View Full Version : What's the HK to get?
Always been a big fan of Sig,Glock,1911's... been thinking of getting a new handgun (the eternal search for the "one"). Thought about M&P or XD, having completely forgot about HK. My cousin has a USP 45 that I shoot better than my Glocks but it's so blocky, and that's coming from a Glock guy. So what's your favorite HK and which would you recommend if you could have only one? Not sure if I'll carry it as my regular CCW but definatly will go camping/hiking/to the range quite a bit.
Thanks,
Hawk
Not a big HK fan but I've been thinking of a P30.
F-Trooper05
08-03-11, 23:00
The P30 and the HK45C are my two favorite HK's, hands down. They both have excellent ergos and are the perfect size for concealment. The only down side to them is the lack of spare parts and sights. Also, the 45C doesn't accept the X300, but the X300 Compact should address that issue whenever it's finally released.
Mr. Goodtimes
08-03-11, 23:07
P30 or HK45. These are the two best HK's ever produced.
HK45/P30. If you wanna go old school try a P7M8.
My personal choice would be either the HK45 or HK45c. If you liked the USP then you will love the HK45. It has excellent improved ergo's and a very comfortable grip. I have also found the HK45 to have a very nice trigger and the best in the current HK lineup. The HK45c is another great choice especially if you ever plan on using it as a CCW due to its smaller size. HK handguns really shine in .45.
Personally, I too would recommend the 45C. I find it to be very accurate, reliable, and relatively easy to conceal. I have always been a big 1911 guy, and the 45C is what I carry when I want a .45 but don't feel like carrying a 1911. I do wish the grip was a bit more textured, like the USP45c, and that a full sized light (like the x300) could fit on the rail, but the overall package makes for a very solid performer.
I also like the USP 9c. I realize in my heart of hearts that a 13 +1 9mm with an all but unuseable rail (for me) is at a disadvantage compared to my similar sized Gen 2 Glock 19's 15+1, but for some reason I cannot explain, I prefer the HK.
P30 or HK45. These are the two best HK's ever produced.
This. These two guns turned this HK hater into a HK lover (of these two pistols...)
I have always wanted to try an HK as well. I found a great deal on a local used P30LS with a very low round count. With over 700 rounds in through the pistol in the last month, I really like it. My choice would be either the P30 or 45C
The only HK I've ever owned was a P30 V3 9mm. Probably the best 9mm pistol I have ever had. Every aspect of the pistol seemed to be well engineered, it was very ergonomic, and very accurate. It was one of those pistols that makes you look good at the range. I sold it because it was worth a lot of $$$, and I can't carry it on or off duty.....so it was little more than a range toy for me.
I use Sigs on duty, but my agency is coming up on 20 years of Sig use and there is pressure to go to something else. The HK P30 is at the top of my list of pistols I'd like to transition to when my agency changes guns.
Full-Size to Mid-Size (New Gen)
HK P30, HK45 of HK45C, P2000
Full-Size to Mid-Size (Old Gen)
HK Anything
Beat Trash
08-04-11, 09:43
If I wanted a 9mm, then I'd get a P30.
If I wanted a 45, then I'd get a KH45C.
I really like both of these guns. I'm issued a S&W M&P9. I want my off duty gun to mirror my on duty gun, so I'm living in an M&P world. So for me, either of these HK's would be range toys. Otherwise, I'd already own a P30.
Beat Trash
08-04-11, 09:46
I also like the USP 9c. I realize in my heart of hearts that a 13 +1 9mm with an all but unuseable rail (for me) is at a disadvantage compared to my similar sized Gen 2 Glock 19's 15+1, but for some reason I cannot explain, I prefer the HK.
If you shoot your USP9c as well or better than your Glock 19, then tell your heart of hearts to chill.
But if you can shoot your Glock 19 better than your USP, maybe you should listen to your heart.
I giggle like a little girl whenever I shoot the HK45 or HK45c :D
I use my HK-45 for carry some times and it is by my bedside at Night .
It is a solid pistol and I like shooting at 25 yards and the HK-45 is decent for sure at that range.
I also have a P30L that is a good shooting pistol but I have big hands and my trigger finger does not slip in the way I like it.
