Shooting characteristics: P30 vs. P2000 9mm?

[Chris17404]

Hi all,

I am considering purchasing my first HK pistol, and it's come down to either the P30 or the P2000 9mm. I have rented the P30, and it's the most natural pointing, smoothest shooting, easiest recoiling 9mm I've ever shot. The DA trigger was smooth, and the SA trigger was crisp. The reset of OK, but not too bad. Unforunately, I have not had the chance to try out the P2000 yet. How does the P2000 shoot compared to the P30? Much of a difference?

This gun will be used as a CCW primarily, so it needs to be 100% reliable. Right now, I kinda leanign towards the P2000 simply because it's a more mature/proven design, more holster selection, etc. The only thing I worry about is the magazine release. I have a difficult (unpracticed) time manipulating the small P2000/USP mag release levers. Whereas the P30 mag release lever was MUCH easier to work for me. It was very natural.

What are you thoughts on these two guns for CCW duty: reliability-wise, design-wise, ergonomically, etc? Thanks for your insight.

By the way... after I was done shooting the P30, and grabbed by usually carry gun (a Glock 19), and it felt like **** in my hand. With the P30, my trigger finger was nice and straight in the trigger guard, but with the G19, my trigger finger was angled steeply down to get it in there. I never realized how angled a Glock pistol requires one's trigger finger to be. I shot that P30 for the very first time SO MUCH BETTER than my G19 whch I've shot for over 3 years now. That is why I'm looking at an HK pistol!

Chris

[ptechjpjr]

Chris,

I held a P30 at a gun show a while back and like you said, it felt like a natural extension of my hand. Since you have never had an HK before I have to tell you that whatever HK pistol you choose, the reliability and durability WILL NOT be an issue, and HK's come with a LIFETIME warranty.

I would personally go with the P30 since its' ergonomics and second to nothing. If a gun fits your hand so well that if feels like it is part of your hand, than even if it recoiled more or was a little more snappy, you would still be able to control it better than a gun that recoils less but doesn't fit your hand as well.

I haven't even shot a P30 but I will tell you that the minute that gun is released in 40 cal it is going to replace my Sig P229 40 as my CCW pistol, and that is saying something because the P229 is one incredibly comfortable pistol to shoot. Just be prepared, Once you own one HK, you will need more. Hope this helped.

[Motown]

Hi Chris,

Beware. Once you buy an HK you will want more.

I just went through the same exercise. I went with the P30. If you're use to carrying a G19 then a P30 or P2000 shouldn't be a stretch. The P30 being a little larger and the P2000 a little smaller. The P2000 isn't that much smaller, but there is something about it that seems more compact than the dimensions lead on.

I have a little over 100 rounds through my P30 and couldn't be happier with my decision. It will be a little more difficult finding accessories for the P30 than more mature HKs like USPs and the P2000. Neither one of the larger local gun shops by me had holsters specific to the P30, but I am finding quite a bit online.

What are you thoughts on these two guns for CCW duty: reliability-wise, design-wise, ergonomically, etc? Thanks for your insight.

Reliability : Like you said, the P2000 has been around a little longer and has a longer track record, but they're both HKs, I'd call it a wash.

Design : I think the magazine release is a big difference between the two. IMHO, they got it right on the P30. I'm sure with practice the release on the P2000 would suffice, but I find it a little difficult to operate quickly with my meat hooks. I had heard some complaints about the P30's trigger. I went with the V3 after only shooting DAOs (XDs, Glocks, M&Ps, etc.) up to that point. I love the trigger, the DA/SA and the rear situated decocker.

Ergonomically : Ergonomics is the P30s middle name. Every review I read on the P30 said basically the same thing. "It feels like it was made for my hand". Well, they were wrong. It was made for my hand. That being said the P2000 is no slouch and is much more comfortable and natural in my hand than any Glock I have picked up.

Love my P30, but you won't go wrong with either.

I'm sure my mindless ramblings has confused you more. Good luck!

Motown

[SIGtrarian]

This gun will be used as a CCW primarily, so it needs to be 100% reliable. Right now, I kinda leanign towards the P2000 simply because it's a more mature/proven design, more holster selection, etc. The only thing I worry about is the magazine release. I have a difficult (unpracticed) time manipulating the small P2000/USP mag release levers. Whereas the P30 mag release lever was MUCH easier to work for me. It was very natural.
I have a P30 and a P2000 (and a G19). Both have been 100% reliable. The P2000 is identical in size to the G19, the P30, slightly larger. The P30 is just as proven as the P2000 since it's almost identical internally. They're fairly similar externally, as well. I use the same holsters for both, both IWB and OWB. As for the magazine release, I use my thumb AND trigger finger, and have no problem with either.

[vodekz]

I have both in 9mm. As shooting characteristics P30 is more accurate right now for me then P2000. P2000 is easier to conceal. Also P2000 you can get in 40 or 357 sig if you like.

Shoot them both and pick what feels better.

Vodek

[Papa_Smurf]

I have both P30 and P2000. The P30 is SA/DA and the P2000 is LEM.

