The Ghost Pistol: H&K P30 

Carried the P30SK for a while. Very accurate gun. Just too fat compared to the competition.

I’d take a P30 over a VP9

I've had my HK P30 for a few years! I absolutely love it! I also have the HK P30sk, VP9, VP9sk, HK USP Compact 9mm, 2 ea USP Compact .45's, and the HK 45c. Yeah, yeah, yeah! HK's are my thing! Lol!

Love this gun. Probably has the best ergonomics of any gun as well. In relation to the vp9, I actually prefer hammers. What else, I love the German style mag release, the slide release, and the decocker. it’s soft shooting and just plain pleasant. with the known dependability of a HK, I am good with this gun as we face the near future. Edit: ok nutnfancy can’t stop talking about the decocker. You decock the hammer when you are preparing to put it back on the nightstand, holster, etc. it’s not for going into immediate combat. After you are done shooting, during which the slide will have cocked the hammer for you each time, well, you decock it when you are no longer facing a threat. So who cares if you break your grip a tad to decock it. For me it’s well placed. I do like it’s location. Some people just need something to talk about I guess. Overall, perfect gun.

Love my P30 V3 9mm. After thousands of trouble free rounds I trust it implicitly. As a lefty, it’s one of the most ambi-friendly guns out there. Did a deep cleaning last week. Discovered the firing pin spring was broken. Don’t know for how long because the gun just kept running. A five minute phone call and $15 bucks later I have a new set of springs (all but the recoil spring) coming from Hk. So much for the reports of bad customer service. And yes I put the broken firing pin back in, in the meantime. And it still runs.

Not worried about the hammer drop "issue" ; if I'm dropping the hammer I'm probably going to re-holster it so I'll be breaking my grip anyway.

I think the thought process behind the slide mounted "hammer drop" and breaking your grip to activate it is that you are making the gun "safe" i.e. holstering the pistol. Therefore breaking your grip isn't an issue

I think most peoples issue with the magazine release is ignorance in how to use. It is not intended that you use your thumb to release. Use either your trigger or second finger on your shooting hand and it works fantastically!

Picked up a P30V3 in 9X19 a few weeks back. I already have 800rds through it and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites, the rear decocking lever notwithstanding. As far as the magazine release goes, I like the location on the trigger guard-but I have been shooting USP's since 1994 and am quite used to hitting the mag release with my trigger finger. Great video.

How the heck did we get through a 20min review on the P30 without mentioning John Wick??? Total fail ;) TD should be ashamed.....

it drives me nuts how people think that guns shouldnt be lubed before firing. It clearly states in most instruction manual to clean and lube before firing.

I have to say out of 27 pistols this is my absolute favorite it took me about three sessions at the shooting range to get used to the mag release and now I wish every gun was like this I absolutely love the mag release whether you use your index finger or your thumb I am so much faster which is kind of crazy to say but I will say they did this pistol right!!!!

I actually love having that ambi mag release! I'd rather all guns went to that style IMO...

I really like the reviews with you and Tactical Doodle keep them coming.

I have owned 7 of these HK p30 in V3 configurations. And now I have 2 that aren’t going anywhere I regret it every time I sell it. Hands down best 9mm poly gun ever made in my opinion

I'm a H&K fanboy simply because I'm left handed and their pistols are nirvana to me. Especially with the ambi slide release and paddle mag release. Currently looking for a nice deal on a P30L to go with my P30sk, VP9 and VP9sk. The ability to interchange magazines keeps me loyal to the brand.

Owned a P30L for a year and have over 2,000rds though it. NutN is right about the trigger pull and reset. Only had a couple of hiccups, FTFs only during brake in haven't seen any since. His rating is far. In my eyes I think its a 4 due to better accuracy. The decocker is different but not a deal beaker. Was lucky to get 4 mags free with purchase total of 6mags total cost $800. Value is a 5 for me. Reliability give it a 4. Trigger is a 3. Recoil is a 3.5 and cool factor a 4 it looks sweet. Accuracy a 4.5, Comfort is a 5, Sights is a 4. The most comfortable grip on a pistol so far for me. Everyone has different hands. Thanks Nutn for the review.

