Beretta PX4 vs HK P30L - Best Polymer Hammer Fire DA/SA Options?

Polymer Striker Fire guns are all the rage (and all the Sales). Metal Frame Hammer Fire guns started the semiauto handgun industry. But I think not enough people talk about POLYMER HAMMER FIRED guns - and these are two of the best options.
HK’s P30L and Beretta’s PX4 Storm.
What other DA/SA Polymer guns have missed?
Thanks so much for checking out my channel. If you could - would really appreciate it if you could like and subscribe.

[@stewbez]

I Have CZ P07 The HKP30 V3 and the PX4 storm Love all of them But The PX4 Storm Has Been my EDC for a better part of 3 years ! For me Its "The Gun"

[@CheeseBurgerXJ]

Hey I’m looking at the px4 vs Cz p07, is there any difference in recoil that you can tell?

[@stewbez]

CZ Has internal slide rails that leads to a flatter shooting pistol and low recoil and the PX4 has a rotating barrel has less perceived recoil ...see if you can rent and test at a range see whats better for you and go from there@@CheeseBurgerXJ

[@ricknorris3371]

I just started shooting a PX4 recently. Also love the P-07. Best description I can give you is that the recoil impulse is different. I don’t think the PX4 is necessarily softer shooting, but I think the recoil impulse is smoother than on the P-07, and maybe the rotating barrel design contributes to less muzzle flip. Honestly, both to me are a lot softer-shooting than the G19 they’ve replaced. Would def recommend shooting them both side-by-side if you can arrange that. The ergonomics are different enough that one may fit your hand a lot better than the other.

[@finalcountdown7658]

I also have a P07, P30, and PX4. The P30 is the more ergonomic and better built pistol fit and finish wise. It feels best in hand. The PX4 is the most unique design and is a tac driver. The CZ P07 is my least favorite and less impressive of the three.

[@ghost2690]

Love seeing current reviews in DA/SA guns!

[@settleschris1965]

PX4 is a fantastic shooting gun, great ergonomics and smooth carry. Only thing I changed is sights and decocker.

[@jimmymcclure4549]

I have the full size in .40. Love it.

[@settleschris1965]

@@ethanz3856 I think Trijicon, they were on the Beretta site.

[@settleschris1965]

Wrong LTT site.

[@brendann5584]

FN FNX 9mm is another option to consider. It’s often overlooked, but also features full ambidextrous controls like the P30. Might be worth looking into as a lefty.

[@nycjake3104]

Thanks for posting, enjoyed watching your video. I also wanted to go DA/SA, however, when I was learning how to shoot a handgun one of my instructors insisted that single action was the way to go ...because: "You are going to work twice as hard, only to go half as far with the DA/SA." Additionally, sinceI live in a state when civilian concealed carry permit holders are restricted to only two handguns.So as result, I never had the opportunity to learn to safely run a DA/SA handgun.

[@Clambelly]

Took you a few minutes to get warmed up and getting into the video, but the side by side comparison was excellent ! Thanks

[@randlecarr3257]

PX4 rotating barrel. So sweet I have full size in 40 and 9mm LTT CC. So nice!!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I just ordered my LTT CC!!!! Can’t wait to get it (will probably make a video). Do you love the LTT? Thank you for watching!!

[@randlecarr3257]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy of course!!!

[@dtcowlick]

Thank you!! Missed the first part--I'll replay later. Really appreciate your Balance. I am an HK Fanboy also. Your comments on the PX4 Storm tempt me to want to consider it: accuracy and comfort. I agree with you about the safety; slide mounted safeties just don't make sense to me; and I have a S&W 1006, but prefer the 1026 and 1076 even though they are not true safety-equipped pistols. Keep up the good work!

