Vektor CP1

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Vektor CP1
Vektor CP1
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	South Africa
Service history
In service	1996 - 2000
Used by	Mainly civilian customers - Some Law Enforcement (mainly in South Africa) and private Security operators
Production history
Manufacturer	Vektor (Denel (Pty) Ltd), South Africa
Produced	1996
Variants	Vektor CP1 / Vektor CP2
Specifications
Weight	1.58 lbs (720 g)
Length	177mm

Cartridge	9 mm
Caliber	9 x 19 mm Parabellum, 9x21mm IMI
Action	Double action, short recoil operation
Effective range	165 ft (50 m)
Feed system	Detachable box magazine, + 1 in chamber 10, 12, or 13-rounds - 9 mm
Sights	Iron sight

The СР1 pistol was intended as a concealed carry weapon for police and civilian use. It has an unusual, streamlined design with a polymer frame and an even more unusual safety, located at the front of the trigger-guard^[1]. In several reviews it was characterized as being a radically designed gun that looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. These reviews also state that it has no sharp edges, and is about as "Snag-proof" as any combat gun can ever be, and because of its design it is a surprisingly comfortable gun to shoot, which makes it feel very ergonomic^[2]. The gun originally sold in the the United States for a retail price of approximately $400. The pistol was also marketed in Italy, where it was chambered for the 9x21mm IMI cartridge.

The CP1 uses a gas- delayed blowback action with a gas cylinder located below the barrel. The trigger is double action, striker fired. A manual safety is located at the front of the trigger guard. To set on Safe, the button must be pressed rearward from the front; to set on Fire, the button must be pressed forward from inside the trigger guard. The pistol is also fitted with an automated trigger safety. Magazines are double stack; 10 & 12-round magazines are flush fit with the bottom of the grip, 13-round magazines have extended finger rests at the bottom.

Vektor was developing a .40 S&W caliber version of the CP1, to be known as the CP2. It is unknown if the CP2 was ever actually produced.

In October 2000 a recall notice was issued for the new South African-made Vektor CP1, because a small percentage of them had issues with the internal safety mechanisms and when dropped could accidentally fire. The recall states that the loaded gun can discharge if bumped or dropped. Information accompanying recall notices stated that the gun should not be loaded under any circumstances. As part of this recall, the manufacturer paid $500 to anyone who turned in their gun. This recall ended promising sales in the United States, and terminated the life of this pistol on the market, as the factory engineers were unable to fix the problem on both old and new-manufacture model, and thus Vektor decided to put the CP1 pistol out of production in 2001.

It is estimated that approximately 2000 of the guns were sold in the United States prior to the recall^[3]. Most of that number were turned in, and the guns are now very rare in the United States. They are available in very limited numbers in South Africa and other countries.