College Grad Needs Your Thoughts: Carry with P2000sk vs. P2000 vs. USPc

[DrJack]

Hello board members,

I just graduated from the University of Missouri this weekend and I am going to be going on to medical school. As a result of this, I have run into some "congratulations" money, and I'm looking to put this towards another fine piece of German engineering. I am already an owner of the USP in .45 cal, and I absolutely love it. The single action is great, and I am now an official HK junkie.

I am looking for a new concealed carry piece. I had previously carried a Glock 26 as my primary, but decided to go with a HK. Here is my issue:

I am looking at the P2000sk, P2000, USP compact 9mm, or HK45c, probably in that order. Thickness of the weapon is an issue for me, as this was one thing I thought the glock could have improved on. I really enjoy single action, but this is not a requirement, however a good trigger certainly is necessary.

Could anyone please comment on the differences between P2000 and P2000sk carry? Is the SK more comfortable for daily use? I thought due to its compact size, it may be a better option for carry comfort. Also, please comment on the SA/DA or the LEM trigger, if you have any experience. I'm afraid that the LEM may just be too long/heavy than what I would prefer.

Has anyone also carried a USPc and wish to comment on its form? I'm concerned it may be too boxy in nature. The HK45c also looks nice, but I'm also worried about the large form factor.

Your help is very much appreciated! Sorry for the long winded thread, but this information will certainly help me in the purchase of my graduation gift. Thanks again.

[AviatorDave]

Have you looked at a P30 yet? It's very much like the P2000 (it was at one point going to be called a P3000), but it has this amazing grip on it. If you're considering a P2000, be sure to check out a P30 first as well.

[navyman8903]

Hello board members,

I just graduated from the University of Missouri this weekend and I am going to be going on to medical school. As a result of this, I have run into some "congratulations" money, and I'm looking to put this towards another fine piece of German engineering. I am already an owner of the USP in .45 cal, and I absolutely love it. The single action is great, and I am now an official HK junkie.

I am looking for a new concealed carry piece. I had previously carried a Glock 26 as my primary, but decided to go with a HK. Here is my issue:

I am looking at the P2000sk, P2000, USP compact 9mm, or HK45c, probably in that order. Thickness of the weapon is an issue for me, as this was one thing I thought the glock could have improved on. I really enjoy single action, but this is not a requirement, however a good trigger certainly is necessary.

Could anyone please comment on the differences between P2000 and P2000sk carry? Is the SK more comfortable for daily use? I thought due to its compact size, it may be a better option for carry comfort. Also, please comment on the SA/DA or the LEM trigger, if you have any experience. I'm afraid that the LEM may just be too long/heavy than what I would prefer.

Has anyone also carried a USPc and wish to comment on its form? I'm concerned it may be too boxy in nature. The HK45c also looks nice, but I'm also worried about the large form factor.

Your help is very much appreciated! Sorry for the long winded thread, but this information will certainly help me in the purchase of my graduation gift. Thanks again.


I carry a usp .40 compact and love the thing. I can shoot it very well and i can kinda hide it with a good holster.

The hk p30 is also an amazing weapon and is on my buy list. I would look into that also.

Same with the hk 45c. great gun. If you can shoot it well and it says H&K on the side, you can't go wrong.

[DrJack]

Thanks for pointing out the P30, however I think that's nearing a little too large than what I would prefer to carry. Please keep the ideas flowing though.

[navyman8903]

well the p30 is not that big compared to the usp series, I would go look at one if you can, but any smaller than that and you are looking at a p2000sk.

[MaverickH1]

Go with the P2000sk and leave it at that. If you want concealed carry, it's the comfortable choice. If you want more capacity, just slap in a P2000 mag and it essentially becomes identical to the P2000.

[Montrala]

For CCW I would reccomend P2000SK. My first carry was P2000, but for day to day carry P2000SK is way more comfortable (just like G26, that you are used to). As to magazine capacity, you can always have spare 13rd USPc or 15rd P30 magazine.

As to P30, while it's ergonomy marvel, it's more like service pistol (it was designed for that role), not CCW piece.

[99999]

Go with the P2000sk and leave it at that. If you want concealed carry, it's the comfortable choice. If you want more capacity, just slap in a P2000 mag and it essentially becomes identical to the P2000.

