By John Farnam
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- “Flake” Magazine-Release Lever:
We’ve see a number of H&K’s Glock-like VP9 Pistols in Defensive Pistol Classes recently. All have run well, and the pistol’s ergonomics are pleasing. It represents a very acceptable carry-gun.
However, one “feature” of the VP9 can be an issue, and that it the pistol’ s ambidextrous magazine-release “lever.”
Most modern defensive pistols have a magazine-release “button” on the left side of the frame, just to the rear of the trigger-guard. This represents the “Western” style, and it has been adopted by Glock, SIG, FN, Walther, Kahr, Ruger, et al.
H&K’s VP9 pistol is the exception.
The VP9 retains the “European” style of magazine release, which is a “flake,” or lever incorporated into the rear of the trigger guard, on both sides (ambidextrous).
For one, I prefer the button over the lever, but mostly because that is what I am accustomed to. The learning-curve in getting used to the lever-release is surely well within the intellect of all of us.
But, there is a technique for using the lever that I consider overly dangerous, and thus not recommended.
Many right-handers equipped with this pistol, release the magazine with their right index-finger (trigger-finger). This puts the trigger-finger too close to the trigger, and it is thus too easy to inadvertently press the trigger with sufficient pressure to discharge the gun, while you’re trying to release the magazine!
In fact, this incorrect procedure is so dangerous, I, for one, don’t permit it on my range.
The magazine needs to be released using the right thumb, not the right index-finger, much as is the case with a Western-style button-release.
Of course, not everyone agrees!
But, in my opinion, we have enough UDs (unintentional discharges) with pistols as it is, without fairly inviting one!
“Being right half the time beats being half-right all the time.” ~ Malcolm Forbes
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent and unlawful lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance, if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
Author can decide for himself what correct procedure for dropping mags on VP9 floats his boat or how it’ll be done on “his” range. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Absolutely nothing wrong with the technique he objects too in my view. However, I’ll keep his views in mind when considering tactics, firearm instructor & class in the future.
Nice shooting gun, but I don’t own it nor will I because of the magazine release.
I recently evaluated this firearm on the range and a Walther, both with similar magazine release controls – I would not recommend this control type for magazine release. Here’s why: The trigger is also a flake control. Having two flake controls in such close proximity promotes tactile control confusion. This is when our fingers sense similar geometries and our brain could mis-interpret which control actuates a system on the gun. So regardless of their position relative to one another, it’s the proximity that’s undesirable and in the case of firearms, dangerous. Even if this control were only on the shooter’s… Read more »
In the course of studying humans we tend to fear or not allow what we don’t know. Let’s look at the UD as you call it. I am curious what you see as bad habits or lack of not following proper weapon safety as the driving issue? As my time on earth has probably not been as long as yours, I can only state for a fact is that I have only seen 2 firearms UD without being caused from bad habits or just plain stupidity! Yes stupidity is knowing better but not caring enough to do it correctly. I… Read more »
John ,
The lever is behind the trigger.
If someone uses their trigger finger to engage the lever, how are they pulling the trigger.
Is it a case where they are not pulling their finger out of the trigger guard or after they release the magazine, their finger is returning and accidentally pulling?
Agreed. I own a VP9, and I love it for shooting. I DON’T love it for ejecting the magazine. I’m a big guy, and I have big hands, but I don’t like the action needed to get my thumb on the paddle. I’m left-handed, so I like the ambidexterity of it, but this paddle is an awkward hit for my thumb – even worse than the funky one that was on my USP-40. My EDC is a Walther PPS 40 – but the “Mod 1” type, which has a paddle even worse than the VP9, because it makes up 2/3… Read more »