HK VP9 vs P30 - If You Could Only Choose One

[@johndilday1846]

I recently got a chance to handle a HK45, and liked it so much I chose a P30L to get a 9mm hammer fired pistol. I had never held an H&K pistol before, and really loved the ergonomics. I have lots of striker fired guns, but in my old heart of hearts, I am a DA/SA guy. I began shooting DA when I was a young man, and am so used to it, although when I was a police officer I was restricted to Glocks. Now that I am retired, it’s DA/SA again for me. Enjoyed the video.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Appreciate the thoughtful comments and kind words. Thank you so very much for watching!!!!

[@brudy6021]

I went with the P30SK DA/SA for many of the reasons you mentioned. I just feel safer with the long first trigger pull and since I carry appendix, I was never keen on carrying striker fire. The only drawback for me was that I have always trained with red dots and my old eyes aren’t so great with iron sights. I found a system by Meprolight that makes it red dot compatible without needing custom slide work. At first I had reservations using this set up because of high sight over bore, but once i dialed everything in, it is wicked accurate. Also easier to conceal that I thought. I got rid of all my striker fire pistols except for my PDP. I can’t bring myself to part with that one. Given HK’s reputation for quality and reliability combined with the peace of mind I get with the DA/SA with de-cocker, I think I made the right choice. Thanks for the video!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Fantastic feedback!!! Thank you for sharing that AND for watching!!

[@Dirtywhtboy87930]

How does the Walter PDP stack up to the P30 and why? I’m actually looking at both right now to check out.

[@Zedek_PhD]

“My H&K basement” That phrase put a smile on my face 😂👍 Excellent overview my friend

[@plamenstoychev2158]

You can also change the side panels on the VP9. I have three VP9s and one P30. I definitely prefer the VP9 but I may buy a new P30L.

[@willnewberry3514]

I prefer dasa also. Had a vp9 just didn't feel safe enough, picked up the p30 and well satisfied. Great guns

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I love my VP9 but just don't carry it. Also feel WAY after with a hammer. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@kevinli9035]

Yeah I guess you mean when carrying…vp9 is still a perfect option for home defense/having fun at range though

[@Packard1947]

I like the USP series of pistols the best especially the expert .

[@markwood4267]

Just purchased the P30 sk w/ LEM trigger. I looked at the VP9 as well.

[@mikegurv1818]

P30 with light LEM trigger is the best. Great choice. Lucky guy.

[@mattmurphy7030]

I love the LEM trigger. I got it on the USPc, my P30 is DA/SA unfortunately

[@mikegurv1818]

My P2000 is LEM, P30 which is coming tomorrow, it's DA/SA. I'll be comparing triggers with my other one.@@mattmurphy7030

[@theguyinmaine]

good choice. I had a v3 but couldn't get used to the de cocker. Love the LEM, not crazy about striker fired.

[@Stormtrooper_Accuracy]

Underrated channel.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

You made my year! THANK YOU for the kind words and for watching!

[@jimmihshs]

Excellent video, man. I ended up going with the P30 (P2000 for cc) because I really like DA/SA. I know there's a bit of a learning curve, but it just feels great and I think learning to shoot DA is a great tool for any shooter.

[@jimmihshs]

Also, you got a new sub from me! Keep it up!

[@mikey5848]

You can adjust the side pannels on the VP9 as well not just the P30

[@williamsaldanah3554]

Just bought a VP 9 in fde that looks completely different then the video, and got the SK model to carry. They are nothing like glocks and reset is amazing. I own multiple Glocks

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Maybe they’ve updated them!! I’ll have to check that out. Thank you so much for watching!!

[@thepatriotsrock2]

I got the VP9 in Urban Gray & put Black Side Panels. Added Viridian C5L laser/lite combo. It was dead on out of the box

[@dcs0113]

I have the p30.....almost the most comfortable, ergonomic pistol i ever owned.....aside from my 1918 luger 9mm.....awesome guns

[@preacherman85379]

I carry. P30s. I put the safety on and still put my thumb over the hammer when I holster it, then i take it off safety. I have a P30skS, P30S and a P30LS. I love the P30 platform. I have competed with the LS and carry one of the other 2. A HK45 is my bed side gun.

