After your experience, what pistol do you prefer to have on your side, and why?
It doesn't have to be what you are carrying right now, but I assume that if you have grown a distinct preference it is for a good reason. What have you used in the past that was surpassed by your current (or desired) pistol.
How is the pistol performing compared to your initial expectation and what do you still want to change?
What support gear are you using with it, and does it reflect the quality of the pistol?
I am kinda assuming an autoloader in a duty caliber, carried somewhere on the waistline, but if you find that you perform best with a 340PD secured behind your bootlaces I would like to know why an unconventional approach is working "better".
Here goes mine:
HK P30 v3, Straight 8 tritium sights.
Still waiting on holsters to come in.
Currently wearing an X400, as it is pulling bedroom defense until said holsters arrive, after which it will get an X300.
Primary duty is concealed carry at 3:00 to 4:00 (I'm experimenting with a j-frame AIWB) for consistency between CCW, duty use, and when fully jocked up in armor.
It has the most efficient ergonomics I have experienced with a pistol. I am almost as effective weak hand as I am strong hand (at least as far as manipulations ).
It is very accurate. Semi-rested with a laser I punched in a 3" 5 shot group at 25 yards. This is on par with my ability with the M9 and better than the G19, though I rarely do dedicated precision at 25 yards.
I'm not sure which grip panels I have in it right now, but after switching them in and out, I came to a setup that felt good with both hands and encouraged my thumb away from the slide catch while in a 2-handed grip.
I really wanted the TG setup (v4, I believe), and I may still try to swap parts to get it, but I kinda like the DA/SA as it keeps me current with the unique aspects of that trigger for when I teach those with DA/SA guns. Still, every time I drop a WHO DA press on the Dot Torture I can't help but wonder if I would have done the same with the tuned LDA.
I considered getting the P30L for "duty" use, but after spending time with the standard P30, I don't think that it will really make any difference.
I am really disappointed by Safariland's lack of offerings for the P30 (6004 with X300 or X400, and an ALS with same, please). I personally feel that the 6004 is the best "tactical" holster so far, and I really like the ALS models for exposed belt wear, and I really prefer to have a light attached if possible. Lacking these options I am forced to go with the custom kydex makers that (understandibly) take a looooong time to deliver.
I have used M9s, Glocks (G19, 23, 17, and 35) and P226s fairly extensively. Ergonomically, the P30 wins or ties on every comparison. I have had several M9s with better DA pulls, but the slide mounted safety/decocker (along with other issues) gives me heartburn. I appreciate what Glocks are, but the P30 feels like the Glock concept evolved, especially as far as ambidexterous use and control access. I am ok with "good" Sigs, but the decocker and slide release were constant annoyances.
Now, I'm not an HK or P30 fanboy by any means, but so far, for me, the P30 best meets my needs and wants.
Well, I've shown mine...