Is HK’s P30 Better Than USP? P30 vs USP

HK’s USP series is legendary and has evolved over last 39 years. Question is - how does the P30 series stack ip against the gun that set the standard?

[@darynjohnson6032]

I have both. I have two USP’s. One in .45 (LEM) and the second is a .40 compact (V1). I also have two P30’s. One is the standard or Compact (v3) and the second is a sub compact (LEM), both in .9mm. Like you’ve stated above, both USP and P30 are amazing firearms. The USP is a battle ready proven war horse in design. The P30 lineage did not fall far from the tree. Although I don’t believe it has been tested as in-depth as the USP, I believe the P30 would stand up to the challenge. Looking at the lower on both the USP.40 Compact and the P30 they are almost identical except for the different safety/de-cocking mechanisms. The slides are also very similar. The .40 has more metal than the .9mm. Looks like they milled some weight off the .9mm to accommodate the less recoil of the round. Both the USP and the P30 are over built. I love both the USP and the P30, but if I was forced to choose one I would choose the P30 in LEM. The grip panel options on the P30 almost customizes the feel to your hand. And the LEM trigger is genius, love it. Well there is my opinion, and like belly buttons, we all have one. Have a great day.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

That was fantastic insight!!! Thank you so much for sharing - AND for watching!!! HK4eva!!

[@cgs-nu9zf]

I love my LEM trigger on my carry P30. I have no idea why people are so terrified of carrying with the LEM trigger

[@app1mxh]

Internals are different. Full size USP has a legendary recoil system.

[@SpecialEDy]

Half of the internals are not different. You can swap parts between the two.

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

if you mean the dual recoil springs, those are present in the P30. if you mean the polymer buffer, that's present on the .40 S&W P30.

[@chrisragone8785]

⁠@@InvidiousIgnoramusIncorrect. The full size USP recoil system is different than the P30 Recoil system. However, the COMPACT USP recoil system and the P30 recoil system are identical.

[@digitalpunk5365]

Wrong. P30 only has the p while the usp also carried the US

[@starkruzen]

I had a VP9 and loved it. I ended up trading it for a Sig P320 Specter Comp. I just found a deal on the HK P30 for $599 so I ordered it. It is the standard with safety and decocker. Can’t wait to see how it shoots. Great video.

[@swashington942]

Where did you find that deal?

[@michaelphillips5786]

I own the HK p30l and USP 9. Both are outstanding weapons. Have to say, the USP is a magnificent masterpiece! The build quality, the line's, it has a aura. Ya pull it's slide back, you can tell that it's different from any polymer striker fired handgun on the market.

[@awokeone7997]

Which one you prefer?

[@michaelphillips5786]

@@awokeone7997 USP it's the Mercedes G wagon of the handgun world..

[@pg2661]

Now that is a hard one to answer I own them both love them both.

[@justanotherdave7117]

Really been thinking about a P30 for a while, good timing

[@marvinprietos3141]

They are great.. you can purchase the gray guns short reset system and it makes the gun even more phenomenal.

[@R3AP3R848]

I am left handed and I carry my usp compact. It is not even close to being right handed only. In fact it's one of my most comfortable pistols to operate period. The over sized slide release is perfect for my finger in both directions. Also the mag release being paddle style it's perfect with an extended mag release. I like my p30L alot don't get me wrong but the world will never forget the sheer performance the USPs bring to the table

[@BagsEsquire]

Is your USP compact a .45? If so have you shot or handled the 45C? I had a USP Compact .45 many years ago I ended up selling when I needed money. Now at a point to get this one back but torn between the two. Haven’t been able to handle a 45C to compare.

[@R3AP3R848]

@@BagsEsquire I have a compact tactical 45 and compact 40. The 45 is snappy but not that bad at all after you get used to it. It's louder than anything lmao

[@mjzangenberg]

I purchased a H&K USP SD-9 waiting on documents to be sorted to pick it up, I am so excited, Love HK

[@stevejones3383]

I have both. The P30l is the most ergonomic beautiful polymer gun ever made. With an absolute dog shit trigger.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Laughed out loud because both are pretty much spit on!!! THANKS FOR WATCHING!!

[@awokeone7997]

That's why I sold my P30 and got the VP9 but I still like the texture on the P30 better and the P30 is a sexy looking gun.

