HK for IDPA?

[Jay1958]

Is anybody here using their H&K for IDPA or IPSC? I have been using my CZ for IDPA and I am also thinking about trying IPSC. The only H&K I have is the P2000 9mm V3, but I think it would be a good choice for IDPA - I like to compete with something I carry, not a 'competition pistol'.

So if you're into IDPA, let me know what you're using and what your thoughts are on H&K for IDPA - even if you're using something else.

[ToddG]

In IDPA, even moreso than USPSA/IPSC, the pistol really doesn't make that big a difference ... especially at the local level.

There are people who will tell you that your P2000's bore axis is too high. Ignore them.

There are people who will tell you that your trigger reset is too long long. Ignore them.

There are people who will tell you your first shot is too heavy, too long, too slow, or whatever. Ignore them.

Practice. Keep your head in the game. Focus on getting good hits rather than blazing speed. You'll do fine.

[sd5867]

I shoot USPSA/IPSC and IDPA with my HK45. Shoot with what feels best. I love my HK45. I shoot it very well.

And Todd it right, starting out, doesn't matter what gun you shoot with, you have to learn the fundamentals and techniques of the sport. I shot for a couple of months with my XD subcompact, and was scoring well. Accuracy is a big factor in the lower levels.

[gtmtnbiker98]

I totally agree with Todd! I shoot in both SSP and ESP divisions, using my P30 V3. I shoot at the Master level and have absolutely no problem being competitive with my "high bore axis, long reset, heavy first shot" HK. During the match, I absolutely love telling my fellow shooters that yes, it's an HK and also a DA/SA.

Ironically just today, I instructed an IDPA SO class and had more people ask me what I was carrying than any other pistol I've ever used in IDPA. I came from shooting a Glock 34 for several years and then the M&P Pro (long story on why this one is gone) and finally, the HK P30.

They are every bit as competitive as any Glock, M&P, CZ, XD or 1911. It's not the gun that makes the shooter, it's the shooter that makes the gun. If you take the time to practice, you'll be fine.

[hockeystar22]

i shoot my p30 occasionally but normally i either go with my glock or kimber. I do not carry either of these though, my p2ksk gets that job and i practice alot with it, but i am not as accurate. The only reason i dont use the hk as much is mainly because of the mag release. I am not as quick or proficient with it then i am with a standard mag release. But i keep practicing and hopefully soon i will get it down and be alot better. I want to real bad too because i like shooting 9mm over my glock .40 in idpa

[sd5867]

I totally agree with Todd! I shoot in both SSP and ESP divisions, using my P30 V3.

Glad to see you went with the P30, I remember you asking not to long ago about possibly switching to it. Do you think there is any advantage with going with P30L vs P30 strictly for competition in production or SSP? I have been looking for a P30L, but they seem to be like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, very hard to find. I am on the verge of just giving in and getting a P30.

[ToddG]

But i keep practicing and hopefully soon i will get it down and be alot better.

Not trying to sound snide, but your problem is specifically that you're competing with other guns. You've got guns you're trying to win a game with and you're putting time, money, and effort into them. That's time, money, and effort you could be putting into the gun that you'll need in a moment's notice under the most tremendous stress of your life.

Do you think there is any advantage with going with P30L vs P30 strictly for competition in production or SSP?

The most obvious benefit is longer sight radius, though with good sights on a P30 I don't think it makes that big a difference, personally.

If you reload, the extra 3/4" barrel means you can load your ammo a little lighter as long as you're still getting a decent impulse.

The flipside, of course, is that you've got an ounce heavier slide which can translate into more muzzle flip and slower transitions.

How all those factors add up will vary from shooter to shooter. Short of trying both guns side by side, you're left with some honest self-assessment. The reality is that for the vast majority of people, it will make zero difference.

I originally planned to use a P30L for my 50k test, but HK didn't have any LEM models available. To be honest, the P30 is so shootable, I can't say it was a bad choice.

[hockeystar22]

Just because i do not shoot my p2ksk in IDPA doesnt mean i do not practice with it. I do not make range trips to stand and shoot. I put pressure on myself and move around, using many of the idpa drills. I switch off and on with 3 different guns for carry, the p2ksk,sig 232, and hk p7. And for the most part all of them have different styles of function, mainly the mag releases being a little different on the p7 and 232. I am comfortable and proficient with every gun i own and just because i say im not as fast on reloads on my p30 as on my others doesnt mean im slow. They run on average .4-.7 sec's slower than on mag changes w/ my glock or 1911. And even though i shoot mostly local matches and occasional state matches when work permits, i barely qualified into the expert ranking, by 4 sec and i might not have made that cut if i was using the p30 which i am not as fast with. Then again if i wouldnt have had 2 FTN's i would have been well under the time restraints.

