Concealed Carrying a HK P2000-Convince Me

[GTS9]

So, this won't really be that much of a question just more like me thinking, and hopefully you people will be able to say intelligent things afterwards to set me straight in whatever way you think I need.
Anyway, I noticed the HK P2000 seems a pretty good deal on Bud's right now, so I'm thinking about getting one. It would be for concealed carry since that's the only real use I'd have for another pistol. I've never had something in between sub-compact and full sized (4+" barrel) pistols and I'm a little wary. Part of me thinks that buying a duty sized pistol for CC is dumb. So I borrowed a Glock 29, which is longer and the same width (well, .01" wider), although with a grip I believe .54" shorter, to try out. The width and length carries just fine, and the handle, like all sub-compacts, is too short and my pinky slips off (really don't like those mini-grips). Still, that is a 10mm so it has an excuse for being chunky, the P2000 is a 9 so I feel it may not be the most efficient pistol for it's size. And again, a duty pistol for CC still feels a little wrong. But if I want something for concealed carry that sports an appropriate grip, and I do, then this is really my best choice, as I am not aware of any other pistol that does so with more compact dimensions (well, the USPc has minutely smaller tech specs but is much more expensive and from what I understand the P2000 carries better), if there is any such thing out there please let me know. The standard bearer of compact pistols, the Glock 19 (I'd normally just stop thinking and get a Glock if I was in any type of debate with myself about pistols) is the same height, slightly slimmer, but a good bit longer, so that's a no-go (although, I have heard some people say based on those dimensions the P2000 is bigger than the Glock 19. Okay, the HK is .07" taller, but that hardly matter; and besides, if you got flat floor plates, as I would, that would surely negate the difference).

If I have a question, it's do you/have you carried this or comparable pistols IWB and how does it work out? And can you think of anything that has plenty of room for all your fingers, and so is actually a good gun for actual shooting, but in a more CCW orientation? A penny for any other thoughts

 

[Browning]

How are you carrying it? (Appendix, strong side, what holster etc)

What clothes do you normally wear? (It's easier to conceal a larger pistol in a place like Alaska than it is in Florida where some people wear tank tops and shorts year round).

For several years I carried full size pistols (Beretta 92FS, 1911 Commander), then I went to BHP's, a CZ75 Compact and G19's/aG23 for an even longer time and then the past few years it's mostly been a Glock 26.

The H&K P2000 is about the same size as the G19's and my G23.

I've been researching appendix carry and perhaps carrying a DA/SA again lately. I only gave appendix carry a short try and I think I had the wrong holster. Even in a t-shirt and jeans it's generally easier to carry a larger pistol there. I'd also feel more comfortable with a mid sized compact DA/SA there as opposed to a striker fired pistol (to avoid a femoral artery/junk shot).

In the end it's really up to you though.

 

[badkarmamib]

Don't know if this will help, but I often carry a S&W M&P full-size .40 in an Alien Gear 4.0 IWB. It carries well, though I am sure there are better holsters that would make it even easier. I use a t-shirt or performance undershirt tucked in, holster IWB, and wear a button-up shirt, buttoned or not, untucked. The best advice I read for a cover garment, is to use patterns to break up lines that will print. (Almost) anything can be carried. It comes down to what you wear or would be willing to wear, what is comfortable to carry and what gives you comfort to carry, what you have available and what you can be proficient with.

 

[Chuck R.]

I carry a P2K V1 (Lite LEM) in 357SIG, Trijon HD sights, thin slide stops, extended mag release with a .40 barrel (it started as a .40) that has been reworked by Lazy Wolf Guns. The action has been smoothed and more importantly the reset (which IMHO is stupid long on the P series) has been shortened. It's also been refinished in Robar NP3+:



with the flat floor plates it is just about the size of the G19, but I much prefer the LEM trigger. There's plenty of grip with the flat plates. I carry it AIWB in a Vedder Light-Tuck. It conceals well and has been utterly reliable.

 

[cslinger]

Think of the HK P2000 as a hammer fired Glock 19/23. It is melted and carries very well. I have carried a P2000 for years both in .40 and 9mm. I am going to copy something I wrote a little while back about why I chose it. Not why its THE BEST GUN EVER!!!....just simply why I like it.

It carries VERY well. It is stippled in the right places, flat in the right places and melted all around. My only suggestion would be to use a flat baseplate for carry as it does make a difference.

That being said, my take below.

