Greenhorn question: HK P2000 and P30

[LearnedHat]

What do I need to know comparison wise - several videos out there but I trust this site more.

Is it mainly size and ergonomics?

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P2000 has only backstraps, P30 has side panels and backstraps
P2000 has a 13 round magazine that sits flush, the P30 has a 15 round magazine
P2000 does not have a version with a manual safety
P2000 has its own dovetail for sights, the P30 shares a dovetail with the VP and HK45 series
P2000 and P30 have different grip textures
P2000 has a magazine release that crosses the trigger guard on the bottom (à la USP), while the P30 simply has two paddles; the P30's paddles are also larger
P2000 does not have a factory LEM Light SKU, though it can be converted to it without much issue
P2000 does not have a captive left side slide release; it is completely removed during field stripping

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head.

[Jason M]

As a comparison of size:

P2000 is G19ish in the grip with a slightly shorter barrel. Think Sig P228/P229.
P30 is slightly longer than G19ish in the grip with the same slightly shorter barrel. Think Sig P228/P229.

FWIW, I like the palm swells offered by the P30 grips over the flat sides of the P2000 grip. The P30 fits my hand better and I do not get pinched during reloads they way I do with the P2000 or G19. The P30 grip, while longer than the P2000, still conceals under a polo shirt in the 2:30 position with a proper holster.

[pastaslinger]

In my opinion, the P2000 is a nice size and is pretty comparable to the G19 in profile and role. I think the P30 has a weird size where it is big for a carry gun or for being a compact. Both have absolutely garbage triggers.

[LockedBreech]

My brief take is that the P2000 is more concealable (though honestly not that concealable, it's a chubby buddy) while the P30 is an overall more comfortable, shootable, and adjustable gun, but is bigger.

[hufnagel]

P2000 pinches my hand on reloads (between mag base plate and frame... OUCH!) P30 does not.

[YVK]

P2000 retains (almost sure of it, and absolutely sure for 2000sk) its mainspring with backstrap. Break pin/lose backstrap (very unlikely scenario), the gun is down. P30 has a mainspring retaining mechanism that is independent of backstraps.

[LearnedHat]

P2000 has only backstraps, P30 has side panels and backstraps
P2000 has a 13 round magazine that sits flush, the P30 has a 15 round magazine
P2000 does not have a version with a manual safety
P2000 has its own dovetail for sights, the P30 shares a dovetail with the VP and HK45 series
P2000 and P30 have different grip textures
P2000 has a magazine release that crosses the trigger guard on the bottom (à la USP), while the P30 simply has two paddles; the P30's paddles are also larger
P2000 does not have a factory LEM Light SKU, though it can be converted to it without much issue
P2000 does not have a captive left side slide release; it is completely removed during field stripping

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head.


Thank you and thanks everybody for your contributions. Very helpful.

[bofe954]

P2000 retains (almost sure of it, and absolutely sure for 2000sk) its mainspring with backstrap. Break pin/lose backstrap (very unlikely scenario), the gun is down. P30 has a mainspring retaining mechanism that is independent of backstraps.
That is true. The pin is huge though, and goes through quite a bit of plastic. I'm not sure why it would be more likely to break than any other mechanism of retention. Different sight options seem to be more available for the P30.

[David S.]

For me, the P2000 fits perfectly in the G19 sized ccw role. The only downside is the lack of aftermarket sight options. I do shoot the P30 a bit better, but find the p2000 easier to carry. That said, I'm still trying to decide between a P2000 for all around use, or a P30/P30sk combo. The P2000 is just a bit bigger than I would prefer for deep concealment at work.

[Sero Sed Serio]

For me, the longer mag levers on the P30 dumps the mag under recoil. Granted, this is a rare issue, but I'm not the only one who has experienced it. This is likely very grip dependent. Also, the USP Compact mags feel less secure than the P2000, but I've never had an issue with the stock mag releases.

I also found the P30 to be very flippy in recoil--uncomfortably so for a 9mm. However, I don't notice this issue with the P2000, which I have found to be the most pleasant and flattest shooting between the P30, USP Compact, and P2000. This is also likely very subjective.

