We don't do VS threads here, but I will submit one point for your consideration before this thread is (likely) closed:

HK did not enter a pistol for consideration in the process that resulted in the PDP being selected as the P14 pistol. It's pretty easy for Walther to get the contract over a company that did not compete.

 

Is there a better forum here for this type of thread?

 

I'll just say that I think the VP9A1 F is the best version of the VP9 made thus far, and there's very little wrong that you could do with that gun.

 

I've been thinking about picking up the VP9A1 K. I may need to go snatch up another VP9sk before they discontinue them.

 

Not speaking on any other gun particularly but when you say you want something “better” than a VP9FA1…better how? @RetroM is talking about one that is superb yet very similar to the F so….i can’t imagine you would be happy with it but not because it isn’t excellent.
The A1 is a top of class SF pistol…as it’s an improvement on the already top of class VP9…. Plus it has the benefit of being the very last to market so better how?
Different size? Different firing method/need a hammer and external thingies? Different how and for what purpose? I would argue a CC9 is much better for some purposes than an F (and vise-versa. Because if you are looking for a better sf for what the F was designed for…you are completely unlikely to get one that is “better”, just subjectively what someone else likes more for whatever reason. These top companies aren’t putting out junk. Any of the top contenders with massive adoption can make legit claims at being the best so good luck with finding the actual “the best”. Lol.

 

Better will vary from person to person and use case to use case.

Better for me is a smooth recoil impulse that is easy to control. And no, I'm not flinching or complaining about the recoil of a 9mm pistol but, smoother will always be better with any handgun. Then add ergonomics to have the handgun fit my hand properly and place the trigger in the "best" location for my finger. Add magazine releases and other levers in the mix as well. Reliability with any modern 9mm handgun should be extremely high for any of the major brands and popular models. Most reliability issues should be user-induced things like bad magazines or ammo, 'riding' control levers, etc.

I will also add NO BETA TESTING in production by customers!

 

We are back to can’t do versus but certainly a case can be made for Sig, Glock, HK, Smith and Wesson, CZ, Beretta, Walther, HS and maybe others making fantastic guns that meet your stated criteria. Inside of that box, based on your criteria, it will be what fits your wants and you the best. As for Beta testing…likely all of those models have had series improvements after release and after customer feedback to improve the product. Whether that counts as Beta or not I am unsure but none that I am aware of have done what internet “expert” chatter and histrionics might suggest with more than one and in any event have gone on to be extremely proven and accepted platforms despite Internet purveyors of doom and “shooting one’s junk off! Rah!” Lol.
OP there are some amazingly good sub $1k designs out there and plenty bad advice about certain models being dangerous or junk.
Certainly a buyers market. 👍

 

We are back to can’t do versus but certainly a case can be made for Sig, Glock, HK, Smith and Wesson, CZ, Beretta, Walther, HS and maybe others making fantastic guns that meet your stated criteria. Inside of that box, based on your criteria, it will be what fits your wants and you the best. As for Beta testing…likely all of those models have had series improvements after release and after customer feedback to improve the product. Whether that counts as Beta or not I am unsure but none that I am aware of have done what internet “expert” chatter and histrionics might suggest with more than one and in any event have gone on to be extremely proven and accepted platforms despite Internet purveyors of doom and “shooting one’s junk off! Rah!” Lol.
OP there are some amazingly good sub $1k designs out there and plenty bad advice about certain models being dangerous or junk.
Certainly a buyers market. 👍

One thing about HK is their thorough pre-release testing of all of their models where SIG failed with the initial release of the P320 along with others with initial production issues that were not caught with pre-release testing and QC (referencing lawsuits settled in court against Sig with the early P320 pistols).

 

It really depends what you’re looking for! If striker guns are something you fancy, I think the VP9 is fantastic. I came from Glock and the FN509 and the VP9 trigger and grip ergonomics are best in class. I will say that the PDP has metal frame models if you want a heavier gun. I’ve been shooting a M9a3, P30L, and my VP9 back to back lately and I can shoot the VP9 the fastest if that matters.

I haven’t seen the A1 yet, but this is what the VP9 should be with an option many will find great for carry as well as a the F which will be solid for duty use, defense, etc. Safariland already has holsters for the F with lights and optics.

all that said, some of us will always prefer a hammer fired gun. In my head I believe it to be more reliable in all conditions, safer, and when I practice dry firing as well as at the range - that trigger is so nice and crisp! I just can’t replace that feeling.

Just my opinions! Like I said, for a striker gun, I really don’t think you’ll find a better gun than the VP9A1.

 

One thing that crossed my mind reading this thread, not to pick just one. Join the HK family. All of the P30's, VP9's, VP40, most can share one of the other's mags. They all have a fantastic grip that is similar to each other. Although grip handle size may vary(VP9K, VP9SK). So many options which is great!

 

Sig had litigation over the early P320's that led to changes.

People complain about the long release cycles of HK products but, has HK ever had litigation claims that forced them to change a firearm they released to civilians? The only thing that comes to mind is a G36 problem in the War on Terror when they were fired on full-auto and heated up too much and had accuracy problems with some plastic that got soft.

 

Said what I said and the basis for it. What you heard hasn’t changed that.