[@finalcountdown7658]

P30 > PX4 > P07. For a combat gun and longevity, HK handsdown. The P30 is extremely customizable from the grip panels, to having multiple trigger types (LEM, DAO, DA/SA, short or long LOP), and safety or no safety models. Also IMHO, the location of the decoker as well as the ambi paddle mag release is superior vs the American standard button release. The PX4's finish isn't great, it's grip isn't economic and hasn't been updated ever since it came to market back in 2004. The rotating barrel can bind and must stay lubricanted to be completely reliable. Other than that, the PX4 is a unique and great pistol that's a tack driver. It's barrel is also chrome lined for superior durability. The P07 is at the bottom of the list. It does nothing better than the P30 or PX4, there's nothing that stands out or is unique about it other than the inverted slide which CZ is know for; however, it's less surface area to get a grip on the slide. The polymer used on the frame seems like a lower grade vs HK offerings. There's nothing wrong with it otherwise and it's a good option but just not better or as iconic as HK or the Beretta PX4.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

excellent feedback. thanks for sharing and for watching my little channel!!

[@jeffkaminski6404]

I own the P30 as well as the PX4. I'm an admitted HK fanboy that also owns a USP in 9 along with a couple other HK pistols. Honestly, the PX4 is simply a better shooting firearms. The stock trigger is better than most, and the lack of texturing on the grip is not a factor when shooting. I wish I could say the P30 is better, but the PX4 wins every time. If I could only own one ....

[@michaelstjohn6086]

Fellow Arkansan, so much content, SUBBED!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thank you so very much!!!! Tell your friends…tell your neighbors…tell your friend’s neighbors!!! Trying by to grow my little channel. Seriously appreciate you!!!

[@billassande7628]

I've had two P07's, a Px4 compact, and 4 P30's over the last 8-9 years. All are decent out of the box, both my CZ's went to Cajun Gun works for Pro packages and were exceptional when they came back. I bought the Px4 Compact on a whim, and I liked everything about it but the OEM safety. I swapped to the Beretta Stealth style which I found were too low profile and difficult to use. I was on the verge of sending it to LTT but traded it for my first HK P2000. The HK P30 has a special place in my heart as I took my first shooting class with one back in 2006. It was a T&E pistol the instructor had from HK for an agency contract and was completely out of my budget at the time. I've since owned P30 & P30L v3's (traditional DASA) but I've since switched to the LEM variants. Of the three the Beretta has the best DA trigger out of the box, the HK has the best ergnomics and can be best tailored to a shooters hand, and the CZ is the best budget.

[@billassande7628]

There is one more polymer DA/SA that bears mentioning and that is the Taurus TH9 series. I'd been a steadfast Taurus hater for ages but they've really started making great improvements in the last 3 years. The current downside to the TH9 is the lack of aftermarket support (holsters, sights, etc) but Taurus just announced they are bringing a 45ACP model to the USA so that may be changing soon. Being the degenerate DASA/DAO that I am once I get my replacement Px4 I'm going to see if I can find an OD green TH9 to play with.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

P30 has a special place for me too as it was my first gun (that I bought). But man I am quickly digging the PX4!! Do you love the work from Cajun? Thinking of sending one of my 75’s down there!! Thank you for watching and for the awesome comments!!!

[@billassande7628]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy I'm probably going to sell my P2000 and pick up another Px4, it's one of the few I regret selling. I've had 3 CZ's that had the what CGW used to call their Defensive Carry package. The first was done by CGW and the other two were parts kits installed by a gunsmith friend as I wasn't super confident about doing it my self at the time. All had significantly improved DA pulls, shorter reset and very crisp SA break.

[@georgemhaylov7252]

​@@billassande7628definitely buy a PX4 but if you sell your p2000, you will regret it later.

[@3Pillers]

👍 Big fan of DA/SA. BIG fan of Beretta.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Like both. New to Beretta but quickly becoming an obsessive fan of the PX series. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@Ryfij]

I have the Beretta and I love it storm

[@jasonsosa1133]

I carry P30 H&K it not for everyone one, it not hard to learn but most people don't like learn any DA/SA Gun I think that great guns.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Agree w you 100%! Thank you for watching!!