In single action fits great but when I decock it for carry don't like the lack of room for my trigger finger.
The P30L is very accurate and feels great in my hands but for me the trigger guard is my only fault with it.
I have or had many semi custom 1911's and the HK-45 is like a Semi Custom Polymer the P30L is also built like a Semi Custom... JMO
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s1/cjstinks/100_2611.jpg?t=1312478407
I like my P-30. Fulfills the role of: pistol, 9mm, as well as anything. Never warmed up to the USP 9mm.
No experience with the HK 45.
I bought my p30 in .40 two weeks ago and love it. It's my second Hk but my first hk pistol. I plan on getting the hk .45 sooner than later. You can go wrong with any of them.
P7M8 is THE H&K pistol and they haven't done anything nearly as nice pistol-wise since IMHO. It's an example of true innovation and made to a standard as good as it gets.
I've had a couple USP's, a couple P30's, an HK45 and HK45C, was pretty underwhelmed with all of them.
P7M8 is THE H&K pistol and they haven't done anything nearly as nice pistol-wise since IMHO. It's an example of true innovation and made to a standard as good as it gets.
I've had a couple USP's, a couple P30's, an HK45 and HK45C, was pretty underwhelmed with all of them.
Get the p7 series. It is the definition of tack driver.
I don't question that the HK P30 and HK45/45C guns are excellent. However, I can tell you from personal experience that the quintessential search for "the one" is the proverbial black hole.
If you have a Glock, and perform well with it, you really need to ask yourself exactly what an HK purchase will provide over and beyond what you've already got.
I've reluctantly concluded (and believe me, I've had more than my fair share of esoteric choices over the years)that perhaps what's most important is simply making a choice, based on reliability, durability, ease of operation and maintenance, accuracy, availability of aftermarket servicing and spare parts (including magazines), and then concentrating your training and use on that gun/platform.
No, it's not as sexy as getting "the latest and greatest," but in my experience what's the "latest and greatest" is a rapidly moving target, often with only incrimental advantages over what you've already got. For example, I'll freely admit that the ergos of the HKP30 are superior to those of the Glock 17/19, which is its main competitor. However, I easily adjust to the Glock 17/19, so that the HK's initial ergonomic advantage may just be an initial advantage, operationally nullified over practice and use with said Glocks. Then you need to factor in that the HK guns concerned are roughly twice the price of said Glocks...that price differential could pay for a not insignificant amount of ammunition or training. And that's before getting into the occasional availability/cost issue of HK magazines...
Additionally, the consensus seems to be that the "best" trigger system for the HK is the LEM, which requires more money-and possibly shipping fees to HK for installation...
For a shooter looking for just one gun/platform, and HK P30/45 series gun would be high on my recommend list. A close friend of mine did just that, and he chose an HK45C, and enjoys and does very well with it. I respectfully suggest that you'll have to carefully assess what you need, and your resource allocations...
Best, Jon
HK 45. P30 in 9 & 40 with Long Slide. If you don't mind the larger gun, go P30Long. It's the same size as HK45.
Some HK pistols are better than others, but there are no bad choices. Of all the HK's I've tried, I was most impressed with the P2000. The P7 was a close second.
Okie John
HK P30 or HK45
I own both. Couldn't agree more.
I can tell you from personal experience that the quintessential search for "the one" is the proverbial black hole.
Words of truth indeed. It's easier for me since I'm only allowed to use Sigs........but not as concrete as I tend to go back and forth between year models and calibers.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-04-11, 16:36
P30 LEM in 9mm
I picked up an HK45C a few months ago, and I'm very impressed. It is as easy to conceal as a G19 but the HK is a nicer pistol. It looks a lot better than the Glock and the HK fits my hand better.
Those Heckle & Jeckle guys build a better mousetrap. :D
I haven't tried all the HKs, but my HK45c has been great for me.
the p7 is the one that's really worth the asking price.
I'd like a p2k LEM or a P30 though.
HK P30 or HK45
This. I have both in the lem light v1. Great guns. I would carry either one over my issued Glock 21.
