Vektor SP1
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2018) |
| 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 |
|
| 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 | |
| Action | Double action, short recoil operation |
| Muzzle velocity | 347 m/s (1,138 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 50 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]
SP stands for Service Pistol.[2]
Design
[edit]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
[edit]Vektor SP2
[edit].40 S&W caliber version of the SP1.[2]
SP1 General
[edit]Compact variant of the SP1 with shorter barrels, slides and grips.[1]
SP1 Target
[edit]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
[edit]Compact variant of the SP2 with shorter barrels, slides and grips.[1]
Usage
[edit]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
[edit]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d 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.
- ^ a b https://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/handguns-en/south-africa-semi-automatic-pistols/vektor-sp1-i-sp2-eng/
- ^ Jeff Kinard (2003). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. New York: ABC-CLIO. p. 282. ISBN 978-1-85109-470-7.
- ^ Hogg, Ian; Walter, John (29 August 2004). Pistols of the World. London: David & Charles. p. 96. ISBN 0-87349-460-1.
- ^ "Exocet". Malaysian Defence. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ^ 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
[edit]