[@jbladesedc]

The px4 is the easiest to work on without a gunsmith in my opinion. The Sig 2022 is the most common polymer framed da-sa sig I know of

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I’ve gotta check out a 2022 one day. I don’t l is that I’ve ever seen one on local stores. Thanks for the comments and for watching!!!

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Paachmeyer makes a excelent grip for the PX-4. I love it.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Will check them out! Thanks for the info and THANKS for watching!!

[@nicholasschrader9161]

no one ever talks about one more safety on the px4 . I have one. the trigger. if someone tries to get your gun , your finger fits behind the trigger, so in a struggle get your finger behind the trigger and you have a way better grip on the gun and that trigger can never be pulled to fire the gun

[@just2cool4u100]

True. I recognized this on mine also. Does seem as if it was designed this way because of the spacing behind the trigger.

[@oleboy7615]

HK all day, no question.

[@georgemhaylov7252]

Let me guess, you have never shot a px4. Better quality of the parts doesn't mean a better design.

[@oleboy7615]

@@georgemhaylov7252 I have, actually. Owned a PX4 compact 9X19 and loved it. Damn fine pistol! HK is just better.

[@finalcountdown7658]

​@@georgemhaylov7252I too own a Px4, a P07, and a HK P30sk and P30. HK is better overall

[@georgemhaylov7252]

@@finalcountdown7658 I own p2000, which is almost identical to p30. Also have gray guns flat trigger and short reset, which made it much better than the stock. The HK is nicer and the quality of the materials is better. However, the Beretta is just the better shooter for half of the price. If you are keeping your guns in a safe, I see your point and I agree with you.

[@finalcountdown7658]

@@georgemhaylov7252 There are MANY features that make the P2000 and P30 two different guns with different shooting experience. The barrel length and overall length, hight, sight radius, grip panels, different mag release, etc. The P2000 is closer to the USP vs the P30. Obviously have not held or fired a P30; furthermore, I can assume that I shoot more than you do as I didn't require appropriately $200 in parts to be able to shoot my P30sk and P30L well and extremely accurately like you have. I didn't need an aftermarket trigger. Next, I've own over 100 firearms and have had experience shooting a variety of different platforms with different ergonomics and triggers. I own Beretta 92s including 92x Performance with it's frame mounted safety, 3 APXs, and a Px4 Inox Compact. I own multiple CZs from Shodow 2, a couple of P01s in different trims, steel frame CZ 75 Compact, P07, CZ Bren, and CZ Scorpion. What I'm getting at is I'm basically am NOT a fanboy of any one manufacturer, and I own more CZs and Berettas than I do HKs. With that said, I have fired and have experience with the Beretta PX4 Compact and PX4 subcompact (my girlfriend owns). The HK P30 is the better buy, with better features, ergonomics, fit and finish, durable components, and all around the better more proven pistol, platform, and combat/duty gun. Last, the PX4 Storm is NOT half the price of a HK P30. That is misinformation. The PX4 is $550-$650 right now online and the P30 is $650-$900 online. Each can be found online within $100 apart on the low end. I little over $600 shipped for my P30sk V1.

[@CesarChavez-bn6iv]

I own a p30s v3 9mm 17rd & a P30sk V3 9mm definitely will add a P30L 9mm V3 & a P2000sk V3 9mm & USP45 V1 & HK45 & HK45C I’m definitely considering a PX4 9mm compact & subcompact in the near future as well

[@cecilkintner4674]

I have all the guns you mentioned. However my px4 and p30 are Langdon Tactical models. Having shot both in stock configuration, the Langdon option is well worth the $. I also have the p07 and p09 with threaded barrels, as I am waiting on approval for the suppressor.

