Heckler & Koch is one of the most recognizable and legendary gun manufacturers in the world. From video games to action movies, H&K pistols and other firearms have been featured time and time again thanks to their high-quality, well-made designs, and reliability. It is only natural to want to add one to any gun collection.
The German company has been making pistols and other weapons since approximately 1956 when they designed the famous G3 Battle Rifle. In other words, they know what they are doing. Adding an H&K pistol to your collection will provide you with a firearm you can enjoy shooting and relying on for years.
Keep reading to learn more and to see the best H&K pistols of 2022.
Comparison of the Best H&K Pistols
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What to Watch For When Buying H&K Pistols
Despite their stellar reputation, it is still important to keep an eye out for certain things when shopping for an H&K handgun. While it is incredibly unlikely to get anything less than an outstanding firearm from Heckler & Koch, making sure the one you choose offers what you need is still vital. Luckily, H&K offers a wide variety of different pistols so you should have no problem finding an option that fits most of, if not all, of your wants and needs. The following tips and info should give you a good starting point.
This Section Written By: Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Considering Needs
The best place to start when embarking on a mission to buy a new firearm is to figure out what exactly it is you plan to do with the new pistol, rifle, or shotgun. In the case of a handgun, do you want a daily carry option? Are you wanting to try your hand at 3-gun competitions? Just want something to take to the range on weekends or for home defense? Figuring out the answers to those types of questions will go a long way towards helping you zero in on the right H&K pistol for your needs.
A Gun In The Hand
Holding and handling a pistol is one of the best ways to determine the best option for you. This is especially true if you have it narrowed down to two or three options and are having trouble making a final decision. Sometimes you’ll pick up a handgun and it will just feel “right” in your hand. Actually getting to shoot a pistol before buying it is even better. This isn’t always possible, but it is always worth checking with friends or seeing if any nearby ranges have them for rent before buying one of your own.
Legacy Weapon
Heckler & Koch is known for the quality of their firearms. Their pistols feature polygonal bores that are cold hammer forged as well as reinforced polymer frames. In other words, treat an H&K pistol right and take good care of it and you’ll have a handgun that will perform well for a lifetime and even carry over into the next generation of shooting enthusiasts in your family. That sort of quality is important considering that H&K pistols can cost a pretty penny even though they are usually worth it.
Review of the Best H&K Pistols
Below is a list of the best H&K pistols currently on the market. While reading through each of our reviews, try to get a good idea of what your “ideal pistol” should be like. How well does it perform? How many rounds can it hold? Then, note the features and characteristics of each pistol on the list.
That way, you will be able to find one that might be the best match possible for you. Remember, “close enough” is better than nothing at all. Now, let’s take a look at the “best overall” H&K pistol on the list:
Best Overall H&K Pistol
H&K VP9
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were happy with this pistol. They said that their shooting groups with targets situated from some 25 yards out were pretty tight and remained consistent after as many as 100 rounds fired. To add to that, these new users were quite happy with the pistol’s overall durability and light weight. They said that it didn’t feel like they were carrying a large heavy rock and the quality didn’t feel flimsy or cheap either.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol appears to have the right measurements to make concealed carry possible. So if you want something that you can take just about anywhere (using the right kind of holster), this pistol just might be the go-to option for you (and many other concealed carry users). It’s also got a trigger pull that is not too heavy or light, so you can definitely appendix carry this pistol safely and securely.
Who Will Use This Most
This pistol will stand out as an odds on favorite for concealed carry users. More importantly, it will also be a pistol that you can have on hand if you hate dealing with bulges that can draw undue attention while you are concealed carrying. If you want to keep that to a minimum, then it all starts with the right kind of pistol. This just might be the one that solves that issue for you.
Bottom Line
The H&K VP9 is without question a heavy favorite among gun users and enthusiasts. With its excellent reliability and superior, durable build, there should be no question why this earns the “best overall” title on our list. If you want a pistol that will definitely take the best care of you, you’re looking at an H&K pistol that will be a reliable sidekick in any survival situation.
