HK P30SK

[willie]

This smaller HK subcompact interests me. We have a HK thread, but I did not glean from it information on this offering. Does anyone here own and shoot the subcompact, and does anyone have opinions about it? I refer to the SA/DA choice.

[DEG]

I’ve owned two. One was a V3 and the other a V2. I remember them being typical HK solid quality pistols that also had the benefit of using the same mags and sights as the P30/VP9. They were slightly more difficult to work on compared to the P30 due to an extra drop safety pin near the extractor, but otherwise used the same springs and parts as the P30 if I remember correctly.

I wanted to like them, but couldn’t get over a few things to really give them a fair shot: 1) the size/weight to capacity; 2) what I perceived as excessive movement under recoil that I didn’t control very well; and 3) a nearly impossible DA pull weight on the V3 (not applicable to the V2).

The first two items are common with HKs in my unprofessional experience. The way I viewed it was if you love HKs, you decide to accept them as features. The last item of DA trigger weight didn’t have a solution I could find, such as a reduced power hammer spring. I wasn’t willing to mess with cutting a factory spring down on what was going to be a carry pistol.

The V2 LEM had all the trigger/hammer benefits and challenges of the larger P30 version, without the shooting comfort. If you love P30s and the LEM though, I can’t see why it wouldn’t be a great choice. In that case, the V3 is a good choice if you want to experience the DA/SA with an option to move it to LEM when or if desired.

If the Glock 19 would have stayed stuck in Gen4; if the SCD wasn’t a thing; and if I wasn’t hooked on optics, then I probably would be carrying an LEM version of P30/P2000sk based on the quality, safety and reliability of the design.

[willie]

My lgs has been receiving HK's, and I have noticed that in each the double action pull weight is much lighter than those seen last year.

[LOKNLOD]

Everything DEG said is spot on. Mine was V3 DA/SA and while I could get them to a very shootable trigger the SK couldn't be gotten to quite as nice of a state as the full size guns. They benefit greatly from the 13-round mag with extra finger space, and with a 15rd they're essentially a full size P30. They were a decent complement to a normal brace of P30s but I wouldn't go out of my way to get one unless I was firmly entrenched in the HK P30 "ecosystem" and just wanted some a hair smaller. On paper they seem more like a comparison to a G26 but size-wise they're dang near the size of a G19, even with the flush mag.

[RJ]

I owned a P30SK LEM V1 for *checks notes* 18 months and shot 491 rounds through it, including at my first Tom Givens class in 2018.

I was shooting a VP9 in USPSA at the time, and thought it would make a good carry gun companion. It was not.

I had two issues with running the gun. One was the LEM trigger, and since you indicated you wanted the SA/DA, I'll stop there.

The other was attempting to do reloads under stress. Like, as in, Tom Givens timing you with a stopwatch stress. I did not fare well. I kept pinching my palm jamming the mag in. It was not an enjoyable experience.

Having said that: I had no malfunctions. It was accurate. It worked with a variety of mag options.

72398

I carried it without drama, albeit being a chunky monkey, in a Mitch Rosen Upper Limit leather (high riding, straight drop OWB holster that worked well near the Appendix position, just outside the waistband.)

72395

It will not make me popular to repeat this, but I put the P30SK in the same category as the Glock 26: old designs based on the "shortened double stack gun" idea that have been overtaken in today's CCW market space by better (better = more rounds per unit weight, or more rounds per unit sq in/width) options such as the Glock 43X/48, Sig P365/XL, Hellcat, and Shield Plus. Unless of course you have a P30 already, and want a chopped gun that will use the same mags as a reload with a X grip. That, I understand.

I will defer to others here on HKs SA/DA trigger, as I have no experience with one.

[RJ]

Just to add some data to my comment about "weight", I've been curious enough to keep track of how many ounces per round you have to carry around with all the different guns I've owned since 2013 as an objective measure. A snip out of my spreadsheet is below.