I love the paddle mag release on the H&K's. Found mine to be very intuitive even for a novice shooter at the time.

Great review - I would buy the P30 over EVERY gun out there - for me, it’s the absolute best.

Even later to the party than NF haha. I love my P30. I have the v1 light LEM, was nice stock but doing the grey guns short reset and flat face trigger made it amazing. Still my favorite pistol today.

I understand your point about the interchangeable grip panels. However, a few years back, I bought an FNS-9. The flat backstrap felt better to me. However, in checking my natural point of aim, the front sight always came up low. Switching to the rounded backstrap, the point of aim was dead on for me. I quickly got used to the feel of the rounded backstrap, and I LOVE the gun now. In my case, having the options made a significant for someone with average sized hands. Anecdotal, yes, but just my two cents...

On a night stand duty protecting my family since 2010. Two FTEs from about 2500 rounds, utterly dependable and tough as nails. No corrosion, no wear even after a number of snow and rainy outings. I have handled a lot of guns since I bought it, this would still be my first choice.

This is the only gun I've ever sold and regretted the decision. Thanks for this review. Need to get another one.

The LEM version (most commonly the V1 model in the US) address some of the quirks with the trigger and I feel is the better version of the P30 series. HK DA/SA triggers are far from being the best out of the box and the LEM provides a consistent SA-like trigger with the safety of a long initial (but much lighter)take up on the first shot. There’s no decocker as the hammer drops itself when you release the trigger, and the trigger weight is not heavy enough to make trigger flex an issue. Most shooters don’t understand the LEM trigger and think it’s a true DAO system - it is not. The mainspring remains fully compressed although the external hammer remains fully down. The initial long DA like trigger stroke is lighter because the only resistance you’re working against comes from the trigger return spring, hammer return spring, sear, and firing pin safety spring. The only time a shooter would have to deal with a full weight true DA pull is if the gun misfired on a live round and the slide didn’t cycle. Also edited to add - failure to lock back on the last round for many shooters is related to the large and convenient slide lock levers that can be accidentally activated by a high thumbs grip. The solution for me was to install the factory short levers (which are standard on the manual safety models). They stay just out of the way of my thumbs but are still accessible.

The MK 23 was only used for what is called "wet work" it did the job very well and is still my favorite 1911 style combat pistol. The P30 is a great self defense/LE/MIL pistols as well. HK is the only manufacturer (that I am aware of) that makes weapons with the possibility of handling a squib round without the weapons becoming a hand grenade.

Great review, I especially enjoy the reviews that TD is able to participate in. Means I am listening to a conversation, not just an extremely informative monologue.

Just bought my P30 last month ! First gun ever ! It's awesome :)

The trigger isn't all polymer, it has a steel reinforced insert I believe. I have two P30sk pistols in my rotation, D/S and the LEM, not to mention my USP compact and full size P30. I hope I'm not an H&K fanboy.

Always love TNP video's. I remember trying to figure out what my first gun was going to be back in 2015. I watched your video on the kel-tec su16 and I was sold. The day I turned 18 I picked one up from the local shop

My man shaquile o’neal says he ccw’s the mark 23 and needs a nutnfancy review lol

The light LEM trigger is amazing in these guns. No decocker shenanigans either.

Good location for a decocker. It’s a purely administrative act you perform usually before reholstering, so since you’re going to break grip anyway and are going to thumb the hammer as you reholster it’s a great place for it. It’s out of the way in a gunfight and perfectly located for a hammer drop.

So the final verdict was that all of you liked it for the most part, but would be unwilling to buy a new one today for $1,000 when you could easily get a Canik TP9SF or a CZ P-07/P-09 or a Walther PPQ. I totally agree with that assessment. It's good to see older pistols still out there getting it done. My main plinker/truck gun for years was a Ruger P95DC and I love hammer fired da/sa pistols. I still have it, but now I favor my CZ P-09 for use as my do it all handgun.

