SHOT Show 2018 What’s Old Is New Again: The B&T VP9 Tom Marshall January 25, 2018 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. In a delightful nod to the obscure British Welrod pistol, B&T is releasing to the public a highly unique pistol they’re tentatively calling the VP9. (No, it’s not the same as HK’s striker pistol of the same name. In order to prevent confusion, B&T may release their product under a different moniker. Time will tell.) The B&T VP9 has an intriguing backstory. An unspecified government agency in Europe approached B&T with some very specific requirements for a very specific mission set. After producing a small number of the pistols for this particular customer, B&T re-purposed the design and sold limited numbers to veterinarians for humanely dispatching wounded or suffering animals. The nomenclature VP9 actually stands for Veterinarian Pistol, 9mm. So what is it exactly that B&T produced? A 5-shot, bolt action, 9mm pistol. Yes, bolt action. The breech must be unlocked and then manually cycled after each shot. While this may sound outdated or inefficient, the locked breach and lack of reciprocating slide keep this gun spooky quiet. Additionally, the magazine is contained in the pistol grip, meaning that you must detach the entire pistol grip to reload. Again, it may seem inefficient when thinking in USPSA terms. But it offers the distinct advantage of the VP9 being able to be broken down into three primary components that can fit into a cargo pocket or shaving kit. The barrel itself is only 1.5 inches long. The rest of the gun is all suppressor, itself a unique design of aluminum spacers and wipes that does not actually feature any traditional baffles. Wipes, while consumable, are incredibly quiet and easy to swap out and dispose of. When you factor in all these seemingly odd design features, the intended end user of this pistol begins to take shape. B&T tells us they are actually producing a small batch of these pistol in their US factory, as a cost-benefit analysis against the unfathomable hassle of tackling both State Department and BATF import vetting procedures. The roll marks on the final production guns is still up for discussion, depending on how these two parallel strategies pan out. No price point has been decided but for the collector of pew pew oddities, the B&T VP9 is certainly an admirable addition to any collection. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
