HK VP-70 Z

[Gildwiller1918]

The HK Volkspistole 70 or Vp-70 pistol came out in 1970 and was made in 2 versions, the "M" model for military and the "Z" model for Zivil or civilian use. The main difference was the "M" model used a detachable shoulder stock, which allowed the pistol to fire in a 3 round burst. In burst mode, the cyclic rate of fire was 2,200 rounds per minute. The gun itself was designed to be cheap and easy to manufacture, and was ahead of its time in design. It was the first produced pistol to have a polymer frame, making it lighter than other pistols. It also had a unique sight system, consisting of a ramp system in front with a cutout to allow the rear sight to line up. It came with a 18 round double stack magazine and operated with a unlocked blowback system, which keeps things very simple. Its sleek design and look made it very popular for the movie industry, and it was used in the 1986 Aliens movie by the Colonial Marines. The pistol itself was considered a failure although it was in production for nearly 20 years. Its design, operation and faults were studied and improved in later weapons, such as the MP5 and The Glock Company furthered the polymer frame for its weapons. 

This one was on my wish list for some time, as not many were imported to the US, they are quite rare and getting expensive. 

 

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is the military version with the detachable shoulder stock.

 

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is the VP 70 in the Aliens movie, it was also used in at least 18 other movies and TV series. 

[Gildwiller1918]

Some of the first VP70s imported to the US had the notches cut out in the molded stock to accommodate the shoulder stock. The Government had these recalled and the notches filled to prevent anyone from using the shoulder stock which contained the fire control group and firing 3 round bursts. Although the VP70Z model was semi auto only, you would need the "M" model to fire the 3 round burst. You can see where these notches have been filled on my example below.