[@VincitOmniaVeritas7]

You can change the side panels on the VP9 too. At least I can on my VP9 Tactical (pre optics cut version).

[@marvinprietos3141]

I carry the p30l v3 with the gen 2 compensator. Such a great gun

[@tsim4139]

Of course the P30, I own the P30 compact and have shot the VP9 many times and will buy one in the future. I have over 10K rounds in my P30 with no failure and with all types of ammo and don't let me bring up the accuracy. Awesome gun, love H&K!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@eaglerye]

Gotta also think about the double strick capability. Id worry more about ammo not working more that the gun itself. Especially an hk. So, think of that when u make a choice.

[@imstevemcqueen]

I'm perfectly fine with factory triggers on P30. I think ppl that make triggers get stuff started on the internet about triggers in general

[@tmaddrummer]

I really like them both, but if I had to pick one over the other, for me it's the P30. Thanks and Blessings!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thank YOU so much for watching and commenting!!

[@J1Z06]

VP9 all the way. Almost bought a P30 once. I didn't like the trigger. I have a 4" VP9 and an optics ready VP9L which I don't shoot as well as the standard model. I'll work on that. I like the action to be the same every time.

[@mikethegrey9476]

I own a p30 ls gonna get some gray guns parts, but I’mma buy a vp9 soon too.

[@johanbruinsma8243]

i have a VP9 that i use in competition , never had a issue with it. i must say , mine is quite picky on what ammo i use in it , with 115 grain S&B rounds it is great , with a heavier bullet it is a bit less accurate. could just be me but mine works best with a lighter round.

[@jamesotis4310]

I didn’t care nothing about HK. Had reliability issues from them before seeing a lot of videos with reliability issues. My stuff usually gets really filthy. Yes, I clean it but sometimes crawling through sand you can’t help it but accuracy of the HKVP9. I fell in love with I really want the 30 so bad transitioning from Glock to hk makes you think why the hell did I ever have a Glock?

[@AlmightyRodga]

New vp9sk that’s optics ready and has 15 rounds. Both are fantastic though, can’t go wrong with either!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

True!! First world problem!! Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@mma709]

I am getting a HK in a couple of weeks. My FFL has the p30L and the VP9, for the same price, the man difference the VP9 comes with 5 mags

[@lukaszimmermann2215]

I absolutely love my USP45 Tactical, for me the best full size combat handgun ever made. Between P30 and VP9 i take the P30ls LEM. I like manual safetys.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Agree about that USP!!! Thank you for watching!!

[@mikegurv1818]

I have an opportunity to get P30 LEM. Would you recommend that over VP9?

[@lukaszimmermann2215]

@@mikegurv1818 Yes. Both are verry similiar, i like hammer fired guns more.

[@kevinli9035]

Spent almost $900 for a vp9 w/ night sights to replace Canik mete sft. Didn’t regret it it…somehow I just shoot best in this pistol. And it’s fun that even the non-night sight version has a different trigger pull as the night sight one, and the latter is much smoother and crisper

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

An Hk can’t even be mentioned in the same sentence as a Canik. Canik is the Harbor Freight of handguns. Junk.

[@tiger40cal]

Couldn’t choose one so I brought both Out of the four HK Firearms I own next will probably be a USP 45 even had to get the HK 91 clone PTR

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I like the way you think!!! ( I did too!). How do you like the PTR? Have been thinking about picking one up. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@Dirtywhtboy87930]

Triggers are what make you a better shot. If you got a long spongy trig, good luck with accuracy… My USP LEM is sweet! Love that trigger action! That’s why I tossed all milspec triggers and replaced them with Geissele SSA-E in my AR’s

[@PatriotSteve]

As good as the USP is, the ergonomics of these two guns are inarguably better. Therefore, considering the P30 will fire every time and it’s 300 dollars cheaper - it’s P30 for me.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Think that is an excellent call!! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@DIYDad1]

Great comparison you really can't go wrong with either of them. I think the die hards will tell you the hammer HK's are built better or whatever. Honestly I know guys with tens of thousands of rounds through the vp9 and it's been great. I don't have one yet however so I choose the P30L.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I’m usually a hammer guy but I can’t not choose that VP9. Fantastic shooter!!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@a1phamalestud]

Does your p30 have a decocker in the safety like a usp

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

It has a decocker but it’s on the back of the slide. Thanks for watching!!

