P30 vs. P30L--any preference?

[speedo]

Suppose I am thinking about buying one of these two, which one is better aside of the longer barrel and slide thing. Which version came out first?

[Carrots]

I believe that the standard P30 came out first. I like a longer barrel and so the choice for me was obvious. My suggestion would be a P30 if you will use as a CCW and the L if the gun will just be a range toy. That said the L can be carried A-OK IME.

[smschulz]

I like big guns too.
L would be my choice.
Doesn't always work out well for carry but they always shoot better.

[Omega Man]

I believe that the standard P30 came out first. I like a longer barrel and so the choice for me was obvious. My suggestion would be a P30 if you will use as a CCW and the L if the gun will just be a range toy. That said the L can be carried A-OK IME.

Agreed. I prefer the P30 for carry.

[gtmtnbiker98]

L for me!

[Aflick666]

I just bought a p30...didn't think the extra length would make a big difference. I am the limiting factor when shooting...not the gun.

[C350]

X2 what was said about about the person being the limiting factor...


I said why pay more $$ for what less than 1" in length and a little more weight..

I also call BS for people who say that extra few oz help in follow up shots.

For me it came down to the fact that I like the overall P30 and would be happy with either. I just used that money I saved on the P30 over the L for 2 extra magazines. (I dont know what the diff in price is now but at the tame was about $80-100)

[NiceHK]

P30L for me. The p30 felt to light. The added weight of the p30L gives it better balance for me. Accuracy is great for both. It really comes down to what feels right for you. I would try both before making a decision.

[sentinel]

P30 for me I carry this pistol on a daily basis. I also like the way the P30 balances in the my hand.

[Aggunner]

L came out about 6 months after the P30 came out and if you can, find a place to shoot both.

[benderx4]

Obviously both these guns are great. For CCW, I would think the P30 gets the nod, and for range use, I'd go with the P30L since I know the longer sight radius and better balance would aid my accuracy. YMMV

[ToddG]

X2 what was said about about the person being the limiting factor...

Longer sight radius definitely makes a difference, especially when shooting slow, deliberate groups or shooting at very long ranges. But for the vast majority of people under the vast majority of circumstances, the difference is negligible.


I also call BS for people who say that extra few oz help in follow up shots.

As a matter of fact, adding weight to the part that reciprocates under recoil (the slide) actually tends to increase muzzle flip. That's why G34/G35 have the hole cut in the top of the slide, and why S&W delayed introduction of its 5" M&P Pro until it could get the slide weight almost identical to the shorter standard-size M&P.

Having said that, a number of folks who've shot the two side by side prefer the "L" ...

[BMWM3P]

I prefer the P30L because it's more familiar in size and weight with the my HK45.

[xray 99]

30 for me.

[RaptorMike]

I prefer the P30L for the same reasons that BMWM3P does. Either is an excellent choice though.

[pnutlee]

Too difficult a choice..........buy both! :2300000:

[ranburr]

L is too muzzle heavy for my taste.

[radioflyer97]

P30L: Lightly more asthetically pleasing to look at, a little more forward weight helps to absorb recoil and lets you get back on slightly target faster. Excellent for tactical or sport shooting.

P30: Less expensive than the long slide version. Since it's been available longer than the P30L, there are more holster options available specificaly for it. Lighter weight ane easily concealable especially IWB SOB.