The P30SK is near the bottom.

72397

[Oldherkpilot]

I carry a P30 V1 and really only carry HK because of the LEM trigger. So I won't address the trigger issues with the traditional DA variant. I rarely have to down-size to the SK but find that I can shoot it pretty well. I don't use the XGrip spacers due to the pinching mentioned earlier in the thread. The extensions I use offer different degrees of concealment. I would add that the OP could look at a P2000 as an in between size carry gun. My first HK was a P2000 and I still like it very much. It falls between the P30 and the P30SK in height. I realize there are smaller guns but the LEM is my idea of a street trigger. When I need a smaller pistol, I go to the Kahr section of the safe.

72402

[Mark D]

Big fan of the P2000 sk, which is a close sibling to the P30 sk. (I'd own a P30 sk but they're (generally) not available in my state.)

I've carried the P2000 sk daily for 2 years AIWB, and it's a remarkable gun. To me, the p2000 sk is a nice size between a G26 and G19, but the sk is scalable with larger mags. With the 10-round mag it's more concealable than a G19 due to it's rounded slide and shorter grip. With the pinky extension on the 10-round mag I can get a full grip on the pistol (medium sized hands). If concealment allows, I'll use the 13-round P2000 mag and an X-grip.

On timed drills the sk performs very close to the full-sized P2000 for me. Muzzle rise is noticeable but not unpleasant. The pinky extension on the 10-round mag seems to help remediate the muzzle flip by camming my hand into a position that is mechanically advantageous.

The pistol is extremely accurate and reliable. I prefer the LEM, but I'd consider a DA/SA version too, especially if a Gray Guns or Lazy Wolf trigger job was an option.

ETA: reloads are harder with the short grip, but that's a small concern of mine. If I'm doing reloads on the clock (i.e. a in a match or a class) I'll typically use a full size P2000.

[CCT125US]

Big fan of the P2000 sk, which is a close sibling to the P30 sk. (I'd own a P30 sk but they're (generally) not available in my state.)

I've carried the P2000 sk daily for 2 years AIWB, and it's a remarkable gun. To me, the p2000 sk is a nice size between a G26 and G19, but the sk is scalable with larger mags. With the 10-round mag it's more concealable than a G19 due to it's rounded slide and shorter grip. With the pinky extension on the 10-round mag I can get a full grip on the pistol (medium sized hands). If concealment allows, I'll use the 13-round P2000 mag and an X-grip.

On timed drills the sk performs very close to the full-sized P2000 for me. Muzzle rise is noticeable but not unpleasant. The pinky extension on the 10-round mag seems to help remediate the muzzle flip by camming my hand into a position that is mechanically advantageous.

The pistol is extremely accurate and reliable. I prefer the LEM, but I'd consider a DA/SA version too, especially if a Gray Guns or Lazy Wolf trigger job was an option.

ETA: reloads are harder with the short grip, but that's a small concern of mine. If I'm doing reloads on the clock (i.e. a in a match or a class) I'll typically use a full size P2000.


Very much agreed. The P30sk squirms / swims in recoil just like the full size. The P2000sk is a different animal. It tracks evenly, and has very impressive accuracy. Haven't updated my training journal yet, but last steel shoot I had average M level runs, and missed a GM level run by .04 seconds with a sub compact LEM. I'm going to be carrying it for awhile now.

[GJM]

Despite the chronology, the P2000 SK feels like a product improved P30 SK.

[willie]

Rj's chart shows that the P30SK is heavy. Too heavy for me when compared to the others meaning it would not satisfy my requirement. I will continue to be well served with my CZ PCR, Glock 26, Shield and J frame. I have owned and shot a P2000 Lem in 357 Sig for years. It serves house duty. Switching from defense to plinking and fooling around out doors, I think I will send one of my CZ's to Cajun Gun Works and blow $500 on custom work. Then I will have a customized and accurate pistol with which to shoot dirt clods and stumps. After it passes a 500-1000 stump duty test, then it will be Number One in the stable. I will carry it.

