HK VP9 or Beretta 92FS? Which is easier for someone lacking hand strength?

[Slotheadslim]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get a new pistol that I can share with my wife at the range. My wife has some arthritis in her hands but it isn't extremely serious so it doesn't limit most of her activities though she gets hand pain on occasion. Initially we were favoring purchasing a revolver but when we went for basic pistol training she found the semi-automatic pistols were easier for her to shoot due to reduced weight and her ability to get a better grip. I'm looking for a pistol that would be easiest on her hands for racking the slide and reduced effort for other controls whenever possible. I've held (but not shot) a Beretta 92FS and I found the slide and controls to be very easy to use and it seemed to take less effort when compared with other pistols. At this point I'm favoring the 92FS Vertec model because the grip is smaller. In general I've heard the Beretta 92FS is a good choice because it is easy to shoot, easy to maintain and doesn't have excessive recoil. My wife's hands are slightly smaller than mine and I wear a large size glove but I don't have an unusually large hand or thick fingers.

I've also been thinking about the HK VP9 as an option because of the included replaceable grips in various sizes, the wings on the slide to help with grip, the excellent trigger without the heavy pull and the fact it is 8 ounces less than the Beretta. The recent excellent comments on the HK VP9 caught my attention and have me thinking it should be a contender for this purchase. I've watched many videos and I see it's easy to field strip, rugged, seems to have a low failure to fire rate and also has low recoil. There appears to be no local dealers who have a HK VP9 for me to check out so my only source of information for now is what I'm reading.

I've had some experience shooting in the past with others but this is my first personal gun. I'm not really interested in options other than 9MM or in revolvers at this time. If you've held/shot both of these pistols (The HK VP9 and probably any Beretta 92FS model) I'd love to hear your input as to which one you think would be a better range gun for someone who has some amount of hand pain.

Thanks,

Slim

 

[hessy]

HK VP9 would be my choice because ergos are a lot better.

 

[Artifact]

Vp9 much easier to manipulate with better ergonomics. Haven't shot it yet but played with it for like 20min and it felt great. Also, you can change the back straps on it to make it fit your hand better.

Plenty of experience with the 92FS, but I will still go with the VP9.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Chet0729]

I own a 92FS and have shot my brothers VP9. They are both great guns. The 92 is a softer shooter and the slide is a lot easier to rack. The 92 is also a lot heavier, not sure if this would impact her arthritis.
There are also 15rd mags available (pre-ban) for the 92, not sure about the VP9

 

[Varmint]

Just take her to Mass Firearms school or Manchester Firing Line and have her try both. Or even a gun store just to feel the grip and rack the slides.

 

[atilla]

There are also 15rd mags available (pre-ban) for the 92, not sure about the VP9

IIRC you can use P30 mags in the VP9, either way that doesn't matter as there are no pre-bans for these guns.

for what it's worth my fiancee likes my 92FS. no strength or hand problems, but she doesn't have a hard time manipulating it. she also likes my P30 but has not shot a VP9.

 

[M1911]

Take her with you to the gun store and let her decide.

 

[84ta406]

My sister who is a VERY new shooter loves the 92FS. Its big, bulky but its the softest shooting gun I have. Its like a finely tuned sewing machine.

 

[Slotheadslim]

Thanks for the suggestions. Ideally she'd hold both guns. Mass Firearms School is probably closer but they are waiting on the VP9 to come in too when I checked with them recently.

 

[Chet0729]

Thanks for the suggestions. Ideally she'd hold both guns. Mass Firearms School is probably closer but they are waiting on the VP9 to come in too when I checked with them recently.

