P2000SK vs P30SK...again

[KevH]

I'm going to switch to a USP 45 with the Hybrid-Match LEM trigger for duty carry.

I want to get a small gun with the LEM trigger to carry off-duty concealed and as a BUG.

I've strolled through the pages and pages of talk on here about these two guns, the P2000sk and P30sk. For the life of me I cannot make a damn decision between these two.

I plan to carry IWB at 2:30 to 3:00 position (I'm right handed) or on my vest off-side at work. The gun will likely touch skin as here in California I tend to wear a t-shirt eight months out of the year.

The P30sk seems to run a bit cheaper than the P2000sk and people tend to favor the grip ergos and trigger. The P2000sk has a smoother grip against the body and it seems like the Trijicon HD's (the sight I will run on my USP) will fit and be less obtrusive than the P30 version.

Am I missing anything? Which would you go with and why?

[Xrslug]

I previously owned an HK45C which has the grip shape and texture of the P2000. I also have a full size USP45. It's personal but I think the grip shape will be closer between the P2000SK and your USP. Both are rectangular in shape (the USP more so) which I prefer. The greater similarity in grip shape might make it easier to transition between your duty gun and the P2000SK rather than the P30SK.

[RJ]

I would go with (and did) the P30SK.

I shot a friends P2000SK with yellow Trijicon Sights. It was a very nice little gun.

However, the reconfigurable panels on the grip of the P30SK really sold me.

Both shot well using HKs center of Dot.

(One note: the Trijicon HDs I had on my VP9 were sharper than a Ginzu Knife on late night Channel 20.

Really really sharp, especially the rear. If you are going to carry using HDs, I would highly recommend checking if they have radiused the sight construction.

Of course, if you are familiar with HDs, please disregard this comment.)

Good luck, it seems hard to go wrong with either.

[flyrodr]

You described the difference pretty well. And Xrslug's points were well taken. I've shot the P2000SK a lot; the P30SK only a bit. I'm happy with the P2000SK with the HD sights (prefer the orange over the yellow, which washes out more against the sky and other light backgrounds). Some find the flat grip slick, which can be easily remedied with Talon stick-on grips or stippling. My P2000SK fits in my HK45C JMCK OWB holster (although the holster is a bit long). Dagga Boy has posted about the issue with HD rear sight's edges on the 30SK. The 30SK does come with adjustable side panels. I'd have to vote P2000SK.

[Sero Sed Serio]

Something about my grip/finger length/hand shape/whatever causes me to regularly eject magazines while shooting HKs with an extended magazine release. It has happened with the P30, and with a USP Compact and a P2000 with HK45c levers installed, but I have no issues with the P2000 or USP Compact with the standard lever installed. I've seen a few posts on HKPro where others have had the same issue. While you'll probably be fine, selling an almost new gun at a substantial loss because you keep dumping out your ammo when you shoot it sucks. If you haven't fired a P30 variant, I'd try before you buy just to make sure you're not one of the unfortunate few.

It's a shame, too, because I'm kind of lusting after a P30LS to run cocked and locked...

[DallasBronco]

I really think Xrslug nailed it. I also want to point out that some find the P30, in general, squirms in their hand due to the rounded grip shape. That could be a real issue if you needed to draw the pistol in either role you mention since you are more familiar with the USP grip shape. I really think in your applications that the P2000SK would serve you well.

[Thy.Will.Be.Done]

I've had both, I choose the P2000SK of the two. Both were 9mm, P2000SK was V2 LEM... P30SK was V3 DA/SA. I also really like V2 LEM for a carry gun, it was actually the first LEM offering from H&K... which I believe best suited at 7-8 lbs. You cannot order P30SK with V2 from factory... fwiw.

Things I also really like about P2000SK...

