If you like my work, please support me on Patreon. www.patreon.com/thegunpenguin Let's re-review this HK classic, and see how it's doing 6000 rounds in. #hecklerkoch #p30 #johnwick
@@Whiskey.Tango.Actual Surpassingly nothing, but I really should soon. I think I've been waiting for the next best gun to purchase so I've been waffling,.
That was the best review I've seen on YT. I also own a P30 DA/SA and a VP9. Booth have their + and -. Your sense of humor is great and you honesty. Thank you!
Thank you for the very generous words! And I very much appreciate you watching. The VP9 is also an outstanding pistol -- a true modern classic. You've got great taste!
This is by far the BEST P30 review I've seen to date. The "part dimension" line got me to subscribe. But seriously, thanks for discussing the trigger and going into detail as the decision HK made into it being "terrible" by modern standards. It's the reason why this is my primary training pistol. If you can master this trigger then anything else is a cake walk.
You're awesome, and I can tell we're going to be friends. This pistol is often overlooked because of the trigger, and it's not fair to the gun. The trigger was entirely intentional, and is a feature rather than a problem. I joke about it, but the trigger works totally fine, and is perfect for the pistol's intended use. Like yourself, this is one of the guns that I shoot the most, along with my 92A1 and a few Glocks. It just works! Thanks for the kind words, and for taking the time to share your thoughts.
@@thegunpenguin I completely understand as I own the P30 and P30L. My P30sk has the LEM trigger and I think that's the best trigger on the market PERIOD! So I have experience with the alpha and the omega of HK triggers. LOL!
@@ApharmdBattler The LEM trigger is great, and tragically misunderstood. Folks should give it a try -- none of the RU-vid videos adequately convey how useful it is. The reviews tend to fixate on the feel; outside of the shorter reset, it's still an HK trigger, but the carry benefits would seem be the selling point. Somebody needs to make the definitive LEM video.
Great review. I have tried explaining to many others that the trigger action is totally intentional and is not designed for target shooting. This is a combat pistol, not a plinking pistol. Once you master it, it all makes sense.
A shit trigger is a shit trigger. A good trigger is a good trigger. Your analogy is an excuse, not a reason. Are you under some misguided assumption that a combative application has no necessity for a trigger lending toward accuracy?
Seems like most reviewers have the corvette on a dry pavement closed track expectation for every firearm they review… when the P30 is a jeep rubicon crawling over rocks… appreciate your more balanced approach
Finally bought one based on your review and a few other gun youtubers. Ended up with a V1 LEM and I love it. Only 50 rounds through it on the day I bought it, but I will be putting 300+ through it next week. Thanks Gunpenguin!
I have the p2000 and love it for a CCW. What made it a great gun, or better I should say, was swapping from da/sa to 4.1 lem (less take up) and added gg short reset, less pre travel and 1/3 less reset. Added 10 lb hammer spring for lower trigger pull weight. Slim slide releases because I kept riding the slide release before when shooting. Mounted a 508t red dot from a milling job at wright armory.
LMAO at the lost parts dimension. I immediately thought of the AR15 pin detents and sure enough, you had them in there! Love the channel and just subbed.
Excellent analysis of trigger and background! My reason for buying HK45 and HKp30SK in 9mm is because I purchased models with “external safety” because carry as same manual of arms of “cocked and locked” as my 191145ACP. Therefore, Same muscle memory on all my handguns. Having had to use a firearm several years ago in a defensive use, that “adrenaline dump” makes you appreciate “muscle memory” & long trigger pull(which really doesn’t notice, is irrelevant when you loose fine dexterity). Plus “external Safety” was a BIG issue vs no external safety, when used in a Defensive Use(vs LEO offensive). when one has their deposition taken in a civil suit that lasted 2 days, you better KNOW your firearm and rationale for every component. You completely provided sound reasoning:analysis (except for option of external safety)that every viewer should memorize to heart, if on that rare occasion they have to explain their H&K functionality under oath in a Deposition. Buy two of each I say. Job well done 👍
Thank you both for your kind words, and for taking the time to share your valuable experience with all of us. Like you, I've committed to this platform in multiple calibers, and I'm very glad I did. At present, I'm working on a more complete re-review of the HK45 and 45C to accompany this video.
@@thegunpenguin, you do so much just keeping this channel going. I am looking forward to the Discord if that becomes a thing. You can thank me by letting me beat you at Counter Strike :p
For someone who loves the P30, I think you'd like the VP9 as well. As for the P30 trigger, luckily there are aftermarket options available for them these days. LEM is definitely the way to go as far as factory configurations go.
