Vektor SP1
| Vektor SP1/SP2 | |
|---|---|
 Vektor SP1 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin |
 South Africa |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1992 - Present |
| Used by | South Africa, Malaysia |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Denel Land Systems, South Africa |
| Variants | Vektor SP1, Vektor SP2 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 995 g (2.194 lb) |
| Length | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Barrel length | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Width | 40.5 mm (1.59 in) |
| Height | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
|
| |
| Cartridge | 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W |
| Caliber | 9 mm, 10 mm |
| Action | Double action, short recoil operation |
| Muzzle velocity | 347 ± 15 m/s (9×19 mm) |
| Effective firing range | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Feed system |
Detachable box magazine, + 1 in chamber 15-rounds - 9 mm, 11-rounds - .40 S&W |
| Sights | Iron sight with Tritium light |
The Vektor SP1 is an improved 9mm version of the Z-88 pistol (which is a locally produced copy of Beretta 92F), produced since 1992 by Denel Land Systems (DLS), formerly Lyttleton Engineering Works (LIW) .
Design
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.
Variant
A .40 S&W caliber version of the SP1 was introduced by LIW/DLS a little later as the Vektor SP2. Both SP-1 and SP-2 pistols are exported to Europe and South America in several variations.
Usage
SP-1 pistol is currently in service with the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. Outside South Africa, the pistol is seen in the hands of the officers as one of the standard issue sidearm of the Royal Malaysian Police, the national police of Malaysia.
Users
See also
The Vektor CP1, another pistol by the same manufacturer, is noted for its streamlined, science-fiction appearance.
References
External links
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