Vektor SP1/SP2
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Vektor SP1/SP2 | |
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Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
Place of origin | South Africa |
Service history | |
In service | 1992 - Present |
Used by | All military and law enforcement |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Lyttleton Ingenieurswerke, South Africa |
Variants | Vektor SP1 Vektor SP2 |
Specifications | |
Weight | 1.76 lbs (0.8 kg) |
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Cartridge | 9 mm Luger Parabellum, .40 S&W |
Caliber | 9 x 19 mm Parabellum, .40 S&W |
Action | Double action, short recoil operation |
Effective range | 165 ft (50 m) |
Feed system | Detachable box magazine, + 1 in chamber 15-rounds - 9 mm, 11-rounds - .40 S&W |
Sights | Iron sight |
In 1992 Vektor (a small arms division of the South African DENEL corporation) produced an improved 9mm version of the Z-88 pistol (a locally produced copy of Beretta 92F), known as the Vektor SP1. A little later, Vektor also introduced a .40 S&W calibre version of the SP1, known as the SP2. Both pistols are exported to Europe and South America in several variations. SP-1 pistol is currently in service with South African armed forces.
The Vektor SP1 and SP2 pistols are almost the same save for the calibre and magazines, and broadly based on the Italian Beretta 92 design. SP stands for “Service Pistol” and both weapons are full-sized, holster type pistols of solid construction. Vektor also makes compact versions of both models, marketed as “General models”; these have shorter barrels, slides and grips. The Vektor SP1 is a short-recoil operated, locked-breech pistol. It uses a Walther-type tilting locking piece, located below the straight-recoiling barrel, to lock it to the slide. The frame is made from aluminium alloy, other parts are steel. The trigger is double-action, with an exposed hammer and a frame-mounted, ambidextrous safety that allows for "cocked and locked" carry. Sights are fixed; the front sight is pinned to the slide, the rear is dovetailed. Magazines are double stack; the magazine release button is located at the base of trigger-guard.