PDA

View Full Version : Which HK P30?



djegators
07-02-10, 22:03
I have started looking into the P30, and doing some price comparisons online, but I am getting a little confused. There is the P30, and the P30L...seems like it is not much difference in length really. But what is more confusing is all of the various trigger variations, and some of the dealers are not specific as to what is what. Any ideas on determining which variation to go for?


Thanks, DJ

vecdran
07-02-10, 22:09
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_P30

Variant Action Trigger pull Trigger travel Notes
V0 DA/CDA 51 N (11.5 lbf) (DA)20 N (4.5 lbf) (CDA) 14 mm (0.55 in) Features a cocking piece, spurred hammer and a decocking latch.
V1 CDA 20 N (4.5 lbf) 14 mm (0.55 in) Features a cocking piece.
V2 CDA 32.5 N (7.3 lbf) 14 mm (0.55 in) Features a cocking piece.
V3 DA/SA 51 N (11.5 lbf) (DA)20 N (4.5 lbf) (SA) 14 mm (0.55 in) (DA)7 mm (0.28 in) (SA) Features a spurred hammer and a decocking latch.
V4 CDA 27.5 N (6.2 lbf) 14 mm (0.55 in) Features a cocking piece.
V6 DAO 39 N (8.8 lbf) 14 mm (0.55 in) No manual safety option available.

S will denote safety, L will denote long.

djegators
07-02-10, 22:14
Thanks, I read that on the HK site...was looking more for recommendations.

willowofwisp
07-02-10, 22:23
I think one of the best options for a carry gun is a standard v2 p30 LEM...buy the gun, 3 extra mags, 2 cases of ammo and some training classes and then be on your way...oh yea a holster too lol

thopkins22
07-02-10, 22:28
A seven pound trigger is getting up there man.

The V1 and V4 seem to be more in line with what I want...sometime by the end of the year I'll probably pick up a V4.

I doubt that it'll do anything Glocks don't already do for me...other than allow me to carry AIWB with a little more confidence/safety.

Omega Man
07-02-10, 23:50
Ive been in love with the V3 P30 for a while now, but i am waiting for the P30S in 9mm to arrive. The P30S is a V3 with a thumb safety, that also has a decocker. I want this pistol, so i can carry cocked & locked, since i dont like the heavy DA 1st pull on the V3 P30. The P30S would be my recomendation, if you are good with the idea of a thumb safety.

oboe
07-03-10, 08:52
Good to know. Ideally, I'd like to end up with HK P30L V1 - either by purchase of the V1 or by conversion of the V2. Do think there ever will be a P30L in V1, V2 or V4?

I'd rather not think in terms of converting V3 to V1.

buckshot1220
07-03-10, 09:40
I would personally go for one of the LEM variants. I have LEM triggers in my HK45C and P2000SK, wouldn't trade them for the world.

FYI, The P30 is not easily converted to LEM post-production like USP's and such, so if you want the LEM trigger I'd recommend buying one right off the bat.

Lucky Strike
07-03-10, 10:02
Good to know. Ideally, I'd like to end up with HK P30L V1 - either by purchase of the V1 or by conversion of the V2. Do think there ever will be a P30L in V1, V2 or V4?

I'd rather not think in terms of converting V3 to V1.

Yeah I think eventually they'll do that.....I hate how firearms companies phase stuff like that in slowly though.

Palmguy
07-03-10, 11:37
I would personally go for one of the LEM variants. I have LEM triggers in my HK45C and P2000SK, wouldn't trade them for the world.

FYI, The P30 is not easily converted to LEM post-production like USP's and such, so if you want the LEM trigger I'd recommend buying one right off the bat.

From what I've seen, it's not terribly difficult, it's just the parts aren't cheap (>$100).

buckshot1220
07-03-10, 14:50
From what I've seen, it's not terribly difficult, it's just the parts aren't cheap (>$100).

It's not so much the parts, it's that HK-USA does not support the conversion because the frames of the two variants are different. Converting a standard frame to LEM will leave a gap where the decocker originally was. Word has it warranties will be voided also.

oboe
07-03-10, 16:02
Yeah I think eventually they'll do that.....I hate how firearms companies phase stuff like that in slowly though.

Well, WHEN THEY DO, I will want one!

LDM
07-03-10, 16:03
I recently got a P30 LEM in 40 S&W and it is an instant favorite. Everything said about the ergos is absolute truth. It shoots soft, handles really well and points like my finger.
I have the V2 LEM and converted to the V1. Everything Lucky Strike said is spot on. The Firing Pin Block spring is easy to change. The Trigger Return spring is a bitch (don't ask how I did it; I finally just got mad and pushed it in somehow).
I have had a P2000 LEM v1 in 9MM for several years.
HK's are the only pistol I have ever owned truly good-to-go out of the box. They are pricey, but by the time you customize, modify, and de-bug other brands you are not so different in dollars.

oboe
07-03-10, 17:49
Buds has a P30L on sale...which variation do you think it is?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_47_914/products_id/411539620

It is the one readily available these days - DA/SA w/decocker. If I HAD to go that way - I would . . . but I'd rather a LEM V1.

01deuce
07-03-10, 18:30
It is the one readily available these days - DA/SA w/decocker. If I HAD to go that way - I would . . . but I'd rather a LEM V1.

If you want a L and dont mind the ambi-saftey , then here is the only p30 v1 imported to date as a stock v1.

P30LS V1

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=176992007

djegators
07-03-10, 18:45
It is the one readily available these days - DA/SA w/decocker. If I HAD to go that way - I would . . . but I'd rather a LEM V1.


That makes it a V3 then?