Talking about breaking your grip to activate decocker is really stupid You dropping jammer cause your done shooting and setting it back to double action so why is it a big deal !?!?!

I purchased a used P30 sk. I fired hundreds of rounds through it before I cleaned and oiled it(don't ask why). I've never had a jam. Never had it not lock open. Carry it every day. Awesome video as always! Thanks

The P30 can now be had under $600 new. That may change some folks' opinions. I think I want a P30L but I'd like to shoot one first.

Thank you for reviewing HK’s! I EDC my P30sk LEM and love it. In defense of my Mark 23, it’s the Porsche 959 of handguns. If you view it in those terms, it makes sense.

I have had my P30 for several years now, unfortunately it is usually left in the safe in favor of my P2000 and M&Ps, but it is undoubtedly a solid gun and is one of my favorites. Just wish the aftermarket support was a bit more favorable.

I carry my P30sk every day. Cleaned it while watching your video. Keep up the good work!

Just picked up my P30SL V3 3/2023 and the first shot I fell in love well worth the money I paid for it! You just don't know unless you've shot one.

I have had a p30 for 4 years. Around 8,000 rounds through it. I changed the sights, sent it off to have the trigger reset and weight reduced, and now I love it. Ergonomics are fantastic. Expensive yes, but shoots well, and controls are intuitive after some training. I shoot left handed (most of the time) and the decocker works more comfortably for me in my left hand than right

One of the first handguns i was exposed to that i shot well was an H&K P30. We were sighting in guns to prepare for a hunt, a guy had one and asked if i wanted to shoot it. A beer can was laying out at 40-50 yards and hit it 2nd shot. I was taken back and made a mental note of the gun. years later working in a pawn shop we had one come out for sale. I always loved the ergonomics and the reputation that H&K brings to the table. I was offered a chance to buy it for $450 flat and couldn't pass up the chance. I still love the gun and am looking at upgrading it but after beinfg around a lot of other guns its apparent that there are many guns that i shoot just as well that can be had for much less than what P30s run for. still I gravitate to the gun even with the sub par trigger, paddle mag release and slide mounted de-cocker, the gun flat out shoots. Its my bed side, truck gun and carry gun while my CZ P10c is off getting work done. My complaint about carry is there are very few AIWB holster for it but I dont mind the phylster floodlight holster for the Modlight PL350 i run on my handguns. Since i run the light and it wont add to the length i plan on trying the Parker mountain machine compensator. Ive heard really good things about the gray guns short reset trigger kits and they make a metal trigger to eliminate that trigger flex. I'm glad to see H&K caught up with the times and are now offering 17 round P30/VP9 mags. Hk parts also makes a magwell and figured id try that out as well seeing how I already conceal a gun thats laughably large. great review and many valid points made just wish John Wick didnt sky rocket the prices on all P30s because i would strongly consider picking up a P30L if they were in the $600-700 range.

Dont forget P30 came out first , then PPQ. then vp9!

H&K USP, and CZ family of pistols are still the best of the best imo. My local pawn shop has had a H&K P30 in OD Green, sitting on the shelf for awhile! Ive been eyeballing it since Dec 2017, but I ended up picking up a pristine Walther P99 instead!

HIK P30 SK Version 1 Lem trigger LE model Rocks. Best version in my opinion... Very good carry weapon. Tx for the great review.

The person who sold the P30 to me was the late great Todd G at pistol-training and his 100000 round torture test proved the platform as one of the greatest pistols ever made. I don't think anyone else has come close to his testing of the P30

I dig HK hammer fired guns. I’ll buy one eventually,

Dude your videos are educational and informative. I just got my 4th p30,not all at one time but in about 2 yr period. I usually dont comment but you deserve it for your hard work. Stay safe and prepared sir

I know this is an older video, but I love my P30, probably second in comfort in the hand next to my Walther PDP.