[@seandurns110]

I’ve got several P30s and PX4s, all from Langdon. And I’ve had several CZP07s, all upgraded Cajun Gun Works. All are great hammer fired options. Results will vary, of course, but for me my favorite of the three is the P30-I shoot it the best and as a longtime striker fired shooter, I found the LEM trigger system and ergos to be more natural. I’d probably put the PX4 second & the P07 last-purely because my trigger finger would get rubbed raw on the inside trigger guard of the CZ (just my hands and my grip). That being said, the PX4 was the softest shooting, followed by the P07; the P30 definitely had more recoil than the other two. All are great. But for cost it’s really hard to beat a used P07, getting a CGW kit in it and getting it milled (unlike some other CZs you can mill it for larger RDS w/out using plates). Hard to go wrong with all three.

[@brianshuler6951]

I have the PX4 full size and the HK USP compact. I consider them virtually equal. The PX4 has the edge in overall shootablity after installing Talon Grips. The HK is slightly better for concealment. I want to try the CZs, but I haven't had access to one yet.

[@LOMROB]

I have a P30 V3, I like it but don't shoot it enough. My LTT PX4 Compact is just awesome! Sent it off to get milled for a red dot. The PX4 imo is a better shooting pistol. I swapped out my low profile levers for 92 style levers and so much better now. The PX4 Compact is also much more comfortable to carry.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I can’t wait to get my LTT Compact Carry. Probable have at least 5 more weeks of waiting!!!! Thank you for checking out my channel!

[@jackbauer9077]

Great comparison! I’m 100% in agreement with you on liking and carrying da/sa pistols just feels a little safer being able to put thumb on hammer. I too am HK fan boy, like the P30, but let it go bc I couldn’t shoot it as good. I have/like P30sk LEM model, great little gun. But as for carry I prefer the HK usp compact 9mm, it’s my favorite ccw pistol (hence the name Jack Bauer) but I finally broke down and am getting into PX4 world and joining the storm club. The compact will probably become my ccw, and will have to get me a full size, I might even get a LTT model if I really love them. I hate that the DA/SA market is drying up, so many great new guns out there but fear in 10 years in will all be striker fired with few 1911’s and and M9 and 226 being all that will be left of da/sa guns.

[@michaelblesi6777]

Bought a SAR B6C in June, it's a CZ clone, shot pretty good. Bought a CZ P-07 in December, Absolutely my number one goto winter EDC now.

[@sethrad8626]

Solid review…I’ve owned a LTT PX4. Loved it…except it wasn’t ambidextrous enough. I actually shoot and train ambidextrously. I rig my guns for left handed. Whenever I shot right handed, I was dropping magazines regularly. It’s not necessarily a problem with this gun, but all guns with button style mag releases. They only work the way they are set up. With the HK paddles in my VP9’s I’ve never dropped a mag, not even once. The paddles work full ambi. That said, I’m waiting for delivery of a LTT P30 due in this weekend. From an ergonomic perspective, I see this as a slightly smaller hammer fired VP9, and I love my VP9s. Agreed that the VP9 is in a class all it’s own.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thank you so much for the kind words, awesome feedback and for watching!! Love LOVE how lefty friendly HK is for sure. I've just discovered another brand that is 100% ambi (even mag release) - Grand Powers are all ambi - AND have the same rotating barrel as the PX4. Great triggers out of the box also. Good to check out if you ever see one (there is a video comparing some place on my channel). THANK YOU AGAIN for watching!!

[@randallbowman7899]

I have the Iwi Jericho enhanced i got it to go with my Jericho 941 steel frame. I am going to add a h&k p30 as soon as I can, Love hammer fired

[@MatteoFitness]

y

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

For a budget hammer fired polymer da/sa, check out the Taurus TH series. Excellent guns for half the cost of most double action hammer guns. Taurus just released the TH45, a double stack 45acp. Rumor has it they’re soon going to release the TH10, a 10mm option. Can’t wait.

[@finalcountdown7658]

It's trash compared to the P30, Px4, and P07. The CZ P07 and Beretta PX4 can be had for $50 +/- more than the Taurus TH. Taurus handguns aren't duty, L.E., or military grade handguns. They are casual 1st World gun owners who are on a budget thus can never afford to put several thousands of rounds through it.

