The Heckler & Koch VP9, with its cold hammer forged polygonal bore, solid ergonomics, and under barrel rail, is an excellent choice for a 9mm handgun, whether for sporting or defensive applications.
It also has a lightweight polyamide frame, which makes it easier to carry, but allows the gun to generate a bit more recoil.
If you’re recoil shy, here are some things you can do to fight that.
Shoot Lighter Ammo
All else being equal, the more muzzle energy a given cartridge produces, the heavier the felt recoil from that round will be.
The next time you’re looking at a box of ammo, look at the muzzle energy. The lower it is, the less recoil it will produce.
There are two things to be aware of here, though. Lower muzzle energy that lacks the power to cycle the action may result in jams.
Also, lower muzzle energy can also adversely affect stopping power, so this might not be a viable suggestion if you carry defensively.
Install a Heavier Guide Rod
Adding a heavier guide rod will not only provide better protection to the recoil spring, it will also add mass to the handgun.
The greater the mass, the better the platform will absorb recoil. Also, the fact that a guide rod adds mass near the muzzle will help keep the muzzle flip down.
Install an HK Compensator
Installing an HK compensator might be the most impactful thing you can do to lessen felt recoil without making any other changes to the gun, the ammo you shoot, or your stance.
HK compensators like Anarchy Outdoors’, which are compatible with both VP9 and VP40 handguns, are easy to install and can slash felt recoil by as much as 50% without adversely affecting shot power. A compensator will not only reduce recoil but also control muzzle flip, enabling you to make faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
Plus, installing a compensator will enable you to shoot ammo with greater muzzle energy without reaping the adverse effects of higher recoil.
They require no extensive modifications to the handgun and are available in several colors, too. Visit Anarchy Outdoors for more information.
Work on Your Grip
Improving your grip on the handgun is another way to slash felt recoil – perhaps the best way.
Grip the gun high on the frame with your shooting hand with the webbing between your thumb and forefinger almost up at the back of the slide.
Let your shooting hand’s thumb rest along the frame at the base of the slide, almost (but not) touching it.
Wrap your support hand completely around the shooting hand so that all four of your support fingers cup your shooting hand’s grip. Your support hand’s index finger can cover the trigger guard.
Maximize contact between the VP9’s frame and your support hand; lay your support thumb along the bottom of your shooting hand’s thumb to reinforce your grip.
Extend your elbows till they are almost locked and grip the gun hard, as hard as you can without straining.
Work on Your Stance
Last but not least, adopting a proper stance will also help you form better habits that will enable you to deal with recoil more effectively.
First, bend your knees and drop your stance a little bit. Getting lower by even a few inches will lower your center of gravity which will make it harder for recoil to throw you off balance.
On the same note, lean forward at the shoulders, or even at the waist, slightly. This will put you in a position to better absorb recoil when you do fire.
These two things will help you corral recoil and muzzle flip and make it easier for you to control the VP9.
