HK SFP9 CC OR: The 9mm subcompact pistol tested on the shooting range

The trend towards slim, subcompact pistols in 9mm caliber continues, but the decisive factor is still how their compact design performs in practice. This is exactly what this test clarifies: how does the new, sub-compact SFP9 model perform on the shooting range, and what are its strengths and limitations?

Striker Fired Pistol: the HK SFP9

Heckler & Koch is more than just a gun manufacturer from Germany. There is almost a fan cult around HK. If you take a closer look, it is an innovative company with an eye on the market and its requirements. In the past, this has repeatedly led to developments that set technological milestones. This includes the development of the SFP9 pistol, which took around four years. In the USA, the gun is also known under the name VP9. Funnily enough, a German term is used for the American designation – "VP" stands for "Volkspistole", "people's pistol" – while the English acronym is used in Europe and thus also in German-speaking countries: "SFP" is in fact the abbreviation for "Striker Fired Pistol". In contrast to some competitor models, the SFP9 is fully pre-cocked and does not have to be fully cocked by pulling the trigger before the striker is released and the shot can be fired.

The number 9 stands for the caliber, 9 mm Parabellum. In some countries, the pistol is also available in .40 S&W. Following the logic, it is then called the HK SFP40. With the introduction of the SFP9 in 2015, a true success story quickly emerged. The polymer striker-fired pistol quickly became a top seller for Heckler & Koch. Well over 100,000 units in various versions are in use by the German state and federal police forces and other services alone. The total number of all examples sold worldwide is now over three quarters of a million in a wide variety of versions.

Heckler and Koch SFP9 in all variations

Shortly after the market launch, other versions saw the light of day in addition to the basic model. An "L-variant" with a 5" barrel and thus a 21-mm sight radius was developed, which was highly appreciated by sports shooters, for example. Red dot sights also quickly found their way onto the HK SFP9. These models, for which there are five different adapter plates for the corresponding footprints of various reflex sights, are labelled at HK as "Optics Ready", or with the suffix OR for short. The design allows the rear sight to remain on the slide and the plate to be screwed directly in front of it. If the optics are to be removed again, the open sights (i.e. rear sight and front sight) do not have to be refitted.

There are also models for special requirements. For example, the SFP9 family also offers a suppressor-ready SD model. In addition to a 119-mm threaded barrel to accommodate a silencer, it also features suppressor height sights in order to be able to aim over the rear and front sights even when the silencer is screwed on. The same applies to any optics fitted, the height of which may have to be taken into account. For special applications, there are compact and subcompact versions in addition to the standard or full-size variants.

Now, HK would not be Heckler & Koch if the model family had already been fully described here. Most of the models mentioned can be equipped with two different trigger variants. The so-called SF ("Special Forces") trigger requires a lower pull weight. At the same time, the trigger reset of the SF variants is a few millimeters shorter. Sports shooters are therefore probably better off with the Special Forces trigger. Incidentally, many special forces units also rely on the SF trigger. Another configuration component is the magazine release. In addition to the familiar "paddle" version, which is located inside the trigger guard and is pressed downwards, there is also the "pushbutton" in the grip. Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages. While the pushbutton can or must be converted, i.e. it is not intended to be operated from both sides at all times, the magazine can always be released from the right or left with the paddle. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that there are a number of other versions, such as a saltwater-resistant SFP9 and various training models.

Sometimes less is more: the small SFP9 CC OR in detail

A standard feature of the SFP9 is the ability to customize the grip. Backstraps are supplied for this purpose so that the size of the grip can be adapted to the shooter's hand. There are also variants that provide different sized beavertails for maximum flexibility. For a few years now, many pistol manufacturers have also been bringing compact versions of their most popular pistols onto the market. Heckler & Koch is now jumping on this bandwagon of concealed carry guns with the SFP9 CC, the CC acronym standing for "Concealed Carry". In the USA and other countries, such as the Czech Republic, EDC ("Everyday Carry") guns are legal for ordinary citizens. Many American service gun carriers also appreciate these small powerhouses as back-ups.

In order to be able to carry it as inconspicuously as possible, it is necessary for a pistol to be as slim as possible, as is the case with the HK SFP9 CC. This is supported by narrow controls, which are adapted accordingly, but can still always be reached and operated safely and easily. In order to satisfy even the last wishes, there is of course also an Optics Ready (OR) version. This completes the name to HK SFP9 CC OR.

