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View Full Version : Looking at 2 new pistols. Update: went with the P30



JBecker 72
10-23-13, 12:13
I'm in the market for a new DA 9 mm pistol with a plastic frame. The 2 I've narrowed down to are the FNX and the P30.

On paper to me, everything about the FNX seems better. I hear they have a pretty nice trigger, they have ambi mag release that is similar to what I'm used to with my Glocks, they are supposed to be very accurate and the price is great. Also magazines seem to be pretty easy to find locally although they are $45 each.

Am I overlooking anything on the decision to go with FNH? Or is there any pressing issue I'm unaware of that should steer me away?

ETA: went with the P30, see post 50

WickedWillis
10-23-13, 12:28
You seem to kind of had your mind made up in your post. You mentioned nothing about how great the P30 is, and just made points about why you like the FNX-9.

JBecker 72
10-23-13, 12:33
You seem to kind of had your mind made up in your post. You mentioned nothing about how great the P30 is, and just made points about why you like the FNX-9.

Well, I know the P30 is a great pistol overall and well liked, so what I'm asking is it worth the additional $400 over the FN? One thing I hear a lot about is the poor trigger on the P30, and I'm not a huge fan of the paddle mag release. Also, the magazines are more expensive and harder to come by.

BoringGuy45
10-23-13, 13:46
I love HK pistols, but I have trouble justifying spending $1000 on a gun when I can get quality reliable, accurate pistols for quite a few hundred less.

paul556
10-23-13, 14:14
FNX or FNS would be my vote,HK P30 is overpriced and the trigger is awful in DA/SA,get an LEM if you decide to go HK

mdoan300
10-23-13, 14:27
When I was in the market for a tactical pistol, it was between the FNP-45 tactical and USP 45 tactical. The FNP-45 has better specs on paper - it comes with 3 mags vs 2, the mag capacity is 15rd vs 12rd, it has an RMR cutout, and it cost less. My head said buy the FNP-45 tactical, but my heart said buy the USP 45 tactical. In the end, the head won.

Now that I have had my FNP-45 for almost a couple of years, my observations -

- I like the trigger feel on my FNP over my USP 9 and USP 9c. When I bought my P30, it already had a lighter trigger return spring and lighter firing pin block spring modifications done to it; the trigger on it feels nice, but the FNP still feels nicer to me by a small margin;

- Mag availability sucks for both HK and FN right now, but I think FN sucks more. I've owned my USP 9 and USP 9c since 2001 and 2002, respectively, and since then I have not had it as bad as FN in regard to mag availability until recently. FN seems to release mags once/year and if you miss that boat, then you're going to wait another year for an opportunity to buy mags;

- the attention to detail and quality on my HKs is better than my FN and this is where some of the difference in cost can be found;

- a few FNP-45 owners have encountered some issues that I feel were resolved with the FNX-45. My experience w/ my FNP-45 tactical has been great so far, but it leaves me wondering if the FNP-45 was half-baked and now obsolete (see part and mag availability worry). If I got an FNX, then my question would be - will it be obsolete in a few years? My USPs are designed and built like tanks; you can still buy them new and that says a lot to me. Again, this is where I feel some of the difference in cost can be found.

tldr: my FNP ownership has been good so far, but my HK ownership has been better. I would consider buying another FN, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another HK.

Voodoo_Man
10-23-13, 14:37
I would recommend not buying an FNS9. -> my mini review: http://vdmsr.blogspot.com/2012/10/fns-9-repost.html <-

The gun is just not what it needs to be, specifically better trigger, better sights (from the factory) and no safeties.

The FNX9, however, is awesome. I had an FN 45 Tactical and it was amazing. I have shot the FNX/P-9 on several occasions and have been very happy with it. It is one of the very few mistols that I would ever consider leaving a Glock for.

JBecker 72
10-23-13, 15:47
Thanks for some more of the personal experiences guys. Oddly enough I am having a hard time tracking down an FNX9 locally. Found a bunch of mags for it though. Handled a P30 today and an FNX40 and I think I'm going the FNX route. Wish I could fire one before I buy though.