Why I Chose My Gun (HK P2000 V3) What Choice Should You Make?
So I was sitting around the other day musing as I am to do from time to time and I got to thinking about all the people who ask me for advice regarding firearm choices. I then got to thinking about how many folks come to forums as new shooters/potential shooters to ask for advice.

We typically bombard them with a myriad of choices most likely throwing them into analysis paralysis. So I started thinking it might make sense to simply post why I personally chose "my gun" if you will.

You see, in my opinion there are so few bad choices that one can make as far as firearms go and the choices that are made really come down to our various personal preferences. Certainly there are BAD guns like a POS Jennings or some such but beyond those there are really no bad choices. Semi auto, revolver, small, large, double stack, single stack etc. etc. None of those are bad choices.

At any rate I figured it would be cool to start a thread simply pointing out why we chose what we did for our personal guns and that those personal insights might help more then simply saying buy this or that.

So I will start. Now keep in mind these are my personal opinions and choices for ME. They are not the only choice and they certainly are not the BEST choice for everybody. That is the point of this exercise, to explain your personal choices to add to the data and education of others making their own choices.

My personal defensive gun of choice for quite some time is the HK P2000. Not only is it the DA/SA variant but it is the .40S&W variant as well. Crazy I know. I have a 9mm version as well but the .40's are my go to guns.

So why the hell would I choose this gun?



1-AMBI PADDLE MAG RELEASE - I have fairly small hands and although many hate the paddle mag release I love them. I am able to use my trigger or middle finger to quickly and easily drop a mag and just generally like having ambi controls on a firearm even though I am right handed, I like the redundancy. I also find the paddle mag releases resist accidental mag releases better then button releases.

2-DA/SA WITH A REAR DECOCKER - Striker fired pistols are the way forward. They are easier to learn, simpler to make and damn good guns. For myself personally though, I find that I both like the heavy double action first pull and the better quality subsequent single action pulls vs. a striker. In my world administrative gun handling is way more likely then gun fighting.....thank God may it ever be so. and I like the additional safety of that heavy deliberate first trigger pull. I also very much like the rear mounted decocker location on the P2000.

3-THE CONTROLS - As I said I like ambi controls even being a right handed person. I like the redundancy. The slide lock/release levers on the P2000 are perfect for me. They are just the right size for my use as either a slide lock or slide release. Many prefer more minimalist controls and they are not wrong. I however prefer a more positive slide lock and release.

4-STEEL SIGHTS AND PARTS - I like when a gun comes from the factory with good quality steel sights as well as an easy to find night sight option. I also like steel guide rods etc. These are preferences, as polymer has certainly shown to be more then up to the task.

5-MINIMALISTIC MOUNTING RAIL - I like the ability to mount a light but don't generally like the full Picatinny cheese grater setup. For this reason I like the rails on the P2000's and Glocks

6-MAG WELL INDENTS - I like being able to get a positive grip on a magazine to tear it out if necessary. The little indents do a marvelous job at this.

7-CALIBER - First and foremost if you are a new shooter DO NOT STRESS OVER CALIBER, HELL DON'T EVEN ASK WHAT CALIBER SHOULD YOU BUY. Its a can of worms and the reality is this. ANY MARTIAL CALIBER (9MM, .40S&W, .45ACP, .357SIG, .38 SPECIAL, .357 MAGNUM ETC. ETC.) is perfectly adequate for self defense with the proper bullet/cartridge choice. Do they all do something better and worse then each other....YES. Is it in the statistical minutiae...YES.

So why did I choose .40S&W, especially when its on its way out. I generally like the penetration characteristics of the round and the fact it's carrying more weight. Its also still the generally used round around me and has a good track record on the streets. Mostly I just like it. (I also carry 9mm, .45, .38 etc.) It doesn't matter, but I wanted to point out why I chose what I did.

8-HK'S HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT FINISH / FIT AND FINISH - I think the finish on HK's guns is excellent durable as hell. I also think the fit and finish inside and out is spectacular. I appreciate the machine work, the cuts, the feel, the attention to detail in the metal and polymer work. Does any of that make it a better weapon.....nope, but I appreciate it.

9-THE GRIP/SIZE OF THE GUN - What is more personal then how a gun feels in your hand. The Glock 19 is arguably the BEST overall option in a self defense firearm today. Has been for a long time. For me personally I wanted a Glock 19/23 sized gun but with a hammer and a grip that fit my human hands. The P2000 damn near feels like a single stack in the hand, while being almost identical to a Glock 19/23 in size. I just find the gun extremely comfortable to shoot and carry. I also appreciate the stippling on the front and back but flat on the sides, as this makes carry without an under garment much easier for me.

