Actually I ordered my VP9-B when that style first became available. I figured that since I was more accustomed to the button type release, I would just go with it. A few hours later the same day that I placed my order I changed my mind and switched to the paddle style. I figured that the paddle style was the more traditional HK style and decided to go with it.

As luck had it, the seller had already shipped the VP9-B. They said that they would catch the VP9-B at the FFL and have it returned and ship out the new VP9 paddle style. So when I went to pick up my VP9 at the FFL I had the unique opportunity to not only check out the paddle style, I also got to check out the B style.

I have to admit, the button style feels good. It's positioned exactly where it needs to be and works perfectly. For someone who is more accustomed to that style of magazine release, it would be a great choice. I chose to keep the paddle style. I have to admit that I sometimes go back and forth with my choice, but the paddle design is also great, and since I plan on adding more HK's to my collection (just added a 45C) I thought that it would be more fitting to keep the traditional style of magazine release. The more I use the paddle style release, the more I like it, but in truth both designs work great.

The B style does have the advantage of being more commonly used and requires no retraining, but it's something that you get used to pretty quickly.

 

Buttons are for squares.

 

Paddles rule, buttons are for gamers and kids.

 

1+ Push Button reminds me of the Block LOL

 

I have no problems with button release. That being said, if paddle is an option, I’m choosing it.

 

Member @GJM has written about his very positive experiences with the VP9-B on another forum. Maybe he will chime in here as well!

 

Pretty simple math, if you’re going to do HK (which won’t be your last) – go paddle.
Some brands/type you can only get the button, but when given the option go with the paddle. The VP9-B is more the response to the Block/PPQ-M2.

 

I have many of all types. Started with a USP and its paddle that is button sized, moved to 1911, then M&P9 and Sigs, and full circle to H&K P30sk. Now I almost always carry the P30sk, but sometimes a Sig P365 or P320.
I've never had to train one way or the other. I exclusively use my thumb and its the same pushing motion either way. Down and inward activates paddles or buttons. I do prefer paddles now though. They're classy.

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I have one of the B and a few of the paddle style i can use the button, but I prefer the paddle. For a button the placement is good and positive mag release I just prefer paddle

 

I came to HKs late and the paddle is a nice feature compared to a button mag release.

 

@bastardsonofelvis
@WolfieRules

Said it best.

Mag swaps much faster with paddles vs the button which needs hand manipulation, I don’t have 5 much thumbs.

 

Quality thread. One guy asks if anyone tried, another actually owns one, third has fingered it at the store, and everyone else has nothing else other than personal opinions about what was not asked.

Anyone, besides GJM, has both and put them on a timer without a prejudice?

 

i have used both and have both i am still faster on the mag change as my thumb isn't big enough to use with out changing my hand position

 

How does a paddle release make a magazine change faster — isn’t the limiting factor in reload speed, getting the fresh magazine into the pistol and reaquiring your firing grip.

 

For me I have to roll the pistol to hit a button. I have incredibly short thumbs. With my trigger finger I can articulate the mag release on a VP9. It’s about .2 seconds faster in my VP9 than my Gen 3 G34.


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Double tap

 

I have tired the B model, I prefer the paddle for the same reason as above ^ only I use my middle finger on my right hand. I have non HK's and I switch the mag release button to the right side and can still use my right middle finger to release the mag.

 

Shot one, manipulated one for a couple hours on different occasions.

Not a button fan, to clarify my post.

My preference to have the paddle release.

If your a button fan, more power to you.



Paddles are easier and faster. Just my opinion for those liberal vage’s who’s butthurt over my opinion.



TRUMP IS YOUR PRESIDENT!

DONT DESTROY AMERICA, VOTE REPUBLICAN!

 

Honestly. The three guns I owned before I bought the vp9 all had button style releases, so I was used to them. It took me a day playing with the paddle and I was off to the races. I wish I could switch all my guns to paddle. The hardest part was figuring out which finger was most comfortable. I use my middle finger. Thinking about getting the sk and selling my other two I have now honestly.

 

Can you post a picture of your grip with your middle finger on the paddle?

 

Thanks for your all your input. It requires retraining, but I will keep trying. Either is much better than the old Euro-style release button near the bottom of the magazine.

 

start training with paddles, in 5 mins you're realize buttons are inferior....good luck either way

 

is there even another pistol that uses paddles other than HK??

 

Walther did for a bit on the PPQ. I’m not sure if any are still sold in the US.


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I have absolutely zero problem switching between the HK paddles and others' button release. I don't even notice the difference, it's simply second nature to use whatever style is in my hand. Just the same way I don't get confused by the AR release when I'm shooting that. I won't say I'm faster with the paddles, but I do like them more (on the VP9 and P30, they are a bit small for my taste on the Mark 23).

 

If I had the change I probably have went with the button on my VP9. With the inserts I use my stubby thumbs has trouble hitting the paddle.

 

I don't have a vp9B but I can tell you as a lefty all my non Hk pistols have button releases and I have never changed the mag release to the right side of the gun. I have many, many times shot a match on Thursday with a button mag gun then shot a Sunday match with an Hk and vice versa. I have shot with SIG's for several months then gone right to Hk and vice versa and I have never tried to hit a button with a paddle gun or push a paddle on a button gun. Maybe because I am left handed and always use my trigger finger, or maybe I just remember what gun I am running, I don't know but for me it's never been an issue, and honestly, I am surprised by that. Being left handed I prefer the paddle, but mostly because I prefer Hk's. I think the button is a great thing for the vp9 and hopefully brings more shooters to Hk.

 

My VP9's have the paddle release since that was all that was available when I bought them. But if I were buying today I'd still buy the paddle release. It's just one of the unique things about HK. But I agree if the button release brings more shooters to HK that would be good.

 

Here's the pics you requested. Off to the range!

 

This ^^^^Exactly. If you put a watch to it in competition it is slightly faster and your pistol is still pointing at the target. On sub compact models of other brands I put the mag release button on the right side and use the same technique.

 

I've played with that, I think @Montrala has mentioned it years ago. What that technique does to my third, fourth and fifth digit's position, retracting and spreading them apart, I consider it a worse grip breakdown than whatever happens when I need to rotate a gun for a push button activation.

 

@YVK you need to loosen your grip a bit, to use middle finger on mag release (I use it both on paddle and push button releases), that is true. But far from loosing control over your pistol and to get back shooting grip you just need to tighten your fingers again, not rotate pistol back into correct grip.

 

Try using left thumb to swipe down. I started that way.