Voodoo_Man
10-23-13, 16:28
Thanks for some more of the personal experiences guys. Oddly enough I am having a hard time tracking down an FNX9 locally. Found a bunch of mags for it though. Handled a P30 today and an FNX40 and I think I'm going the FNX route. Wish I could fire one before I buy though.

You will have a hard time since they are almost as rare to come across as a G19/17.

Specifically because they are the pistol industries secret that many don't pay any mind to.

incognito
10-23-13, 19:34
Thanks for some more of the personal experiences guys. Oddly enough I am having a hard time tracking down an FNX9 locally. Found a bunch of mags for it though. Handled a P30 today and an FNX40 and I think I'm going the FNX route. Wish I could fire one before I buy though.

Where in Va are you located?

JBecker 72
10-23-13, 19:47
Where in Va are you located?

I'm in NOVA but willing to drive a bit to find one.

scooter22
10-23-13, 19:59
You will have a hard time since they are almost as rare to come across as a G19/17.

Specifically because they are the pistol industries secret that many don't pay any mind to.

Since when is a G19/17 hard to find?

Voodoo_Man
10-23-13, 20:09
Since when is a G19/17 hard to find?

Around me, they are nearly impossible to source.

richiecotite
10-23-13, 20:16
I'm in NOVA but willing to drive a bit to find one.

Va Arms didn't have an fnx9 in stock? They usually do; if you haven't been there you have a trip to make.

JBecker 72
10-23-13, 20:22
Va Arms didn't have an fnx9 in stock? They usually do; if you haven't been there you have a trip to make.

I went there today and no dice. They are gonna try and get one for me though. That's pretty much the only place I shop as I live 5 minutes from them.

Auto426
10-23-13, 20:23
I've been having a similar debate in my head for a while now. I want to finally jump into the polymer pistol game, and the HK P30 caught my eye as did the FNX-9. They both seem like great guns to me, and in a perfect world I'd probably own one of each, but at this time I can only afford one.

I really do like the features that the HK brings to the table with its amazing ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy. I even like the paddle mag release, as using my trigger finger to hit the right side paddle actually feels pretty good. However, I keep going back and forth over which variant I want. The LEM seems like the winner based on most owner comments I see, but I keep worrying that I may not like it and don't feel like betting $850 on whether I will or not.

Apparently there's also supposed to be a striker fired version of the P30 that will be shown at SHOT come next year, and if it has a more Glock or M&P type trigger pull I feel that it may be the option to suit me best. At this moment I am thinking that waiting may be the best route.

The Dumb Gun Collector
10-23-13, 21:00
P30. Best combat pistol available imho. The extra cash is worth it to have the best.

bigdave24
10-23-13, 22:00
The HK P30 is extremely reliable with probably the most consistent ejection pattern of all the modern polymer 9 mm's. They hold their value very well if for some reason you don't like it. The light LEM is a fine self defense trigger. I compete with CZ's, but my nightstand gun is a P30.

JBecker 72
10-23-13, 22:19
There is a local range/shop I can go to and rent a P30. I might go there and try one out as I don't know anyone with either. I've had a fair amount of time with the USP .45 though.

Kevin P
10-23-13, 22:25
P30. Best combat pistol available imho. The extra cash is worth it to have the best.

I totally agree!

Cost really does not matter to me when considering quality. You get what you pay for in this world. I am not saying the FNX is a bad gun or anything like that. It just that the p30 is a better quality gun. But get what works best for you. Only you can make that decision, no one else can.

eleven
10-23-13, 22:37
For what it's worth, I agree that the the P30 is a damn fine handgun. I was shooting Glock's for years, and then I bought a P30 V1 9x19. It is definitely worth it, at least to me.

Mags are not that hard to come by, and usually around $33 each, and parts are not hard to find either. The trigger is great, IMO, for a previous Glock shooter, it just takes a little time to adjust to the longer take-up of the LEM.

With all of that being said, if I thought I could trust a Glock 9mm or an M&P 9, I would more than likely be shooting one of them instead, if only for the price difference. The price is hard to swallow, but you are getting one of the best, if not the best, 9mm sidearm available with the P30.

Good luck man.

