HK P30, or P7? Can't freakin' decide..... Help me!

[tool1075]

So, CDNN is about to get some more P30s in....

However, during the wait, I've fallen back into my original debate.

The P30 feels great in my hand and is a new design, constructed of the newest materials, with a very nice 15 round capacity... It's also traditional DA/SA +decocker, just like my Sig P226.... so, no need to re-learn muscle memory actions. (well, except for the decocker location, but I'm mainly talking about trigger action)

But then again, The PSP is freakin cool. :8:

It's got that squeeze cocker, fixed barrel, ultra-low bore axis... and it's pretty :D But, it only has an 8 round capacity.

This is going to be my carry weapon (my Sig P226 is just a little too big).

Help me. Please?

[sigmundsauer]

If it were "P30 vs. P7M8" i'd be more inclined to favor the M8. However, I own both and absolutely love my P7M8, yet I carry and compete with my P30. That pistol is about the best DA/SA pistol available. My P226 is a very, very close second though. The ergonomics of the P30 are hard to beat.

Tim

[tool1075]

Thank you for the reply.

After much reading, I have seen that the only difference between the P7PSP and the P7M8 is the magazine release, the mags themselves, the heat shield, the trigger shape, the trigger guard, the firing pin, and there are probably a few I left off.

The biggest difference I've found between them, is the price!!! A LNIB (Grade A) PSP can be had for the same price as a brand new P30. Not so with the P7M8.

There are some other factors, too... Accessories/spare parts for the P7 series seem to be very expensive. Also, I am concerned with durability. I know the P7 is very solid, so maybe "durability" isn't the word I'm looking for here. Maybe I mean resiliency.... let me try to explain:

My Sig P226 is a tank. I have many thousands of rounds through it, and it has never failed. It feeds every single type of ammo I have tried, and if I don't clean it, it doesn't care. If I dropped it in a sand pit, or in a swimming pool, or whatever, or I myself fell into the water with it, I'm confident it wouldn't malfunction. And, it does all this while being ergonomic with a great trigger. (I included that last part to give you an idea why I don't own a Glock :) )

I have shot various HK's... and handled even more. I believe them to be durable, and I'm a sucker for German craftsmanship. The PSP seems like it would stand up to a beating (I also watched a video earlier where they dropped it from a high elevation, and dropped a cinder-block on the magazine, etc).

But, even if the PSP WILL stand up to a beating, would I want to put it through that? I mean, a gun is a tool, right? But, a gun can also be an investment and/or collectible item. Hell, it can also be a range toy! Man, I just don't know....

After thinking about all of this....

8 rounds vs. 15 rounds - P30 wins.
Availability/price of parts - P30 wins.
Trigger action familiarity - P30 wins.
Ergonomics - P30 wins (you can't argue with a freaking adjustable palm-swell on a handgun.....)
Corrosion resistance (although I could refinish a P7) - P30


Bore axis - P7 wins. (although, 9mm recoil isn't a big deal)
Looks - P7 wins.... maybe.

So, after an objective look at the problem...

I guess I made my decision... again. I guess I could buy both, right? I don't think the wife is gonna go for that though...

[alpha6164]

I guess i am a little biased but if it tells you anything i won three P7s:) Two P7M8s and one P7PSP. In my opinion, they are the finest 9mm pistols that money can buy. I also own a Walther PPS, Mark 23, Sig 226, Seecamp, HK USP and nothing puts a smile on my face like shooting one of the P7s. BTW, one of my P7M8s is for sale:)

[BanditSRT8]

You pay for the best.

While the PSP is a fine pistol, it lacks the refinement of the M8. I look at the PSP as a good alternative if you cannot find, or afford an M8. Kind of like... a 2002 Vette used with high miles is a good option if you cannot find or afford a brand new Z06. BUT there are dramatic differences.

I personally have zero interest in the PSP. My local shop has 4 of them on the shelf, so I must not be alone.

All that being said I truly LOVE my P30. I bought mine the week they came out and have shot the hell out of it. Not a single issue, and I swear it gets more accurate every time I shoot it. It is amazing, but not a good carry piece for me. The highly abrasive side panels make it impossible to carry unless I have a barrier between my skin and the gun.

My P7M8 is a constant carry however.