Pros
Fits most hand sizes perfectly
Solid construction and durability
Trigger pull is smooth and just right
Ambidextrous controls are great for left-handed shooters
Super accurate; shooting groups are tight right out of the box
Cons
None
Runner-up
H&K HK45
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users say that this pistol was very easy to use. The double-action feature was straightforward and really made operation so much smoother. One user said that the hammer pull was quick and easy and the trigger pull was light enough to give him a quick shot. Overall, the durability was solid and no jamming was reported. Overall, shooting groups were quite tight between distances of 25 to 40 yards. That’s pretty impressive for a 45 ACP, according to one other user.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol has a good amount of power behind every shot, and on top of that, it’s got some pretty good shooting groups that tighten up the farther you go. Simply put, it’s very solid for a high-performing .45 ACP pistol from a manufacturer known for making some of the most powerful pistols ever seen on the market. Even with its durable construction, it is surprisingly lightweight; so, it won’t make concealed carry seem like you’re dragging around a heavy ball and chain.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be a great H&K pistol for those who are in law enforcement or tactical operations. But don’t consider it useless for civilians. This gun is for sure one of the best H&K pistols in terms of home defense or concealed carry. If you want a pistol that will work hard and get the job done in just about any application where danger lurks, this should be a go-to option.
Bottom Line
The H&K 45 has power, durability, and reliability, all rolled into one excellent package. So, if you are looking for a pistol that just might overtake the “best overall” position in the future, then you may want to give this one a closer look. We won’t be surprised if this takes the top spot within the next year or two due to its excellent performance and solid durability.
Pros
Insanely lightweight
Accurate up to 35 yards
Easy to pull back hammer
Excellent for target shooting and home defense
Trigger weight is pretty solid; not too light or heavy
Cons
None
Best H&K Pistol for the Money
H&K P2000SK
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were really happy with this pistol. They said that it was not only affordable for them but also gave them a performance that says “you get more than what you paid for.” Accuracy was solid, with shooting groups tightening up at up to 35 yards out. The construction was quite solid and the durability was hard to match when compared to other competitors.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol goes above and beyond what the price tag shows. Shooting groups are tight at various distances and you have reliable shooting that can get the job done whenever you need it most. It’s the textbook example of how a pistol should work regardless of what application you use it for. So, whether you are using it for concealed carry purposes or you are using it for target shooting, this pistol can do just about any task you ask for it to do. (Well, it can’t to it by itself; it’s up to you to make it happen.) It’s solid in construction and can last you a good long time, provided that you take excellent care of it.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be a great starter pistol for those who are new to concealed carry. The performance is just right and it won’t be as intimidating for those who have never used a gun before in their lifetime. Rest assured, they get excellent reliability and accuracy out of each shot they take. So if you have considered the idea of concealed carrying, finding a pistol that fits you best might be a challenge. But this pistol in particular might be one to consider carefully.
Bottom Line
The H&K P2000SK will give you more than what you’ve paid for and then some. It’s no ordinary budget pistol by any stretch of the imagination. If you want a pistol that will be useful in almost any given application where a pistol is appropriate, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll have a lot of fun with this one. Most importantly, your bank account won’t feel like it’s had the life sucked out of it.
Pros
Solid construction
Affordable for most budgets
Excellent for concealed carry purposes
Fits in most holsters and doesn’t create any bulges
Makes a great starter pistol for those new to concealed carry
Cons
Recoil may be a bit sharp
Magazine might be a little difficult to pull out at first
Disassembly may be a bit tough at first for maintenance and cleaning
Best H&K 9mm Pistol
H&K P7
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of users were satisfied with this pistol overall. They said that it provided a good amount of stopping power when shooting at moving targets at the range. In run and gun situations, they had a good deal of control over their pistol and were able to hit more targets with ease. One user said that he managed to knock down a few targets at various distances and while running in his timed “run and gun” challenge. He said that while he performed pretty well, he is confident that it will prepare him for the real deal (if and when that may happen).
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is chambered to fire 9mm shots. They are perhaps the most popular caliber for the purpose of concealed carry and self-defense. There is no denying that they can stop targets in their tracks with a well-placed shot or two. So if you know where to shoot (and we hope you do), then a 9mm might serve you well in the long run. Yes, they may be small in size, but they definitely pay off in the accuracy department. Tighter shooting groups compared to 45 ACP rounds? Yes, please.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great pistol that you can put to good use whether you are new to concealed carry or a seasoned vet. No matter what, you have a pistol that can be great for target shooting or when you end up in a life or death situation where using your pistol would be your only option. While it might never come down to that, it’s always good to know that you have a pistol that you can carry around for the purpose of self-defense and have it ready to go if and when it all goes south.
Bottom Line
The H&K P7 is perhaps one of the best pistols you can own that is chambered to fire 9mm shots. You’ll know for a fact that it’s going to give you a great deal of firing power that will knock down any target that threatens your life or property. Alternatively, it would make for a great target shooting pistol as well. No matter how you use it, this pistol will certainly give you an enviable level of reliability and shooting power.