For me and my body type (5'10", 170 lbs, long legs/short torso, pretty straight up and down), the slight increase in grip length between the P30 vs. the P2000 makes a difference in concealment, particularly when carrying AIWB. I prefer guns that are as close to 5.00" in overall height (G19 sized), and of the guns on the market in this size range, I think the P2000 9mm is the best. On the other hand, the P30 seems unnecessarily long in the grip, while being too short in the barrel. The P30L may be a more natural balance, but I don't have any experience with one.

I wish the P2000 backstrap was similar to the 45c--as it is, there is a gap that is noticeable when handling the gun, but not a huge deal during live fire.

I also wish there were more sight options for the P2000. However, the Meprolight factory sights are serviceable, if not great, and the Trijicon "bright and tough" sights are pretty good. I'm not a huge fan of the HD sights, but wish Ameriglo would make the Spartan Tactical sights for the P2000.

The P2000sk has a different shape to the trigger guard than the P2000sk, while the P30sk appears to have the same trigger guard as the P30, so holster compatibility may be better with the P30 guns.

My choice is the P2000, but I think it's a very personal decision, and unless you are one of the few that is affected by the difference in mag release size, it's probably a matter of personal opinion. If you can, try before you buy.

[JohnK]

I'm an anomaly in that I prefer the bigger gun, whether it is HK, 1911, Sig and so on - even for carry. I am a husky fellow, however, and when carrying AIWB I can conceal all of the grips of those pistols. I agree with the comments to that the recoil is a smidge snappy but it certainly is something one could get used to and overcome. I had a USP compact many moons ago and now have the P30 lineup. I won't be getting rid of them as they all fill a certain roll.

LEM is peddled around here frequently and I drank the cool-aid. It's the best trigger on the P30 when you master it. I prefer it over the other triggers from the USP TDA series. And while 2 rounds in the mag probably isn't going to make THAT much of a differnce, it offers me a comforting factor. But that's all specific to me.

[TGS]

The P2000 can use P30 mags, with or without an X-grip spacer. In my mind it is a more flexible gun. For lots of people that extra half inch of grip on the P30 makes a difference. Maybe you can do it with some cover garments and not others. With the P2000, you can use the regular 13 round mags for less concealing garments, and the 15 rounders when appropriate.

Carrying a 15 round mag as your reload takes care of the pinch during reloading that some people mention. Non-issue if you use the 15 round mag, just like it's a non-issue if you use a 15 round mag in the P30.

The P2000 is a more flexible gun, IMO, especially considering you can carry it next to your skin without an undershirt (unless you're one of those sadomasochists that likes the feel of a cheese-grater on bare skin all day long......in that case, the P30 is your answer).

[ffhounddog]

I carried a P2000 for three years while I was shooting a P30 for fun. I prefer the P2000 and I want to get another P2000v3 but currently overseas. I do like the V3 now and wish I could trade my P30v1 for a P30v3 but that is because I do not carry a LEM that much anymore. I went back to Glock 19 and Glock 26 for most my carry time.

[LSP972]

The P30SK is a TOTALLY different critter... Why do most folks not admit this???

This smaller, easier-to-carry piece is much better for a daily concealed carry. And you can adapt it. If the issue 10 shot magazine is a bit too small for your hand, the +2 mag makes it just right for most normal sized hands. And standard 15 (or plus) extra mags have several floor plates that work quite well.

None of this works for everybody, of course. Some folks get that... others don't. I have been toting a P30SK for about six months now, after YEARS of HK45s and USPc pistols. It's a bit smaller, a bit lighter, and just as good a shooter.

For some reason, my sawed brain is hanging up good enough for me; the brain docs said I should have dropped a couple of months ago. No doubt it is coming... But I'm charging each day. :-)

.

[YVK]

For me, the longer mag levers on the P30 dumps the mag under recoil. Granted, this is a rare issue, but I'm not the only one who has experienced it.


I'd be lying if I said that I can wrap my head around how this is possible, considering that the gun moves up in recoil while those levers need to be pushed down. Did you figure out how this happens, or it just happens?