[@lukaszimmermann2215]

I would take the USP over the P30 because of track record. I carried the USP in my military service, 101% reliable. I would choose the USP45. The 9mm/40s&w USPs have a verry short grip, the 45 is perfect for me. I have a P30ls v2, the grip is the most ergonomic i ever felt. Both guns are extremly reliable with 124 and 147 grain ammo. My P30 does not like 115 grain ammo. All HKs are overbuild but the USP takes the cake. My gun club has a USP45 with more than 200000 documented rounds fired.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

hard to disagree!!!! THANKS FOR WATCHING!!

[@Gieszkanne]

Not the first time I read that the P30 doesnt always like 115gr.

[@RichiesHouse]

“Yo homie , is that my briefcase “

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

LOVE THAT SCENE!!! Thank you for watching!!

[@RichiesHouse]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy same scene with a 380 - “Sir call an ambulance, that really hurt , I know I can make it to a hospital and I’ll change my ways ,

[@a.joegevara3519]

I just traded my USPc for a USP that I customized 20 years ago. It's being updated now. But, I just made a deal for a P30, all in .40 S&W. Got my very 1st HK 40 years ago, VP70z.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

VP70!!! Did you keep that one!?

[@a.joegevara3519]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy Unfortunately it was stolen from my vehicle in Miami in the mid 90s, prompting me to buy the new HK USP .40 that had just been released!

[@akinadownhillace]

I bought two p30ls. One DA/SA and one LEM both without safeties. I installed the grayguns short reset system, and it's like a totally different firearm. Especially if you put that compensator in it from HK parts.

[@Shankdaddy16]

Got my USP 45 and it’s great, looking to get a P30 next!

[@TheSwoopDog]

On paper, the p30 is better in every regards. In practice, it's held back by a very subpar trigger. The USP still has superior fit and finish, and arguably is the tougher one with a better recoil spring. P30 has much better ergos, an excellent backstrap system, a modern light rail and better capacity. It's also a bit cheaper, and it shows. Both are excellent guns, but if I had to choose, I'd take the USP.

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

idk, i haven't had much trouble with the trigger even in some competetive stuff, the follow-up shots were really great, accuracy is insane, but the grayguns mod system really solves the trigger issue (and even spending 10-15 bucks on some lazywolf and grayguns springs and trigger return spring, as well as others, easy install)

[@KennethSchmitt]

I think P30 is the better gun if your talking 9mm the extra thickness of the USP is just not needed and it’s slenderness makes it lighter. Now if your talking the heavier calibers, especially 45ACP I think the USP wins (over the HK45 which is basically the 45 p30) simply because its recoil management system REALLY helps tame the 45. And for how overbuilt it is, it can handle 45 super which is ideal for a wartime or apocalyptic situation. Not discrediting HK45 though, legend says that’s what their sidearms were when they took down Bin Laden. Regardless, all HKs have their place and the brand is such a vibe! Gives ya some sort of exclusive confidence other brands can’t do.

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

@SalNova15 i got one and it's fantastic! Great recoil reduction system as well.

[@wehrewulf]

There is NO appreciable difference in the abilities of .45 ACP over the 9mm in modern loadings. That is a myth, and furthermore, 9mm delivers more kinetic energy on target than .45 ACP. Physics fact.

[@KennethSchmitt]

@@wehrewulf chill out. Does that mean you can’t own one? Besides I was talking about 45 Super which is different entirely. 185gr underwood Super goes 1300 fps when regular 45acp only goes about 830. When 45 Super is hand loaded it can sometimes reach 10mm speeds.

[@RichiesHouse]

The post usp designs are upgraded in features and down graded in durability to make those features happen . The usp recoil system and the slide height to fit it by design are a superior design . Going down in capacity was a bad selling point even at the sake of a slimmer handle . And at the end of the day the usp is iconic and the p30 HK 45c HK 45 are not iconic . Nobody cares about the the looks of the newer HK . The usp is like the beretta 92 , colt 1911 , sig 226 Glock 17 . Eternal designs that men have accepted forever and have a special place in their hearts . You spend more time looking at your pistol then shooting it and the usp looks are perfect HK .

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

EXCELLENT feedback!!! All excellent points. Thanks so much for watching - and commenting !!

[@Gieszkanne]

You convert the USP to a left hand version. So with a safety/decocker on the left side.

[@LJS020973]

I have shot the USP 9mm, awesome weapon, no doubt as good in the 10mm and '45 cals I would like to try the P30 and see how that compares! I Agree with darrynjohnson6032 its a battle ready pistol like the FN FAL was a battle rifle

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Awesome feedback!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@squib3083]

Other than the USP recoil spring, the pistols are mechanically identical. The P30 decocker location is perfect for my purposes. However the USP def has the cool factor and historical value.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Excellent feedback!! Thanks for sharing and for watching!!!