USP Compact 40 LEM for me. It only took about 2k rounds and some good training but I learned to love it. It conceals well enough for the climate I'm in and is dead nuts reliable and accurate. It is painful during speed loads and see $240 worth of magazines laying in the dirt but I've never once had a magazine induced malfunction.
Ive since started using froglube and am working my way up to "2k round" status or whatever you guys here call it. Total round count is well over 10k since it was purchased and the only parts I've had to replace is the recoil spring due to light primer strikes. Knock on wood.
My experience with HK's are limited to a USP45 Tac, USP40, HK45 & P30 in 40. I'd say I like the compact 40 the best only because I have the most experience with it. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. What's a couple extra hundred bucks when it comes to your life anyway?
I had the HK "bug" when they came out with the HK45, HK45c, P30, P30L and I was looking to standardize. You can't go wrong with any of them. The HK45 is my silenced nightstand pistol as it is slightly difficult for me to conceal, especially during the warm weather months. The HK45c is my daily carry. The P30 is my backup and I have a couple P30L's as spares for my wife and children.
The quality, ergonomics, accuracy and reliability of each of these pistols is second to none. The HK's are my go-to guns and I have not had any failures or problems with any of them.
I forgot to add HK45 or P30 WITH LEM kit if your a glockman.
I forgot to add HK45 or P30 WITH LEM kit if your a glockman.
Yep, personal preference. I've used DA/SA guns or years, so I prefer my HKs with V3(DA/SA).
I used to be a Glock only guy but have since went to 1911's and M&P's. I've always been curious of the HK stuff though. I'm interested in the P2000. Whats the word on that HK?
Magic_Salad0892
08-06-11, 01:54
P2000, P30, or USP-C.
All in 9x19mm. All in LEM.
I used to be a Glock only guy but have since went to 1911's and M&P's. I've always been curious of the HK stuff though. I'm interested in the P2000. Whats the word on that HK?
Cant go wrong with any really.
HK P30 LEM 9mm. I've carried one 12-18 hours a day for the last 1.5 years. Very concealible, extremely accurate, and as reliable as the come. Read up on the Vickers Advanced Pistol Class last October? At USTC. There was a strong showing of the P30 and it performed wonderfully, especially in the accuracy dept.
bakercountyboy
08-06-11, 08:03
i owned the hk uspc .40 i loved that gun! i shot it soo well. it fit my hand like a glove. i sold it right before i went into the police academy:sad: because i needed the money since i was not working at the time.
I have a P30. Ergonomics are great. Excellent worksmanship. Lightweight. Easy enough to conceal, if you want to. Accurate. Everything I was looking for in a handgun.
I love the gun, but I really don't shoot it any better than my fat, blocky, ugly Gen 3 Glock that I got for much less than half the price of the HK.
davebee456
08-06-11, 12:15
in my most humble opinion.
45 acp = Hk45C
9mm = P30
I did have two German Made Hk45C's but I sold one because I was obsessing over a brand new Hk USPc 45 in Stainless Steel
$820.00 from CDNN.COM,
I think they might have sold the last of them and I think they were the last of the imports.
davebee456
08-06-11, 13:15
in my most humble opinion.
45 acp = Hk45C
9mm = P30
I did have two German Made Hk45C's but I sold one because I was obsessing over a brand new Hk USPc 45 in Stainless Steel
$820.00 from CDNN.COM,
I think they might have sold the last of them and I think they were the last of the imports.
Maybe I missed it, but the P9S is my personal favorite...for now. :D
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/IMAGE_216.jpg
I love the P7 and own a couple, but there is something about these pistols that are just AWESOME! Handle one, shoot it if you can and you will see. I shoot both of my P9S' more accurately than any of my H&K pistols with the possible exception of my MKE SP89 clone. Actually used it in a local 3-gun match and came in second. :haha:
Of their latest offerings, I'd preffer the P2000 over the P30 or HK45. I personally don't like the 1913 rails on handguns. They just seem to be snagging points. I had a FN 5.7 that I put a piece of ladder rail guard on for when it didn't have a light.
Either way, it's your cash and soon to be your gun. I don't think you can go wrong with anything H&K!