I'm an anomaly in that I prefer the bigger gun...

You're not alone, and P30 dimensions and proportions add to shootability. A lot of people don't like a slide that is relatively short in regards to a grip; not uncommon opinion that it should've been just P30L all by itself. I tested both a lot and don't own 30L anymore. I think P30's is a best setup for shooting. You get benefits of a full sized frame control, with more aggressive texture, and faster cycling of a shorter, lighter slide. Not unique to HK. A careful review of current Glock threads will show how many people add magwells to G19 these days to make grip longer. A number of people prefer Sig 320 in a full sized grip/short slide module.

I get that P2000 packs better for some people (no difference for me), but I like shooting P30 better.

[Wondering Beard]

For some reason, my sawed brain is hanging up good enough for me; the brain docs said I should have dropped a couple of months ago. No doubt it is coming... But I'm charging each day. :-).

We're glad to still have you here.

[psalms144.1]

I had both. I preferred the P2000 for its size factor and, frankly, I shot it every bit as well as the P30. I still don't understand the concept of a shortish slide/barrel on a full size frame - think G19 slide on a G17 frame. I know that works for some folks, but not for me. If I were told I had to carry a P30 variant, I'd get the P30L and a good IWB holster. The P30 felt better in my hand, but that didn't translate to results on the range. The LEM triggers are equivalent in both, IMHO - at least close enough that I couldn't tell the difference. As others have rightly pointed out, with the P2000, your sight options are more limited, but, frankly, the P30 doesn't add THAT many more options - they're both "special snowflakes" in sights. I prefer the P30 mag release, the P2000's is fairly skimpy (can be replaced with a 45c release easily enough, but they you have to worry about tightly fitted kydex).

Either are likely going to be more accurate that 99.8% of shooters, and both are likely to be more reliable than nearly any other duty pistol.

[walker2713]

I've owned and shot P30 and VP9, but sold them both.

Currently I own two HKs: P2000 in 9mm and .40, both are V1, the 9mm has Dawson black rear and F/O front, and the .40 currently has Trijicon HD's, but will likely change over to the same sight configuration as the 9. I shoot them as well or better than the larger pistols, they feel great in my hand and conceal as well as my G19...or better.

I particularly find the P2000 in .40 to be a very soft shooting pistol.

It's a matter of personal preferences...but in my view the P2000 still remains a viable option for carry and at the range.

15704

[Sero Sed Serio]

I'd be lying if I said that I can wrap my head around how this is possible, considering that the gun moves up in recoil while those levers need to be pushed down. Did you figure out how this happens, or it just happens?

Can't say for sure, although my left index finger is a suspect, as it wraps around pretty close to the right-side mag release lever. It would happen several times each shooting session, and happened both with the P30 and a USP Compact with an extended mag release (putting the stock release back on made the problem go away). I probably could have figured it out and adjusted my grip to work around the issue, but I didn't really like the P30 outside of this issue, so I figured why bother.

I am definitely a rare case, but I did google the issue when I had the P30, and found a few other users that reported the same problem.

[JohnK]

You must have some pretty damn long fingers. I always thought of that being a possible issue for me because my index finger wraps high but fortunately it doesn't.


Can't say for sure, although my left index finger is a suspect, as it wraps around pretty close to the right-side mag release lever. It would happen several times each shooting session, and happened both with the P30 and a USP Compact with an extended mag release (putting the stock release back on made the problem go away). I probably could have figured it out and adjusted my grip to work around the issue, but I didn't really like the P30 outside of this issue, so I figured why bother.

I am definitely a rare case, but I did google the issue when I had the P30, and found a few other users that reported the same problem.

[Sero Sed Serio]

You must have some pretty damn long fingers. I always thought of that being a possible issue for me because my index finger wraps high but fortunately it doesn't.

They're actually pretty average. I think it's more of grip style--the tip of my left index finger tends to rest right at the bottom of the "V" between the index and middle fingers when I grip a handgun. On the P2000 this places my finger right above the mag release, but I think because it's a smaller release, it doesn't get bumped under recoil. Or if it does (which I don't suspect, but I suppose is possible), the middle finger of my right hand is putting pressure on the bottom of the one-piece P2000 mag release, making it nearly impossible for me to even intentionally drop a magazine when I have a proper firing grip. Since I use my middle finger on paddle style mag releases, it makes no difference.