[@DrSpas]

The p2000 was also when the decocker moved to the back and the trigger/ hammer changed to what we see in the p series guns. Aside from liking the decocker on the back, the usp is still better imo

[@Wedgetail96]

Surely as a left hander you are fully aware that the USP comes in variants with the safety/de-cocker mounted on the other side. The difference comes with the slide release being ambi on the P30.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

yessir - knew about the USP and how adaptable they are. my whole family is right handed so didn't want to switch anything to only left hand... most guns i shoot are for right handers only it seems and it's no big deal. THANK YOU for watching!!

[@allenmcdonald1652]

Obviously as an HK fan boy I love both. I own an HK P2000 in both 40 and 9mm in DAO and I think they are both amazing! I know that is maybe not a popular opinion but when I shot competitively (years ago) I was driven crazy by the double/single action of my first two shots under stress so I swore off of that manual of arms for life! One of my best friends has a USP 45 that I have shot many times and it is iconic for a reason! However it is extremely overbuilt (and heavy) for any type of daily carry, so I agree for 45 caliber duty carry it would be the best option, but for average Joe’s daily carry in 9mm I would probably go with my P2000. I don’t have any personal experience with the P30.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I didn’t know you had a P20000!! OR that you shot competitively!!! Very cool!!! I can’t get used to DAO but totally understand why it’s there.

[@allenmcdonald1652]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy My competition shooting was local/ regional IDPA where scores come from a formula of time and accuracy. Certainly nothing impressive. I didn’t enjoy shooting DAO but having the same trigger pull every time really helped my first 2 shots. Now I mostly shoot striker fired like my P365 XL which gives the same “every time “ trigger pull.

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

the grayguns LEM SRT and trigger is great, Colon Noir does a video on it and it's pretty dope, and here in Utah these guys do a bunch of cool mods for both DA/Sa and LEM. I owned a P2000 .40 v2 LEM (which was a mistake, the V1? different story) kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ2pZqqEr7uKgqc

[@Gieszkanne]

The USP was designed for 40S&W not 9mm. That why its "overbuild".

[@deono1732]

I love both guns so much but I do prefer the p30 series. My EDC is a p30sk n I also own the p30l

[@Alejandro-vb2fx]

The USP in 9mm is wayyy overbuilt and you will never wear one out or break one . I own both the P30L in 9mm and the USP in 9mm my fiancé carry’s the P30L in her purse and she loves it more than any Glock we own. H&K make the most reliable and most accurate combat handguns in the world and I’ll die on that hill.

[@jacobmanalang8162]

i know it as fact that anyone new to guns will love a p30 p30sk would fit most carry even better. whenever the ladies are willing to look into a gun p30 and p30sk are where i go first before we go up or down

[@Gieszkanne]

Carry in a purse is very bad!

[@biache]

VP9 mags fit the P30 so you can get 17 round mags or get a 20 round extended mag.

[@gcoz4sure]

Why not just get all calibers in both series,it’s a win win.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I like the way you think!!!! Thanks so much for watching!!!!

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

I own both and my dad prefers the DA/SA .45 USP and I prefer the DA/SA P30L, that said the DA/SA USP trigger is definitely better out of the box, but with some light modification (and then the slightly heavier grayguns mod) it really comes into its own, esp since we scored the USP (used but clearly a safe queen) for $600 and the P30L(s) for the same price new. So while the VP9 would be my pick for striker, likely, even though I love my Glocks and Smith and Wess M&Ps I like the HK platform, plus same mags, holsters, etc. That said, the SIG P220 SRT trigger system and P229 and P226 are legendary and totally doable for professional competition shooting. and all that said....really I'll stick with a 1911 platform, I think. Man the Kimber Rapide and my full sized SIG 1911 Scorpion? Geeeeez louise, so cool. Same with those new CZs and Beretta 92s that are quite heavily modded. Love me a Beretta, was my first pistol, had my most encounters with it under intense stress, did ver ywell with it. The Glock 34 isn't out of the question for, the Smith and Wesson MP Pro (which is upgraded to something else now) but that thing? really great. The Springfield XDm is great, FNs are great, i mean, truly spoiled for choice there but to me few things beat the HK, SIG P22-series and 1911 platform (with Beretta pretty darn close)l. That's just me though. Honestly if I got really serious in competition shooting a USP 9mm....Expert or Pro would be high on my list and if I wanted to truly kick some ass the HK Mark 23 or MK23? god damn.....that's a bucket-lister for me, same with the P7 M8 or even M16, though I think the M8 feels better, having had the pleasure of shooting it. Side note: In Better call Saul and Br Ba I think the HKs were both picked intentionally for Mike and Lalo Salamanca, Lalo, very flashly and confident and kinda like a Cartel James bond to a degree, he had the P7 M8, Mike, all business and very tactical, used the HK Mark 23 or a revolver when he wasn't behind a scope.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

AMAZING points!!! thank you so much for the feedback and for watching!!