Pros
Excellent for concealed-carry use
Shoots reliably and with excellent accuracy
Fits in most holsters and won’t bulge too much
Easy to take apart for cleaning and maintenance purposes
Sights allow for precise shooting in almost any given application
Cons
Not suitable for large holsters
Trigger pull may be a bit heavy for some users
5. H&K VP9SK Subcompact
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
Many new users were really happy with this pistol’s ability to keep itself well concealed in most holsters. It’s at the right size for concealability, so it won’t leave any noticeable bulges. One user said that after adding this onto her holster, it’s as if she’s not carrying at all (although she knows that she will be prepared for any dangerous situation she finds herself in). Overall, the pistol’s accuracy is precise and shooting groups have tightened up considerably with targets ranging from 25 to 30 yards out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is at the right size for maximum concealability. They definitely don’t call this a subcompact for nothing. It’s measured overall at about 6.6 inches with the barrel measured at just around 3.3 inches. It’s got the measurables to be a great concealable pistol that won’t bulge or give off any undue attention. But it will give you peace of mind in knowing that it can be right where you need it in case danger is headed your way.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be a great pistol for those who want something with maximum concealability along with reliable and accurate shooting. Yes, the pistol may be short in size but make no mistake about it, it’s going to be your best friend in a situation where you find yourself in mortal danger. If you have to use it, this pistol will have your back and can knock down anyone stupid enough to attack you in any setting.
Bottom Line
The H&K VP9SK Subcompact 9mm pistol will be your kind of pistol if you want the best in concealability and overall performance. Just because it’s compact in size, doesn’t make it inferior. This sucker packs a punch like no other and can knock down an assailant at just about any reasonable distance.
Pros
Superior durability
Excellent ergonomic grip
Won’t jam or malfunction
Concealable in most holsters
Great for both right-handed and left-handed shooters
Cons
None
Pros and Cons of H&K Pistols
Here are some of the pros and cons of H&K pistols.
Pros
First off, we’ll start with some of the advantages that you can expect from any H&K pistol. And make no mistake about it, there are plenty of things to be excited about when it comes to these pistols.
Powerful Shooting
More power means faster velocity, right? Indeed it does. So if you want something that will make your shots travel far and fast and make each hit a lot quicker, an H&K pistol will not steer you wrong. The caliber doesn’t matter at this point; if it can hit the target faster than its competitors, you are in really good shape.
Tighter Shooting Groups Right Out of the Box
No other pistol on the market can guarantee tighter shooting groups right out of the gate better than H&K pistols. This means you’ll get some pretty good accuracy with each and every shot without having to make any adjustments before pulling the trigger the first time around. Keep in mind that some caliber shooting groups will have different spacings than others. A 9mm shooting group will have shorter spacing or tightness compared to 45 ACP shots.
Most of Them are Concealable
Let’s face it: a lot of concealed carry users want a pistol that allows for the best concealability possible. Believe it or not, most of them do. So if you want a pistol that will be fitting for most holsters and won’t attract any undue attention because of bulging, you’ll want to give an H&K pistol the chance to be your sidearm of choice.
Cons
With pros come cons. But don’t let the downsides of owning an H&K pistol be discouraging. Sometimes, even the best pistols on the market have a shortcoming or two.
Can Be a Bit High Maintenance
Yes, each pistol or firearm has to be cleaned regularly. But H&K pistols tend to have the need to be cleaned once a week or even two weeks at the latest. Failure to do so may hinder the pistol’s ability to function. So it would be wise to have a good cleaning kit on hand to ensure that you are staying on top of the cleaning and maintenance.
15 + 1 Capacity is Considered the “Low Side” of Its Class
While 15 + 1 might be a good number for many concealed carry uses, it’s considered on the low side compared to its competitors, which have capacities of 16 to 18 rounds. But don’t let that discourage you from getting a pistol like this. 15 rounds should be plenty for just about any pistol user. And besides, why spend more than you have to just to get a few more rounds of capacity?
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying
Aside from knowing how to distinguish the features and characteristics of a great pistol from one that is subpar, there are a few other things that you need to know prior to purchasing an H&K pistol. It would be better to make a more well-informed decision as opposed to knowing nothing and choosing a pistol blindly.
They Are Affordable Compared to Some Others
Compared to their competitors, even the most expensive H&K pistol on the market is still affordable. So if you are looking for a concealed pistol that still might be affordable compared to others like the S&W or SIG Sauer, to name a few, the H&K brand could certainly have a good pistol for you without breaking the bank.
