Like other world powers in the 1980s, South Africa adopted the Italian Beretta Model 92 semi-automatic pistol as its standard sidearm. It was engineered locally to the same dimensions as the Model 92, due to the U.N. arms embargo placed upon South Africa, but the guns were of same form and function as their Italian counterpart. These guns began production in 1989 under the designation of "Z-88". By the early 1990s, an improved form was sought and it was decided to evolve the Z-88 some, primarily for introducing broaden cartridge support and magazine counts. The resulting design became the Vektor SP ("Service Pistol") series introduced in 1992.
The SP appeared in two distinct primary model forms known simply as "SP1" and "SP2". The SP model was chambered for the ubiquitous 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge while the latter chambered the .40 S&W - the difference also varied ammunition counts in the respective magazines, 15 rounds in the 9mm form and 11 rounds in the .40 S&W form. Both models maintained their short-recoil operation with Double-Action (DA) triggers. The frames were stout and filled the hand quite nicely in the full-size models and more compact forms arrived later to improve carrying. Iron sights were standard and included a Tritium light arrangement allowing effective ranges out to 160 feet. The hammer was exposed at the rear of the frame and the safety made ambidextrous. Of particular note was the shift away from the cut-out slide of the Beretta Model 92 as seen in the Z-88 - instead the slide of the SP now completely shrouded the barrel assembly.
Beyond acceptance with the South African military, the SP series pistol was adopted by Malaysia and Singapore. Production is said to have also taken place in the Philippines by Arms Corporation.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Pistol / Sidearm
Compact design for close-quarters work or general self-defense.
Overall Length
210 mm 8.27 in
Barrel Length
118 mm 4.65 in
Empty Wgt
2.12 lb 0.96 kg
Sights
Iron Front and Rear.
Action
Semi-Automatic; Double-Action; Short-Recoil
Semi-Automatic
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moved bolt.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
9x19mm Parabellum; .40 S&W
Sample Visuals**
Rounds / Feed
11- or 15-round detachable box magazine depending on model.
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
164 ft (50 m | 55 yd)
Muzzle Velocity
1,150 ft/sec (351 m/sec)
SP - Base Series Designation
SP1 - Chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum; 15-round magazine count.
SP1 "General Officer's Pistol" - Compact version of the SP1
SP2 - Chambered for .40 S&W; 11-round magazine count.
SP2 "General Officer's Pistol" - Compact version of the SP2
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Malaysia; Philippines; South Africa; Singapore