-Slimmer in the frame
-Magazine Floor Plate allowed me to get all fingers aboard (small hands)
-Better sights (not luminescent, subjective)
-No front cocking serrations
-Frame is not going to irritate bare skin
-Mag release is less likely to accidentally bump, especially if exposed in holster

[FPS]

I've been carrying the P30sk aiwb for a few weeks and really like it. The V3 trigger takes more work, especially one handed shooting, but not insurmountable. I have Trijicon HDs on it and they shoot point of aim (dot covering target). The rears are sharp but I have a full sweat guard on my JMCK George and havent been bothered by it. Hasnt torn up any shirts yet. Will probably take a dremel to it though and just tone them down a bit.

[CCT125US]

I believe the P2000sk would provide a grip more similar to your USP. As stated previously, the ergos of the P30 series are great, but some folks find that detrimental to the steering of the gun. I spent many years shooting the P30, and have come to prefer the slab sides of the P2000 and finally the USPc. The P2000sk handles like a much larger gun for me. And the USP is certainly a larger gun.

[FrankinCA]

P2000sk. I really like mine. I have a V3 DA/SA. I added Trijicon HDs and the larger HK 45 paddle releases. Fantastic little gun. Like the Sig P239, it shoots like a larger gun.

Sorry, I don't have experience with theP30.
Good luck
Frank

[Mark D]

I've owned the P2000sk, and a couple of "full size" P2000's. As you probably know, the full size P2000 is actually a compact pistol by most standards. I shot them side by side and my performance with the FS P2000 was much better than the sk. I also found the FS P2000 about as easy to conceal as the sk in JMCK AIWB. For me, the sk just doesn't have much to offer. I find the P2000 very easy to carry under a light weight shirt and it performs great. For reference I'm 5' 10", 180lb, and prefer fitted shirts.

On the very rare occasions I feel the need for a smaller gun, I'll switch to a single stack like the S&W Shield.

If you're really on the fence between the two guns, it may be worthwhile to check the sight options for the P2000sk and P30sk - it seems like the options are pretty limited for both but there might be a few more choices for the P30.

https://i.imgur.com/OGqH3Ajl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IO94OPHl.jpg

[OnionsAndDragons]

Were I in your position, I would not go either. I would probably get an HK45c or a USPc for off duty carry, and a dedicated backup gun like a 340pd or some such.

I say this because you don't get to carry over mags from your primary to backup as you propose already, and both the USP and 45cs will be more like your duty weapon.

This way you also have a consistent backup piece you can run off duty as well.

I really like the p2000sk and the p30sk, the p30 being slightly better to me but I don't experience the p30 squirm some complain of. But as the poster above, I just don't have a good role for the SKs. They are a bit too big for a backup gun for my purposes, and don't really give me any concealment advantage a p2000 or HK45c doesn't already.


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[doc.holliday]

P30sk

Have a good one
Ray

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[TheNewbie]

Were I in your position, I would not go either. I would probably get an HK45c or a USPc for off duty carry, and a dedicated backup gun like a 340pd or some such.

I say this because you don't get to carry over mags from your primary to backup as you propose already, and both the USP and 45cs will be more like your duty weapon.

This way you also have a consistent backup piece you can run off duty as well.

I really like the p2000sk and the p30sk, the p30 being slightly better to me but I don't experience the p30 squirm some complain of. But as the poster above, I just don't have a good role for the SKs. They are a bit too big for a backup gun for my purposes, and don't really give me any concealment advantage a p2000 or HK45c doesn't already.


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I don't think USP .45 mags will work in a 45c or USPc. HK45 mags will but the full sized USP mags.

[hufnagel]

If I had neither, I'd probably lean P30SK because that price tag...

https://memeguy.com/photos/thumbs/i-just-received-my-first-snapchat-pic-of-a-great-ass-133584.gif

I, however, already own a pair of P2000SK's. I recently shot a friend of mine's P30SK and while I liked it, I didn't like it more than my P2000SK's to make me want to sell them (at a probable loss) for P30SK replacements. Ok I could most likely sell the P2000SK's for more than I'd pay for new P30SK's, but for me it's not worth the hassle or risk of being wrong.