[Borderland]

the LEM is my idea of a street trigger

That's why they call it a LEM.:D

We don't really want shoot you but if you really need to be shot we can do that.

Personally I think the concept is a good one. 8 lb triggers suck.

[Doc_Glock]

I’ve owned two. One was a V3 and the other a V2. I remember them being typical HK solid quality pistols that also had the benefit of using the same mags and sights as the P30/VP9. They were slightly more difficult to work on compared to the P30 due to an extra drop safety pin near the extractor, but otherwise used the same springs and parts as the P30 if I remember correctly.

I wanted to like them, but couldn’t get over a few things to really give them a fair shot: 1) the size/weight to capacity; 2) what I perceived as excessive movement under recoil that I didn’t control very well; and 3) a nearly impossible DA pull weight on the V3 (not applicable to the V2).

The first two items are common with HKs in my unprofessional experience. The way I viewed it was if you love HKs, you decide to accept them as features. The last item of DA trigger weight didn’t have a solution I could find, such as a reduced power hammer spring. I wasn’t willing to mess with cutting a factory spring down on what was going to be a carry pistol.

The V2 LEM had all the trigger/hammer benefits and challenges of the larger P30 version, without the shooting comfort. If you love P30s and the LEM though, I can’t see why it wouldn’t be a great choice. In that case, the V3 is a good choice if you want to experience the DA/SA with an option to move it to LEM when or if desired.

If the Glock 19 would have stayed stuck in Gen4; if the SCD wasn’t a thing; and if I wasn’t hooked on optics, then I probably would be carrying an LEM version of P30/P2000sk based on the quality, safety and reliability of the design.

Amazing write up and you are right on with everything.

For me: P30SK: Too big, DA too heavy and little one could do about it. But solidly built.

[Mark D]

...but last steel shoot I had average M level runs, and missed a GM level run by .04 seconds with a sub compact LEM.

Impressive. I don't shoot mine nearly that well, but that's an issue with the operator, not the equipment.

[pangloss]

Late to reply, but I have a V3 with a very heavy DA pull. SA is decent. I've only put a few hundred rounds through the gun and none with a timer. I bought the gun new off Gunbroker for less than $450 a few years back. I like it, but not enough to vet and carry it instead of my Glock 19. I don't think I'd buy one at current prices just to satisfy my curiosity.

Sent from my moto e5 cruise using Tapatalk

[JBP55]

Late to reply, but I have a V3 with a very heavy DA pull. SA is decent. I've only put a few hundred rounds through the gun and none with a timer. I bought the gun new off Gunbroker for less than $450 a few years back. I like it, but not enough to vet and carry it instead of my Glock 19. I don't think I'd buy one at current prices just to satisfy my curiosity.

Sent from my moto e5 cruise using Tapatalk

A LNIB V3 is listed on Bayou Shooter.

[momano]

"the double action pull weight is much lighter than those seen last year."

this is true in my experience as well

[MasterBlaster]

Just to add some data to my comment about "weight", I've been curious enough to keep track of how many ounces per round you have to carry around with all the different guns I've owned since 2013 as an objective measure. A snip out of my spreadsheet is below.

The P30SK is near the bottom.

72397

Note that HK magazine capacity for the VP9/P30 is now 17 rounds. A loaded VP9 weighs 33.1 ounces, yielding a score of 1.83 oz/round (33.1/18). This fact moves the VP9 to the number one position in your chart. Additionally, the HK P30 weighs slightly less than the VP9 by about a tenth of an ounce, so the P30 would be top dog here.

[olstyn]

Just to add some data to my comment about "weight", I've been curious enough to keep track of how many ounces per round you have to carry around with all the different guns I've owned since 2013 as an objective measure. A snip out of my spreadsheet is below.