[@TheLegoJoker]

I prefer the P30/Hk45 but I wouldn’t kick a USP out of the bed. Saying that the USP is right handed only is way off track, though. You can get a right side safety, an ambi safety, or delete the safety altogether by going LEM. The only thing you can’t have is the right side slide release, which most of us leftys don’t need anyway because we’re used to having to slingshot slides.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

That’s true - I rarely use my slide catch. If anything I end up riding it on ambi pistols and preventing the slide from locking back on last round. Thanks for watching!!

[@jessemartinez1105]

I have a USP 45 since the 90s and love it. I recently purchased a p30sk and think it is awesome. I think the p30sk is much more ergonomic, and the LEM is great.

[@lintlicker4178]

I like the USP because its a USP, however i think the p30 is a damn fine gun too and more ergonomic for sure

[@qteezy6501]

Don’t have a gun but just showing some from Arkansas. WPS

[@CefiroGuy3]

You NEED both.... USP as duty sidearm or home defense, & P30 for personal carry 😊

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I like the way you think!!!!! Thank you for watching!!

[@cgs-nu9zf]

If you don’t cry about printing, the USP is perfectly fine for carry and in some urban situations may be just plain superior

[@Lexicologist1971]

The USP can be converted to an ambidextrous control lever. The slide release is never ambidextrous.

[@vitocarbonara7770]

I love USP!!! Both excellent firearms

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Kind of hard to go wrong with either!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@vitocarbonara7770]

If you dont mind me asking...given what occurred 10/7...what would you have in your immediate possession. Would it be an AR15, Ak47, springfield M14 308, ruger mini 14, semiauto shotgun, I know we all talk about ar15 but would you go with something else. It's a challenge...

[@HkSniper]

Pretty cool video to run into as I am doing my research. My USP40 was my first handgun, my first CCW, and my first work weapon (we have to supply our own firearm where I am at) for years. It's been with me at work since 2015 and was my CCW weapon prior from like 2008. But as things change, I've been thinking about retiring it from work carry back to CCW / home defense and going with the P30L. Simply because 9mm is the direction many are going and it makes sense to me. Extra round count, upgraded controls, and being a left handed shooter myself - a little extra comfort in reaching said controls. Not to mention the updated grips and other new ideas born through experience through the years from HK. I think the P30 would be a great firearm to take my USP's place with me at work as it's lineage is the same. Thanks for the side by side video. Definitely helps in my research. I've yet to actually handle a P30 or a P30L simply because all the places around here are out of stock. Hoping to find one soon I can actually check into in person.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thank you so much for watching!!! Once you pick up a P30L I think you will be sold. They feel amazing - and can be made even more amazing by the multiple grip options (side panels and back straps) you can easily customize!!! Both great guns!!

[@HkSniper]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy Thanks for the feedback. Do you have experience over the standard P30 and the L? Being a USP user yourself, which do you recommend being the one to look at? I've heard a lot of positives for the L, but being that we're in roughly the same boat on a lot of things, I figure I'd pick your brain on it.

[@sergior.carreno5568]

Ther is a USP version with controls on right side,for left handed people.

[@arsenal_616]

I do believe HK makes left handed varients of the USP but the P30 being ambi right out of the box is a huge plus. I have a P30. I need to get a USP. I'll probably end up with a VP9 before that happens.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

all three GREAT guns!!! trigger on VP9 is no joke... crazy good right out of the box!!!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

THANK YOU for watching!!!

[@Rif_Leman]

My USPs and 1911s, all chambered in 45ACP, are my EDC guns. My P30LS is a training pistol. Transitioning from any of these is seamless. The P 30LS is less expensive to shoot which is why it is a training pistol.

[@k.o.r.e3997]

The P30 and HK 45 are the modernized versions of your flagship USP series and the vp9 is the middle finger to the polymer market of striker fired menstruation that came after HK and Glock did it right the first time.