CyberM4
07-03-10, 18:59
The P30 you want. 9MM or 40S&W? P30L 40S&W is due Mid August.

djegators
07-03-10, 19:12
I have settled on 9mm. I currently carry a .40 (GLOCK 23), but I am considering caliber consolidation.

djegators
07-05-10, 19:05
Thoughts on P30 vs P30L?

Also, like was said above, most of what I see for sale are the V3, but many suggest a LEM...worth say an extra $50 or more for a LEM over the V3?

buckshot1220
07-05-10, 19:50
Thoughts on P30 vs P30L?

Also, like was said above, most of what I see for sale are the V3, but many suggest a LEM...worth say an extra $50 or more for a LEM over the V3?


Law of supply and demand. I'd spend the extra $50.

oboe
07-05-10, 20:00
Thoughts on P30 vs P30L?

Also, like was said above, most of what I see for sale are the V3, but many suggest a LEM...worth say an extra $50 or more for a LEM over the V3?

I would not feel deprived and lose sleep if I had the P30 in LEM V1. That said, being OCD as I know I am, the extra barrel length and sighting radius of the P30L is irresistible, so I'll wait it out for the P30L LEM V1 (or V2 convertible to V1). After all I have read, the LEM is the safest and most useful variant. Although I expect it would do well on the range, it's not the reason for having the gun. In a real life situation that I hope with all my heart never occurs - the LEM will serve me better.

EDIT: My life and the life of those I would protect is worth waaaaay more than $50. Priceless.

Omega Man
07-06-10, 02:23
How is the reset on the LEM, compared to a Glock?

jwperry
07-06-10, 03:38
How is the reset on the LEM, compared to a Glock?

Long!

oboe
07-06-10, 06:51
That's why people apparently have been willing to spend the $300 on a Bruce Gray trigger job - among other things, to shorten the reset.

That said, another point of view is that trigger reset is not unimportant but has been highly over rated as a consideration.

gtmtnbiker98
07-06-10, 06:58
That's why people apparently have willing to spend the $300 on a Bruce Gray trigger job - among other things, to shorten the reset.

That said, another point of view is that trigger reset is not unimportant but has been highly over rated as a consideration.Very Over Rated!

djegators
07-06-10, 07:58
I'm going to a couple ranges today to see if they have any HKs to rent, but in the meantime, how does the trigger pull compare to Glocks?

Omega Man
07-06-10, 09:25
I'm going to a couple ranges today to see if they have any HKs to rent, but in the meantime, how does the trigger pull compare to Glocks?

For the P30, the DA 1st pull is very long and very heavy, at 12 lbs. The SA pull is close to 5 lbs, with a good bit of travel before the break. The break is fairly crisp in SA. I had the HK45 & HK45 compact, and the SA pull on the those had less travel before the break, than the P30.
Ive never tried an HK with the LEM.

crazymoose
07-06-10, 16:40
I'm going to a couple ranges today to see if they have any HKs to rent, but in the meantime, how does the trigger pull compare to Glocks?

In a word: inferior. I'm happy with my P30L, but the trigger is the only thing keeping this gun from greatness. That's true of a lot of HK products, however.

djegators
07-06-10, 16:47
Thanks to everyone's replies and advice. I have decided that the V3 will be fine for me. Unfortunately, I was unable to find one to shoot, but I was able to dry-fire, and I am satisfied with the feel of the trigger. I am almost dead set on getting the P30L VS NS from Bud's, especially since the deal is superb.

Omega Man
07-06-10, 16:48
A striker fired P30, with a Glock trigger action, would be the ultimate pistol. HK is developing a striker fired pistol. It's in the design stages.

Mark71
07-06-10, 17:04
HK is developing a striker fired pistol. It's in the design stages.


Where did you hear this? Any more info? I would love to see HK come out with this.

Omega Man
07-06-10, 17:07
Where did you hear this? Any more info? I would love to see HK come out with this.

There is a thread about it on HKPro.com. I am excited about it too, but im assuming this pistol will be at least 2 or 3 years down the line.

oboe
07-06-10, 17:10
In a word: inferior. I'm happy with my P30L, but the trigger is the only thing keeping this gun from greatness. That's true of a lot of HK products, however.

Have you considered the Bruce Gray trigger job? $300.

Omega Man
07-06-10, 17:37
It's $300 for the work by Greyguns and then with shipping, you will be in the $400 range. But the work they do is guaranteed for life, and is supposed to be the best in the biz.

jwperry
07-06-10, 22:32
Have you considered the Bruce Gray trigger job? $300.

For $300 you can get 1200 rounds of 9mm and learn the trigger system..


Thanks to everyone's replies and advice. I have decided that the V3 will be fine for me. Unfortunately, I was unable to find one to shoot, but I was able to dry-fire, and I am satisfied with the feel of the trigger. I am almost dead set on getting the P30L VS NS from Bud's, especially since the deal is superb.

Where in Florida are you?

djegators
07-06-10, 23:15
jw, I am in Tampa area.

jwperry
07-06-10, 23:25
jw, I am in Tampa area.

If you want to shoot one before you buy it and venture to the other end of I4, send me a PM I'll let you shoot mine.

djegators
07-06-10, 23:42
If you want to shoot one before you buy it and venture to the other end of I4, send me a PM I'll let you shoot mine.


You are the man! Very generous of you, and I appreciate it. I did however already order the gun this evening. I do get to that side of the state on occasion, maybe a range trip can be arranged.

CyberM4
07-07-10, 13:51
I'm going too Shoot Straight in Tampa this weekend. You guys want to get together.

djegators
07-07-10, 16:33
I'm going too Shoot Straight in Tampa this weekend. You guys want to get together.


There is a Tampa area thread in the regional section, good place to post about meets.