First impression: unboxing of the Heckler & Koch SFP9 CC OR

As always, the unboxing is one of the most exciting moments. This time, the object of desire comes in a high-quality case typical of Heckler & Koch. Inside, the HK SFP9 CC OR and its accessories are neatly organized in their respective places as usual. The first impression is, it almost has to be said, what you would expect from an HK firearm. Visually, the HK SFP9 CC OR looks like its full-size sibling – only smaller, but just as excellently finished. The gun's surfaces have an even finish, without rattling or too much play in the moving parts. The cocking serrations are cleanly milled in the slide and ensure a secure grip even when wearing gloves. Slide "rackers" are fitted below the rear sight on the right and left to assist when racking the slide, which are also intended to prevent slipping – a small but cool detail. The rear and front sights offer a narrow but pleasant light gap. The white dot in the front sight helps with quick target acquisition. A red dot on the cocking indicator at the rear of the slide indicates whether the striker is cocked.

The supplied metal magazines each hold ten cartridges. However, the little finger searches in vain for grip. The slightly longer optional 12-round magazine provides some relief here. The extended magazine makes accurate shooting at distances beyond ten meters a little easier. The trigger, equipped with a trigger safety, reaches the release point after around 7 mm and breaks after a further 3 mm. The average pull weight of several measurements is 1,990 grams, determined using a Lyman trigger pull gauge. The reset travel of the trigger blade to be ready to fire again is just 5 mm. This fullfils all the parameters of the Special Forces trigger. Due to the small dimensions of the pistol, it takes some getting used to, but the trigger runs and breaks cleanly without scratching or rubbing.

The polygonal barrel measures 80 mm and gives the bullet a right-hand twist for stabilization. The SFP9 CC OR uses an open-cam modified version of the Browning locking system. Being a short-recoil firearm, the barrel initially slides straight to the rear after the shot before tilting downwards and unlocking the chamber from the slide. This fraction of a second is important so that the gases produced during the shot have the maximum effect on the forward movement of the bullet and do not endanger the shooter through the ejection port due to the hot combustion gases.

Due to the very compact design, a special recoil spring is necessary. However, as will be shown later, it does a very good job. Thanks to its workmanship, the HK SFP9 CC OR has the potential to be a pleasure to hold. However, even with very small ladies' hands, the grip almost disappears completely into the hand.

On the range: firing the subcompact SFP9 CC OR

The short barrel in combination with the 9mm chambering leaves some people with a slightly unpleasant feeling when firing. You have to think about how best to hold the small pistol in order to properly tame the recoil and muzzle flip of the follow-up shots. A little practice is required here, but it is definitely doable. On the shooting range, you quickly realize that the unloaded 590-gram handgun achieves good results up to a distance of 15 m. A 40-mm grouping with the Hornady Home Defense is a very respectable result – but at 15 meters. Beyond that, the groupings diverge considerably. At 25 meters, the smallest grouping is already 72 mm and the hit patterns quickly climb to over ten centimeters. However, the small SFP9 CC OR is not designed for sports shooters and their demand for tight groups, but rather to be carried as concealed as possible and used at short distances. And as far as this is concerned, the little gun performs very well. The operating instructions also note the efficient operating range of a maximum of 15 meters.

The shooting range visit is followed by the obligatory disassembly and cleaning of the gun. Here you can recognize another characteristic of Heckler and Koch's engineering skills. Disassembly of the HK SFP9 requires an unloaded firearm. This means that the slide must be in the rearmost position, the magazine must be removed from the gun and the chamber must be empty. Only then can the takedown lever on the left-hand side be turned downwards by 90 degrees. If the slide stop lever is now released, the slide can be removed forwards while the gun is decocked at the same time. Reassembly is quick and uncomplicated in reverse order. Finally, a goodie: If the HK safety flag is inserted after checking the empty chamber, the pistol will not cock as the slide is not fully closed. This allows the pistol to be safely stored uncocked without the need to pull the trigger and the resulting stress on the striker.

HK SFP9 CC OR technical specifications and price

Wrapping up

The quality of the HK SFP9 CC OR is outstanding. It's important to consider the manufacturer's intended use for this model, which is short-range shooting up to a maximum of 15 meters. And that's precisely what it was designed for. Heckler & Koch has positioned it where it belongs: concealed carry and law enforcement. And that is exactly where it can be found on the manufacturer's website. From a sporting point of view, the "baby" SFP9 makes no sense. In concept and as part of the family, however, it is an absolutely sensible addition to the lineup and therefore not only competitive, but probably even leading in terms of equipment options, accessories and the variety of variants. However, whether this justifies the recommended retail price of a good €1,000 is something everyone has to decide for themselves. 

Further information on the SFP9 CC OR is available on the Heckler & Koch website.