I had one of these in my hand at the gun store. I ended up wasting my money on a Para black ops. I should have bought a p30.

I've carried my h&k p30 for 2 years now, I've replaced all the springs to lighten the trigger pull (helps with the arthritis). I like the DA/SA instead of having a safety. I've put thousands of rounds through it and the only failure was the slide spring breaking. The gun still worked because the spring is flat and it just pushed against itself and still cycled the slide. By the way it's the first hand gun I ever purchased.

I carry a P30S and also have a P30LS, quirky guns but nothing you can't get used to with training. I love them both.

I would still love to see a Mark 23 full review. Even if it's a bad one would love to see a full once over on that pistol from you.

Love it when Doodle is in the vid.

P30 V3 is my favorite polymer pistol. thx for review.

P30SK, my EDC... best DA/SA Compact on the scene!

13:40 to be fair I think everyone around TD's age has experienced at least mild Pokémon addiction in the past.

Nitrocarburizing/Tenifer/Melonite/SBN is NOT a coating! It is a heat treatment process that diffuses nitrogen INTO the surface of the steel, making iron atoms unavailable to be oxidized - meaning no rust. The black color is an artifact of the process. Additionally, the outer skin (a couple .001s of an inch deep) is exceedingly hard, making it highly scratch resistant. NOT a coating. Much better!

I have a small handful of great pistols. 226 Mk25, CZ75 Stainless, Sig 1911 Extreme, G19, standard 226, had 228 and 229, M&P9f, etc. But my P30 I have had the longest of the ones I still have, and it has always been my "Go To". I shoot it the best by far. The trigger can be improved with springs and time/wear in (shouldnt have to, but its an option if it bothers you that much. Mine is totally acceptable). I have put Trijicon HD night sights on it. Love it. Outstanding pistol. 100% reliable for me and super accurate and ergonomic. The finish has worn gracefully and is super tough. Mine is a 2009 model. The slide release levers have turned bronzish within the first couple years. I love the mag release. I use my trigger finger. However!: My one complaint is mag capacity. Not that 15 isnt enough. Just...the mag is the same size as other companies 16-18rd mags! Why can Glock fit 15rds in a mag thats 70% the physical size of the P30 mag!? Why can MecGar/Sig fit 18rds in a mag the same size? CZ - 16rds - same size. The trigger flex bothers me too. I wish someone made an aftermarket solid metal replacement. GrayGuns where you at?! The reset isnt great either. Especially compared to a 226 with GGI P-SAIT + SRT. Now THAT is a great/super short reset!

Nice overall review. My only thought with the stovepipes and ftf's is that your friend who loaned it probably never cleaned the extractor, as many don't. Hammer out the roll pins from the top of the slide (inside out), barrel side pin releases the extractor. It's likely why the extractor's chamber indicator is stuck too. Simple fix.

Love the mag release on my VP9! Wish more guns offered the option.

(side note, the trigger is not polymer. It's polymer-over-metal, just like all HK hammer guns). I'm glad you've gotten around to the P30, but I think you really should try to get your hands on an a light LEM variant. Either P30, or USP. It's really the most unique thing about HKs, and what has turned me on to carrying them these past few years. I really think it might change your opinion of their hand guns if you put a few hundred rounds through one. P30 V1 if you can find it.

The late Todd Greene did an amazing write up which sold me. Great left hand pistol in LEM v1 for me. Love the big slide release on right side. Mine has no safety and decocker, real straight forward. All my friends hate it because the long trigger, but this does not bother me as it is for me. Upgraded to trijicon night sights, yea buddy very nice. Break in period took about 5-600 rds of 147 grain. Looking forward to vp9 purchase as mags are interchangeable.

Mothballed my Glocks in favor of the P series HKs. Bought 4 full size and 4 sub-compacts. With a bunch of HK mags it was an expensive change, but no regrets. Easy to fit different hand sizes, southpaw friendly, easy to shoot, super reliable and built like a tank.