Since the P30 has longer paddles that don't have the solid piece running across the underside of the trigger guard, my hypothesis is that my left index finger is catching the extended tip of the release, and there's nothing to block the downward pressure, releasing the mag as the gun rotates up in recoil, but my finger stops the mag release lever holding it in place.

Whatever the cause, I can run the P2000 without issue, and when I shoot the P30 I look like an action movie where the novice tries to shoot a gun and sends the mag flying instead.

[Shipwreck]

I've owned 11 or 12 HKs over the years. My favorite of them all is the P2000. I had one a few years ago and sold it to buy something I just had to have at the time. I bought another one a little over 2 years ago. It has been my daily carry gun since. I had a 9mm USPc before - but the P2000 is much more liked by me...

I have a Hogue Jr grip on mine - makes the gun perfectly shaped. I never liked the fullsize Hogue grips - but the finger groove is smaller, as is the palm swells (on the Jr model of the grip)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/P-2000-888_zpsud2ca0kb.jpg~original

[ca survivor]

For me, the P-2000 with the flat magazine bases carry very nicely.

[RJ]

I'm gonna have to go look at one of these P2000s...

[Sero Sed Serio]

I'm gonna have to go look at one of these P2000s...

With a flat floor plate it's a DA/SA (or LEM, if you're into that sort of thing) G19 that doesn't bean you in the face with empties. If your travels take you through Phoenix, you're more than welcome to put a box or two through mine.

[Palmguy]

I miss my P2000s...very tempted to pick another one up.

[RevolverRob]

I don't find the P30 particularly difficult to conceal. But I'll admit, I haven't tried concealing a P2000.

I really like the way the P30 shoots in LEM configuration. I am much more ambivalent about DA/SA HKs in general and very much so about the P30 DA/SA guns in all flavors (I really do not like that rear mounted decocker on some guns, either).

The side panels make all the difference for me. Swapping out for small-size across the board makes the gun feel like a toy in my hand. Perfect for being able to crush down on it and run it easily (I don't have the biggest hands on the planet). My wife with even smaller hands can easily run the gun.

Finally, the availability of sights made a difference to me. My vision is getting worse and I wanted a platform I can experiment with different sighting options more easily. Given the relative success of the VP9 and HK45, the long and short is, there are more sight options for those platforms than others.

Just the reasons I went P30 over P2000. I'm not sure that you can go wrong with either gun or platform.

[breakingtime91]

P2000s go for gen 4 glock prices now. Almost a no brainer after you realize you don't have to worry about a gadget, sights, of apex parts to possibly fix basic gun function.

[RJ]

P2000s go for gen 4 glock prices now. Almost a no brainer after you realize you don't have to worry about a gadget, sights, of apex parts to possibly fix basic gun function.

Kinda off topic, but I put a USPc in my hand today. I was like, woah.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170505/57f0556b5873d08fa289c822364a17e2.jpg

Can y'all look at this photo and tell me if the P2000 would be similar grip length? I assume so, since it's also a 13 round mag, right?

[breakingtime91]

Kinda off topic, but I put a USPc in my hand today. I was like, woah.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170505/57f0556b5873d08fa289c822364a17e2.jpg

Can y'all look at this photo and tell me if the P2000 would be similar grip length? I assume so, since it's also a 13 round mag, right?

looks exactly how my p2000 is... Imagine a g19 in everyway but an HK. That is the p2000

[Sero Sed Serio]

Kinda off topic, but I put a USPc in my hand today. I was like, woah.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170505/57f0556b5873d08fa289c822364a17e2.jpg

Can y'all look at this photo and tell me if the P2000 would be similar grip length? I assume so, since it's also a 13 round mag, right?

The USPc and P2000 are nearly identical in every dimension, with the USPc having a blockier slide. They do share the same magazines.