I very much like the VP9! It's not my favorite striker-fired gun, but I certainly don't dislike them, and I've very much enjoyed them at the range. I have some concerns about the aftermarket trigger solutions, but I certainly see why folks go that route. If this wasn't one of my primary defensive pistols, I'd definitely have something like the Gray Guns SRT installed in mine. Also, I totally agree with you, the LEM is an excellent option, for most people. I'm not personally willing to give up the initially DA pull, though. But, I certainly see why someone would. In my experience the LEM triggers aren't dramatically better than the standard pull, but having that somewhat shorter reset is certainly nice. Thanks for the input, and I appreciate you watching!
I carried a P-226 on duty since the 80’s.I was considering the p-30 , single/ double trigger, because I always loved the P-226 for that aspect. I kept researching the different designations of the HK; snd it seems that Langdon Tactical improves on the trigger, either one, the sights, better springs, and an optics cut if you want one. I am gravitating to the LEM trigger , with the smoother trigger LTT puts in it. I have been told ; but have not handled one yet, that the improved LEM trigger is nothing short of superb .
The trigger is as "bad" as it is, because the German police demands it to be exactly like that. From the "Technische Richtlinie Pistolen Kaliber 9 mm x 19" (technical guideline pistols caliber 9x19): First shot: Minimum trigger weight: 30N (6.74lbs) Minimum trigger travel: 10mm Maximum trigger travel: 15mm Following shots: Minimum trigger reset: 4mm Minimum trigger weight: 20N (4.50lbs) Minimum trigger travel: 7mm There is also specifications for the minimum "Abzugsarbeit" or trigger work (as in work done by the trigger, not work done on the trigger) at 150 Nmm. But even as a native German speaker (and somewhat knowledgeable about guns) I'm not sure what this is about. I think it might be the force with which the trigger pushes back to reset, but that's just a guess. There is also a specification for maximum "Durchfallstrecke" (literally: fall through distance) of
My p30 is my edc absolutely love it. After 2500 rounds still not one failure and even with standard sights easy to put nice grouped shots down range. Been my edc for three years now.
I just bought one of these on your praise in your videos. I could not agree with your assessment more. This is one fine hammer fired 9. I really like it. It may just become one of my favorites
I got to check out a P30L in the store the other day and WOW is that grip nice! Also, the trigger was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be though the reset is long (I guess a GG SRT would help that). I'm definitely getting one of these when my budget allows.
You are a wonderful communicator. This is just great. Thank you. Sent an offer for one on Armslist. Also one of my holster screws has been lost to the parts dimension as of last week. Sigh.
My P30 trigger got much better after 1000 rounds and lots of dry fire practice. It sits on my nightstand because I want a double action trigger pull if I am woken up.
@@davidford1564 yeah, I am not super proficient with it yet. Kind of gun that is difficult to shoot well if you try too much. It wants you to relax and let it do its own thing lol.
thegunpenguin well I gotta say it was so truthful and entertaining I didn’t even notice the time! I’m a big H&K fan and I’m looking for reasons to have a P30v1 and this did it...H&K should buy it and use it as a 30 min infomercial...LOL!
@@ronincato275 Truly, thank you, I really appreciate it. Though the P30 is far from perfect, it's one of the best guns on the market today. When you get yours, let me know what you think of it!
Did you know? The end of the hammer is made from plastic! I own the P30LS V3 and was surprised, when I discovered it. By the way, really great gun! I hate striker fired gun, that's why for me the P30 are one of the best guns available today.
Great review. One of the best out there. After having a Sig P-229r with SRT kit, I just couldn't ignore how bad the trigger on the P30 is and just couldn't make convincing excuses to sweet-talk myself over the edge. Not just the pull, but as mentioned, the worrisome trigger reset point and the subsequent re-pull to re-shoot. Like others here, I've found bliss with the LEM trigger. I do jones to have that cool de-cocker in my stash from time to time tho..
The mag release paddles rise up a little when the mag is removed ..they go back to flush when the mag is reinserted. At least that’s the case with mine. Love this gun. I rotate my EDC between this gun and my CZ P07. Love em both !!
There's nothing wrong with that! Triggers are entirely subjective. One man's terrible trigger, is another man's trigger treasure. Or something. And the P30 is an outstanding firearm; if you like the trigger, that just makes it even better.
