Heckler & Koch VP9A1 L 9mm 5" 20rd Pistol

The VP9 earned its following by making average shooters better, and law enforcement agencies reported qualification scores climbing after they adopted it. The A1 update sharpens the parts of the gun that connect to the shooter. The trigger bar picked up a nickel Teflon coating for a smoother press, the controls got easier to reach from either side, and a flared magwell speeds up reloads when your hands are busy. The L in the name is the long slide, a 5" barrel version that stretches the gun out for a steadier hold.

Grip fit is the other VP9 trick. Six side panels and interchangeable backstraps let you tune the circumference and the palm swell until the pistol points where you look, which is not something most polymer pistols do this thoroughly. The slide is cut for a red dot, the front sight is tritium and the rear is a blacked out serrated notch, so your eye goes where it should in low light. Two 20 round magazines come with it. Striker fired, full size and set up for competition or duty work without a trip to a gunsmith first.