Have her shoot them. Holding them means nothing. There are a lot of people with 92s who would probably be will to let you shoot it to test. The VP9 is newer so there may not be as many shooters who have one.
not sure where you are located but if you are close to Worc, you can try my 92 and I may be able to borrow my brothers VP9

 

[olegZHA]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get a new pistol that I can share with my wife at the range. My wife has some arthritis in her hands but it isn't extremely serious so it doesn't limit most of her activities though she gets hand pain on occasion. Initially we were favoring purchasing a revolver but when we went for basic pistol training she found the semi-automatic pistols were easier for her to shoot due to reduced weight and her ability to get a better grip. I'm looking for a pistol that would be easiest on her hands for racking the slide and reduced effort for other controls whenever possible. I've held (but not shot) a Beretta 92FS and I found the slide and controls to be very easy to use and it seemed to take less effort when compared with other pistols. At this point I'm favoring the 92FS Vertec model because the grip is smaller. In general I've heard the Beretta 92FS is a good choice because it is easy to shoot, easy to maintain and doesn't have excessive recoil. My wife's hands are slightly smaller than mine and I wear a large size glove but I don't have an unusually large hand or thick fingers.

I've also been thinking about the HK VP9 as an option because of the included replaceable grips in various sizes, the wings on the slide to help with grip, the excellent trigger without the heavy pull and the fact it is 8 ounces less than the Beretta. The recent excellent comments on the HK VP9 caught my attention and have me thinking it should be a contender for this purchase. I've watched many videos and I see it's easy to field strip, rugged, seems to have a low failure to fire rate and also has low recoil. There appears to be no local dealers who have a HK VP9 for me to check out so my only source of information for now is what I'm reading.

I've had some experience shooting in the past with others but this is my first personal gun. I'm not really interested in options other than 9MM or in revolvers at this time. If you've held/shot both of these pistols (The HK VP9 and probably any Beretta 92FS model) I'd love to hear your input as to which one you think would be a better range gun for someone who has some amount of hand pain.

Thanks,

Slim

Slim,
VP9 is easier overall to manipulate and use. We have both in stock if you want to compare to two side by side. The VP9 has no trigger transition to worry about and customizable side panels and backstrap. The 92FS is what it is. Plenty of parts available for the Beretta but I think the VP9 is overall going to outshine the 92 in the end. It already does in my opinion.
Zero Hour Arms

 

[Slotheadslim]

Thanks Chet,

That's a generous offer. I'm not far from Worcester. Maybe getting together sometime after the holidaymight be possible. My home and work schedule are a bit messy right now and hopefully things calm down.


Oleg,

It would be good to see both side by side. I can't stop by for a while but I may check in with you in the near future to see if you still have a VP9 in stock for a comparison.

Thanks,

Slim

 

[Sterg]

They make a 92fs compact which is 3/4 the size of the 92fs.

 

[92G]

The 92fs has a large backstrap hump and overall huge grip. IMO the finest beretta 92 varianT ever made is the 92 vertec. beretta has brought the vertec back into their lineup for this reason. The upcoming M9A3 is built on the vertec frame.

The 92A1 is also a fine pistol but doesnt address the huge grip issue.

while i love the stamdard 92fs, it has other major shortcomings such as fixed front sight that cannot be replaced...for a defensive pistol this sucks. The vertec, 92A1 and brigadier models all have a dovetailed front sight.

I posted my experience w the vertec and comparison to 92fs here if youre interested:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...Vertec-and-brigadier?highlight=Beretta+vertec

 

[M1911]

They make a 92fs compact which is 3/4 the size of the 92fs.

I'd bet that the grip circumference is the same. As a result, it is no easier for a person with small or weak hands. In fact, given that it is lighter it probably has more felt recoil, and is likely worse rather than better.

 

[Chet0729]

They make a 92fs compact which is 3/4 the size of the 92fs.

I am looking for one of these

 

[Varmint]

The 92fs has a large backstrap hump and overall huge grip. IMO the finest beretta 92 varianT ever made is the 92 vertec. beretta has brought the vertec back into their lineup for this reason. The upcoming M9A3 is built on the vertec frame.