I don't want to deter you from the P30 because I love mine. But I have just a couple of points to think about if you are going to use this as your CCW.

Some people think that the rough sides on the P30 will eat your clothes. I don't have my CC Permit yet, so I don't have any personal experience with this one.

How well will you're body conceal them? I have a thin frame, and although the P30 is almost invisible under a bloused dress shirt, the P2000 simply disappears. The P2000 is shorter in the handle, just enough to hide under almost everything.

If you are going to carry it, you might want some extra magazines. Look at recent inability to get a hold of P30 mags. P2000/uspc mags are relatively easy to find (Also if you can get them, you can always use the P30 mags in the P2000).

One other thing is really independent of P30 or P2000 (since you can get it in either), but have you tried an LEM trigger? I personally like the idea of a long but easy 1st pull of the LEM. Try and fire an LEM P2000 or P30 before you make up your mind.

You'll enjoy whatever you decide on, you can't go wrong with either one.

[Plunky]

I carry a P2000 v3 .40 concealed which is my main carry gun. I also have a P30, and a few other HK's. Myself, having an athletic build, the P2000 simply conceals better on me. Nobody notices, and that means greater safety IMHO. Magazines are easy to find for it as well, unlike for the P30.

The 40 does have a bit more kick than the 9 though, but poses no issues for me personally. I have all calibers of the P2000 and they are tack drivers. The P30 is a tack driver as well, just a bit more difficult for me to conceal due to the size. Get what suits you best for concealment, but more importantly, what you can shoot well. Your life may depend on it someday, you never know.

[yacht]

I own a p30 and it is my everyday ccw,I use my old usp holster n some how it fits? so getting a holster will be no problem cause a lot of other models holster for hk seem to fit the p30,and also the gun hold more on hand 15+1 and the grip can be adjusted to your liking to fit ur hand, and the gun is very very light maybe not as light a your glock19 but very close,and as far as the grip rubbing on ur skin i think that a problem with ppl that ware briefs? I don't ware briefs only boxers n i find the gun grip rubbing on my boxer so the sand paper feel grips don't bother me? but i am also very slim? so body type can also effect how the guns carry i personaly go with the p30 but i never hear anything bad about the p2000? well if this will help u the german police are going with the p30 and trading there old sigs for them..

[Omega Man]

I used to have a P2000 9mm and i sold it because the P30 was more accurate and softer shooting. I was a little disappointed with the P2000. Not so with the P30.

[Chris17404]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I appreciate it. Oh... decisions, decisions.

Chris

[tibim]

The roughness/abrasiveness is a simple fix with some fine(600 grit) sandpaper. You can smooth it out slightly for more comfortable wear and never tell it's been modified.

-tibim

[Motown]

Myself, having an athletic build, the P2000 simply conceals better on me. Nobody notices...

Since when is short, stumpy, green and walking with a cane, athletic?:50:

Nice pic!

[gtmtnbiker98]

I own two P30s, both V3 (DA/SA) and absolutely love these pistols. I also have the P30L on order and once the P30s in .40 come out, well I'll have to have me one of those, too. My primary P30 (the other one is NIB and in the safe as backup) is my secondary CCW piece and is my primary game gun. The recoil on this pistol is comparable to the FS M&P 9. Very smooth shooting and after a few hundred dry fires (actual rounds doesn't hurt either), the trigger will smooth out quite nicely.

Sorry I can't assist you on the P2000, but I've never owned nor shot one to compare.

[Bentonville]

I have both and agree with everyone else concerning the feel of the P30. Both are amazing ly accurate and reliable. There seems to be slightly more muzzle flip with the P2000 but that is probably allowed by my grip. However, that is not really an issue at all, just a slight difference between the two in my observations. I don't plan on getting rid of either because they are both amazing handguns. If I only could have one, I would own the P30 due to the grip comfort and the round capacity. The P2000 is very comfortable but just not quite the same.

[EdMan63]

I have a P30 and it's a great shooting pistol for me. I considered the P2000 when I bought it but could not find one locally for comparison. I do have a USPc 9mm and a HK45c. I have since held a P2000 and what can I say.....you won't go wrong with either choice. HK's are great pistols and the easy solution is to own one of each if you can afford it. But the P30 seems to get better and better the more you shoot it. It's definitely the most comfortable pistol I own.

[dobe]

I like my P30 the more I shoot it also.

[Amurr]

I can understand everyones points about shootabilitu and ergonomics,

But he did mention that this will be his primary CCW.

Would you not all agree the P2000 has the edge in conelability?

For some people that might not matter. They feel fin pocket carrying USP45 tactical with supresor ;-)

My impressions from forums like this is that certain people are more size/concelabilty sensative... Others are not.

Assuming you are some what sensitive to such thing you have to give the conelability edge to the P2000 right?

Ps on iPhone. Excuse my typing/spelling

[chayse]

My opinion is that the P2000 is slightly smaller and smoother overall than the P30. I would think it would give it the edge in concealability. I have handled the P30 and there is no doubt that it is a very nice gun as well.

[vodekz]

For CCW smaller from both P2000 and P30 P2000SK has the edge.
Vodek