As for P2000's... sold the one and only one I had (LEM also) because I kept getting bit by the mag during a change. Something about the size of my hand, the size of the grip, and my technique I guess would cause frequent events of my hand getting pinched between the frame and magazine base plate. Many a welt and blood blister was achieved before I finally said "NOPE!" Same thing happens on the USPc it turns out.

YMMV. IANAL. I did not stay at a holiday inn last light. Some assembly may be required. Void where prohibited in all 50 states. This post is not gluten-free, and has been shown to cause cancer in lab mice.

[TheNewbie]

I don't think USP .45 mags will work in a 45c or USPc. HK45 mags will but the full sized USP mags.

I should say "but not the full sized USP .45 magazines".

[OnionsAndDragons]

I don't think USP .45 mags will work in a 45c or USPc. HK45 mags will but the full sized USP mags.

I believe that is correct, and I conceded that there would be no mag compatibility between the backup either way, or I intended my phrasing to if I didn't.

My point was based upon both of those guns being significantly more similar to the USP than either of the SKs are.


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[TheNewbie]

I believe that is correct, and I conceded that there would be no mag compatibility between the backup either way, or I intended my phrasing to if I didn't.

My point was based upon both of those guns being significantly more similar to the USP than either of the SKs are.


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I may not have paid close enough attention to your original post. Which drives me insane when others do what I did.

[OnionsAndDragons]

I may not have paid close enough attention to your original post. Which drives me insane when others do what I did.

No worries. I've only worked like 34 of the last 48 hrs, so my posting isn't exactly razor sharp at the moment. :)


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[KevH]

I don't want a USP Compact.

I want the smallest pistol available that has an LEM trigger.

[OnionsAndDragons]

I don't want a USP Compact.

I want the smallest pistol available that has an LEM trigger.

If that's the sole criteria, I'd pick based on which locks in your hands best. They are both mechanically excellent guns.

For my large size, thinner fingered, hands the P30sk fits better than the p2000sk.

I also do not find the p30 type stippling to be very abrading to bare skin, I think HK did a really good job on that count.


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[SkiDevil]

I have no range time with the P30 SK (only handled one), but I have owned a P2000 SK for a couple of years. It is my 7th HK pistol that I purchased.

As someone else pointed-out, the pistol shoots like a full-size gun. Mine is the DA/SA model and the trigger is nice and smooth after several hundred rounds of 9mm 115 ball ammo. It has become on of my favorite HKs to shoot and carry. Very accurate and reliable. I use the extended grip base, but for carrying on your vest the flat bases may work better.

My only regret is not buying the gun with the factory installed night sights. My factory sights are right-on point, so now I don't want to change them-out. It's a great pistol. If you prefer the square blocky USP grip, then it would suit you well, not to mention the smoother grip panel for CCW.

Last thing that I would mention is that it's not a small gun per se. It is slightly smaller in size than the standard P2000 which is comparable to a G19 in size. I don't know anyone that carries one on-duty as a BUG on a vest, but know plenty of folks who use the G26 of G27 in that role. Something worth considering.


P.S. I have the HK USP compact 9mm and the holsters work interchangeably with the P2000 SK.

[Dagga Boy]

Fairly personal. Wayne Dobbs shoots the crap out of a P30SK and I prefer the P2000SK. We have traded several guns back and forth to where Wayne now has a couple P30SK's and I have P2000SK's in that size gun. Hand shape, experience, carry style, etc. will all be slightly different. Here are the sways for me....

I like the HD sights. Great on the P2000SK, unusable for IWB due to hang off the back razor blades on the P30SK. For everything else, the P30SK has far more options.

The P30SK works well with the 4.1 kit, combined with just building a solid light LEM.

Against the skin all day, P2000SK, the P30SK is more configurable to your exact hand size.

I only use flat or modified pinky extension mags with my P2000SK, so I don't care, but the P30 has more mag extension accessories.

Very similar guns and the differences are not huge. I think the P2000 grip being more USP like may be a positive for me, as I have spent most of my adult life with a USP full size .45 as a duty gun or SWAT gun.