[Mitch]

P2000s go for gen 4 glock prices now. Almost a no brainer after you realize you don't have to worry about a gadget, sights, of apex parts to possibly fix basic gun function.

Pretty much how I feel. If you can live with p2000 sight options they're one of the best deals out there, as far as non-VP9 HKs go at least.


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[David S.]

I'm gonna have to go look at one of these P2000s...

I offered... :p

[Jared]

Pretty much how I feel. If you can live with p2000 sight options they're one of the best deals out there, as far as non-VP9 HKs go at least.


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Agreed. One thing I've come to regret was passing up a V2 P2K a few months ago. I himhawed around and someone else took her home. My previous P2K was a DA/SA, and I kinda miss is too, but I think that V2 would have been great.

[Guinnessman]

I'm gonna have to go look at one of these P2000s...

If you find a smoking online deal, please share with the masses!;)

[Larry Sellers]

If anyone is in a ban state and is interested in a V2 LEM package in 9mm shoot me a message!

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[RJ]

I offered... :p

Hey you have your hands full. :)

No, seriously, I appreciate it, though. I have shot a P2000, and a USPc, but that was a year or more ago. Both were TDA. The USPc was a family member's, nice to shoot, felt real solid. The P2000 was a well-used rental, which had seen better days, cosmetically. It shot ok. I just wasn't in a frame of mind to give either serious consideration as a carry+competition pistol at the time.

Ok, just to beat this dead horse one more time: USPc vs. P2000 - As a carry gun, seems like they both can come in LEM, right? But the P2000 does not have a light LEM configuration?

Regarding the slide, I'm guessing the blocky nature of the USPc (the USPc I held today was all angles and corners) would be not as preferable as a carry gun as the P2000, correct?


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[OnionsAndDragons]

Hey you have your hands full. :)

No, seriously, I appreciate it, though. I have shot a P2000, and a USPc, but that was a year or more ago. Both were TDA. The USPc was a family member's, nice to shoot, felt real solid. The P2000 was a well-used rental, which had seen better days, cosmetically. It shot ok. I just wasn't in a frame of mind to give either serious consideration as a carry+competition pistol at the time.

Ok, just to beat this dead horse one more time: USPc vs. P2000 - As a carry gun, seems like they both can come in LEM, right? But the P2000 does not have a light LEM configuration?

Regarding the slide, I'm guessing the blocky nature of the USPc (the USPc I held today was all angles and corners) would be not as preferable as a carry gun as the P2000, correct?


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The USPc is a bit fatter, but not where it matters for concealment. Maybe a smidge less comfy but that's it.

I don't think the p2000 comes stock in a light LEM but it isn't hard to set up by changing the FPB spring.

The main edge the USP has is the ability to rock the Match Hybrid configuration which is epic ballet status.

Again, if you make it by Indiana, say to take BBIs class in September, you are welcome to try mine out Rich.


ETA: also sight availability for both is less than stellar. Though, Dawson is making P2000 sights now so it could be far worse.

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[breakingtime91]

The USPc is a bit fatter, but not where it matters for concealment. Maybe a smidge less comfy but that's it.

I don't think the p2000 comes stock in a light LEM but it isn't hard to set up by changing the FPB spring.

The main edge the USP has is the ability to rock the Match Hybrid configuration which is epic ballet status.

Again, if you make it by Indiana, say to take BBIs class in September, you are welcome to try mine out Rich.


ETA: also sight availability for both is less than stellar. Though, Dawson is making P2000 sights now so it could be far worse.

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Still room for said class? I think I am about two to three hours away from where he runs his classes.

[RJ]

The USPc is a bit fatter, but not where it matters for concealment. Maybe a smidge less comfy but that's it.

I don't think the p2000 comes stock in a light LEM but it isn't hard to set up by changing the FPB spring.

The main edge the USP has is the ability to rock the Match Hybrid configuration which is epic ballet status.

Again, if you make it by Indiana, say to take BBIs class in September, you are welcome to try mine out Rich.

ETA: also sight availability for both is less than stellar. Though, Dawson is making P2000 sights now so it could be far worse.

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Wait, back up the train.