10-MAGAZINES/PARTS/CAPACITY - All HK parts are in house and the QC is generally excellent. I have always liked steel magazines more then polymer or polymer coated as they are thinner.

As for capacity I am happy with anything 10 rounds or over. Don't listen to somebody who tells you if you carry a high capacity gun you cannot shoot and also don't listen to those who say you cannot possibly get by with 5 or 6 rounds. You make your own personal risk evaluation, weighing in factors of weight, size control etc. etc. and you make an educated decision. For me its 10+ rounds. Doesn't make you wrong if you carry 6 for sure in a revolver on 19+1 in your full size wonder nine.

11- TRACK RECORD - The HK P2000 has seen service with several law enforcement entities and while this should never be your only factor in making a firearm choice it does provide a level of testing that guns not adopted by law enforcement or the military will not have. The recoil spring assemblies are rated for like 20K rounds. They are stout gun.

So that is why I have two of the same gun setup for my bedside and carry roles. The muscle memory is the same for both shooting one is practice for both and parts interchange with both. In today's high speed Glock, 9mm world they are an anachronism and many folks would probably tell me I am completely wrong in my thinking......but these are my personal choices and I have been very happy with them.

Also keep in mind I have a ton of guns and shooting experience so my choices come from lots of trial and error.

Also keep in mind that by shooting experience I mean hobbiest. I am not a LEOGUNFIGHTERSPECOPSSEALTEAMGSG9 anything. I am not even part of the militant arm of the girl scouts. I have NO desires, or fantasies about ever having to use violence on anything. So keep that in mind and never take what I say as training or fighting education.

As always, take care and shoot safe. I hope that any one of my personal observations on my gun of choice might drive some though in somebody else and be a data point for or against a feature they are considering.

 

[GTS9]

I carry strong side ina Black Arch Ace with tuckable loops. In summer I wear wrangler button up work shirts untucked. I live in Wyoming so during Winter...and most of spring...and lot of fall, nobody would have issues concealing it. And I'm not really concerned about that aspect, either, more just comfort and ease of carry and not feeling like a a yahoo packing too much steel.

 

[GTS9]

Thanks for the response cslinger. Very thorough.

 

[sigarms228]

I often CCW my HK P30SK with the 13 round magazine which makes it about the exact same size as the P2000 but I have the option of going 10 rounds also if I want to. I CCW IWB in an Ozark single clip kydex holster and that works great for me as I prefer the minimalist design and it can easy be removed from my belt with the pistol in the holster which really comes in handy if I need to remove the pistol while in the car and secure it allowing me to handle a loaded pistol and store it with trigger covered the whole time. When done easy to put back on the belt too.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

View media item 312I carry a P30SK also with the flush magazine in a Stealth Gear Flex OWB holster all fall, winter, and spring.

Carries great, shoots great, and hasn't malfunctioned on the firing line. The light LEM trigger is definitely my preference.

The VP9SK would be good too if you like striker guns. I got a pinky extension that adds room for an 11th round if desired. The factory night sights are great too.

I'm sure the P2000 is a great gun but I shout a short grip just fine.

 

[Telekinesis]

I don't have direct experience with the P2000, but I routinely carry a Glock 19 or (less commonly recently) a Sig 228, which are both in the same size class as the P2000.

Anyway, these guns in the compact size class are relatively easy to carry as long as you have a good holster and belt. You can't wear spandex and conceal it of course, but it's not difficult if you put some thought into it. These guns are also much easier and more fun to shoot than subcompact guns.

 

[Tallball]

I don't prefer to carry anything larger than my Glock 26. I have XXL hands and have no problems with the grip. I can carry a Model 19 magazine for a reload if I'm worried about capacity.

 

[cougar1717]

We all know that HK, including the P2000, is a quality handgun, no argument there. The OP's question is based on the dimensions of carrying a compact (instead of a subcompact) CC. It's difficult to tell someone else if a handgun is comfortable to carry or not via forum - even if you know every last detail of their rig. It's kind of like asking whether this shoe will fit or not.

the P2000 is a 9 so I feel it may not be the most efficient pistol for it's size

more just comfort and ease of carry and not feeling like a a yahoo packing too much steel

Just like you noticed, while they are well made, HK P2000 (and sk) are big for what they are in comparison to other manufacturers.