[ToddG]

I switch off and on with 3 different guns for carry, the p2ksk,sig 232, and hk p7.

So you practice with three different carry guns (a DA/SA P2000SK, a SAO SIG P232, and the unique P7) and also practice with two other competition guns (a striker-fired Glock and a SAO Kimber). My point is that folks who focus on one gun (or one family of guns with identical controls) don't have the kind of issues you've mentioned.

To each his own, but I've always believed in the saying, Beware the man with one gun, he probably knows how to use it.

[Montrala]

For IDPA I use my P2000SK with 7lb LEM (my carry gun). Also used P2000, P30 and P30L. For 3Gun competitions and shoot-off competitions I use P30L (with 5lb LEM). For IPSC I use mostly my STI 2011 (used Expert in .40 with Match/LEM), but sometimes on L1 matches I use P30L configured for Production or Standard.

And I must agree with ToddG, that it's not best to use different gun each time, but it's hard for me to gave up on any of them.

[gtmtnbiker98]

Glad to see you went with the P30, I remember you asking not to long ago about possibly switching to it. Do you think there is any advantage with going with P30L vs P30 strictly for competition in production or SSP? I have been looking for a P30L, but they seem to be like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, very hard to find. I am on the verge of just giving in and getting a P30.
Yes, the P30L is hard to find, I have one on order, too. As for advantages, not really, but any amount of additional sight radius will help accuracy at distance. As for my changeover, three matches since the change, two overall wins and one division win. Not doing too bad.

[Jay1958]

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I plan on using my P2000 V3 for my next IDPA match. I've been using a CZ75BD, but I want to shoot IDPA with what I actually carry... the CZ75BD is a bit heavy to carry, although I did carry it every day for a month or so a while back.

[C-Class]

Both IDPA and IPSC are a game to help you learn proficiency with your firearm.
IPSC rewards you more for speed over accuracy / IDPA rewards you more for accuracy over speed.

Both Speed AND Accuracy can be learned from either sport. I shoot both sports with what I carry - my USPc 40 LEM from an Kramer IWB holster.

Whichever sport you participate in, Be Safe! Enjoy!

[gtmtnbiker98]

I am a firm believer in picking one platform for competition and stick with it at least for one season. Any changes should be made early in the season, that is only if you want to be competitive. Different platforms (i.e. 1911, striker fired, and TDA) only serves to mess up muscle memory.

[kassenz]

I don't think anyone in this forum is going to ridicule you if you use a HK pistol in pistol competition.

1st off: Its a premium grade $800+ pistol designed for heavier use than just a pistol match. Everyone is going to have their opinions on what gun is the best when your at the match, but you had yours, that why you bought it. You do think the HK is a well designed pistol, right?

2) The P2000 and P30 are perfect size for carry, and should point and group good in quick defensive style shooting. And, the light 9mm round recovers quick (and you can find ammo easy!) If its really that bad - then you found out for yourself, and tried it, rather than just asking on some forum. Go shoot it.

3) Do you really think the gun is that big of an issue in IDPA? I'd bet if you handed a Jennings, Bryco or some under sized underpowered pistol to one of the many experienced shooters there they could get a score within 80% of their score with the #2 fav gun. Its practice and experience.

I've starting getting into IDPA and USPSA. I've always had to work on Saturdays, or something comes up where I can't make it to the match, but I try everyweekend or day off to go shoot if my ammo budget allows it. So, I'm not an expert, but I'm sure you agree theres nothing wrong with getting a holster for it, a couple of mags, and using it for a weekend match.

[Jay1958]

I agree that it's a bad idea to change platforms often. I have been using my CZ up thru the Carolina Cup, which I just shot yesterday (June 18). I was thinking about trying out the H&K P2000 V3 - which I carry - since the Carolina Cup was my "big" match for this year and I don't have any other major competitions coming up.

It's not like I am a major competitor or anything. I'm just doing it for fun and to gain experience and increase my shooting skills. I'm never going to be competitive with the top shooters, I know that.

I am a firm believer in picking one platform for competition and stick with it at least for one season. Any changes should be made early in the season, that is only if you want to be competitive. Different platforms (i.e. 1911, striker fired, and TDA) only serves to mess up muscle memory.