HK P30sk vs M&Pc 9mm: Who's owned or owns both, opinions?

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  • bmbutch

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    Would like a smaller 9mm for carry in hotter weather, narrowed it down to one of the referenced pistols. Looking for feedback from INGO peeps that have owned or own both? Which do you prefer & why?

    No, not interested in Glock, FNS , etc.
     

    BigRed3588

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    I haven't owned both, but I've shot both. With the HK you're getting quality obviously. The down side is it's easy to accidentally engage the slide lock if you tend to keep your thumbs high, the DA/SA design results in a lot of take up (but the break is crisp), and it's on the large side for a subcompact.

    The 9C is one of two MP models I actually like (CORE being the other). It's kind of like a Glock IMO; good all around but not spectacular in any one area. It's fairly comfortable to carry too. If I had to pick one, I'd go with the M&P. I just feel like it's a better bargain and better suited to the needs you listed. But, just to throw in my 2 cents, I'd skip both and get the XD Mod2 :D
     

    canterbc

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    Haven't had both, but I did own the P30sk. It was a fantastic gun. Very good quality and the most comfortable grip I've ever had in a handgun. I had the V3 so a decocker and no safety. I loved the gun. The only problem was the hammer hit my hand every time I fired and rubbed my hand raw. It got old. I have lost a lot of weight since then so it probably wouldn't happen anymore. Wish I hadn't gotten rid of it.
     

    BigRed3588

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    Haven't had both, but I did own the P30sk. It was a fantastic gun. Very good quality and the most comfortable grip I've ever had in a handgun. I had the V3 so a decocker and no safety. I loved the gun. The only problem was the hammer hit my hand every time I fired and rubbed my hand raw. It got old. I have lost a lot of weight since then so it probably wouldn't happen anymore. Wish I hadn't gotten rid of it.

    I forgot to mention the grip. The entire P30/VP series have ridiculously nice feeling grips. I've owned a Hi Power and a CZ, both known for their grips, and neither holds a candle to the grips HK is putting on these models IMO. I'll be adding a VP9 to my collection in a week or two.
     

    russc2542

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    Haven't owned the shield but shot a rental. The P30 grips are worlds better and more adjustable. The HK, once you have the right set of grips set up, feels just molded to your hand and locked in rock solid. I know it's less relevant but a full-size M&P is very snappy compared to a full size P30 which is a very smooth push.

    The V3 just means SA/DA. The safety is a separate option (puts an extra S in the name)
     

    Tactically Fat

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    OP, what do you currently carry?

    Do you currently carry a DA/SA firearm? If so, then I'd lean you towards the H&K. If you currently carry a striker fired firearm, I'd lean you towards the M&P.

    With the M&P you'll find more aftermarket support, and much better availability and pricing on magazines. Because when you add in 3-4-5 extra mags to have with a carry gun...that can get expensive.
     

    bmbutch

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    OP, what do you currently carry?

    Do you currently carry a DA/SA firearm? If so, then I'd lean you towards the H&K. If you currently carry a striker fired firearm, I'd lean you towards the M&P.

    With the M&P you'll find more aftermarket support, and much better availability and pricing on magazines. Because when you add in 3-4-5 extra mags to have with a carry gun...that can get expensive.

    Carried a HK45c for a couple years (da/sa), now M&Pc .45 mainly, if it's really hot, a 9mm Shield.

    I have a full size M&P 9mm with ~8 mags, so with M&Pc 9mm, all I'd need are a few grip extenders.
    Really like feel of P30sk!

    Also in on a group buy for a HK USPc .45, which will likely become EDC except for when I want something a tad smaller.

    Yes, I have an addiction issue!
     

    nrgrams

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    I'd say go back to the HK45c! I think it's one of the absolute best compact 45s on the market!

    But out of your two options, the P30sk is great. Have you had any experience with the LEM versions of any HKs?
     

    jstrahl

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    I own a M&P 45c and a full size P30. I'm not sure of the dimensions of the M&P 9c, but the "full size" P30 is exactly the same size as my M&P 45c. As others have stated, the grip is the best I've ever felt. Mine has the LEM trigger and shoots very well. I could very well see a P30sk or VP9 in my future.
     

    padawan

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    Never handled a M&P. As others have stated the P30sk has everthing going for it. My only (personal) issue is the reset. Its crisp but longer than a Walther P99c which is about 1/10". If you are not dead-set on SA/DA ala HK give the Walther P99c AS a serious look. You might be surprised. I picked up the P30sk last spring/summer when they first came out. It was great, as advertised. Then I tried a P99c-AS. The P99c is cc and the P30sk is a safe queen now. Just don't tell her she may get jealous.

    HK's are like old girlfriends, beautiful, smokin hot, always did what you wanted and you will miss her... Walthers too. :cool: :ingo:
     

    PRasko

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    I loved my M&P 9c, but it had one glaring flaw that bothered me.

    If you didn't have a pinky extension on the magazine and ran a flat bottom compact magazine, my ring finger would constantly slide off the grip.

    Just wasn't enough grip.

    In came the Shield 9mm. ;)
     

    nrgrams

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    I loved my M&P 9c, but it had one glaring flaw that bothered me.

    If you didn't have a pinky extension on the magazine and ran a flat bottom compact magazine, my ring finger would constantly slide off the grip.

    Just wasn't enough grip.

    In came the Shield 9mm. ;)

    Aren't they about the same height? Wouldn't you still need to run the Shield with the mag extension?

    I've had a couple of Shields, but am one of the few that preferred the XDS and Glock 43.
     

    PRasko

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    Aren't they about the same height? Wouldn't you still need to run the Shield with the mag extension?

    I've had a couple of Shields, but am one of the few that preferred the XDS and Glock 43.


    Nope, shield is taller, entirely because of a longer grip.

    M&P9c 4.3"

    Shield 4.6"

    Smith__Wesson_SW_MP_SHIELD_9mm_Sub-Compact_Pistol_MP9_NDIA_Joint_Armaments_2012_DefenseReview.co.jpg Smith__Wesson_SW_MP_SHIELD_9mm_Sub-Compact_Pistol_MP9_NDIA_Joint_Armaments_2012_DefenseReview.co.jpg
     

    Dewidmt

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    I love my M&P9c! Picked up an P30sk and played with it a bit. Nice gun, but I'd have to relearn my mag changes, pressing a lever instead of pushing a button. If one were going to stay with an all H&K platform, I could see it being a very sweet pistol!
     

    bmbutch

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    Never handled a M&P. As others have stated the P30sk has everthing going for it. My only (personal) issue is the reset. Its crisp but longer than a Walther P99c which is about 1/10". If you are not dead-set on SA/DA ala HK give the Walther P99c AS a serious look. You might be surprised.

    Catching up on this thread, you've given me something to research. Looks promising, need to see if I can find one to fondle.
     
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