I'm left handed and use my left middle finger for the magazine release. As this is the first pistol I've owned, I've gotten used to the decocker. I use my left thumb. As for the slide not locking back, I had that happen due to the placement of my left thumb being too high and holding down the slide release on the last round. A small grip change fixed the issue. I bought the gun due to the grip and have switched to the largest side and back straps as I have a large palm.

I have the P30, and USP plus 2 CZ 75’s. I don’t have problems with the reset. Great gun. Love these guns. Opinions, everyone has them. HK’s have a great reputation in the world and they have been making firearms for many year.

I've had a few P30s (SK and full size) and found the decocker location to be weird, at first. After a few times, I loved it. It's like the mag release, it take some getting used to, but once you do, you almost never want to go back. It actually makes sense since you can reach the hammer to cock it, if you so desire, so why not have the decocker in the same location. Too bad the trigger kinda sucks. It makes an adequate combat trigger, but my Sigs, CZs and Berettas all have better triggers out of the box.

I was between a VP9 and a PPQ. I was favoring the VP9 until I watched a Yankee Marshal review on it and he said the loaded chamber indicator reminded him of a “Horney Dog”.That’s killed it instantly. Love my PPQ.

I love my HK P30 and my HK45. The changeable back straps make it fit my hand like a dream

The adjustable grip IS useful to me. I have it on three of my guns and love the feature. The decocker is ambidextrous. If breaking your grip is an issue for you when decocking, you shouldn't be decocking your gun. Decock when the threat is over.

Still love my P30L. Have it over 9 years and it never ever failed once except 1 stove pipe on the first box I ever fed it. It shoots everything I feed it. Field strip is so easy, ergonomics with the changeable sides/backstrap. And btw I did change them..

It’s a great pistol, pops has had his for almost a decade now and shoots the piss outta’ her with me in the Mojave almost every weekend. Solid kit.

The P30 unfortunately won't be as cool to the gun buyers as the USP or Mark 23 until Solid Snake has used one. HK45 man here!

Are you guys new to hammer guns,showing reset in full double action,instead of single action?

You and doodle are still the only people I see shooting with their off hand index finger resting on the front of the trigger guard...still impressed that you two have mastered that grip lol...hope to continue seeing quality content thru patreon if not on comi-tube

I love the PPQ M1, HK style magazine release, I use my strong side middle finger to actuate the release. I wish more guns would use that style. I love the VP9, I had a PPQ M1, and sold it. I don't know if it was my PPQ but the trigger was way to light, I have been shooting for allot of years, and the PPQ is the only handgun I ever felt was unsafe. Both myself and my brother shoot every other weekend, we have for years, and we both had unwanted double taps, multiple times. I believe it was a combination of the ultra light trigger 2-3# and the reset on my was very short and hard to feel

More videos on the corvette please

The P30 is the gun from John Wick.

The P30L is going to be the nightstand gun as soon as a buy it. Thing kicks ass.

Got a P7M8 brand new in the box from a retired State Trooper who collected them back about 5 years ago, for $1600. Good luck finding one in good condition (M8 or M13) for under $3000.

I believe there was one aspect that you may have overlooked in that the trigger weight is completely different when empty vs. a round in the chamber.

The P30 was a "Muast Have" list Gun for me until 3 weeks ago. I was able to buy one for $550 from Aim Surplus and that price made it a must buy. Feels great in the hand and works great. The Trigger sucks, but that is fine for my needs. Im a part time collector, meaning I usually buy guns for specific uses, but I do buy guns like the P30 because of the "Cool" Factor. The version Aim has is equipped with a safety and is a Grey Frame. Wanted this gun for years but the price point was just too steep to justify.

Nice review. The P30 with LEM trigger was my first semi auto pistol. As a gun noob and leftie, the P30 offered 100% ambidextrous controls and the LEM trigger was great for dry fire without racking between trigger pulls. Also the P30 looks awesome and in my humble opinion, it seems a lot of semi's are taking design queues from it.