JBecker 72
10-23-13, 22:48
You guys are making a solid case for the P30, especially a LEM model. Cost really isn't an issue as I want something that is gonna work, and be serviceable down the road. And if that platform works out for me, I will buy a second as a backup.

I've currently got 2 Glock 19's that work great, and a Colt 1911 in 9mm, and a ton of mags for both. I just sold my Glock 34 and Beretta M9 to make way for this purchase. (both of those worked fine for their intended purpose, I just never shot them)

Tried the M&P, had 2 of those and they just weren't for me. I've also considered the Walther PPQ, but for some reason I still like the DA action over striker fired.

RIGPIG
10-24-13, 06:33
I wouldn't hesitate to buy another FNX-9/40. Around here at LGS, they are flush with FN pistols, even the FiveseveN, mags are easy to find too. I bought an FNX-9 almost two years ago and didn't have any trouble coming up with 5 additional mags to the 3 that come with it. They are much easier to find around here than M&P9/40 mags or even G19/17 mags. I wish there was more aftermarket support for the FNX-9 in the way of holsters and triggers, but there are some pretty good sights available. Mine came with the Trijicons from the factory, a very nice addition. The factory trigger is also very good. If FN ever offered a FNX-9L, I'd be all over it.

LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-24-13, 07:04
For me, the extra price tag was enough to justify the track record of extreme reliability and dependability of the P30. That was after having some bad experiences with another duty gun. However, I havent heard really any negativity coming from the FNX line so I am not going to knock it. Tough choice, but only one that you should make.

balance
10-24-13, 07:10
I've also considered the Walther PPQ, but for some reason I still like the DA action over striker fired.

I've owned both the P30 and the FNX, and with what you've mentioned above, I'd suggest you take a look at the P99 AS.

I had an early FNX, bought the first week they were released in my city. The FNX that I owned was a piece of junk. The backstraps had about 1/8" of up-and-down play. The dustcover bent upwards after a rapid fire string. The safety lever began to develop play, and couldn't be replaced by anyone other than the factory. The pistol could not be detail stripped without literally breaking the safety lever off the pistol. It had malfunctions for the first thousand rounds due to a heavy recoil spring. Multiple people on the FNX forum reported that the mag springs on their FNX pistols went bad simply by keeping them loaded to capacity, and when they contacted FN about this, they were told that while it is a "17+1 capacity", the mags should only be loaded to 16 rounds. The mags in my own pistol needed to be smacked hard to be seated and latched in place. Etc. In my opinion, the FNX is nowhere near the level of quality as the P30 or P99.

I owned a P30S. I had one single complaint about that pistol, and that was the trigger. It never gave me any problems in the few thousand rounds that I put through it, but I also couldn't shoot it any better than my P99 or PPQ.

I've owned my P99 for years. I have over 8k rounds through it, and I noticed no difference in reliability, accuracy, durability, or build quality between it and my P30 or USPc. I've yet to fire a DA/SA pistol with a lighter DA trigger pull, stock (probably due to it being a striker fired pistol), and the SA trigger is as crisp as the PPQ's trigger, with the same short reset. The only reason I switched to carrying a PPQ, is because I prefer one trigger pull from the first to the last shot.

Think of the P99 as a DA/SA PPQ.

bigdave24
10-24-13, 08:30
The Walther P99 is a well made gun. For me the drawback was it seemed to have a little more vertical recoil than similar sized polymer 9 mm's. But I like heavier guns, YMMV. The HK P30 is also available with a safety (P30S). I don't know if that factors into your decision. And I recently held a CZ P07 Duty that seemed very nice, but I have not shot it. Nice to have so many choices today.

.XL
10-24-13, 08:55
If DA/SA plastic frame pistol, the best overall value is: MR9 got my vote (http://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/Magnum-Research-MR9-Eagle-15-Round.asp)

Omega Man
10-25-13, 05:23
For me the P30 is well worth the extra cost. I had the P30 and the FNS and the P30 wins in all respects.

Talon167
10-25-13, 07:04
Admittedly, I’ve never shot the FN but I’ve handled a few and they’ve always felt cheap to me. You know you can’t go wrong with HK. P30 V1 is the way to go.

