H&K P30L vs. XDm

[umrebfan18]

I am looking to purchase my first auto-loading pistol. I currently own a s&w .357 mag, and a police issue .32 long s&w from the early 1900's that was my great grandmothers for a while.

The two contenders I am trying to decided between are both relatively newcomers:

H&K P30L 9mm
Springfield XDm 9mm

I would like any and all advice on which to buy, I don't have my ccw permit yet and will not for another year or so. Therefore for the time being this will be mainly used to target shooting, and home defense.

I have also heard that you can not to a trigger job on the XDm type trigger, any thoughts on this?

If any of yall have experience behind these two pistols, can you speak to the accuracy behind them, or if there is any noticeable difference.

Thanks

 

[308sc]

Springfield Armory XDM is what I would choose,

Guns and Ammo did a review and they grouped at about 2.5 inchs at 25 yards with factory ammo.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I have also heard that you can not to a trigger job on the XDm type trigger, any thoughts on this?

Most people will advise against doing a trigger job on a defensive weapon anyway but yes, there are people offering work on the XDm.

Personally I don't think they need a trigger job but they are out there.

I have an XDm in .40 and I think it's accuracy is up there with any handgun I own. I don't find it lacking at all in that department.

 

[stalkingbear]

The trigger CAN be improved on XDMs, but I SERIOUSLY doubt you'll want to. The XDM features shorter reset and less overtravel, as well as slightly less pull weight, as compared to the XDs. I'm only waiting for the XDM to come out in .45acp to get 1. Another nice feature of the XDM is you don't have to pull the trigger on it when field stripping it.

Note-in the aftermath of an actual encounter where deadly force is used, it'll be MUCH harder to prove justification if you have an modified firearm. The attorneys will jump all over that, claiming you modified it to be "more deadly against use on humans".

 

[benderx4]

I've got both guns, and if this is your first, I would suggest the HK as it allows you SA and DA, as well as the option to decock the weapon and place it on safe.
I love my XD, but it's only DA (nice trigger, though) and does not have the decocking capability.

Good luck and happy shooting! (You won't be disappointed with either purchase - both are FINE guns)

 

[HKIWB]

I like XDs a lot, but I'm partial to the P30. Mine is the slightly shorter non-"L" model, and it has been my range/wife pistol for the last 12K rounds. It is EXTREMELY accurate and has stellar ergonomics. The interchangeable palm swells add a dimension of grip adjustability that isn't available in pistols that have only interchangeable back straps. The glow-in-the-dark sights are not true night sights, but are a very nice feature at indoor shooting ranges. The recoil on the P30 is softer than most 9mm's I've fired.

Now, the drawbacks. The P30 series triggers take some getting used to. The double action pull is heavy and gritty at first, but smoothens out over time. The single action trigger is good, but there is a lot of take-up or slack. This is one of the most common complaints with its trigger, and not much can be done to fix it. You get used to it pretty quickly, and follow-up shots are still lightning-quick.

The recoil spring is stiff when new, and is known to cause failures to eject with weaker 115g practice ammo. This is a rare occurance for me, and has never been an issue with 124g or +P defense ammo.

The P30s have ambidextrous slide releases that are located very close to where you place your hands. Many people (myself included) have problems with the slide not locking back after the last round when any part of their hand makes contact with one of the slide release levers. There are other carry pistols that don't lock back at all, and its not a big concern to me.

Here are some photos to give you an idea of what I consider extremely accurate. The L model should shoot slightly better because of its longer barrel and sight radius:

 

[CPshooter]

Both are great guns, but IMO after owning a few XDs (not XDm however), and an H&K USP compact I really believe H&K makes a superior product all-around.

I've never shot the P30, but I'm in love with the USP series.