Was this based on 115 gr, 124 gr, 135 gr, or 147 gr 9mm, and was it consistently the same type of ammo across all guns? (For a 17-round mag gun loaded 17+1, you'd be looking at ~1.25 ounces difference between 115 gr bullets and 147 gr bullets, for example.)

[RJ]

Was this based on 115 gr, 124 gr, 135 gr, or 147 gr 9mm, and was it consistently the same type of ammo across all guns? (For a 17-round mag gun loaded 17+1, you'd be looking at ~1.25 ounces difference between 115 gr bullets and 147 gr bullets, for example.)

Generally, "published" weight of gun+magazine, plus mag capacity+1 times 0.439 oz per round. I don't recall where I got the 0.439 (it has been a while), but I think it was an average of carry ammo (which would have been Fed 147 gr HST at the time). I'd be happy if someone has better actual data for carry ammo...Obviously this neglects the holster.

From the standpoint of the thread, I think the take away is that for a carry gun, it's a consideration (but not the only consideration) as to how efficient a gun is, in terms of weight. The less weight you have to carry, per round, the more efficient the gun is. A lighter gun, ceteris paribus, will be more comfortable.

These days I carry a gadget equipped Glock 48 and attempt to compete with a Glock 34. At the same 10+1 as a Glock 26, I find the 48 to fit my grip better while shooting, and being flatter carries much easier in a Dark Star Hitchiker AIWB (having lost 30 lbs recently helps enormously carrying AIWB, I have to say.) Loaded, I find the G48 to be extremely well balanced. On the minus side it seems to be ammo sensitive, as the GD124+ps don't want to run on mine (milled for a Holosun 507k) so I use Federal HST 147s, which seem to be ok.

I've tried stuffing the Glock 34 down my pants and aside from the printing in my gentleman area (Phrasing!) it is a little long for my shorter frame (I am 5'6"). Bending over was problematic. A G45 in a G17 holster might be doable though. But another gun involves another round of expense. I'm waiting for an order from Shield Arms for a pair of their Gen 2 S15 mags and steel mag catch. They just dropped the Gen 2's on 5/28. A G48 carrying 15+1 would be pretty attractive, at 1.71 oz/round, and would be near the top of the chart (less the G43X, which would come in number one at 1.61 oz/round) if it's reliable.

That being said, and as most here know, carry weight per ounce is just one of many factors involved in making a decision on carry choice. I waited for the Gen 5 SCD to be released and happily sold my HK VP9 and P30SK LEM for a Glock 19 and 26 in 2017. So it's much more than just weight. In posting my chart I was just trying to help willie with some objective data to make an informed decision, not to sway any opinions. My HKs never gave me any trouble. They are reliable, accurate, well made firearms. If they made a VP9c that used the original 13 round USPc magazines, at 5.0" grip length, I would probably still be shooting HKs. Adding +2 to the P30/VP9 mags is something they should have done long ago; I'm not sure why it took them so long. But HK is going to HK, I guess.

[SecondsCount]

The P30sk is solid and proven. I carry one with the LEM trigger and cannot help with the DA/SA part of your question.

They'll never win the popularity contest, for a lot of silly reasons, but they have a good reputation for working when needed.

[WheelGunMan]

I own both a P30 V3 and a P30SK V3. While I love the grips and feel of the P30 alas it's not conducive for conceal carry. Enter the P30SK ...with a shortened grip and barrel it proves itself worthy for conceal carry. I had it in rotation with my Sig P365XL and found myself picking the P30SK up more often. I find the long, heavy trigger pull a benefit as it gives a moments hesitation for one to change their mind on whether or not to shoot. I did find it to be accurate in both single action and double action. I've read a lot of hyperbole on trigger pull and reset, but I think if it ever comes to that moment it will all go to the wayside.

The defining thing that struck me on the P30 and the P30SK is the comfort of it in my hand. With the 20 some different grip combinations that it offers you're bound to find the one that suits your fancy.

Get yourself one ..you won't regret it.