The 92A1 is also a fine pistol but doesnt address the huge grip issue.

while i love the stamdard 92fs, it has other major shortcomings such as fixed front sight that cannot be replaced...for a defensive pistol this sucks. The vertec, 92A1 and brigadier models all have a dovetailed front sight.

I posted my experience w the vertec and comparison to 92fs here if youre interested:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...Vertec-and-brigadier?highlight=Beretta+vertec

Squib, I read your writeup on the Vertec, that seems to fix some issues I didn't like about the 92FS, so I'll have to check one out. Not like I need another full-size handgun though. But I too grew up on Lethal Weapon and Die Hard.

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I am looking for one of these

They're MA compliant so can't you just have FS or someone else order one?

 

[92G]

the vertec is ****ing amazing. at least to me. it feels like a whole different gun.

waiting for the M9A3 is painful. i initially signed up for beretta newsletter to hear when M9A3 would become available but the stupid newsletter is basically a daily email to save 20% on some craptastic beretta hunting pants.

 

[Slotheadslim]

I got a chance to hold an HK P30 tonight. I know it isn't the exact same size as a VP9 but the decreased weight over other pistols and the excellent grip was very attractive. I could certainly see myself with a VP9, especially if its even better than a P30, relatively speaking. Unfortunately it may be a while before I can make a purchase. My daughter was driving my car today and collided with a semi-trailer. No one was hurt but my insurance will probably take a hit since the front right quarter panel was ripped off of the car. But on to better news I called about the status of my LTC and it was approved and mailed from the state to the local PD 2 weeks ago. Hopefully I'll get a call next week to pick it up. I may try to call the PD tomorrow just in case they are in and it's ready.

 

[beaker]

I think the VP9 would be better in this scenario. The highly adjustable grip and excellent ergos will be a great aid for a person with weak hands. The Beretta is a nice gun, but huge and harder to manipulate than the VP9. but there is nothing like trying them both out!

 

[Kisspik002]

+1 on the VP9, Ergonomics are awesome compared to the Beretta

 

[Slotheadslim]

Late last week I had a chance to shoot a Beretta 92FS, Glock long barrel competition pistol and a Shield. I really liked the striker fire and light weight of the Glock. The 92FS was excellent but I did find the DA/SA annoying while the consistent striker fire experience was a joy. Lo and behold I received the call yesterday from a local dealer who had my name on the list for an HK VP9 to reserve it when they came in next week. After speaking to my wife and heading to the dealer to check out the owner's VP9 we went for it. I'll put in a plug for First Defense Firearms in Uxbridge, MA. They are very nice folks who were extremely helpful. While we were there my wife really enjoyed dry firing some revolvers. I wouldn't be surprised if that's our next purchase.

 

[REDSFIREARMS]

Forget about those two...

Get a PPQ M2 or a CZ 75 (any)

Much better guns than those ...


REDS


"Exclusivity is for everyone. Try us! You'll find us refreshing."

 

[Chet0729]

Squib, I read your writeup on the Vertec, that seems to fix some issues I didn't like about the 92FS, so I'll have to check one out. Not like I need another full-size handgun though. But I too grew up on Lethal Weapon and Die Hard.

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They're MA compliant so can't you just have FS or someone else order one?

Yup I could. I have been on the lookout for a used one.

 

[Sterg]

I'd bet that the grip circumference is the same. As a result, it is no easier for a person with small or weak hands. In fact, given that it is lighter it probably has more felt recoil, and is likely worse rather than better.

True, I think the grip is the same. They do have spring kits for them. Wilson Combat, And there is also a modified trigger you can get that shortens the reach.

 

[mark056]

I've only handled not shot the VZ9 but I do have experience with the Beretta. Based on handling and ergonomics, I'd say VZ9. There is another which is a great "orthopedic" gun that you can probably rent at the MFL and that is the Browning Hi Power. You might find it an even better fit than the VP9.