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Glockster wrote:Still torn between the HK45 Tactical and the VP40 LE....I just found a NIB VP40 LE w/night sites and 3 mags for $579...that seems like a really great price?

That seems like a deal to me too. Too bad I already got my Fathers Day present.

bmwrdr wrote:

Glockster wrote:

bmwrdr wrote:

Glockster wrote:

PaJ wrote:I own and carry a P30 in 9mm. I've shot the VP9. They are VERY similar guns in terms of holding it and shooting it. The VP9 is striker fired and more affordable. It appears HK wants to go head to head with Glock (similar gun at a slightly higher price point). There is also the P30SK, which is a lower capacity, hammer fired gun. Easier to conceal and at the same price point as the VP9.

I have a SA/DA trigger. I don't find the heaviness of the DA a big problem. In terms of accuracy, I think the person pulling the trigger (me) has far more to do with the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the shot than the double acting trigger pull.

I've held other HK's (and other brands). None of them compare to how the P30 fits in my hand. The adjustable grips help that as well. I didn't think I had small hands, but other pistols just feel huge in my hand. The P30 fits like a glove.

That's what's leaving me feeling overwhelmed on the choices as I do like striker fired -- but don't see any info on their site as to which models have that. I also loved the grips -- my friend has hands that are same size as mine, so the grips he had in made the gun feel more comfortable than my best Glock. But if I'm understanding correctly I'm not going to get the grips that I'd like unless I get the P30 or HK45 Tactical, and I want to stay in either .40 or .45.

The VP9 and the VP40 have the same feature of interchanging grip elements as the P30 and full size HK45! The only difference is the stippling pattern.

Was just about to ask about the VP40 as I saw it on their site as well. Didn't know for sure on the grips as I hadn't had a chance to read more, but saw the rail (which I'd like), and see that it doesn't have the ability to mount a suppressor which I've been kind of toying with, but then have wondered about the thread interfering with ease of draw from a Fobus paddle.

Fortunately I have held and fired a P30, and absolutely loved it. So I have an idea of what I like as I haven't found too many H&Ks in the stores around me and have been resorting to looking around gunbroker.

Too sad you are in Houston and I'm in Dallas. We could go to the range and you could test the P20, P30L, both in V3.

Last weekend, Athena gun range had HK day. They had all of the discussed guns there (and more) to shoot. I only shot the VP9. Now I wish I'd shot some of the others as well.

Glockster wrote:

rentz wrote:

Glockster wrote:

bmwrdr wrote: The VP9 and the VP40 have the same feature of interchanging grip elements as the P30 and full size HK45! The only difference is the stippling pattern.

Noticing that from the pricing on gunbroker it seems that the VP40 is priced just slight higher than a Glock. Entry level gun then?

i wouldnt say entry level, but they priced the VP line similarly to the currently polymer striker fired options.
i love my vp9 and if you get one or the vp40 i HIGHLY suggest getting an LE one if you can, which comes with an extra magazine and night sights.

What kind of differences are there between that and a P30 or 45 Tactical? I mean, what makes those that much more expensive? On gunbroker the VP40 is going for $600 and slightly up, while for example, the 45 Tactical is about twice that.

The VP is a striker fired and the P30/45 Tactical is a hammer fired. Depending on the exact model, there may be different triggers, manual safety, different sights, LE version vs non-LE version (so different trigger and extra mag).

Glockster wrote:

bmwrdr wrote: The VP9 and the VP40 have the same feature of interchanging grip elements as the P30 and full size HK45! The only difference is the stippling pattern.

Noticing that from the pricing on gunbroker it seems that the VP40 is priced just slight higher than a Glock. Entry level gun then?

Striker fired are cheaper to produce than a hammer fired. That's what allows them to get the price point down. Plus, I believe they are going after that market so are trying to hit a price point to take market share from Glock even at a lower profit margin (just my opinion).

I own and carry a P30 in 9mm. I've shot the VP9. They are VERY similar guns in terms of holding it and shooting it. The VP9 is striker fired and more affordable. It appears HK wants to go head to head with Glock (similar gun at a slightly higher price point). There is also the P30SK, which is a lower capacity, hammer fired gun. Easier to conceal and at the same price point as the VP9.

Everyone in the family (including my girls when they were 13) loves shooting my P30. HK's design supposedly dampens recoil. My son shot it with his broken wrist with no pain. My XDm .45 hurt him like crazy. I realize the calibers are not apples to apples, but the difference in recoil was very substantial.

Also, I had a squip load in my HK. I was not able to fire another round, thus saving my gun and possible injury to me and the others on the firing line. I've read on some forum that this is a designed safety feature of the HK, but I cannot confirm it. I just know my gun didn't fire.

I don't know that I would carry the P30SK simply because I like the extra magazine capacity of the P30, and have no trouble concealing it. The VP9 and P30 use the same magazines. The P30SK has a shorter magazine but can accept the longer P30 magazine.

I have a SA/DA trigger. I don't find the heaviness of the DA a big problem. In terms of accuracy, I think the person pulling the trigger (me) has far more to do with the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the shot than the double acting trigger pull.

I've held other HK's (and other brands). None of them compare to how the P30 fits in my hand. The adjustable grips help that as well. I didn't think I had small hands, but other pistols just feel huge in my hand. The P30 fits like a glove.

The only drawback is that parts and holsters aren't as readily available as they are for other brands (i.e. Glock). Think of it like cars. The Glock is a Toyota Camry. Solid, affordable and lots of them on the road so lots of parts available. The HK is like a BMW. Fine machine, more expense and fewer on the road so parts may take a little patience to acquire...but you may not need to do any upgrades to begin with because the car is so well designed and built. I carry in an AlienGear IWB. I also have a Safariland paddle holster. If I get a nice OWB holster for open carry, there are plenty of those available either custom or through a mass producer. You just have to order them instead of walking into a store and buying off the rack.

When I buy another handgun, I will absolutely be looking at another HK.