OP didn't address it, but I think the bigger question with the P2000 series is if the OP is comfortable with the action, either the DA/SA or the LEM (didn't say which is being considered). Some people (bias alert - myself included) don't like the decocker right next to the hammer on the DA/SA. Maybe it doesn't do this in practicality, but it looks like it could snag on something during an IWB draw stroke. With the LEM version, I think the OP would want to double check the long, light trigger pull since it feels much different from either DA/SA or striker actions.

One more thing... again, it's an opinion. I much prefer the larger paddle mag release on the P30 series in comparison to the relatively small mag release on the P2000 series.

If only HK would make the "perfect" CC and incorporate the light LEM, large paddle mag release, and an SK frame without finger grooves - haha.

 

[JR24]

I can't speak for you but I easily carry bigger guns with a good belt (I have an RDR EDC) and holster (I like Vedder light tuck).

Currently my EDC is a SIG 226, which isnt all that hard for me under a tshirt.

But everyone is different. I'd pass on the HK over the trigger, not the size.

 

[98Redline]

I will 2nd or 3rd the recommendation on a P30SK, or even a VP9SK if you like striker fired guns.
The 13 round mag seems to be much less obtrusive than other similarly sized guns with that length mag. I believe this is due to the tapered design of the transition between the grip and the baseplate. Either way the P30/VP9SK sized guns seem to offer almost exactly what you are looking for in a slightly smaller package than the P2000.

The other advantage is that you can use the full size (15 round) mags should you decide to.

 

[sota]

Sold my P2000 because LEM didn't work for me, and I would get frequent pinches and blood blisters during reloads. Something about my hand size and shape just made it all too common. I'm perfectly happy with my P2000SK and P30 carry guns. Note the former can take any P series mag from 10 rounds to 15 rounds, so I'd carry with a 10 and reload with a 15.

 

[Shipwreck]

I love DA/SA. I won't carry a gun with any other trigger format. Been that way for the past 10+ years.

I have been carrying my P2000 for the past 3 years. I also have a P2000sk, but I normally carry the P2000. Great gun. Great size. Love the ergonomics. I added a Hogue Jr grip, and it feels perfect. I hate the fullsize Hogue Handall, but the Jr version has smaller palm swells, and just 1 finger groove.

As for the comment earlier in the thread - the decocker button is extremely unobtrusive. I've never had it hang up on clothes, or anything at all....

 

[Jimster]

Sticky Holster enables me to carry my 1911s and Sig P320 with ease at about the 3:30 position. Very comfortable.

 

[Winkman822]

I have a good bit of experience with the P2000, and overall, my experiences with it both shooting and carrying are outstanding. I have a V2 LEM in 9mm. When I was carrying it, I carried in a Blade-Tech Nano IWB (basically a Kydex Summer Comfort type holster) and found it to be plenty easy to carry. Size wise, though the dimensions are ever so slightly bigger than the gold standard Glock 19 measuring stick, they're not enough to make a noticeable practical difference. The gun shoots carries well; I had no issues carrying it with no more than a t-shirt as a cover garment.

Now for the negatives. Though I prefer a paddle release (currently split daily carry duties between a Walther P99 and Walther PPS), the mag release paddles on the P2000 are a little too small and can be easy to miss when not being very deliberate. As I understand it, you can remedy this with the installation of an HK45C mag release paddle. Negative number two, if you want flush magazine base pads, you need to buy them separately as all magazines I have seen online and in store have the extended finger rest doodad. Negative number three, not quite the same aftermarket support as what you would have with some other platforms, other HK's included; in many ways, the P2000 is HK's bastard child. Negative number four cost of building a carry system. Let's face it, HK mags, while great quality, ain't cheap; replacement parts aren't as readily available as for other options, and you're typically limited to OEM which adds to cost. Negative number five (we'll call it a negative) the factor trigger options are pretty meh. The DA/SA V3 is far from the best DA/SA trigger out there and the LEM options definitely have a learning curve. The DA/SA has what is in my opinion an exceptionally heavy pull and the reset point is miles away. If you're used to a CZ, Beretta, Sig (especially one with an SRT), or striker fired system, you're going to short stroke the HK trigger. With the V1 LEM, the trigger travel is long and smooth the break is nice and crisp, but all the way at the rear, and then the reset is way out, again making the shooter susceptible to short stroking, especially when going to the P2000 from another system. The V2 LEM is identical to the V1, but with a heavier pull weight (about 7 lbs. for the V2 vs about 5 lbs. for the V1).

So to answer the question, carrying the gun is no problem at all, it carries near identically to a Glock 19 or anything else in that size class. With respect to whether or not you'll like the P2000, that's something that only you can figure out.