[@danielfischer1791]

P30 has picatiny rail Usp has hk rail

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Yes! Thank you for watching!!

[@reker.a5790]

USP when in 45 or 40. P30L in 9mm unless steady diet of +p

[@Rguy516]

The p30 trigger sa/da was better than both usps i have and the ergos on the p30 are way better but you cant go wrong with any nice high quality guns.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

THANK YOU for watching!!!

[@jeffrobertson4097]

Love the p30…if I could only have one full size 9mm it would be my choice, followed by CZ 75.

[@jacobmanalang8162]

OOOOOH these are 2 of my favorites. both the best ever made! in my opinion of course. either one without a safety. decock only in da/sa are just THE BEST for me with that hammer.i hated the rear decock because i was also a 226, cz75, and 1911 guy. eventually i got into g model beretta's.my short fingers need to break grip but not with that rear decocker and the ambi mag release really works for me. p30 is the final evolution of the finest out the box fighting handgun ever designed because the usp was the best before it. im very biased and i dont care what any of the kids with less than 20 years of experience have to say unless they served with it and even then you got screwed if you werent buddied up with the armorer. your little press check shows me youre a clown because you should be running a beretta not some expensive after market glock slide with that technique. ive loved guns since 85, got in the game in 04 and never left. i know a little something

[@tonyclams1955]

If you don't mind me asking what brand of ammunition do you prefer for the P30....

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

For range/practice I’ve probably ran Blazer 115gr through the most but also have been lately running Igman 124gr because I could get cheaper by the case thru Global Ordnance. I’ll throw a link below - and THANK YOU for watching! Igman ammo: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=2550e0ea-c111-4267-8187-e218ab215ac4&website_id=eadb639e-ee2d-4469-86a9-1dbcc905dda7&url=https%3A%2F%2Fglobalordnance.com%2Figman-9x19mm-124-grain-fmj-1000-round-case-upc-3877002037061%2F

[@tonyclams1955]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.....

[@mattmurphy7030]

@@tonyclams1955 Igman is beyond excellent ammo! Tens of thousands of rounds and never had one not go bang. I also recommend PMC bronze for training.

[@bobroberts7661]

Country of origin on both pistols.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Germany!

[@pandabanana2593]

The usp is better looking and that's 90% of the fight.

[@donniematonnie9378]

The 45 caliber USP looks terrible for everyday carry, I would think, but its probably more accurate due to its longer barrel. The 40 caliber p30 looks like it might be a great firearm to carry everyday.

[@Pyrosis22]

The problem is the USP is different or "better" enough for HK to keep producing. They can no longer sell to CA and the roster will be eliminated anyway so they can sell all the VP9s and P30 they want in the state without keeping a separate production line in operation.

[@williangoncalves8488]

I’m new to fire arms, I’m looking into getting the p30 or the shadow systems MR920 elite, I’m not sure which one to go for, it’s seems like the p30 is a really good and reliable gun, but also the reviews on the MR920 elite (basically a updated Glock are really good as well. Any thoughts? Thank you

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I’m not super well versed on Shadow Systems (never even held one) but have only heard good things. Biggest difference is probably hammer fired vs striker fired. If looking at striker fired you should also check out the VP9 from HK. Very similar gun to the P30 except it’s a striker Thanks so much foe watching!!! Can’t wait to hear what you get!!!

[@williangoncalves8488]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy thank you so much for the answer! I’ll get a closer look on both of them, but I’m more inclined to the hammer fire! Soon as I get something I will let you know!

[@DrSpas]

The p series had some improvements ergonomically. I still think the usp is a superior overall system. Wtf did you do to the trigger, hk?

[@JR15A2]

Nope. I have both.

[@jdl9679]

The p30 is just a vp9 with a hammer.

[@wehrewulf]

Answer: No.

[@stevencameron1562]

How does the p30 compare reliability wise? Indestructible like the usp?

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Great question. I will probably never get enough rounds through either one of them to see them fail. The USP is obviously legendary for reliability but I believe the P30 went through rigorous testing as well (all HKs do) so not sure if as reliable as USP but have not proof it’s any less. THANK YOU so much for watching!!

[@stevencameron1562]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy Thank you!

[@David-rc8hp]

I have the p30sk DA/SA an the p30L in lem trigger system excellent guns But the usp line of guns is the superior gun in performance an in looks I still want to add a usp9 mm I have the usp45 an its a rough an though machine I am a lefty an you can get a v2 lever an change it to the right side