JBecker 72
10-25-13, 08:19
P30 V1 is the way to go.

I'm gonna be going this route next week.

jastone7373
10-25-13, 09:09
I went there today and no dice. They are gonna try and get one for me though. That's pretty much the only place I shop as I live 5 minutes from them.


I picked up a P30 9mm from VA Arms Co. a few months ago and haven't looked back. It's my new night stand gun and as the cold weather rolls in, my new carry gun as well.

VA Arms Co. has them for a pretty reasonable price too. I recall it was sub-$1k out the door.

ruchik
10-25-13, 09:51
I'm personally not really a fan of either, but when I held the two at a LGS about a year or two ago, I distinctly remember the FN feeling like a brick/2x4. Very squared edges on the grip. The P30, by contrast, felt like a well worn bar of soap. Fantastic ergonomics on the P30. The FN may be good enough in terms of reliability and accuracy. But the P30 is for sure. I believe you should get the best you can afford, and that in this case, the P30 is ideal. Start saving for it.

JBecker 72
10-25-13, 09:59
So where can I get good deals on mags for the P30?

jastone7373
10-25-13, 10:29
So where can I get good deals on mags for the P30?

Lol when you figure this out, let me know as well

Defaultmp3
10-25-13, 12:41
You could try calling H&K USA directly and asking if they have any in stock. They were going for <33 USD, IIRC, last time they had them. I got mine from MidwayUSA back in June for 34 USD.

gtmtnbiker98
10-25-13, 12:52
So where can I get good deals on mags for the P30?www.crosscreekguns.com has the best prices on HK products.

eleven
10-25-13, 17:56
JBecker72, you have a PM.

ralph
10-25-13, 18:14
In addition to the above names sources for P-30 mags, My .002 would be to try calling HKUSA... Their phone # is on the owners manual of any HK pistol. I bought 5 P-30 mags from them this spring when the panic was still on, At the time they had plenty in stock, at $33 apiece with a limit of 5 per order, when at the time everyone else that had any, was limiting people to two..

cpekz
10-25-13, 18:15
I can't speak to the FNP/X, but I love the P30 v1. This is by far my favorite 9mm pistol to date. Excellent reliability, ergonomics, and accuracy. My only complaints so far are with the trigger's reset distance and the fact that I have a tendency to prevent the slide locking back on the last round due to my grip.

The reset definitely takes some getting used to with the LEM trigger if you're coming from a Glock or similar reset, however this is simply a matter of training - or a trip to a gun smith. The slide-lock issue is an easy fix. I plan on replacing the left side slide release with one from a P30S to see if that works out, otherwise I'll need to make some changes to my grip.

I definitely don't think you're doing yourself a disservice by getting the P30 over the FN, IMO. The money is still well spent! As far as mags go... hopefully you can find somewhere with 'em on the cheap or get a hookup from someone.

45C
10-25-13, 20:10
HK Specialist is another good source for mags: http://www.hkspecialiststore.com/product_detail.php?Category=26&Page_Number=5&Index_Seq=643&Home_Page=

LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-26-13, 01:29
HK Specialist is another good source for mags: http://www.hkspecialiststore.com/product_detail.php?Category=26&Page_Number=5&Index_Seq=643&Home_Page=

Yup, Ive bought three from them at $35 a pop. Thats Glock mag prices.

X-Phile336
10-26-13, 10:55
I'm actually in the same boat right now - I've been looking at a new compact 9mm and I want to try something else other than Glock or M&P. I've been looking at the FNX or H&K (either P2000 or P30), and I want to like the FNX both for the price point and the fact they crank out quality weapons for the military.

FNP / FNX have been out for several years, but I don't know anyone who has one and I can't think of a time when my LGS carried them. Because of this I'll probably end up getting an H&K (and I'm sure I will love it).