You are one of the very few who ever used the phrase “crisp and smooth” in the same sentence with “V3 trigger” V1, yes, awesome. V3 - combat trigger all the way, but crisp and smooth not what comes to mind.
Contrary to your statement, that video didn't suck. Have the P30SK and the same terrible trigger. Love absolutely everything else about it. Got the GG short reset bar, $99 buck for a piece of metal and a spring was more painful than the HK tax we pay for the guns. However, it was night and day and resolved 75% of the terrible trigger. It's still not a PPQ or a Canik but the safety factor is why we buy DA SA now. Love my P30 and I know why you do as well. Keep making great videos !
Definitely with you on index finger mag release. Once you practice that the thumb option just gets awkward, plus it frees up your thumb for immediately operating the slide release.
I love the paddle and the sights. I have a set of tritium in my closet, been there for 3 or 4 years. The stock sights are brighter, easier on the eyes, glow on my night stand when I can't see anything I can still put my hand on the grip. Good enough for me. P30sk, my 11 round revolver.
I purchased my P30L a little while ago and mounted the HKParts comp on it. It shoots wonderful, starting with break-in with 147gr. It shoots so smooth I would nearly say it's like a 22LR. It's my new favorite pistol next to my M&P 2.0. Different in their own ways but wow, HK I can see why there are some fanboys (lol). What do you recommend is a good break in period (how many rounds) until can shoot 124gr? TIA.
After 5 USPs, I just bought a P30, hasn't arrived yet, but excited, I'll be adding the short reset kit & straight trigger from Grayguns. Maybe something you may consider? Mag releases are interchangeable between HK models, I put the larger one on my USP.
Very descriptive, entertaining use of language. Trigger action is the deal breaker. HK has unique, great styling, and build quality. HK P30 has many benefits and certainly is one of the coolest guns. But if I am going to spend the money, I can get SIG p320 in any number of configurations, equally as cool, more aftermarket support [see Icarus Precision aluminum frames] and far superior trigger. I think the reason to get the HK P30 is that there are not many other firearms featuring DA/SA de-cocker. So, if that is the criteria, then HK P30 is the clear choice. Good video.
The trigger IS horrible. However, Grayguns short reset trigger kit fixes this problem. I drop the kit in both my P30 and P30L, and replaced the nickel plated flat sear spring too and I don't think I wanna get another gun anytime soon! These 2 will do me just fine!
I swapped out my Hammer spring for the next lightest one on HK parts, believe 11 lbs. Also got the gray guns trigger kit. It is smooth, short reset, and a little bit lighter
I got my P30 for pretty much the same reason. It was about $500 and I was always curious about them. Mine has the manual safety and grey frame. I could live without the safety, but for the price, I was willing to deal with it. And in hand, the safety actually provides a nice place for my right thumb to rest for a thumbs forward grip. So that's kinda neat. Anyway, I barely have 100 rounds thru it (it's still pretty new and I don't get to the range nearly as often as I'd like) but I dry fire the hell out of this thing. So I'm either getting used to that staple gun-like DA trigger or it's starting to wear in a little. But once I get some more rounds thru it and maybe swap out the glow sticker sights for some Trijicon HD's I would definitely carry it. It works in some of my P320 holsters too (especially with a TLR-1) so that's a plus. And if get this thing to 1,500-2,000 rounds and I still dislike the trigger, I'll just send it off to Grey Guns and have them do their voodoo to it.
Yeah, for $500, it almost doesn't matter, amiright? If somebody says, "Hey, you can buy this HK. It's $500," you almost don't even care which one it is. Let me know how yours wears in over time, and if you go the Grey Guns route. It's still shocking that HK doesn't make a match trigger parts set. Meanwhile Grey Guns is cleaning up selling their parts for, what is it, like $100?
@@thegunpenguin I think Grey Guns sells a part to help the reset for $100 but they'll work over the whole thing for $350 I think. But yeah, not only should HK make a match trigger version, I'd also like to see a tactical model with a threaded barrel. To me, the P30 seems like a police gun. So a tactical model would make sense.
@@arsenal_616 I totally agree. We're lucky that the threaded barrels are readily available right now; I remember them being damn near impossible to obtain just a year ago. But, as you point out, it sucks having to spend another $250 for a barrel when it could've easily been a factory option, maybe even cut for the RMR.