You’ll Need a Holster For Concealed Carry
This is a must-know for those who are new to concealed carrying. You probably know by now, but consider this your reminder. A holster is required for the purpose of concealed carry. But hold off on that until you are able to select your pistol of choice. That way, you can find one that will be a perfect fit.
Excellent For Beginner Users
If you are considering the idea of starting out as a concealed carry user, then you may be satisfied to know that H&K is known for manufacturing pistols that are perfect for beginner users. Even if you are more of a seasoned user, you can take advantage of the quick shooting and superior reliability of these pistols. Either way, it’s a pistol that shouldn’t be overlooked for any reason.
Conclusion
Finding the best H&K pistol will be a challenge. But now that you are armed with so much information about them, you’ll certainly find one that will be the best pistol you’ve ever owned. Don’t be shocked if you have one that will last you years or maybe decades. There is nothing better than an H&K pistol that has proven itself to be powerful, reliable, and excellent in a concealed carry application.
How Accurate is an H&K Pistol?
Most H&K pistol users have reported in the past that they have been able to shoot tighter shooting groups at targets ranging from about 25 yards away. However, some users say that the shooting groups are tighter with the use of smaller cartridges compared to those that are chambered to fire larger calibers. Even the larger cartridges are tight at distances up to 25 yards, but the measurements are a bit wider in space compared to the others.
How Powerful is an H&K Pistol?
H&K pistols are considered to be among the most reliable in the world. But how powerful depends on the caliber that an H&K pistol is chambered to fire. For example, a .45 caliber will probably be more powerful in terms of shooting compared to a 9mm H&K pistol. The more powerful it is, the more damage it can do depending on the application you use it for.
What Makes a Great H&K Pistol?
Finding a great H&K pistol can be a challenge. That’s why it is important to find out which features and characteristics define the individual firearms that stand out as the very best. If you can distinguish a great H&K pistol from one that is shabby in terms of performance and quality, you’ll be in good shape. Here are some things you can look for in a top-notch H&K pistol:
Affordability
Yes, affordability matters most to many buyers. However, it’s important to find a pistol that will be excellent in quality and performance at a price that you can afford. Even if it means spending a little bit more on your budget scale, you’ll be able to find a pistol that will give you a lot of great value. Try finding a cheap pistol that can do that.
Reliable Performance
Do you want a pistol that won’t jam or malfunction in the times when you need it most? If so, then an H&K pistol might be worth considering. Even after firing many rounds, you’ll want a pistol that can get the job done and will be as accurate as possible across various distances. So if you want something that is accurate and dependable at any given distance, an H&K pistol can do you some good.
Concealability
Most pistols are designed to be as concealable as possible, so the measurables will be perfect for carrying a pistol inside a holster that fits. So if you want an H&K pistol that is concealable, look for one that has the right barrel length (or even overall length). The more compact the pistol, the better the chance that you are able to conceal it without any bulging.
People Also Ask
Below is a list of frequently asked questions from prospective buyers of an H&K pistol. Use this as a guide to help you make a well-informed purchase of your pistol of choice. These answers are based on our expert opinion on these pistols, but take them with a grain of salt if you wish.
Where Are H&K Pistols Made?
H&K pistols (or Heckler & Koch pistols) are made in Oberndorf, Germany. The company was incepted after World War II and during the rebuilding of post-war Germany. Since then, they have become one of the leaders in firearms manufacturing and providing reliable pistols and other firearms to military and civilian users.
What is The Smallest H&K Pistol?
The H&K P30SK Subcompact is considered to be one of the smallest H&K pistols on the market, containing a capacity of 11 rounds that you can use for all your concealed carrying needs.
Is H&K VP9 Full Size?
The original H&K VP9 was initially full-sized until it underwent some changes over the years. Today’s VP9 is a bit smaller than its initial size, but still provides excellent reliability and performance.
Are H&K Pistols Worth the Money?
Absolutely. As mentioned before, they are significantly more affordable than many competitors. Even the most expensive models are more affordable compared to others on the market. If you are on a budget, chances are you can afford to acquire an H&K pistol for your own use.
Does H&K Own Walther?
While both manufacturers are made in Germany, H&K and Walther are two separate companies. So no, H&K does not own Walther in the business sense.
Are H&K USP Still Made?
As of today, the H&K USP models are still made and are available for sale. You may want to find one (if available) on your favorite firearms websites like Cabela’s, Brownells, etc.
Insert Custom HTML
