Vektor SP1
Semi-automatic pistol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Vektor SP1 is a South African pistol produced since 1992 by Denel Land Systems (DLS), formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works (LIW).[1]
| 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 | |
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Double action, short recoil operation |
| Muzzle velocity | 347 m/s (1,138 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum firing range | 1,800m - 2,000m |
| Feed system | |
| Sights | Iron sight with Tritium light |
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]
