Vektor SP1

Last updated

Vektor SP1/SP2
VektorSP1.jpg
Vektor SP1
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of originSouth Africa
Service history
In service1992–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
Manufacturer Denel Land Systems, South Africa
Variants
  • Vektor SP1
  • Vektor SP2
Specifications
Mass995 g (2.194 lb)
Length210 mm (8.3 in)
Barrel  length118 mm (4.6 in)
Width40.5 mm (1.59 in)
Height145 mm (5.7 in)
Cartridge
Action Double action, short recoil operation
Muzzle velocity 347 m/s (1,138 ft/s)
Effective firing range50  m (55  yd)
Feed system
Sights Iron sight with Tritium light

The Vektor SP1 was a South African pistol produced since 1992 by Denel Land Systems (DLS), formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works (LIW). [1]

Contents

SP stands for Service Pistol. [2]

Design

The Vektor SP1 was the improved version of the Vektor Z88 pistol, the South African Beretta 92F copy. Thus, the SP1 is based on the Italian Beretta design. It was a short-recoil operated, locked-breech pistol. It used 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. The sights are fixed; the front sight is pinned to the slide, the rear is dovetailed.

The magazines are double stack; the magazine release button is located at the base of trigger-guard. [1]

Variant

Vektor SP2

.40 S&W caliber version of the SP1. [2]

SP1 General

Compact variant of the SP1 with shorter barrels, slides and grips. [1]

SP1 Target

A limited edition SP1 Target pistol was also available.

This model features a single action operation, large adjustable sights, straight trigger design, a different trigger guard a compensating weight with longer barrel.

They were marked as "Vektor USA: Norfolk VA". [3]

SP2 General

Compact variant of the SP2 with shorter barrels, slides and grips. [1]

Usage

Both SP-1 and SP-2 pistols were exported to Europe and South America in several variations.

SP-1 pistol was in service with the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service.

Outside South Africa, the pistol is seen in use of some South-Asian countries, notably Singapore and Malaysia. [4]

Users

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Charles Q. Cutshaw (28 February 2011). Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 112. ISBN   1-4402-2709-8.
  2. 1 2 https://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/handguns-en/south-africa-semi-automatic-pistols/vektor-sp1-i-sp2-eng/
  3. ↑ Jeff Kinard (2003). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact . New York: ABC-CLIO. p.  282. ISBN   978-1-85109-470-7.
  4. ↑ Hogg, Ian; Walter, John (29 August 2004). Pistols of the World. London: David & Charles. p. 96. ISBN   0-87349-460-1.
  5. ↑ "Exocet". Malaysian Defence. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
  6. ↑ Montes, Julio A. (August 2011). "Peruvian Small Arms: Gunning for the Shining Path" (PDF). Small Arms Defense Journal: 25–29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
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