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

@@finalcountdown7658 I agree with you but I wouldn’t call them trash. The guns you listed are in a higher tier of quality for sure but for a sub $300 gun the TH series are hard to beat. And yes they aren’t duty grade but more for the average Joe who just wants something for personal protection. I’ve always wanted a Cz p07… someday I’ll get one if I find a used one at my local shop.

[@ResplendentRaider]

I own the P30 and will never get rid of it. Just got both P01 and P07 and so far so good. Debating between adding the P30SK or the PX4 Storm

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

PX4 PX4 PX4!!!! (: Although I JUST dropped a video on the PX4 Subcompact that has recently been discontinued!!!!

[@nvhs1]

Ltt px4c has been my carry for the last five years and for me it disappears and my family who knows I'm always carrying forget on how it hides in me. Shoot amazing when I first was considering it everyone said it shot like the full size and I called bs till my first range trip. I am looking hard at potentially changing my carry to an ltt p30/p30sk.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I have a LTT CC in order at this moment. AND considering sending my P30 to them for a trigger job. Great guns both but LTT seems to make great even better!! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@BobbieJuanKenobi]

CZ P-09 seems like a good fit for the hammer-fired polymer pistol catergory.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

It does!!! Want one - just have not picked one up yet. Also love those inverted rails. Will get one soon I hope!! Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!!

[@scooter5940]

I had smaller versions of both of these guns. The P30SK, in DA/SA which I got from Langdon Tactical, replaced my PX4 Compact Carry, which was evolved in conjunction with Langdon (though it was not from Langdon, so no trigger job which would have been nice) and was pricy but I had bought on sale. The Compact Carry has a number of upgrades over the base compact, including a better trigger, flatter decocker, some better sights, etc. Both of the firearms were decocker only with no safety. What can I say? Both excellent firearms. I shot the Beretta really well, but it was just bigger and heavier than I wanted to carry (that’s just my preference - not saying it’s not concealable) and their subcompact did not appeal to me. Langdon really improved the trigger on the HK, to the extent it was lighter and smoother than the Beretta, and with a shorter reset - but again my Compact Carry did not have the LTT trigger job. I don’t have experience with the Sig SP2022 but that is similar to the Beretta in size, I think. I have a Sig 229 Legion, which of course has a metal frame, and Sig makes a great DA/SA firearm. Can’t go wrong with any of these. People rave about CZ but I just can’t yet add another one of these to the collection. Really can’t go wrong with any of these. PS. I see you have a Compact Carry on order with LTT. Wish I had got my Compact Carry from them as it would have made a good gun great. If it’s anything like the 92 and the P30 SK I have from Langdon, you are gonna love it. The actions are like butter.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

This is my favorite comment/info of all!!!! Have been thinking SO hard about sending either or both of my P30's (L and SK) to Langon!!! I love the guns but really don't like the trigger. Sounds like you are happy with Langdon's work on the HK's!!! I'll get a video up on my LTT PX4 as soon as it comes in!!!! I. Can't. Wait! than you for watching and the super comments!!!

[@BERSERKERNA39]

I have the P30 V1 LEM trigger.

[@oshagnificent314]

There are no optic options for P30 to my knowledge. VP9 they do.

[@lizzyhardin6763]

Where did you get your Px4 compact? I’m in the market for one

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

My Compact (Compact Carry) I ordered from Langdon Tactical. It’s an 8 week wait - still waiting. Most other gun stores should be able to find the compact fairly easily. The subcompact has been discontinued though / they are impossible to find!

[@johnhoffman5844]

Sig 2022 I believe

[@petertomko2060]

P30l is longer due to being the long slide model.

[@randlecarr3257]

CZ tough to beat also

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Have. To. Pick. One. Up. SOON. Thanks for planting that seed - and thanks for watching!!

[@silverjohn4319]

The beretta will look worn on the slide after a while NEEDS BETTER COATING OR SOMETHING

[@billassande7628]

That is true, the finish is not great.

[@randlecarr3257]

I don’t mind.