I totally agree, I have carried all of the guns you have mentioned, and normally choose my P2000sk from among the choices you are considering. I really like it with the extended mag/grip as well. However, I have to ask... especially if you like single action... Have you not shot a P7M8? if not, you owe it to yourself to try one out. that is my true ccw of choice.

[lunde]

I will echo the suggestion for the P2000 SK.

http://lundestudio.com/photos/p2000sk-v3-left-full.jpg

It was designed for carrying. I suggest that you try both types of magazine floorplates, to find out which best suits you. Here is my .357 Sig one showing both types:

http://lundestudio.com/photos/p2000sk-v3-357-extended.jpg

http://lundestudio.com/photos/p2000sk-v3-357-standard.jpg

[E.W.]

I have to agree with others. P2000sk was designed for CCW. If you want all day comfort at the range use the P2000/USPc mag with the X-Grip sleeve. Best of both worlds.

[dewfang]

Go with the SK 40cal with the lem trigger! got it love it

[orfeo]

In the final analysis, a carry gun that you don't carry is pointless. The smaller the gun is, the more likely that you will actually carry it. . .

From the menu you gave, I would DEFINITELY say to get the SK. And the flat baseplate will conceal much better than the finger-rest, pinky extension one. As another poster said, it is also able to take the larger USPc/P2000 mags. They come in really handy as an extra carry, spare mag and at the range.

Outside the menu of choices you gave, I would also take a look at the P7M8 for slim, comfortable carry too. ;)

[Slim]

Another vote for the SK version. I have the P30, absolutely love it, but for concealed, the SK wins out. Plus if I need more rounds the P30 mag fits right into the SK. Not the most comfortable mag extension, but it works.

[DrJack]

Thanks so much for your help gentlemen, it is very much appreciated. It looks like the SK will be best suited, which is fortunately what I was leaning towards in the first place. Now I guess the only question is to LEM or not to LEM.

[HD1200]

Hey man. Congrats on graduating. I as well go to Mizzou, and have a year left. Anyway, your three choices were my three choices as I was trying to decide. Ultimately I went with the SK in .40. AMAZING GUN. I got mine with the LEM and love it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would highly recommend it.

[SIGtrarian]

"I'm afraid that the LEM may just be too long/heavy than what I would prefer. "

Fear not. I completely ignored the LEM because of my aversion to SIG's DAK, which I could not get used to, and incorrectly assumed they were similar. A couple of weeks ago I ran into a deal that I could not pass up, especially after trying it out: P2000SK, v2 LEM,in .357 SIG. The trigger pull is awesome, and I'm normally a USP v1 cocked and locked kind of guy. After firing the first shot, release the trigger until the reset, then the next shot is a short, smooth, easy, sweet pull away. With a little practice, it becomes second nature.

[mmcc100]

I am in the same boat. I have a P30, a USPc 45, and 2 P7M8s. I am only 5'7" 140lbs and find concealed carry a difficult job sometimes. I love my P7 for carry, but honestly it's a bit heavy and the grip is fullsized to be the perfect carry IMHO. If I was bigger it would be perfect. The same goes for my P30. It is actually lighter w/15 rounds than my P7s.
I have been looking at the differences in the sk and the USPc 9mm and there isn't much. The thickness and grip length are what I'm concerned with. They are almost identical when I compare them at my local FFL.
I love love love my HKs, but I have been contemplating a Kahr MK9. I compared them side by side(Kahr and sk) and they weigh about the same. The Kahr is much thinner and 1/2 inch shorter at the grip and about an inch shorter in length. The big difference to me is 10 rounds vs 6/7 rounds, quality (I like my HKs), and DA/SA (which I also like). It's still up for debate for me.

[ENC]

I went from a USPc to the SK as my EDC gun I like the sk with the flat baseplates. They are more comfortable than the finger rest ones. I also went for the DA/SA trigger. I have alot of HK's and haven't ever had one with the LEM so I wanted it to be comprable with my others so I got the decock model. I like this gun alot.

Just my $.02

Thanks
Evan

[vodekz]

Another vote for P2000Sk. Small, light weight and accurate.
I own P30, P2000, HK45C and P2000SK for CCW the best choice.

