Heckler and Koch VP-70

Answer 1

The Heckler & Koch VP70 is a double-action only polymer-framed pistol made by German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH. The name VP70 stands for Vollautomatische Pistole 1970, referring to its automatic fire capability. Alternatively, VP70 stands for Volks Pistole 1970. Chambered for the 9x19mm cartridge, the VP70 was the first commercially available handgun with a polymer frame, predating the more successful Glock 17 by over a decade. The VP70 came in two variants, the VP70Z and VP70M. The VP70Z was a civilian model that could only fire in semiautomatic mode. The VP70M was made for military forces and had a three-round burst fire mode, as well as a detachable butt stock. Production ended in 1989 and the VP70 was later replaced by the USP in the early 1990s. The civilian VP70Z can now be found selling in the neighborhood of $700-$900.