The Cummins Engine Factory in Columbus, a chance to go to Organic Broad Ripple, take a class with the noted BBL, and fondle a P2000?

I may just have to examine our Fall itinerary more closely to see if we pass through the Who's-Yar state. :)

[OnionsAndDragons]

Still room for said class? I think I am about two to three hours away from where he runs his classes.

He just posted a new section of it for September. I'm planning to mail my fee in Monday or Tuesday, gotta see if the wife wants to go too.

I'll have a free room by then and mi casa is maybe 5 miles from the site.


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[Balisong]

The USPc is a bit fatter, but not where it matters for concealment. Maybe a smidge less comfy but that's it.

I don't think the p2000 comes stock in a light LEM but it isn't hard to set up by changing the FPB spring.

The main edge the USP has is the ability to rock the Match Hybrid configuration which is epic ballet status.

Again, if you make it by Indiana, say to take BBIs class in September, you are welcome to try mine out Rich.


ETA: also sight availability for both is less than stellar. Though, Dawson is making P2000 sights now so it could be far worse.

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I'm sorry, but is that correct that the USPc can do a match hybrid trigger? I could have sworn I just read on here somewhere recently that only the full size USP could rock a Match Hybrid LEM. Did I misunderstand that?

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I'm sorry, but is that correct that the USPc can do a match hybrid trigger? I could have sworn I just read on here somewhere recently that only the full size USP could rock a Match Hybrid LEM. Did I misunderstand that?The USP Compact can do most of the Match/LEM hybrid trigger parts, except for the match trigger itself. If you really wanted to, you could probably tap the trigger for an overstop screw, but it'd probably be of minimal use.

[Sero Sed Serio]

Hey you have your hands full. :)

No, seriously, I appreciate it, though. I have shot a P2000, and a USPc, but that was a year or more ago. Both were TDA. The USPc was a family member's, nice to shoot, felt real solid. The P2000 was a well-used rental, which had seen better days, cosmetically. It shot ok. I just wasn't in a frame of mind to give either serious consideration as a carry+competition pistol at the time.

Ok, just to beat this dead horse one more time: USPc vs. P2000 - As a carry gun, seems like they both can come in LEM, right? But the P2000 does not have a light LEM configuration?

Regarding the slide, I'm guessing the blocky nature of the USPc (the USPc I held today was all angles and corners) would be not as preferable as a carry gun as the P2000, correct?


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You can do both in light LEM. Between the light LEM and the regular LEM, I much preferred the regular LEM as I found the wall to be less abrupt (I think that's the best way to describe it?) with the heavier take up than it was with the light LEM. However, I struggled enough with the LEM in general that I sold off my LEM P2000s to be replaced with DA/SA guns, which I much prefer. However, I am devoting some time this year to the SIG DAK system, as I much prefer the continuous long, light, smooth pull as a "street trigger."

Something to keep in mind if you're debating the two pistols: my understanding is that any USPc can be converted between the different DA/SA, SAO, DAO, and LEM variants, a P2000 DA/SA can be converted to LEM (but it's not a "supported" conversion so it will void the warranty), and an LEM P2000 cannot be converted to DA/SA.

[newyork]

Also, something to think about if you want TDA, the USP has a lever for decocking on the frame. The P2000 has a button on the rear of the slide leaving the frame clear of anything protruding other than the slide stop.

[Balisong]

The USP Compact can do most of the Match/LEM hybrid trigger parts, except for the match trigger itself. If you really wanted to, you could probably tap the trigger for an overstop screw, but it'd probably be of minimal use.

So that's where I had misunderstood what I had read. Thank you so much for clarifying! Now from what I had also understood was the hybrid match's main point was the overtravel stop. What's the benefit without it vs a regular or light LEM? Just a shorter reset?

[OnionsAndDragons]

I'm sorry, but is that correct that the USPc can do a match hybrid trigger? I could have sworn I just read on here somewhere recently that only the full size USP could rock a Match Hybrid LEM. Did I misunderstand that?

The Mothership will only install everything but the trigger itself.

The trigger can be fitted by grinding off some length that keeps it from fitting the Compact.


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