Vodek

[ToddG]

There are two philosophies on choosing a concealed carry weapon:

Performance over comfort. Get the biggest gun you'll actually carry every day. Larger guns, in general, are easier to shoot well, have less recoil, and hold more rounds. If you actually need the gun, you'll want the biggest, most shootable, highest capacity pistol in the world at that moment.
Size matters. Get the most comfortable gun you can find because a little gun you've got with you beats the huge gun you left at home. Smaller guns give you more options in terms of clothing choices, etc. Smaller guns tend to be lighter weight which can translate into more comfort for some people, especially those who don't invest in a proper gun belt.

I've carried some fairly large guns regularly over the past decade, including Beretta 92G, SIG P226R, SIG P220ST, Smith M&P9, and now the relatively svelt P30. As you might guess, I ascribe to the first philosophy. I'd rather adjust my fashion sense than compromise on the gun I carry.

Which isn't to say the SK is a poor choice. If the difference between an SK and a normal P2000, for you, is the difference between having a gun or not, than the SK is the obvious choice.

[orfeo]

. . . If the difference between an SK and a normal P2000, for you, is the difference between having a gun or not, than the SK is the obvious choice.

Agreed!!

As I said: "In the final analysis, a carry gun that you don't carry is pointless. The smaller the gun is, the more likely that you will actually carry it. . ."

[CyberH&K]

You have to decide. Do you want to carry the HK45C or 9mm. Or you can go with the P2000SK with the .40 and 357Sig. I've carried a Colt for years. Also the Beretta 92F. I now use the P30. All comes down to witch feels best for you to handle.

[PaHKFan]

I can't agree more with many others that the P2000SK is the best for daily concealed carry. And the flat mag plate is a very nice compliment. Then get yourself a good IWB holster that will be comfortable. I have only used one IWB holster, so I can only comment on mine. I have the Comp-Tac Infidel IWB w/ belt clip. Very sturdy, lightweight and comfortable, and secure to the belt. Drawing is easy once you learn it.

[CPshooter]

Congrats on finishing school! (I have my associates in electrical & computer engineering technology from Purdue University...still have 2 years left until I get my B.A.S.)

Go with the P2000sk. I've owned and tried carrying a Glock 26, 27, 19, and a USP.40c. I ended up selling all my Glocks after buying my first H&K (the USP.40c:)). I then decided to try the P2000sk in 9mm with LEM trigger. Let's just say I won't be looking for another carry gun. I absolutely love this little gun. I did the "light LEM" trigger job so now I have a sweet 5.5# DA trigger pull with the crisp break and short reset of a SA trigger. IMHO, the LEM trigger is the ultimate trigger system for a carry pistol. It's safe, consistent, and allows for quick and accurate shooting. I also liked the V1 (DA/SA with safety + decock) trigger on my USPc, but for carry purposes I think the LEM is a much better choice. In fact, I sold the USPc for a USPf because I didn't see myself carrying it now that I have the SK.

Get the P2000sk. You won't regret it. Trust me!

[iCeMaN]

This thread has convinced me to get a p2k sk...thanks alot!! :)
To the op, get the sk, you won't be disappointed.

[snakyjake]

For the people who have the HK45c and P2000SK, what are your opinions? Is the HK45c too long? Too wide? Too heavy? Not a big deal, it's just a caliber choice?

...and I'm 6'2", 180 lbs, medium frame.

[bzdog]

I carry a v3 SK in 9mm. My original carry was the Sig P239 in 9mm (also DA/SA).

I have no regrets. The Sig is a fine piece but the SK wins out wrt capacity and weight. Both are very accurate.

I suggest the flat base plate mag for a better carry profile, and I carry 15rd P30 9mm spare mags.

I also suggest the K&D Dakota Defender (http://kdholsters.com/iwb-defend.php).

The Comp-TAC M-TAC or CTAC is a reasonable way to get started since they have fast delivery. Note the M-TAC might need some break-in before it draws smoothly. Make sure you wear it around the house for about a week or two and check the retention.

Personally, I feel the Double Tap 9mm +P 124gr (http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_37&products_id=120) ammunition is pretty optimal for this gun. The high performance of the round offsets carrying a slightly shorter barrel IMO. The DT bonded JHPs use Gold Dots, BTW.

Good luck and be safe!

-john