[@chrisrepine3489]

I have a couple P30L’s both LEM (9 & 40/357 Sig),a USP40 and a HK45. I sold a VP40 to another Soldier a couple months ago because I prefer hammer fired HKs.

[@tomilove3856]

I think I’d have to choose the VP9L Optics Ready

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

VP9 is crazy good gun!!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@BodhiSurfer1991]

what are your thoughts about the steyr l9 and lem, isn't that just a da/sa?

[@illinoisinc1973]

Thank you for the great info

[@vernmaas3609]

Lov my Beretta px4 hammer fire. The vp9 is an extremely good fire arm

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Funny you say that. I discovered PX4 after making this video and it has become my favorite!! Fantastic shooter!! Thanks for watching!!

[@vernmaas3609]

I have the g model in 40 cal and really like

[@tims1415]

VP9 Tactical no complaints and very doubtful I ever will.

[@TrollMeister-s6n]

P30, specifically the P30sk! Also, HK45C...

[@OLMmedic]

I have both but if i had to choose, its my p30sk

[@startrek889]

I bought P30.

[@wazrokk6626]

P30sk is my preferred

[@randyreviewsit]

for me I have both, but the vp9's are probably getting rehomed.

[@aricpatterson5575]

I got all three with lem trigger in sup and p30l

[@terrystelzer8685]

I have both love them equally

[@Edgy01]

I have both. I have several HK pistols. The P30 trigger is the worst I have ever handled. You know nothing about HK suggesting that the HK USP is “the iconic” pistol to establish their reputation. Go back a decade earlier. Try P7 or the P70

[@mattmurphy7030]

I’ve never even heard of the P7 or P70, meanwhile the USP is featured in countless media (games, movies) and has been iconic since it came out until today.

[@Catgat37]

​@@mattmurphy7030P7 and VP70. VP70 was the first polymer pistol ever and it was Leon's gun in Resident Evil. The USP is a damn fine gun, but it came about because of the MK23 which is arguably more Iconic than the USP. But if we really wanna talk about the most Iconic firearm in media.....HK MP5

[@charleshonaker2738]

VP9 all the way. The first DA shot with a hammer fired pistol was always a little off for me. Thank goodness for HK. I have the VP9 and the VP40. Now if they only made a striker fired .45ACP.

[@charleshonaker2738]

Agreed. @@escapedfromnewyork

[@Cory-ir4pz]

I like the vp9 but I kinda want both.

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

P30 hands down. Lem trigger Grayguns mod, $720 all in then ada/sa longslide with srt and grayguns trigger as well mates it feel like aSIG 226 trigger with srt function

[@hummerfan8889]

Vp9. Awesome trigger

[@johnchristopher20]

I have a P30, a HK45 and 2 USP 9 pistols. The answer is the Walther P99 AS. It has the paddle mag releases and the same double strike capability as the HK LEM, but in striker, not hammer firing. Better trigger than any HK and better feeling grip.

[@mikegurv1818]

P99 is a beautiful gun. I own PDP compact and like the feel of P99 better.

[@edt8535]

I have a P30sk and a VP9sk. I love them both, and overall I like the P30 better, but the VP9 has the most incredible ergonomics I have ever felt. And yes, I love the full sized USP, too. Important clue: HK fanboy here!

[@TactiCali27]

I hav the P30 V3. I want a VP9 tho!

[@jasonsosa1133]

H&K P30 it a go to war gun.

[@Forkliftpete]

I need that hat ! 😂

[@janliving4Him]

LTT P30sk w/grey guns short reset trigger 💪

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Do you have one???? Thinking of sending either my L or SK for that exact trigger!! Do you love it??? DA/SA or LEM? Thanks for watching by the way!!!