Just got the light LEM P30L. Incredible. I use to utilize cocked and locked but no more. LEM is like keeping the single action but without needing a safety. Highly recommend anyone reading this check one out for themselves
I have a V3 one I bought new and another used. My used SK has a really smooth light pull. I was hoping they break in well and my P30L thankfully is starting to. I can't shoot it that fast and miss the reset it is that long. It doesn't disappear for me. It is a safe gun to carry. Why I love my SK. My "L" is crazy accurate i have learned to live with the trigger. The VP9 has a great trigger. And it is reliable too. I have a VP9. More enjoyable to shoot, but I would rather carry my P30sk.
I have the same V3 in 40 caliber, but with the LEM trigger, and night sights, which I purchased used on GunBroker, for an insanely low price back in 2013. It is my go to Carry, and it’s in my purse all the time with me. When I got it, it came with three magazines, and a DeSantis duty holster, which I sold the holster on eBay for $80 so with the shipping, and the transfer fee, minus the $80 I made back, It cost me just under 300.! I know that’s crazy! I paid a lot more from my other HK handguns, and HK rifle. I have a P30L v3 also with the LEM trigger in 9mm, with night sights, and with the compensator. And no, I did not copy Keanu Reeves, even though we both share the same birthday.! Lol! I also have a USP 45, and a MR762A1 rifle. I have one that is not an HK. The Canik TP9SFX, which I still have not fired yet. I am considering selling it. When you have in my humble opinion, Mercedes models of HandGuns, being the HK’s, it’s kind of hard to go backwards, although the Canik is an exceptional value.
Great video GP actually one of your best! I have two H&K pistols a USP 45 Variant 1 and a H&K 45c. I have a Love Hate relationship with both of them but i will never get rid of either one of them! The best description of the H&K USP I ever herd was "It's The Best $600 Pistol A $1000.00 Will Get You"..... LOL!!!!
Thank you for the kind words, and I totally agree -- if there was ever an overpriced gun, we've found it. Don't judge me, but I very much want the USP Expert. PSA has one that I ogle periodically, and there's something about it that I really like. It doesn't hurt that the trigger is much improved.
love the P30. you gotta get your hands on a PX4. also the sig P220 in 45 acp DA/SA. while i'm not a sig fan that one holds a special place. i'm guessing you'd enjoy it too.
I've shot the Px4 often, and I'm considering the .45 model. I don't own one because I already have a Cougar, and haven't been able to bring myself to buy what is functionally the same pistol. The P220 is the only SIG Sauer I really like. Again, the only reason I don't already have one is that I can't justify another single-stack .45. Thanks for the awesome recommendations, and I'm sure those will turn up on the channel soon. I'm definitely a fan of both!
Loved my hkp30 enough to go for the hk45, hkp30sk, hk45c. Not crazy about the triggers. Hk45 is my favorite. This was a great review including the microtech. I like mine too.
thegunpenguin tritium which is in the glow in the dark sights gives off ionizing radiation which the Europeans prohibit. It’s probably an overreaction, but is a response to the use of cancer causing radium for watches, sights, etc at the beginning of the 20th century. As you noted quite accurately, the trigger on an hk is not “bad”-it operates exactly as intended. It requires intent and effort to bang one off especially the first round in double action. I got the variant 7 on the 45c which has long travel but very short reset. Takes getting used to. Informative and funny vid. Thanks for making it.
@@johnnybeanz1296 Thanks for watching and for the kind words! In tritium and radium's defense, manufacturers weren't exactly using safe practice in the early days of radioluminescence. If I remember correctly, the Radium Girls would often lick their paint brushes before dipping them back in the pot. Wow. Manufacturing in the early 20th century was the Wild West. The LEM guns are awesome, and I think it's a great choice for the 45 Compact!
The only complaint I had with the P30 was the size of the slide release levers, I kept holding them down by accident causing the slide to not lock open. It is one of the few guns I regret selling and will probably own again someday.
As awesome as huge controls are, there's a downside, as you say. I have to work around the huge levers, too. Luckily, Glocks and the PPQ seem to have the end of the lever in the same spot, relative to that gap between my thumbs. Once I figured this out, the problem was gone, but I realize that most folks aren't so lucky. Was it bad enough that the gun rarely locked open for you? I've seen a few folks have that problem, and it would absolutely bother me too.
Well done. Not a fan of longer vids, but this was interesting enough to keep me watching. Just picked up the same gun, hope to pop it's cherry this weekend and if it's as good as I hear, hope to pick up an "L" in the future.
