The gun world isn't particularly innovative. Especially in the handgun industry, perhaps the last significant innovation was the introduction of polymer frames, some fifty years ago. But mechanically, very little has changed since the early twentieth century, when the basic pistol locking systems and designs were developed. So, whenever something new appears, we think it deserves some attention. This is the case of the VIG007 Speedfire, a 9mm semi-auto pistol model from the small Czech VIGrand company.
It's been a long road, actually: the first mock-ups/protypes of the VIG007 Speedfire surfaced around 2017. Then, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, little more of It was heard. Until now: VIGrand has announced that the first 100 production examples have been made and are available for purchase at a recommended retail price of 2,300 euro.
VIGrand VIG007 Speedfire, innovative and all-steel
What's the fuss about the VIG007 Speedfire? First of all, it features a fixed barrel, low bore axis, external hammer, and double action/single action trigger. Developed as both a civilian and service gun, convenient for concealed carry as well as for sport shooting, every part of the pistol is steel – there are no plastic components. But what makes it truly innovative is its operating system based on a unique patented roller mechanism that delays the backwards movement of the slide when firing.
The manufacturer describes it thus: “This mechanism is located in the front lower part of the gun and consists of a single roller and a roller energy spring. The mechanism allows the slide's recoil to be delayed until the bullet exits the barrel. The free slide delay mechanism also helps reduce muzzle rise after firing, as the slide forces the spring-loaded roller downward, opposite to the muzzle rise, transferring part of its recoil energy to the pistol's frame. The free slide delay mechanism is mounted in a separate block (module), which allows it to be fully replaced if necessary or easily disassembled for parts replacement.” VIGrand also stresses how the “pistol's automation is well-balanced, with the weight of the stationary parts being three times the weight of the lighter moving slide, positively affecting recoil perception and pistol stability during shooting. For reference, pistols with polymer frames usually have a 1:1 ratio between moving and stationary parts.”
The VIG007 Speedfire has a 4.7”/120 mm long barrel. Capacity is 15+1 rounds. The significantly lowered barrel axis, combined with a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution along the length of the pistol, reduces muzzle rise and facilitates a quick return to target for the next shot during rapid fire.
The pistol's firing mechanism uses an exposed hammer and an inertial firing pin. The hammer also has a half/safety cock. The trigger pull in DA mode is heavy, around 5.5 kg, with a long trigger travel of about 6 mm; in SA trigger pull is around 2 kg (which can be reduced to 0.8 kg for sports shooting), and the trigger travel (SA) is 2 mm (which can be reduced to 1.5 mm for sports shooting). The pistol does not have a mechanical safety, but has three levels of safety in the trigger mechanism.
According to the manufacturer, full disassembly can be easily performed in 2-3 minutes for thorough cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and parts replacement if needed. Partial disassembly for quick cleaning and lubrication takes 20-25 seconds.
The overall pistol’s length is 195 mm, with a maximum width of 28 mm and a height of 125 mm. Weight is 895 g. The grip is made of aluminum and consists of a rear and front half. If the owner wishes to change the configuration of the rear part of the grip, a replacement rear half can be purchased.
VIGrand vouches for its product's accuracy: comparative tests showed that the VIG007 Speedfire's accuracy at 50 m is comparable to the accuracy of tilting barrel pistols shot at a distance of 25 m.
VIGrand VIG007 Speedfire: what's next?
We haven't seen the gun in the flesh yet, so we have to accept their claims at face value. But even if confirmed, are these qualities enough for success in the ultra-competitive and busy market segment of 9mm semi-auto pistols, where well-established giants such as Glock, SIG-Sauer, Ruger, Springfield Armory, and Czech CZ – just to name a few – have been dominating for years now? And will a unique, innovative (and somewhat expensive) pistol like the VIG007 Speedfire be appreciated by the notoriously conservative gun world?
The manufacturer thinks so, anticipating that in the future the VIG007 will also be chambered for other calibers and with a polymer frame, with a possibility of deploying various additional equipment (sights, tactical lamps. Etc.). Moreover, a new pistol cartridge will be developed for this pistol model as well as for the next VIG 08 model to further enhance their characteristics.
VIGrand is currently looking for dealers in the European and American markets, and the VIG007 Speedfire is currently only available through direct purchase (for more information you can visit the manufacturer's website).
VIGrand VIG007 Speedfire technical specifications and price
| Caliber: | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel
Length: | 4.7”/120
mm |
| Overall
Length: | 195 mm |
| Height: | 128 mm |
| Width: | 28 mm |
| Weight: | 895 g |
| Capacity: | 15+1
rounds |
| Price
(RRP): | 2,300
euro |
