pistol-training.com is extremely proud to announce our 2009 50,000 round endurance test:
The Heckler & Koch P30
What happens when you take the reliable & established HK P2000 platform and infuse it with lessons learned from developing a next-generation military pistol like the HK45?
You get the P30, combining state of the art technology and ergonomics with proven functionality, safety, and performance.
While many people mistakenly assume that Glock was the first company to produce a polymer framed handgun, that innovative step actually belonged to HK with the VP70 almost forty years ago. The same is true for striker fired pistols, with the HK P7 being the first modern example of that design.
The 9mm P30 is the (slightly) big brother in HK’s P2000 series. With a 3.86″ barrel and 15-round capacity, the gun fits in between the typical definitions of a “compact” and “full size” pistol. Unloaded weight (w/magazine) is 26oz.
Yesterday , the test gun arrived from HK’s facility in Columbus, GA. After a quick photo session and a little Militec-1 for lubrication, it was off to the range. One thousand rounds so far. Detailed updates will be posted once a week on what we’re calling P30 Thursday. Check back on the 7th to see how the gun performed during its first week.
Initial accuracy was outstanding. Unlike previous accuracy tests, because there are no Crimson Trace Lasergrips available for the HK P30, everything had to be done with the standard sights. Nonetheless, the average of five 5-shot groups at 25yd was 1.92″ using Speer 124gr +p Gold Dot. Group size was incredibly consistent, ranging from a best of 1.70″ to a worst of 2.09″.
pistol-training.com extends its sincerest thanks to the folks at Heckler & Koch for its participation in this year’s test.
(and before you ask, yes we know the cartridges are in the magazine backwards … it’s an HK joke)
Train hard & stay safe! ToddG
Excellent! I’ll be following this endurance test very closely. Do you know if CT has any plans to make grips for the P30?
This is one of my favorite hand guns… well… ever made? The ergonomics are incredible and I LOVE the LEM trigger. This is really cool you are testing it out – can’t wait to see how she holds up. The pistol range I work at has at least 30K rounds through our rental gun (DA/SA trigger) with no parts replacements so far, I expect this one to do just as well in a more controlled environment.
will this be your edc for the duration of the test?
MW – No Lasergrips at this time, unfortunately.
David – as soon as I get my holsters and night sights this will become my new carry gun.
nice dude, got the joke, sigh, that was a funny screwup. Looking forward to your tests on this gun. What’s the ammo going to be?
Todd
Looking forward to the reports. I’ve owned the P30’s older. bigger brother (H&K USP .45) for several yers now and it’s my go-to pistol. Interesting to see how this hold up compared to the M&P.
Rob E — Ammo will be a mixed bag, mostly from ATK.
da6d — I know the USP45 works great for you. But your hands are the size of my car. 8)
Todd,
I know the ammo for the last test was predominately blazer. Do you have a cost basis for it? I think it would be interesting to compare year to year.
This is an incredible undertaking. Both time and money invested. Thanks for doing it again.
Next year can we try the PX4 storm? I really need a reason not to buy one.
Todd,
Have you given though to installing the combat competition trigger in the LEM? It is an incredible upgrade to the normal trigger and feels like you have a nice 4# trigger that happens to have 1.5# of quick takeup.
I’m excited to see you test the HK. I have high expectations for it, as my USP’s have been some of the most reliable guns I’ve ever used, carried, and shot in competition.
A
Chris K — Since the ammo is delivered as part of the test requirement, the cost isn’t something we have to deal with. Sorry I can’t answer that question. As for the next test, we haven’t really started thinking about that yet. We’re still in Week One of this year’s! 8)
Aaron — The P30 will be set up as a V4, which is the middle weight. The light LEM trigger has a reduced power trigger spring, which makes for a lighter pull but not as fast a reset. Managing a 6-pound trigger shouldn’t be a challenge for anyone.
I noticed the light return as well. I have my duty guns set up with the light and my competition with the heavy … ironic. I may end up switching them back to the heavy for that very reason. Need to do some testing of my own, it seems!