H&K - looking for feedback

[PaJ]

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.

[berettadave]

I have a USP Expert in .40 cal. It's a little big for a CC gun but I do keep it in the nightstand by my bed. Unbelievably accurate. I've had it about 4 years and shoot it often. I've fires thousands of rounds through it and cannot remember ever having a single jam or FTF. I would not hesitate to buy another H&K. They are a little pricey but well worth it in my opinion.

Dave

[rentz]

Well this helps! I've been looking at http://hk-usa.com/product/pistols/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and it is hard to easily get to the need to know stuff, but just realized that they also have this site which makes it a lot easier to look up models and variants:
http://www.heckler-koch.com/en/products ... rview.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

yeah and the variant numbers aren't always the same across all models either.
the light lem variant comes highly touted as it gives you the single action pull all the time and IMO would be best for carry as you avoid that super heavy first pull or using a safety.

I hate that I'm having to use Wikipedia for checking some of this, but read that the LEM was for DO only? But they say that you can add the trigger used on any model?

yes its double action only, theres LEM and Light LEM. Light LEM will give you a similar pull weight as SA but with every pull...it just uses a longer takeup as a "Safety feature"
you should be able to convert any of them to LEM with the kit.

[Glockster]

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.

[TVGuy]

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 is the only striker fired pistol HK makes at this time, I believe.

[bmwrdr]

Same here, my P30 is next to me at home and my carry in the cold month. Any HK is a good, reliable gun. Some don't like the trigger of the V3, I like it. All my HK's are V3 or V1 for the USP which translates to V3 of the latrer models.
Just a tip, the P2000 is a good carry option, available in .40 SW and you may be able to find a deal.
The biggest advantage of HK is the parts availability online, see http://hkparts.net
Good luck finding a deal and keep us posted.
BTW, HK's are easy to work on and easy to clean.

Am just doing a bit of reading about USP, which sounds interesting. It is a bit difficult to easily compare all of the models and what seems to be a huge number of variants (I'm beginning to feel like I need to spend some time talking with someone who is a whole lot more familiar with why one over another!). If I'm understanding correctly, USP works well with the high pressure of .40 SW and was originally designed with that in mind? And are you saying that V3 also incorporates that in other models? And I "think" that the .45 Tactical is also USP?

Correct, the variant numbers on ISP models differ from the newer models.
Read up on the HK website before you make a decision ordering online. Best would be a try and buy or at least to handle one at a shop in order to get the initial hands on experience. The ergonomics of the newer models (all P30, VP9/ 40 and the full size HK45) are surely the best I held in my hand. In terms of robustness and reliability they are all on the same level.

[bmwrdr]

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 is the only striker fired pistol HK makes at this time, I believe.

H&K just announced the VP40!

[bmwrdr]

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.

[bmwrdr]

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.

but with the exception of the parts statement. Go to http://www.hkparts.net/shop/pc/home.asp and you'll find everything you need except junk.

[Glockster]

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.

[Glockster]

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?

[PaJ]

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).

[rentz]

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.

[bmwrdr]

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.

[Glockster]

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.