Biggy
10-26-13, 12:19
Here is one mans opinion and preference on what works for him.
From the " Ask the SME " section of this forum.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=140765

jastone7373
10-26-13, 14:43
If you were interested in the "Safety" model, this is the best price i've seen on a NIB P30 yet

$803.71 shipped + your local FFL's transfer fee...

http://grabagun.com/hk-p30-9mm-3-85-bl-da-sa-sft-2-15rd.html

JBecker 72
10-27-13, 14:18
Thanks for all the info guys. I'm gonna pick up the P30 V1 tomorrow locally. Will probably end up calling HK for the mags first as I want to pick up at least 5 more. Gotta get a RCS phantom for it as well.

cemjr
10-27-13, 15:41
FWIW , I'm a relative latecomer to firearms. I bought my first gun in 2010. Before I decided which one buy I shot a bunch. The last three were the M&P 9, XDM 9 and the HK P-30. I ended up buying the P 30. Now many thousands of rounds later I still like this gun alot. It has never once malfunctioned. I use it every week in IDPA.

ralph
10-27-13, 18:17
Thanks for all the info guys. I'm gonna pick up the P30 V1 tomorrow locally. Will probably end up calling HK for the mags first as I want to pick up at least 5 more. Gotta get a RCS phantom for it as well.

Also check out G&R Tactical.. Grant has P-30 mags for $35 apiece and no limit...

LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-27-13, 20:24
Also check out G&R Tactical.. Grant has P-30 mags for $35 apiece and no limit...

Well shoot, if I had known that I wouldve gone with Grant instead.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=234316S&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dp30%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html

JBecker 72
10-27-13, 20:43
Also check out G&R Tactical.. Grant has P-30 mags for $35 apiece and no limit...



Well shoot, if I had known that I wouldve gone with Grant instead.

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=234316S&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dp30%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html

Thanks! I need to order a few other things from Grant anyway.

JBecker 72
10-28-13, 20:45
Picked up a P30 V1 9mm today. Had a hard time finding a V1, everyone had V3's mostly. Only managed to shoot 200 rounds through it, but so far I'm impressed. Need mags and a holster for it now.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s73/hownowbrowncow_02/Guns/AF03A86E-0F9F-4B3D-8094-89EDD57E35E8-802-000000CDB971BEFA_zps53ea25d5.jpg

azngotskills
10-28-13, 21:51
Nice pick up man, how would you say the LEM trigger performs? Any comparison to anything more mainstream like a Glock, M&P, or 1911?

ag08
10-28-13, 23:24
Nice pick up man, how would you say the LEM trigger performs? Any comparison to anything more mainstream like a Glock, M&P, or 1911?

Not OP but I've shot all three quite a bit in my foolish trading phase. A nice 1911 is a whole other ball game of difference. A LEM has a longer initial take up like a shorter version of a Kahr or double action revolver trigger if that makes sense. Then the break is nicer than a new M&P out of the box but less sharp when compared to a Glock. It takes a box or two of ammo to acclimate. Once you are used to it it's just another day at the range.

JBecker 72
10-28-13, 23:24
Nice pick up man, how would you say the LEM trigger performs? Any comparison to anything more mainstream like a Glock, M&P, or 1911?

I only have 200 rounds experience at this point with the light LEM, but IMO it is much nicer than any polymer pistol trigger I have ever felt. One of my M&P's had an Apex trigger, I had a Glock 34 with a glocktriggers Haley Skimmer, I've had a gen 2 17 with god knows how much use through it, and I've had plenty of stock Glock's as well.

The take up is long, and very effortless when the slide has been racked, there is no gritty feeling either. When it hits the wall, it has minimal creep, is very smooth and breaks cleanly. I would compare it a few 1911's I've shot regarding the break. Reset is positive both through feel and the sound it makes, though it isn't quite as hard as a Glock. Over travel is minimal and easy to make fast follow up shots.

One thing I sometimes struggle with when shooting Glock's is the slight push I apply to the trigger, I didn't have any problem with that on this pistol.

Accuracy, for me is very good. I've never been capable of a 4" group of 10 rounds at 25 yards on any pistol when shooting off hand. I can however maintain solid center mass hits with an accurate gun. I struggled with my 2 M&P's in this area, and oddly enough I shoot my Glock 19 better than a 34 at distance. I would say this pistol (right now) is right on point accuracy wise for me as my Glock 19. On a good day I can keep all 10 rounds within a 6" birchwood casey shoot n c target at 25 yards with that. I am hoping that as I get more time on this pistol, that will improve.

jastone7373
10-29-13, 08:27
Did you find it at VA Arms Co?

