New addition to my HK family

[Sergei Mosin]

My HK45 needed a little friend, so I bought it a 9mm P30S to play with.

Actually, I've had my eye on the P30 for a long time. I just never got around to adding one to the collection; something else always seemed to jump ahead of it, and I never could make up my mind which variant to get. But once I bought an HK45, I really did want to get its 9mm equivalent.

It is an interesting gun. The Spider-Man grip really is as good as advertised. I may play with the grip panels a little (it comes with the mediums installed- for reference, I wear XL gloves and they're good in the palms but snug for length) but picking up this gun is like shaking hands with an old friend. It sits a little higher in my hand than the VP9, a little lower than a USP. I love my old bricks and they're not going anywhere - a gloved finger still fits better in a USP trigger guard than in the newer model HKs - but outside of that, the P30 ergonomics are miles ahead of the older guns. I like the bigger magazine release, but the rear decocking button will take some getting used to.

Compared to the other 9mm and .40 S&W guns in the H&K lineup, the P30 is an intermediate size. It's as tall as the full-size USP but markedly shorter and more slender. It's longer and taller than the USP Compact (and, I assume, the P2000) but again, it's thinner. Against the VP9, it stands a bit taller but it isn't quite as long, and it appears to be a touch wider.

The trigger is longer than other hammer-fired HKs in my collection, especially in single action. I went with the standard V3 DA/SA model so I wasn't expecting a great trigger, and I didn't get it, but I've also learned that there is a wide range of trigger pulls that will yield an acceptable level of accuracy for the average shooter with a service pistol. HK triggers work for me.

Now I just have to get out and shoot the thing...

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I never can seem to post more than one photo at a time from my phone, but here she is solo:

 

[Sergei Mosin]

And with the whole family:

 

[speedway]

Very nice. You need a P7 in there.

 

[JDR]

Cool! I've had the HK45 and then I've had the 9mm P30 no "S", V3 trigger variant for just over a year. I have the large backstrap & sideshells on mine, this fits my large hands better than any other gun I own or have shot,

I had my gunsmith do a little polishing of the sear face to lighten the DA pull a little bit, and it's fine this way. The SA pull is totally spot on for me. You can put a lighter (Wolff) hammer spring, and a lighter HK firing pin block spring and trigger return spring to lighten that DA pull, the gunsmith talked me out of these changes since this is my primary carry gun.

With about 5k rounds down range, this is totally accurate and reliable, and I can highly recommend the P30 V3 trigger variant, although I have my eye on a P2000 V2 LEM trigger variant, and I think I'd have fun trying one of those out!

 

[Chuck R.]

Congrats!

My new P30L V3 in 9mm will be arriving tomorrow. My intent is to leave it a V3 for a while, then convert to a light LEM V0 retaining the decocker.

It joins my HK45T V3 Light LEM, VP9, and P2000 V1.

JDR, IMHO the P2K light LEM is about perfect for someone that wants a G19 sized pistol for CCW, but wants a hammer.

Bad part about HKs is they seem to accumulate.....

Chuck

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Nice man! My affection for the HK brand is growing. I wanted a 9mm companion to my HK45 too so I bought a VP9. I was lacking a full size striker gun in my collection so it just worked out that way.

I'm curious about your opinion of the recoil between the vp an p30. I've heard the p30 is s bit softer shooting.

Congrats! By the way, if you haven't gotten too handle one yet, the p30sk is sweet as well with the LEM trigger. One may be in my future.

 

[usp9]

A HK fanboy here feeling the love. Enjoy the new P30.

 

[RA40]

Nice family pic and congrats on the P30. Those of us in CA can only wish for some of those. I picked up a P2000 V3 a handful of days back.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Thanks all. A P7 would be nice, but the prices...

Kodiak, I'll shoot them side by side and let you know about the recoil. Wouldn't expect much difference but you never know.

I looked at the P30SK and that's why I have a USP Compact. I wanted to like it but I'm a lot happier with a full grip. I might experiment with the LEM trigger at some point, maybe if I find a screaming deal on a P2000 and ignore the hump. But I'm hoping my next HK will be a VP45.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'm right there with you on wanting a VP45. It's the one gun that might take over bedside duty from my HK45, especially if it comes with interchangeable side panels like the VP9. The HK45 is a bit too narrow of a grip for me.

