HK VP9A1-X and VP9A1-X Tactical: Compact Slide, Full-Size Grip, Suppressor-Ready
Heckler & Koch expands the VP9A1 lineup with the VP9A1-X crossover and VP9A1-X Tactical. The X pairs a compact 4.09-inch slide with a full-size 17-round grip frame. The Tactical adds a 4.70-inch threaded barrel and suppressor-height sights. Both ship optics-ready from $1,049.
Key Takeaways
- →Crossover Concept: VP9A1-X combines a compact 4.09" slide with a full-size grip accepting 17-round flush and 20-round extended magazines
- →Suppressor-Ready Tactical: VP9A1-X Tactical adds a 4.70" threaded barrel (M13.5x1 LH) with suppressor-height sights providing 1/3 co-witness
- →Factory Optic Options: Available optics-ready ($1,049/$1,149) or factory-equipped with Holosun SCS or Vortex Defender CCW ($1,399/$1,479)
- →Nine Adapter Plates: Optics cut supports Trijicon, Holosun, EOTech, Leupold, Meopta, and more without additional gunsmithing
- →VP9A1 Platform: Built on the updated VP9A1 foundation with improved ergonomics, refined trigger, and enhanced controls
VP9A1-X: The Crossover
The VP9A1-X is HK's answer to the compact-slide, full-size-grip formula that has gained traction across the industry. The 4.09-inch barrel keeps the slide short enough for concealed carry while the full-size frame provides a complete grip and 17-round flush-fit capacity. A 20-round extended magazine is also available.
HK ships the VP9A1-X in three configurations: optics-ready at $1,049, factory-equipped with a Holosun SCS at $1,399, or with a Vortex Defender CCW at $1,399. All optics-ready models include tritium front sights with blackened serrated rears. California-compliant versions are available.
VP9A1-X Specifications
- Caliber9mm x 19
- Barrel Length4.09"
- Overall Length7.34"
- Overall Height5.52" (with magazine)
- Weight26.56 oz (without magazine)
- Capacity17+1 (flush), 20+1 (extended)
- MSRP$1,049 (OR) / $1,399 (OE)
The VP9 has a strong reputation for shootability, and HK is leaning into that with the VP9A1 generation. The VP9A1-X carries over the improved ergonomics, enhanced controls, and refined trigger pull that define the A1 platform. Magazine options span 10, 15, 17, and 20 rounds depending on configuration.
VP9A1-X Tactical: Threaded and Suppressor-Ready
The VP9A1-X Tactical extends the crossover concept with a 4.70-inch hammer-forged threaded barrel (M13.5x1 LH) and suppressor-height sights. The taller sights provide a 1/3 co-witness with mounted red dots and remain visible over most suppressors.
HK also offers VP9A1-K Tactical (compact) and VP9A1-F Tactical (full-size) variants with the same threaded barrel and suppressor-height sight treatment. The K and X models are available now. The F models arrive mid-year.
VP9A1-X Tactical Specifications
- Caliber9mm x 19
- Barrel Length4.70" (threaded, M13.5x1 LH)
- Overall Length7.92"
- Overall Height5.52" (with magazine)
- Weight26.56 oz (without magazine)
- Capacity17+1 (flush), 20+1 (extended)
- SightsSuppressor-height (1/3 co-witness)
- MSRP$1,149 (OR) / $1,479 (OE)
Optics Integration
Both the VP9A1-X and VP9A1-X Tactical use HK's optics-cut system with nine adapter plates supporting most popular red dot footprints. Compatible optics include models from Trijicon, Holosun, EOTech, Leupold, Meopta, and others. No gunsmithing required.
Factory optic-equipped (OE) models ship with either the Holosun SCS or Vortex Defender CCW already mounted. The SCS is notable for its solar/battery hybrid power and direct-mount design that eliminates adapter plates entirely. The Vortex Defender CCW is an enclosed emitter micro red dot built for concealed carry.
Optics-ready (OR) models include a plate and mounting hardware. OR models ship with tritium front sights and blackened serrated rears. OE models use blackened front and rear serrated sights paired with the factory optic.
Pistol Red Dots
Pricing and Availability
VP9A1-X / VP9A1-X Tactical Pricing
- VP9A1-X Optics Ready$1,049
- VP9A1-X + Holosun SCS$1,399
- VP9A1-X + Vortex Defender CCW$1,399
- VP9A1-X Tactical Optics Ready$1,149
- VP9A1-X Tactical + Vortex Defender CCW$1,479
Magazines are available separately: 20-round ($69.99), 17-round ($59.99), 15-round ($59.99), and 10-round ($59.99). The VP9A1-X and VP9A1-X Tactical K/X models are shipping now. VP9A1-F Tactical models are expected mid-2026.
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What This Means
The compact-slide, full-size-grip crossover format has become a standard offering across the industry. SIG's XCarry, the Glock 19X, and Springfield's Echelon all play in this space. The VP9A1-X gives HK a direct competitor with the added draw of HK's trigger and ergonomics, which consistently earn praise for improving shooter qualification scores.
The Tactical variant is the more interesting play. Suppressed pistol shooting continues to grow, and the VP9A1-X Tactical ships with the threaded barrel, suppressor-height sights, and optics cut that buyers would otherwise need to source separately. At $1,149 for the optics-ready model, HK is pricing it $100 above the standard X, a modest premium for the added hardware.
The factory optic options at $1,399/$1,479 are competitively positioned. Buying a Holosun SCS or Vortex Defender CCW separately runs $300-400, so the bundled price represents roughly a wash, but with the convenience of factory mounting and zero.