JBecker 72
10-29-13, 09:36
Did you find it at VA Arms Co?

No, I always check there first for things, but all they had was V3's. Also checked Clark Bros and Guns and Ammo Warehouse with no luck. Found this one at Blue Ridge Arsenal. It was the same price as everywhere else locally, and they gave me 3 free range passes. First time I've ever bought anything from them actually.

svtpwnz
10-29-13, 12:56
"obscure guns are obscure for a reason."

FNP / FNX have been out for several years, but I don't know anyone who has one and I can't think of a time when my LGS carried them. Because of this I'll probably end up getting an H&K (and I'm sure I will love it).[/QUOTE]





This! I was in the same boat several years ago between a HK 45c and FNX 45 tactical and chose the HK. The ergo's on my HK P30 are simply amazing and would choose it all day long over the FN. I will however add a FNX 45 tactical to my collection but only after I get an HK 45 tactical first.

Dos Cylindros
10-29-13, 13:02
Congrats on the new score. I am hoping to pick up my V1 P30 this week. I bought an HK45 earlier this month with the LEM trigger and I am now in the process of transitioning all my personal off duty guns to HK, and I am thinking about aquiring a .40 S&W version of the P30 or P30l to use as my duty gun.

JBecker 72
10-29-13, 13:14
This! I was in the same boat several years ago between a HK 45c and FNX 45 tactical and chose the HK. The ergo's on my HK P30 are simply amazing and would choose it all day long over the FN. I will however add a FNX 45 tactical to my collection but only after I get an HK 45 tactical first.

That FNX .45 Tactical is a sweet looking pistol.

svtpwnz
10-29-13, 13:25
That FNX .45 Tactical is a sweet looking pistol.

Indeed it is and has great reviews as well. I just don't have a single friend that I go shooting with that owns one or for that matter, owns a FN pistol period. It will be yet another one of my pistol purchases made without shooting one first.

jastone7373
10-29-13, 19:56
No, I always check there first for things, but all they had was V3's. Also checked Clark Bros and Guns and Ammo Warehouse with no luck. Found this one at Blue Ridge Arsenal. It was the same price as everywhere else locally, and they gave me 3 free range passes. First time I've ever bought anything from them actually.



Yea, I hear ya. I like to give VA Arms Co. my business when I can. They have a great shop there..

Anyway, congrats on the new pistola!

azngotskills
10-30-13, 21:07
JBecker 72 and ag08, thanks for the comments on the trigger and how you compare them to the other common pistols....on the verge of picking one up myself, just hard to find the exact one I want locally so probably going to go with a supporting vendor here

Rayrevolver
10-31-13, 08:25
JBecker 72 and ag08, thanks for the comments on the trigger and how you compare them to the other common pistols....on the verge of picking one up myself, just hard to find the exact one I want locally so probably going to go with a supporting vendor here

My biggest gripe with the P30L V1 LEM is the trigger reset length. People pay $365 to get this fixed with a trigger job from Gray Guns!!!

The reset is very long and requires me to consciously begin moving my trigger finger immediately after recoil begins to be ready for follow up shots in time (at least when my brain is saying I am ready to go). After I wrote that, it dawned on me that if I did that with a G34 maybe I would have advanced out of IDPA Sharpshooter/USPSA C class by now.

This is probably not an issue for the faster/higher skilled shooters. My first IDPA match I only had 1 short stroke but I felt like my splits were very very slow. The stock sights also seem to slow me down as well. They do not work as well as Warren Tacticals or Trij HDs.

Training should get me back to my G34 speeds. 10-8 sights should help with acquisition.

TAZ
10-31-13, 10:39
Agree on the reset, but it's definitely learnable. Just watch Ernest Langdon shoot the LEM. I just switched my sights out to a Dawson Tritium front and 10-8 rear. MUCH better sight picture and acquisition. The rear was a breeze to install. Be prepared to do a LOT of filing on the Dawson front as mine was WAAAAAAY oversized.