Yeah, I heard about the difference in perceived recoil from Phaedrus69, if I recall correctly. You're probably acquainted with him since he is a big HK fan as well. He theorized that the lack of the buffer in the VP9 was the cause, but that the difference was small. I think he was comparing it to a P30L also, so it's possible the slightly heavier gun absorbed a bit more recoil. Your P30 may feel the same as the VP when shooting.

I look forward to your thoughts on it.

 

[cemjr]

I just added the VP9 to my tool box. My P30 was my first handgun and though I still love it , I wanted a striker fire and a little nicer trigger . Well the VP9 is all I'd hoped it would be , and interchangeable mags is a +++.

 

[JDR]

JDR, IMHO the P2K light LEM is about perfect for someone that wants a G19 sized pistol for CCW, but wants a hammer.

I have to agree with you, the "V2" LEM variant on the P2000 is a very nice trigger, indeed!

 

[Chuck R.]

Picked my P30L V3 up today, and took it out back for a couple hundred rounds of my reloads. Zero issues.

It is very light shooting recoil wise. Lighter than my VP9 and my 5" M&P-9s, so maybe the buffer does do something. I was actually surprised that the V3 trigger didn't suck. The pull was long, but smooth and wasn't too hard. I have a reduced 10lb spring on order and a lightweight FPBS. The reset is longer than I'm used to and I choked it a couple times doing double taps, that will just take some getting used to. Overall a pretty accurate pistol. I shooting about as accurately as my VP9 and PPQs, just going to have work on getting used to the DA/SA trigger (again).

Couple of pics:

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Nice Chuck. I wish I had the money to add a P30L to my lineup. I gotta say though I'm really enjoying my VP9.

 

[helitack32f1]

I love your family photo! I too believe that you are missing a P7. And a MK-23.

 

[I6turbo]

Picked my P30L V3 up today, and took it out back for a couple hundred rounds of my reloads. Zero issues.

It is very light shooting recoil wise. Lighter than my VP9 and my 5" M&P-9s, so maybe the buffer does do something. I was actually surprised that the V3 trigger didn't suck. The pull was long, but smooth and wasn't too hard. I have a reduced 10lb spring on order and a lightweight FPBS. The reset is longer than I'm used to and I choked it a couple times doing double taps, that will just take some getting used to. Overall a pretty accurate pistol. I shooting about as accurately as my VP9 and PPQs, just going to have work on getting used to the DA/SA trigger (again).

Couple of pics:

Chuck R,
Nice group! How would you compare the P2000 to the others there? I know the size difference, but what are your thoughts on them, handling and firing? I've never owned a polymer gun but the P2000s that I've handled seemed to suit me for a mid-size gun that would fit my wife's hand a little better than some of the larger steel guns I have, and I thought it might be a candidate for a first polymer.... Interested in your first-hand experience.

 

[Chuck R.]

Chuck R,
Nice group! How would you compare the P2000 to the others there? I know the size difference, but what are your thoughts on them, handling and firing? I've never owned a polymer gun but the P2000s that I've handled seemed to suit me for a mid-size gun that would fit my wife's hand a little better than some of the larger steel guns I have, and I thought it might be a candidate for a first polymer.... Interested in your first-hand experience.

I'll do my best...

My P2K is a V1 (light LEM) in .40. I find the recoil to be very "reasonable" depending on the load fired, I have zero issues with hammers/double taps or controlled pairs. With the medium backstrap on it points very instinctively for me. the grip is about the perfect width, not too big, not to small. To give you an idea, my P30L and VP9 have the medium side plates and medium backstrap. It is pretty lite, a couple OZs heavier than the G19/23 if my memory serves me.

The trigger is IMHO about perfect for a guy that wants a striker fired pistol like trigger, but with a hammer....IF that makes any sense. It's like a two-stage, with a long take up, then a clean break. It's a great system for those that get a little nervous holstering a striker pistol, because with your thumb on the hammer while holstering it's not going anywhere. Some folks like the LEM, some guys don't. I'd give it a chance, my HK45T is also a LEM. To hedge your bet you could always go with a V3, then convert to V1 or V2 (which is what I might do with the P30L). that way if the LEM isn't for you, turn it back into a DA/SA.

Size wise, it's about the same size as a G19 (or slightly smaller than my Walther PPQs), which to many (including myself is about the perfect combination of shoot-ability and conceal-ability. It really does point and shoot well. The entire pistol feels like it had a "melt job" done on it, but a tasteful one, not one of those where it looks like the entire pistol has been rounded off by a monkey with a dremel. I can't find a sharp edge on it.