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-06-11, 23:36
A man who carries a .45 P9s in 2011 is a badass.:D
A man who carries a .45 P9s in 2011 is a badass.:D
The thing about the .45 variant, they're a little harder to come by and as far as I know, you can only use the H&K mags. With the 9mm, you can use Walther P38 mags. (You gain an extra round, but you loose the last round hold open.)
Really badass would be a silenced P9S.
The Dumb Gun Collector
08-07-11, 09:32
LOL. I have owned them all. I once had a P9mm sportgroup with extra slide that I paid $900 for and sold for $2000. AND I MISS IT EVERY DAY.
I just cited the .45 because it is so incredibly impractical. The mags are well north of $100 and fragile. Fantastic handgun and a relic of a different, more interesting age at HK.
If I had to just pick one it would be the HK45c. It conceals just a little better than the P30.
Thanks for all the replies guys.. I've been eyeballing the USP Expert from CDNN in .45 for a long time.. I like the bigger guns. But just never pulled the trigger. I spend most time with my long guns, so I'll have to get out and try a few to see if it's a good decision or not. Maybe of a good deal on a used one comes up I'll grab on as they tend to hold their resale value fairly well compared to other offerings.
Hogsgunwild
08-07-11, 13:46
Thanks for all the replies guys.. I've been eyeballing the USP Expert from CDNN in .45 for a long time.. I like the bigger guns. But just never pulled the trigger. I spend most time with my long guns, so I'll have to get out and try a few to see if it's a good decision or not. Maybe of a good deal on a used one comes up I'll grab on as they tend to hold their resale value fairly well compared to other offerings.
Hawk45: Good timing. I have wanted to make time to reply since I first saw this thread a couple of days ago.
I own a USP Expert in .40 S&W (SA/DA), a USP45 and a
P2000 .40 S&W (both light LEM).
As soon as I read your original question and you stated that you wanted the gun for hiking and home defense more than for concealed carry purposes, I wanted to let you know what an incredible pistol the
Expert is. The Expert has become my primary hiking and range gun.
You could not go wrong with the .40 or .45 Expert. My high-end 1911s seem to sit in the safe since I bought my H&Ks as the Expert is easily as accurate and (my .40) holds over twice the rounds (16 with the Jet Funnel).
But alas, you cannot have just one H&K. You will want more. My USP45 is badass followed by my P2000 (which has been my carry gun for nearly two months now). Light LEM is an awesome trigger.
Very accurate and I honestly am not sure yet which trigger is faster or more accurate between my SA and LEM triggers.
When you go for a carry gun, the P2000 has a slightly shorter grip than the P30 and obviously the grip shape and textures are different.
I rent many of the H&Ks that I do not own on a regular basis. My next purchase will be a P30L in .40 S&W. As much as the HK45C is one of the best shooting HKs made, I think for your purposes, why not stay with a larger and more high capacity pistol such as the Expert or at least the P30? I love the HK45C but am purposely sticking with purchasing new HK carry guns that offer capacity substantially greater
than my 1911s. I will probably end up with a HK45C but it is lower on my list presently.
I was surprised by how much better I liked the HK45C over the HK45.
It really helps to shoot these guns prior to a purchase. I shot the Compact much better than the fullsize and it felt more comfortable in my hands. The P30 on the other-hand, felt better than either of the HK45 or the Compact. Also note that the P30 and HK45 are not the same size. The HK45 grip is longer thus making it harder to conceal than the P30 (for your future reference). All dimensions are listed on the H&K website.
HK45 or HK45c. LEM or V1,I love 'em both!
DAT85
I have owned the USP Compact in 9, 40 and 45. Love the gun and ability to carry it in different conditions. Quality is tops, a little pricey though. Like my Glocks just a much.
the p7 is the one that's really worth the asking price.
I'd like a p2k LEM or a P30 though.
I was issued a P2000 in LEM. I really, really, really like it. Some of my classmates don't like it but I do.
