Here you see my AIM kit VP'70 replica, next to my real Heckler and Koch VP'70Z. I think they look pretty close! I'm told the Z is the civilian version of the VP'70, and there are a number of differences between the two:

1. Z has a flat handgrip, unlike the shaped grip of the replica/military version.

2. The stamping of the slide and handgrip is somewhat different on the Z.

3. Z lacks a slot in the backstrap, where a shoulder stock is attached on the military version. Attaching the shoulder stock allows you to fire it in a three-round-burst mode.

The HK VP'70 was the very first pistol to begin using plastic composites in its construction, predating Glock by several years. It is chambered for 9mm, and its magazine holds a fairly impressive 19 rounds. The pistol is double-action only, with a fairly heavy trigger pull. Mine fires just a bit high. The front site is a ramp, rather than a blade. It employs a polished surface to contrast the groove in the center of the ramp. The magazine fits tightly into the weapon; press the magazine release (a simple catch on the bottom), and the magazine will not fall out. You must physically strip it out of the weapon. There is no slide lock at all; the slide will fall forward even after the magazine runs dry. I'm told this is a military feature design to prevent the enemy from seeing when your magazine is empty. Stripping the weapon is very simple: Pull down the retaining catch (located just forward of the trigger guard), pull the slide to the rear, lift the back of the slide off the frame, and then slide it forward and off the barrel. The end!

"Here's my personal Sidearm. I picked this up at a convention for $25. Can't beat that."

-Spat