I didn't notice the trough on my VP but did have lazy wolf flat trigger so I'm nowhere near it. Recently got a HK45 and ya I NOTICE IT. P30 on the list to get soonish
Subscribed to your channel because of your high round count reviews. I own a USP Compact and I love it in spite of it’s atrocious trigger. I can’t even imagine how bad the P30’s is.
@@thegunpenguin I also do "high round count" gun reviews but my idea of high round count is just above 1000 rounds. I live in Portugal and it's not that easy to go to the range and ammo is very expensive. I just reviewed my CZ P-10 C with 3295 rouns fired. So far no parts breakages. Here's the link for my channel if you want to check it out: ru-vid.com/show-UCeVsjFakWNoSXOTRtZYYsRw
I have ordered two custom 1911’s that I had from the builder put in the Trijcon HD night sights, which I also put on several other guns. I enjoyed you video and subscribed
You've got great taste! That video is coming down the assembly line, as soon as the gun hits 3k rounds, which ought to be sometime in the winter. The PPQ will be first, though it has far, far surpassed 3k rounds.
My P30L .40 has around 4000 reds through it. Very similar wear and the same outstanding reliability and performance. It is an LEM trigger model so I can’t really comment on that. After getting used to the LEM I love it. My only complaint is that there any P30L’s on the shelves anymore chambered in 9mm. Great review! PS I’m also waiting for a stand-alone VP9L so I don’t don’t have to buy a VP9 just to turn around and buy a slide the price of another pistol
Glad to hear you like the LEM; I'm on the lookout for a P30L, 9mm, in LEM, and as you say, they practically don't exist. Do you think they'll get around to releasing the VP9L? Their scheme with the slide is utter bullshit. Do you have the light LEM setup installed?
thegunpenguin as far as the VP9L as an option I am sure they will eventually but I’m not gonna hold my breath. I would like to see that and to see some of there products released with optics ready slides as well but again I’m not gonna hold my breath. I have the stock V1 trigger, no aftermarket upgrades or anything. I used to carry it daily in a Tier1concealed axis slim holster and really liked it but I recently switched to a VP9SK in the new axis elite holster. Both great guns but the capacity of the 9mm and round cost makes it easier to train. Great vids man! Keep it up
@@Not-a-bot222 Yeah, it takes HK so damn long to adjust to the market, when they bother to at all. They leave so much money on the table when they take a decade to adjust to a trend. Sometimes in the year 2027 we'll see a USP with an optics cut, and a factory VP9L. Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to share your thoughts!
The P2000 and P30 trigger parts are mostly the same, but the triggers feel quite a bit different. You'll see what I mean, if you're accustomed to the P2000. The reset and break are both distinctly different, but the travel feels the same.
Thatès actually a very valid point made for a Èsloppy triggerÈ. And I agree (from what Iève herad) that in the heat of the moment oure coodination wonèt be what we might want...epecially if weère civilian whove never been in a gunfight....some of us might panic more ...some not at all...weère all different 'WHWN IT happens (God forbidÈ'.... For ME the point of buying a polymer pistl is the 'affordablityélightness'....which makes modding out the gun kind of illy. ..for a 'range gunÈ....weère putting holes in paper or bucning tiny chucnks of metal off metal plates :) Which kind of sounds 'silly' :)) Just so civilian can experience what itès like to shoot a 'real gun with real ammo' in a afe environment...Ièd hope....no one in their right ind actually wants to be in their first Èlifeédeath gunfightÈ.....and most of us donèt compete....FACT. What actually mattersÉ Definitely the ERGOès....which might be THE selling point for the P30éVP9....over other polymer guns...who wants a grip that feels like a È2 by 4ÈÉÉ :) Itès intereting no one is making Ècustom fit gripsÈ where t hey take an impreusion of our hand ...maybe gripping clay.....for grip panels that conform to our hand almot perfectly. Why has this not been doneÉÉ With all the accesories available....why ha this ècutomizationÈ still not come to beÉÉ You can get ècutom fitÈ high-end shotguns....but oddly our hand grip ...no oneès yet bothered to take a Èmold È of...offer this service...
Agree, trigger sucks and make my Glocks shoot like a custom pistols. Still that grip is like Haagen-Dazs ice cream, pure heavenly joy on Earth. Yes trigger is the Devil's playground but hell that grip makes one say hell I'm ready for the beating of a lifetime!
It’s all preference. I shot both and own the v3. After it breaks in the DA gets better. I enjoy that first heavy pull and the SA is very good. The lem is a cool concept though and gives a user a variety of options when buying but I enjoy the standard da/sa more
