Since the HK VP9 came out in 2014, the firearms community has taken up arms (no pun intended) over which firearm is better. Everyone seems to be asking the question: “Is the VP9 better?”

…kinda.

I’ve put well over a thousand rounds through the Glock 17 in my career, and about 300-400 rounds in the VP9 by now. Usually, I reserve judgment on any firearm until I go through at least 200 or so rounds to come to a conclusion. Never listen to the guy who makes a hasty judgment after 1 magazine.

Honestly, the VP9 is a top-notch firearm that offers many features that are comparable if not better than the Glock.

Grip: For starters, the VP9 has a comfortable, ergonomic, and customizable panels that the Glock does not. The side straps and back straps could totally be changed out to your liking. Unlike the Glock, you’re not stuck with its default setting. Fortunately, I am sufficiently comfortable with the Glock’s grip as is.

Sights: Iconic or outdated? The sights on a Glock is a hit or miss (again, no pun intended) for many. I started out early on in my education with the Glock sights, so I don’t find it too much of a hassle. Ironically, it’s Patridge sights, named after E. E. Patridge, a 19th-century American sportsman, was actually designed for greater accuracy through the vertical alignment. But, sights preference is purely subjective based on its user. The ones from Ozark Armament are my favorite offset iron sights.

Trigger: The Glock comes with a decent factory trigger, though the VP9 takes the cake here with a much more superior trigger. This can make or break the decision here.

Magazines and Magazine Releases: I am in love with the magazine release built under the trigger guard in the VP9. This is much less mainstream compared to the “button on the side” for most handguns. I’ve heard a fair number of praises alongside grievances with this feature, though. But why I love this is that it’s more tactical! With the VP9, I can rapidly release and insert a fresh magazine with limited palm-finger movement, whereas for most magazine release features like the Glock, I find that I have to tilt a bit more to hit the release. That’s a bitch, losing your sight picture when your magazine runs empty.

Accuracy: Again, this is purely subjective. If you neglect training, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on your EDC or home defense collection. You should be familiar with the tools in your arsenal. If your go-to is a grossly outdated Elmo Fudd double-barreled shotgun, then stick with that over whatever new firearm out there that hits the civilian market. Work within your comfort zone. But my point is, both firearms are excellent. They are extremely reliable, much more than I.

Price point: The Glock 17 is around $500-600 MSRP, whereas the VP9 is around $700-750.

In praise of Glocks, let’s not forget that their parts are readily available nearly everywhere. Ordering parts after troubleshooting your VP9 is quite the hassle, to say the least. Glock components are mass-produced, cheaper than dirt, easy to come by, and everywhere in the US – both factory and aftermarket. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, anti-gun legislation, or whatever your SHTF scenario is, you will find that the Glock is far superior in upkeep.

Still, I’d much rather fork out the extra hundred-something bucks and get the newer VP9. What can I say? I’m a sucker for consumerism.

Better yet, streamline past this decision-making process and get both.