Paladin_139
08-11-11, 20:47
I'd go with an MP5SFA2 :cool:
I have a P2000SK Light LEM V1 in .40S&W for my main CCW. I also have a USPc V1 (SA/DA) with safety and decocker in .40S&W. Both pistols are built to a very high quality standard and they are a very soft shooting .40. For CCW I prefer the Light LEM variant, but the V1 USPc is very easy to get used to, especially if you come from a 1911 background (cocked and locked). But being SA/DA you have the option of full DA if you so wish.
But be warned, HK's like older SiG's, are addictive!
No other handgun has the same feel as the P-30...
CarbonCycles
08-12-11, 10:20
45C in light LEM
I have a USP 45 and a P2000 9mm LEM. I carry the P2000, but I am lusting for a HK45. I think that is the best fealing pistol on the market. The LEM really is a great trigger too.
Jk
HK45 DA/SA by far. Recoil is nothing compared to a glock 45. Feels like a glock 19. Very accurate.
P30 is a nice shooter, but I would get the HK45.
I love my P2000, P30 and Hk45. I like my P2000sk, and my HK45C.
I prefer LEM.
hotrodder636
08-14-11, 07:44
Maybe I missed it, but the P9S is my personal favorite...for now. :D
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/IMAGE_216.jpg
I love the P7 and own a couple, but there is something about these pistols that are just AWESOME! Handle one, shoot it if you can and you will see. I shoot both of my P9S' more accurately than any of my H&K pistols with the possible exception of my MKE SP89 clone. Actually used it in a local 3-gun match and came in second. :haha:
Of their latest offerings, I'd preffer the P2000 over the P30 or HK45. I personally don't like the 1913 rails on handguns. They just seem to be snagging points. I had a FN 5.7 that I put a piece of ladder rail guard on for when it didn't have a light.
Either way, it's your cash and soon to be your gun. I don't think you can go wrong with anything H&K!
I was wondering if I was going to see the P9S in this thread. My buddy has one (in .45) and when i first saw it next to my USP40C, I was like...uh that's an HK?? Then I shot the thing. I have put the P9S on the top of my list of "want-handguns" now. This is coming from a guys who has shot every USP/USPC/tactical-series and the P2000 series.
LOL. I have owned them all. I once had a P9mm sportgroup with extra slide that I paid $900 for and sold for $2000. AND I MISS IT EVERY DAY.
I just cited the .45 because it is so incredibly impractical. The mags are well north of $100 and fragile. Fantastic handgun and a relic of a different, more interesting age at HK.
If it's impractical you want, how about an SP89?! :D It's big, heavy conceals like an elephant under your arm. It aslo serves absolutely no purpose...other than to bring a smile to my face! At least the damn thing is accurate. Possibly as accurate as my P9S' but with 30 on tap instead of 9+1.
The P30, for me, is nearly perfect. It's one 9mm pistol I'd not trade for anything. It was hard to find a pistol that could bump my P220 out of it's EDC role, but the P30 did. It's the most ergonomic sidearm I've ever held, and I've tried pretty much everything out there. May add another one next year as well.
I was a SIG man from the Moment I was able to Buy My first Handgun I owned P220,P228,P239,P232,P230 then went to a Glock 30 Hated it although I shot it well But it was Like holding a 2x4 .
Bought a XD-45 Didn't like that .Read the praise Here about HK and ended Picking up a HK USP 45 compact off Gunbroker for 600 bucks and Now this Handgun will Be with me until I die.
It shoots Like No other Handgun I have ever Owned .I carry it every where .It is Built Like a Tank and you have Many options on trigger set ups . Mags Are On the pricey Side But again they are Built To take a Beating .
Any HK handgun is a Great choice and for me there is no going back i am Sold 100% on HK
varoadking
09-18-11, 15:38
So what's your favorite HK and which would you recommend if you could have only one?
Likely my hard chromed II dated Chantilly P7M8...but it's clearly a boutique piece.
I own 5 HK's now, and have owned oodles more. Frankly, if I didn't have any, I'd be fine.
If you're into polymer, stick with Glock. Steel...get a Colt...
I think they have pretty much covered it, but the P30 or the HK45c is the way to go.
I have both and are great to carry with the HKc easier for me to carry or my USPc. 40 SS. HK has no bad models so any will do what it's bought for.
I think they have pretty much covered it, but the P30 or the HK45c is the way to go.
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