[@gracedagostino5231]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy I have a HK 2000SK LEM, and had a gunsmith install the Grey Guns Short Reset Trigger. What a difference! The only thing I didn't like about the LEM was the long reset, as I was used to shooting Glocks with the short reset. Now my LEM has the short reset of a striker fired pistol, but with the better pull of the hammer fired LEM.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I prefer hammer-fired pistols, so I obviously prefer the P30.

[@daydreamers8254]

i have to ask if you're wearing contacts cuz your eyes look unreal - idk if its the camera or what but i've never seen blue eyes with so many black circle dots in the blue. if its from some kind of visual impairment, my bad, it's just my curiosity. originally clicked for the reason stated in the title (VP9 vs P30L but this seems to be just the P30) i wish H&K's weren't so expensive but i'm assuming that means they are reliable. how much more reliable are these compared to Glocks? or does Glock 9mm pull ahead? i only ask because i MUCH prefer the H&K P30 model as well as the VP9 compared to all Block Glock models.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thanks so much for watching!!! Didn't mean to feature way more P30 than VP9. Love both... and I normally prefer hammer fire DA/SA over striker fired - but between these two - I shoot the VP9 better.... it's a great gun. Funny you mention VP9 vs Glock because I'm doing a comparison between the two tomorrow - and - as an HK fanboy and non Glock owner - I believe they are equally reliable but the Glock is cheaper... although have recently seen Palmetto State Armory run super aggressive sales (and a current rebate) on VP9's - so for same money the HK is hard to beat!!! Thanks again so much for watcing!! Oh - and eyes just normal - I hadn't really noticed but now I gotta look!!!

[@MaccusFNS]

if you can choose only one there's no way I'd go for p30. Unless I get LEM out of the box

[@kayak63red34]

Manual vs. automatic. Choose.

[@williambouford8974]

The VP9 is my wifes and my current carry.

[@squib3083]

+1 for the P30

[@nbonner75]

If I could only have one: VP9 vs P30…? I’d have to choose the CZ P10C. Remember friends, H&K hates you and thinks you’re poor.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

That. Is. An. Excellent. Gun. The P10. Only recently picked one up and really like it! Thanks for watching!!

[@burnetthopkins9583]

The P30 v3 was my first HK. Then I got a VP9. And then I picked up a VP9SK. Being a little of a traditionalist type of guy, I wanted to like the P30 best. But I really do like my VP9.

[@soundsnags2001]

What do you like best about the VP9? What makes it better?

[@navyaustin]

I'm the opposite - VP9 OR was my first HK, now have a P30SK and a P30L, both V3 no safety. I wanted to like the VP9 more, but I like the hammer- fired for all the reasons cited here. Old dog likes his old tricks, the striker has an amazing trigger but I have never felt as comfortable carrying.

[@zackjay71]

There is Grey p30. ✅😎

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Great to know!! Need to look for those!! Thanks for the heads up and for watching!!

[@Gilgamesh347]

I have two VP9 pistols (and a USP45, and P7M8). TBH, I don't think the VP9 trigger & reset is all that great. They're not bad, but they're unremarkable (to me). But then, I've been spoiled by the 1911 single-action triggers. YMMV. I do have several dozen handguns acquired over several decades, so I'm not a (total) n00b, but I'm just speaking the truth as I see it. I'm not a Glock guy either. I respect Glocks, but I prefer H&K. I also like the Springfield handguns; 1911, XD, XDM Elite, and also their new Echelon. Got 'em all. The XDM Elite has the best polymer-framed, striker-fired trigger, IMHO. I have yet to fire my Echelon, though. Cheers.

[@mattmurphy7030]

You can’t compare a striker to a 1911 lol…..

[@jasonbrown6393]

P30 V1 LEM

[@theguyinmaine]

LEM

[@JohnnyUtah-x7s]

Glock 19

[@maynardlim9438]

Vp9 drops sears. Hard pass. P30 or usp

[@josephariola8583]

The VP9SK is the one you pick.

[@jimmymcclure4549]

VP9. My VP is in .40 but even were it in 9mm I would. choose it over the P30 but I do like my P30.