Best DAO hammer fired autoloaders

[Zaydok Allen]

The LEM HKs are interesting because they have the weight savings of a polymer framed gun but I don’t like how the trigger is so light. I think I’d prefer the additional take up found in the DAK design, but they are much heavier guns because of the frame material. I wish the p250 was still widely available.

I’m tempted to get a NOS p224 but I’m hesitant to get a gun that’s no longer in production. If it needs repairs or warranty work at some point, will parts be available for a gun with such a short production period?

I guess I’m wanting a gun that just isn’t current production... this search has been somewhat frustrating.

I believe the LEM models by HK are available in different trigger weights by mixing different springs.

A few things to note on the LEM triggers. Yes there is two versions, a light and a standard.

If you want to know how the standard feels all you need to do is dry fire s light LEM and then pull the trigger again without cycling the slide.

The takeup on the LEM is long and even with the light LEM I find I can stage the trigger quickly and controllably. It's almost like shooting a SA. But that's just my opinion.

Alternatively I've heard a person can get a standard SA/DA HK with a safety and decocker, convert it to LEM, and then use the decocker to decock the LEM action. This makes the first shot like the standard LEM trigger, and then subsequent shots like the light LEM. It seems a good solution for those nervous about the light LEM. The down side is it will add around $200 to the cost.

 

[SteadyD]

A few things to note on the LEM triggers. Yes there is two versions, a light and a standard.

If you want to know how the standard feels all you need to do is dry fire s light LEM and then pull the trigger again without cycling the slide.

The takeup on the LEM is long and even with the light LEM I find I can stage the trigger quickly and controllably. It's almost like shooting a SA. But that's just my opinion.

Alternatively I've heard a person can get a standard SA/DA HK with a safety and decocker, convert it to LEM, and then use the decocker to decock the LEM action. This makes the first shot like the standard LEM trigger, and then subsequent shots like the light LEM. It seems a good solution for those nervous about the light LEM. The down side is it will add around $200 to the cost.

Is any part of the action pre-cocked on the standard LEM. Is there resistance evenly throughout the trigger pull or is there a bunch of take up before you reach the actual weight of the trigger?

 

[JTQ]

Alternatively I've heard a person can get a standard SA/DA HK with a safety and decocker, convert it to LEM, and then use the decocker to decock the LEM action. This makes the first shot like the standard LEM trigger, and then subsequent shots like the light LEM. It seems a good solution for those nervous about the light LEM. The down side is it will add around $200 to the cost.

DA/SA.

I believe that is only with the USP guns. I don't think you can convert the P2000, P30, or HK45, though I don't know for sure.

 

[JTQ]

Here's some LEM video's

 

[SteadyD]

Here's some LEM video's

Thanks JTQ, I’ve seen those and they have me shying away from the LEM HK because there isn’t even resistance throughout the trigger pull and the action is pre-cocked. Kind of like the Px4 C variant, correct? I want a legitimate double action trigger. Is the standard LEM like that, as opposed to the lite LEM in the videos?

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Is any part of the action pre-cocked on the standard LEM. Is there resistance evenly throughout the trigger pull or is there a bunch of take up before you reach the actual weight of the trigger?

Yes on the light LEM it is precocked. On the standard I do not believe precocking occurs. I may not be totally right on that though.

There is actually two stages on my light LEM. The early long take up is very light. Then you hit increased resistance close to break. It's detectable enough that you can stop prior to the actual break. Then it breaks very crisply. I'd really recommend you look for a LEM trigger to dry fire. You really need to feel it. I took a chance and just ordered one, but ended up liking it enough that I'm probably going to convert my HK45 and I won't buy anther HK hammer gun without it.

DA/SA.

I believe that is only with the USP guns. I don't think you can convert the P2000, P30, or HK45, though I don't know for sure.

Dammit you got me again. DA/SA.

Im pretty sure all HK guns can be converted to LEM, with the exception of VP guns of course. HKparts.net sells the kits to do it and I've talked to a guy on the HK forum who did it to his P30. The question is in regards to the difference between the HK45 and P30 guns. The HK45 has a safety/decocking lever. The P30 has decocking button on the rear of the slide. I know the models with lever decockers can be converted to LEM but I'm not sure about the button decockers function after conversion.

A decockable LEM gun is known as V0 which I don't believe is offered by HK.

If someone is seriously considering conversion, the HK forum should be researched thoroughly first.

 

[SteadyD]

Yes on the light LEM it is precocked. On the standard I do not believe precocking occurs. I may not be totally right on that though.

There is actually two stages on my light LEM. The early long take up is very light. Then you hit increased resistance close to break. It's detectable enough that you can stop prior to the actual break. Then it breaks very crisply. I'd really recommend you look for a LEM trigger to dry fire. You really need to feel it. I took a chance and just ordered one, but ended up liking it enough that I'm probably going to convert my HK45 and I won't buy anther HK hammer gun without it.


Dammit you got me again. DA/SA.

Im pretty sure all HK guns can be converted to LEM, with the exception of VP guns of course. HKparts.net sells the kits to do it and I've talked to a guy on the HK forum who did it to his P30. The question is in regards to the difference between the HK45 and P30 guns. The HK45 has a safety/decocking lever. The P30 has decocking button on the rear of the slide. I know the models with lever decockers can be converted to LEM but I'm not sure about the button decockers function after conversion.

A decockable LEM gun is known as V0 which I don't believe is offered by HK.

If someone is seriously considering conversion, the HK forum should be researched thoroughly first.

One thing I like about true DAO guns is the consistent tactile feedback throughout the trigger pull. The other thing I like is no energy being stored in the action. For those reasons I just don’t think the LEM triggers would be for me. I can tell from your posts and what I’ve read that people really like them but they aren’t quite what I’m hunting for.

 

[JTQ]

One thing I like about true DAO guns is the consistent tactile feedback throughout the trigger pull. The other thing I like is no energy being stored in the action. For those reasons I just don’t think the LEM triggers would be for me. I can tell from your posts and what I’ve read that people really like them but they aren’t quite what I’m hunting for.

I think you should go handle an HK LEM. You may still not like it, but I think it may clear up some things for you.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

One thing I like about true DAO guns is the consistent tactile feedback throughout the trigger pull. The other thing I like is no energy being stored in the action. For those reasons I just don’t think the LEM triggers would be for me. I can tell from your posts and what I’ve read that people really like them but they aren’t quite what I’m hunting for.

I guess I agree. It's not a standard trigger and takes some getting used to. If it's not what you're looking for there are certainly lots of options.

I do agree with JTQ though. Handling one is not a bad thing even if for no other reason than knowledge accumulation.

 

[gc70]

I’d really like to find a subcompact NIB but haven’t spotted one yet. I’ve found used on Gunbroker but I’d much prefer new and in 9mm as well. I will keep watching.

P250 subcompacts in 9mm seem a bit more popular -and harder to find- than other sizes and calibers. Gunbroker's advanced search shows two 9mm P250sc pistols sold in the last 45 days - a very clean used gun for $280 and a NIB gun for $360.

Also, give consideration to a P250 compact slide mounted on a subcompact grip module (on the right in the picture below), which is a popular configuration among P250 owners.

 

[SteadyD]

I think you should go handle an HK LEM. You may still not like it, but I think it may clear up some things for you.

I will endeavor to do so, but seeing one of the reviews and the gentleman being able to pull the trigger with his pinky leads me to believe it’s just too light for me. In the meantime I’ll be watching gunbroker for a suitable 250. Thanks again for everyone’s assistance!