P30 vs. HK45

[cmiller683]

Hey all, new member to the forum here. Just from what I've read while waiting for my status to be accepted, I've learned a lot from what everyone has to say. Much appreciated.

With my glorious 21st coming in the near months, I have been doing my research for a concealed carry. I've narrowed my search down to a HK.

I like the P30, having held but not shot one. I have heard nothing but good things about it. Sounds like a very smooth shooting gun and I know a 9mm round would be easily manageable.

I also like the HK45. Obviously because the two are so similar. Big brother - little brother. Both have great ergonomics.

My question has a few different aspects. Is the difference in ammunition price that noticeable? What is the average rundown on a box of each? I know, quite a "green behind the ears" type of question, but indulge me!

How do they handle in comparison? Is the recoil much more noticeable in the .45 vs. the 9mm? I'm looking for a good CCW as well as range run. Something that would be good for rapid fire and "double tap" shots. Basically, is the muzzle flip a lot more to handle in the .45?

The majority of my experience is in .22LR, so granted, I can learn to adapt to either. Just curious as to the experience of others. Let me know what you can in detail!

Cheers,

Miller

[ARKAY.357]

The HK45 is considered by most people to be too large for concealed carry. It does make for a great range or home defense weapon however.

The P30 is also a little large for carry purposes, but many guys wouldn't carry anything else. A compact or subcompact is practical for CCW as they are easier to hide. Remember, concealment is the issue here.

An USPc, a P2000 or a P2000sk might bear consideration.

As for ammo prices, 9MM ammo will be about 6-8 bucks cheaper than .45ACP. WWB offers 9MM in a value pack of 100 rounds for a very reasonable price.

If this is your first handgun, a 9MM would be a great choice for starters, as recoil is nominal, and given the low cost of ammo you will be able to practice a lot at moderate costs.

HTH and good luck deciding;

ARKAY

[Alan_13]

My vote is go for the P30, but a P2000 in 9mm might not be a bad choice for CCW either. But to be perfectly honest I think if you like both you will end up with both if not more in the future anyway :150000:
The P30 is a great gun and I dont think you would be disapointed

[mourneblade]

I think you'll notice the ammo price difference pretty quick, I think it's around 30% less to shoot 9mm versus 45acp. I got my P30 first and really love it, so much I had to pick up it's big brother the hk45 yesterday. The 45 is a good bit larger, I think it would be hard to conceal in warm weather. So I use the P30 CCW and the 45 for home.

[cjennings]

Modern ammo 9mm defensive ammo.. not the crap they issue our boys oversees and 15+1 rounds make the P30 one deadly CCW or duty sidearm.

Not to start a cal war, but modern 9mm ammo is DEADLY... Yes a 45 is more powerful... but 15 + 1 makes up for a hell of alot.

Love both... you wont be sorry either way.

[Cylinder Head]

Modern ammo 9mm defensive ammo.. not the crap they issue our boys oversees and 15+1 rounds make the P30 one deadly CCW or duty sidearm.

Not to start a cal war, but modern 9mm ammo is DEADLY... Yes a 45 is more powerful... but 15 + 1 makes up for a hell of alot.

Love both... you wont be sorry either way.

Regardless of size, a hole in the chest is a hole in the chest. I like my .45 just because in addition to the nice hole in the chest, it'll also make you sit down.

[UM-Iceman]

I'm a new shooter and started with the P30 a few months ago. I've found it very comfortable to shoot and reasonably comfortable to carry.

Now I have HK45 as well. I actually have a bit more fun shooting this one. There is relatively more recoil (than the P30), but its certainly manageable. I wouldn't consider CCW'ing this one.

Regarding ammo, I pay about $6 more per box of 50 for the .45, so it begins to add up quickly.

You should probably consider the P2000 or the P2000sk as well, but I don't have any personal experience with either.

[dragongoddess]

The HK45 is considered by most people to be too large for concealed carry. It does make for a great range or home defense weapon however.

The P30 is also a little large for carry purposes, but many guys wouldn't carry anything else. A compact or subcompact is practical for CCW as they are easier to hide. Remember, concealment is the issue here.



I've had no problems with carrying an HK45. They fit quite nicely in my purse. I know you are going to say you don't carry a purse but given the number of bags/accessories out their for laptops and other items I see no reason you can't find one for your choice of weapon. I've seen some really nice calendar books designed for CCW. Remember you don't have to carry it on your hip.

[cmdrdredd]

Also, a full size 1911 is carried by alot of guys. The only difference between that and an HK45 is that the HK is longer in the grip with a wider profile in that area. The length and slide width are similar.

With the right holster it can be carried if you wanted.

Plus, everyone should own something chambered in the classic American .45acp round.

[HKUSP84]

I own a P30 and love it. It is a very smooth shooting gun and pretty easy to CCW (with the right holster) Both are exceptional firearms and you cant go wrong with either one but since it being your first handgun I would go with the 9mm.

[DOC49]

I have both pistols, but my P30 is in the long slide version. I think if this is your first pistol, or first HK product, you will be very happy with the P30 in either the standard or long slide version. There is plenty of discussion on this forum on the new long slide version. You will find the 9mm fun to shoot and economical. As previously stated you will also save a bit in ammo costs. The 9mm in self defense configurations is very effective. What ever you choose, you will not be disappointed with the HK product. I only wish they would produce the P30 in 40 cal.

[pgreen]

I got the hk45........didnt have an Hk in 45..... its an O.C.D. thing..trying to get help for it , but HK just keeps coming out with new stuff!

[benderx4]

No doubt, you'll eventually end up with both of these fine guns. Based on your experience, I'd start with the 9mm and work my way up as well. The ammo is cheaper, the ammo is plentiful, and available in all sorts of powerful defensive loads. Besides, you've got 15+1 with the P30, lots of opportunities to hit what you're aiming at.

As for carry, my humble opinion is that both these weapons are a bit large for comfortable concealed carry. May I suggest either a P2000SK or P7? Both of these guns may fit the bill for carry a bit better. Good luck with your choices! Stick with HK and you can't go wrong!

[NiceHK]

Well my vote goes towards the p2000sk in .357 sig. If you want some extra sit down power well there you have it. Grab the P30L in 9mm for extensive range practice. The P30L is much closer to the HK45 which you will end up getting at one point or another. The weight of the two is very close. The P30L has great balance. I think you will appreciate the extra comfort the p2000sk will provide due to it's great concealment size for a ccw.