Both are great on the range, but I get more time with my P30 because it doesn't heat up like mt M8 after 60 rounds. After 100 or so the M8 is unable to be handled while my P30 is just fine.

So there are give and takes on them, but IMO they are both "must-haves" so at some point you should try to own them both.

If you find an M8, jump on it because the P30 is a regularly stocked item that isn't going away. You can find a P30 almost any time... not so with the M8.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

You'll love either one, but I think given the reasons you have stated you are better off with a P30. If I didn't have one to play with on a regular basis it would be a "must own" pistol for me.:320000:

[Mark71]

Both are excellent handguns and two of the finest 9mm's available. My recommendation is to save up and buy both. Pick up whichever one you feel you want more first then save up and get the other one down the road. I LOVE my P7's but since I picked up my P30 my P7's have barely left the safe as it is so damn comfortable to shoot and a better gun for the range.

[LEO]

I have a P30 and it shoots great.

I am now looking for a P7M8 or P7M13 to add to my collection.

You cannot just have one, right?

[Javic]

I have both and they're my favorite handguns to shoot. I got the P30 before the P7M8, and that immediately went to the top of my "favs" list, but the P7M8 has tied that race up now and might even be pulling slightly ahead.

With either one, you won't be disappointed. They are both fantastic guns. I'd recommend getting both, but if your circumstances only call for one or the other, choose the one that best fits YOUR needs. The people on this board give phenomenal advice, but at the end of the day, everyone is different and you are the only one that has to be happy with the purchase.

[tool1075]

okay, I thought I had made up my mind, but I haven't.

I have a question-

how likely is it that the prices will be this low for the PSP again? I mean, looking at old sales of the gun, when there was an influx on the U.S. market, they were more expensive than they are now.

A big plus of purchasing a PSP now would be that I might not be able to get one like this at a later time for a comparable price...

The P30's are just coming out, so they will be on the market at the price they are now (or lower for a long time).

I know that nobody can predict the market... and I've read a bunch of "yeah, you better get the P7 now because these prices won't last!!" type of things EVERYWHERE.

Is it bull****? I mean, for example, how many police agencies are going to trade in their guns like this again?

Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks guys.

[madmardigan]

P7 FTW

[saki302]

I agree- buy a P7 now when they're cheap, the P30 will be around for awhile.

-Dave

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

P7 While you can. P30 next.

[GARY1911A1]

Also agree. Get a P7 now. They will never be as cheap for a great pistol as they are now. You can get the P30 later. There may even be some used mint P30s' by then.

[tool1075]

Well, thanks guys-

Just ordered a Grade A P7-PSP.

Should be here this week :)

Range Report will be posted ASAP.

[n5esj]

Good choice and don't forget the pics!

[tool1075]

Does anyone know where I can get another Magazine for the PSP?

CDNN was sold out.


I've googled, but can't seem to find any mags!

[mildot]

Check out Gunbroker.com

[tool1075]

Check out Gunbroker.com

wow, quite expensive!

[tool1075]

nevermind, found another source- and ordered 4.


5 mags should do, right? :)

[JoeyBones]

You won't be disappointed w/ the P7 as a carry piece, I can assure you (as long as you are comfortable w/ 9mm in an all-steel, single-stack platform)...
So long as you keep the gas system clean, this gun will eat ANYTHING above 100gr and up to 147gr without incident, from my experience. The P7-series is my absolute favorite 9mm, and is also my daily CCW (P7M8 usually, but sometimes a 'PSP').
+1 on the range report - Let us know how you like it!

Regards,
-Bones

[Germanic]

All I can say is...

http://hkpro.com/forum/image.php?u=18041&dateline=1205737985

Damn! that's an avitar!:390:

Oh yea... Go for the P7.

[HarryCalahan1]

I wish I was that black underwear! I'd be VERY HAPPY.

I hate polymer so that's an easy one-the P7 wins!

[GARY1911A1]

I wish I was that black underwear! I'd be VERY HAPPY.

I hate polymer so that's an easy one-the P7 wins!

I wish I was the pistol!!!

[BanditSRT8]

lol, glad you guys like my avatar.

[sbwharton]

Like it? I LOVE IT!

[HarryCalahan1]

Bandit is that you? I hope so. You are a gal right? or is this one of those transgender things? Hope not. LOL!