Vektor SP1

Vektor SP1/SP2
Vektor SP1
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	South Africa
Service history
In service	1992–present
Used by	See Users
Production history
Manufacturer	Denel Land Systems, South Africa
Variants	Vektor SP1 Vektor SP2
Specifications
Mass	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
Action	Double action, short recoil operation
Muzzle velocity	347 m/s (1,138 ft/s)
Effective firing range	50  m (55  yd)
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 was a South African pistol produced since 1992 by Denel Land Systems (DLS), formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works (LIW). ^[1]

Design

Main articles: Beretta 92 and Vektor Z88

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.

SP stands for “Service Pistol” and both weapons are full-sized, holster type pistols of solid construction.

The Vektor SP1 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.

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". ^[2]

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. ^[3]

Users

• Malaysia
  • Grup Gerak Khas
  • Royal Malaysia Police
  • Department of Immigration ^[4]
• Peru
  • Peruvian Air Force ^[5]
• South Africa

See also

• Vektor Z88
• Vektor CP1

References

1. 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. Jeff Kinard (2003). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact . New York: ABC-CLIO. p.  282. ISBN   978-1-85109-470-7.
3. Hogg, Ian; Walter, John (29 August 2004). Pistols of the World. London: David & Charles. p. 96. ISBN   0-87349-460-1.
4. "Exocet". Malaysian Defence. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
5. 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.

External links

• Vektor SP1 Owner's Manual
• Vektor SP1 and SP2 at Modern Firearms