And as for the decocker, it shouldn't matter of you're breaking your grip to decock. If you're decocking it's the same as putting your safety on. Combat is over and you're getting ready to holster it. Your hand should be clear of the gun entirely within seconds after using it.

Was thinking of purchasing this. Have shot it several times. Feels good. Thank you for the review !

I love the decocker on the P series guns. You only need to decock when holster so what’s the beef?

Love my P30 Light LEM...and the paddle release.

have all, yes ALL the HKs (except Mark 23 but stalking one right now) and I would say my favorite is the P30, then USP .40, they just run like a swiss clock.

I carried this as a duty weapon. The decocker is where it is, so you can decock it without taking it out of the holster. And before anyone whines that you should do that when you load out before shift, yes you should...however if you just had a shoot, or you're at the range etc, it's a nice feature.

I really, really regret trading my HK P9S .45 ACP about 35 years ago. Today I watched one sell in auction for $3300. That's a lot of money! Thanks for your great review!

I have 2 HK'S THE P -30s .40 and P-30 .40 LEM love them both

Saved you the a-ha moment. Loaded Chamber indicator @ 14:28 minute mark 👍thumbs up... if you agree

LOL Make sure to load the magazines the right way! Thanks for the review.

I have the P30l and the HK45T both pistols have night sights and ambisaftey. Love these guns

When you buy a new P30 there are different grip plates for bigger and smaller hands included. Also you can buy it in 6 different trigger variations and also get variations with a safety catch that is used for hammer release.

You should make sure that any gun is oiled before using it. The de-cocker ideally pressed with your left thumb without breaking your grip.

I love my HK VP9SK. I have no plans to sell it.

Thanks for the review Nutn. I'm currently looking for something that may not exist. A double action, side mounted safety, a de-cocker anywhere but attached to the safety, a barrel longer than 4.5", and a squared off trigger guard. So far I've landed on the P30L, the Arex T1, and maybe a Taurus PT92 before they added the de-cocker feature. I think the only thing I don't like about this one is the flappy thingy mag release but I might be able to get past it. 😅 Another P250 in my collection would also be a welcome addition.

I own both the P30LS and the VP9SK. Both quality firearms accurate and reliable. I don't have a lot of handguns but in my safe resides the 2 HK's along with my CZ75B and CZ 2075 RAMI. My fave is the 75B safety only. The Rami is also safety only. like I said I am very comfortable carrying cocked and locked. Only problem I have with the P30 is the trigger. I plan on getting the GRAY guns trigger kit and changing out some springs. Other than that I love the ergonomics of the P30. Xtech tactical makes some nice 17 round mags that are almost flush and they also make 20 round mags or you can get the 5 round extension kit. I would say though in a shtf scenario I would be carrying my Canadian made para ordnance 14.45 with match grade barrel and all internals polished by me. 100% reliable and very accurate.

To clarify the de cocker position in what I call a standard p30 series of pistol (includes the .40s&w as well as hk45 handguns): it was designed for police use/issue (p for police) and when REHOLSTERING, your thumb can quickly flip around to that location, hit the decocker and then shift slightly again to feel the hammer in its de cocked position for reholstering. Generally in LE environments, there’s no need to decock until it’s time to reholster. For other purposes, recreational shooting perhaps, decocking can happen whenever you want and hk doesn’t engineer for recreational shooting as it doesn’t land big government contracts. It’s unfortunate some of the data points you guys were using don’t jive with the time line; the p30 was available in the US closer to 2009; I remember buying the first sold from a master dealer in California around then, serial number to match. Certainly not in 2006 when the p2000 guns were readily available. Also, comparing the vp9 to this as if the vp9 came first; the p30 and hk45 were the templates for those guns. Improvements from user feedback came and influenced what feels better in newer models and variants. Overall good review. Kinda confused why you wouldn’t clean and lube any handgun prior to a range trip but to each his own. Nice work.