[@jameshall3339]

P07 over both. Price, reliability and cost.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I have to pick up a P07. Massive CZ fan already. Will get one soon. Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@ResplendentRaider]

Two weeks ago picked up my first CZ ever (P01) and yesterday got the P07😁

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

@@ResplendentRaider sounds like new CZ fan!!! I am one!

[@kevinnewberry1116]

H&K to me means Hype & Kost. You definitely want to compare the CZ P-09 to the P30L. Or a P-07 to the Storm, although not quite apples to apples with the P-07 being a compact while the Storm has a full size frame and 4" barrel. If the Storm had a 4.5" barrel option, it would be more relevant to me personally, but IIRC, there is a smaller frame version of the Storm. You pay what, $800+ for an HK DA/SA poly-frame and for that you get a mediocre trigger? Then there are the CZ clones like the Tanfoglios, formerly the Witness from EAA and others that have a safety option ALWAYS overlooked by every KZbin gun reviewer I've ever watched. Yep, that includes the big dogs. With the Slide fully retracted you can put the manual safety in the "Safe" position, insert a loaded magazine and charge a round into a pistol already made safe. This doesn't apply to CZs, but it does for the clones of the CZ 75 like the Tanfoglios or the clones of the Tanfoglio like the Sarsilmaz variants with manual safeties and maybe the IWI Baby Eagles/Jericho ? Since these pistols have a half-cock intercept like CZ's Decocker models, and a firing pin safety that works in reverse of most, and more friendly to the trigger pull, it's easier and safer to lower the hammer to half-cock and completely safe to carry in that mode, which like the CZ P-01/75 BD and others, the first pull distance in DA is reduced by nearly half. Most decocker pistols drop the hammer down to the slide or even against it with the firing pin having been retracted forward as the decocker lever was rotated. For my $, CZ designed the best decocking system of all. And the CZ clones that have the half-cock option with a manual safety really give you 3 options: DA, Cocked and locked, or safety OFF with the hammer at half-cock. Tell your friends!

[@oleboy7615]

If that is what HK means to you then you admittedly acknowledge you don’t know HK.

[@scooter5940]

⁠@@oleboy7615in fairness, it’s a pretty common perspective that the HK trigger is a weak point. But does HK justify the price tag? Absolutely.

[@oleboy7615]

@@scooter5940 HK makes combat weapons, not race toys, and those who think all guns are supposed to have race triggers or they suck don’t have a clue. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@finalcountdown7658]

HK has better fit and finish, it's build quality is better, it's more robust, and unlike it's competitors, HK does NOT use MIM parts and components. They use stronger and more durable forged parts instead of a bunch if polymer and MIM. As far as the trigger is concerned, they are duty weapons with duty grade triggers that are fully capable in the person behind the trigger is. The problem is that a bunch of gun owners who can't shoot well, lack skill, and lack trigger control need competition and target grade triggers to hide and mask their short comings. HK pistols are the only polymer DA/SA pistols that have a long vetted history of law enforcement and military use as well.

[@finalcountdown7658]

​@@oleboy7615Exactly... They are combat and duty guns with a like trigger. It's typically those who can't afford nor have much experience with HK handguns who are bashing them to make themselves feel better

[@jimmymcclure4549]

I own both a Beretta PX4 Storm and a HKP30 and a CZ-P07. They are all great hammer fired polymer guns. I do not own a Sig as I have been issued one in the past and in my opinion none of them would stand up in quality to either of the three I just mentioned. I do find as someone who has carried both Single/double action and Stiker fired guns as a LEO that I prefer a striker fired gun for that purpose. Of the striker fired guns I hands down prefer the Glock line. My two favorite hammer fired polymer framed guns in my experience are the HK USP and the PX4, the next two in order would be the HK P30 and the CZ P-07.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I want to pick up a P-07 one day!! Thank you so much for watching!!

[@jimmymcclure4549]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy I like mine so much I really looked for a full size P-09 in .40 and just couldn’t find one. My P-07 is in 9mm and I like it in 9