Item Description: The VP70 is a 9 mm, 18-round, double action only, semi-automatic/three-round burst capable polymerframe pistolmanufactured by German arms firmHeckler & Koch GmbH. VP stands forVolkspistole[1][2][3] (literally "People's Pistol"), and the designation 70 was for the first year of production: 1970.
It was the first polymer-framed pistol and predates the [[Glock pistol|Glock 17]] by 12 years. The gun unloaded, is lighter than most other metal framed pistols of the time. Although the VP70 was the first polymer-framed [[handgun]], the [[Remington Nylon 66]] [[rifle]] introduced in 1959 was the first polymer-[[Receiver_(firearms)|framed]] firearm in production.
[[File:VP70Mphoto.jpg|thumb|VP70 with stock]]
One unique feature of this weapon involved the combination stock/holster for the martial version of the VP70. The stock incorporates a selector switch that, when mounted, allows [[selective fire]]. Cyclic rate of fire for the three-round burst is 2200 rounds per minute. When not mounted, the stock acts as a holster. The VP70 uses a spring-loaded striker like a Glock, instead of a conventional firing pin. It is double action only so the trigger pull is relatively heavy. In lieu of a blade front sight, the VP70 uses a polished ramp with a central notch in the middle to provide the illusion of a dark front post. Contrary to a common misconception, the VP70 does indeed have a manual safety. It is the circular button located immediately behind the trigger and is a common crossblock safety.
It was the first polymer-framed pistol and predates the [[Glock pistol|Glock 17]] by 12 years. The gun unloaded, is lighter than most other metal framed pistols of the time. Although the VP70 was the first polymer-framed [[handgun]], the [[Remington Nylon 66]] [[rifle]] introduced in 1959 was the first polymer-[[Receiver_(firearms)|framed]] firearm in production.
[[File:VP70Mphoto.jpg|thumb|VP70 with stock]]
One unique feature of this weapon involved the combination stock/holster for the martial version of the VP70. The stock incorporates a selector switch that, when mounted, allows [[selective fire]]. Cyclic rate of fire for the three-round burst is 2200 rounds per minute. When not mounted, the stock acts as a holster. The VP70 uses a spring-loaded striker like a Glock, instead of a conventional firing pin. It is double action only so the trigger pull is relatively heavy. In lieu of a blade front sight, the VP70 uses a polished ramp with a central notch in the middle to provide the illusion of a dark front post. Contrary to a common misconception, the VP70 does indeed have a manual safety. It is the circular button located immediately behind the trigger and is a common crossblock safety.
