: Vertx EDC PantsThe Gyrojet: In This Case, It Is Rocket Science NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.