One other thing you might have to get used to is the mag release. Since I have Walthers and HKs, I'm used to the European mag release, and actually find it superior to the button style. Some guys don't like it, and if you switch back and for the between you might find yourself trying to press a button that's not there on the HK.

IF I were to do it over again (I got this P2K used for $420), I'd go for the 9mm. One extra round, little less recoil. As a matter of fact I like the P2K so much I almost bought a 2nd in 9mm instead of the P30L. I've actually found myself carrying now instead of one of my PPQ-9s, so it's pretty much a keeper.

Chuck

 

[JDR]

Over the weekend I saw a nice used P2000SK V2 LEM at an LGS / LGR that I go to, that trigger is what I'd call ideal for a carry gun, my next HK just has to have a LEM trigger, but the grip is just a wee bit short for my big hands. They offered me good trade in value for my Gen3 G-17 that I brought with me to shoot. If they can get in a new P2000 V2, I may just do this deal!

 

[I6turbo]

Thanks Chuck. Good info. I've passed on a couple of used 9mm V3s that you make me regret even more.

 

[Chuck R.]

Thanks Chuck. Good info. I've passed on a couple of used 9mm V3s that you make me regret even more.

Yup, with $95 worth of parts, and an hrs time you could have a "V0" which is an LEM with decock function. Kind of the best of both worlds.

I'd keep my eye out, new P2Ks are in the $620-650 range. I even found HK P2K-40 (and USPC) mags for under $30........

Chuck

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Yup, with $95 worth of parts, and an hrs time you could have a "V0" which is an LEM with decock function. Kind of the best of both worlds.

I'd keep my eye out, new P2Ks are in the $620-650 range. I even found HK P2K-40 (and USPC) mags for under $30........

Chuck

Pardon my LEM ignorance but would that in some way allow you to actually cock the hammer, giving the LEM trigger a single action pull? I didn't think you could do that with an HK LEM trigger system.

 

[Chuck R.]

Pardon my LEM ignorance but would that in some way allow you to actually cock the hammer, giving the LEM trigger a single action pull? I didn't think you could do that with an HK LEM trigger system.

Nope, not to my knowledge..I've converted 1 DA/Sa HK to LEM and it lost the SA.

It's just a standard LEM, but with the ability to decock which in this case does 3 things:

1. Allows you to decock instead of dry firing when you want to relieve the mainspring tension.
2. Allows you to have a true DA 1st shot, rather than the LEM "cocked" DA 1st shot (not even sure why anybody would want that....., but some guys are putting safeties on LEMs)
3. Prevents you from having a small hole in your frame when the decock button is removed....

On a side note, took my P30L out today after installing a light FPBS and 10lb hammer spring. Reduced the DA trigger pull a bit, it was already smoothing out quite a bit due to a a lot of dry-firing with a Laserlyte cartridge. Put 5 magazines through it of my 147grn reloads without an issue.

Chuck

 

[Rinspeed]

Great pics guys, I picked up a P30LS last year and it's a great pistol. Fits my hand as well as any pistol I've shot. The DA pull is not quite as nice as most of my Sigs but it needs some more rounds and dry fires put through it. Might pick up the lighter return spring as I've heard this makes a big difference. The decocker is a bit of a disappointment, in my opinion, after having so many rounds through a couple USPs. Not sure what HK was thinking, not that it's a huge deal but it is quite a bit more awkward to manipulate.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Nope, not to my knowledge..I've converted 1 DA/Sa HK to LEM and it lost the SA.

It's just a standard LEM, but with the ability to decock which in this case does 3 things:

1. Allows you to decock instead of dry firing when you want to relieve the mainspring tension.
2. Allows you to have a true DA 1st shot, rather than the LEM "cocked" DA 1st shot (not even sure why anybody would want that....., but some guys are putting safeties on LEMs)
3. Prevents you from having a small hole in your frame when the decock button is removed....

On a side note, took my P30L out today after installing a light FPBS and 10lb hammer spring. Reduced the DA trigger pull a bit, it was already smoothing out quite a bit due to a a lot of dry-firing with a Laserlyte cartridge. Put 5 magazines through it of my 147grn reloads without an issue.

Chuck

Ah. Now I see. Very informative.

Thank you sir.