HK VP9 A1 Compatibility Guide – Holster Fit and Model Rundown

Legacy of the VP9 

The VP9 has been HK’s flagship striker-fired pistol since its release in 2014. Known for its excellent ergonomics, the VP9 was one of the first factory pistols to offer fully interchangeable backstraps and side panels, allowing users to tailor the grip to their hand. The paddle-style mag release, ambidextrous controls, and consistent trigger pull made it a standout in a crowded market. It saw limited but notable use with European police and military units, and has remained popular with U.S. law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters looking for a refined sidearm that’s ready to go out of the box. 

What’s Changed with the VP9 A1

The VP9 A1 updates the original design with a series of small, practical changes:

• Trigger: Nickel-Teflon coated components for a smoother pull and cleaner break
  
  
• Grip & Serrations: Slightly revised grip texture and added forward slide serrations
  
  
• Magwell: Light flare added for easier reloads
  
  
• Slide Cut: Optics-ready by default, compatible with VP-specific plates
  
  
• Sights: Blacked out front and rear sight.
  
  
• Magazines: Full-size now ships with 17- or 20-round mags; compact with 15
  
  

Both models are offered as OR (Optics Ready) or OE (Optics Equipped), the latter factory-mounted with a Holosun SCS.

Model Breakdown

VP9 A1 F (Full-Size)

• 4.53" barrel
  
  
• 17 or 20-round magazines
  
  
• Available in OR or OE configurations
  
  
• Footprint unchanged from original VP9
  
  

VP9 A1 K (Compact)

• • 4.09" barrel
    
    
  • 15-round magazines

• • Also available in OR or OE formats
    
    

Holster Fit, Am I Covered? 

All existing Dara Holsters built for the VP9 platform will fit the A1 models with no changes required. Frame dimensions, slide profile, and control layout are unchanged. The optics-ready slide still fits cleanly into all of our holsters.

If you’re already running a VP9 and considering the move to the A1 series, Dara has you covered. Every Dara Holster built for the VP9 has already been field-proven—and the A1 is a great addition to the toolbox.

You can browse our full line of OWB holsters here 

Agencies or departments with questions about compatibility, testing and evaluation, or bulk orders can reach out directly at support@daraholsters.com. 

We’re looking forward to what Heckler & Koch does next with the A1 lineup.