H&Ks vs Sigs and Walther

[ATLDave]

Also, note that relatively few of even the national-level shooters are "paid" to shoot a particular gun. This isn't pro golf where Callaway and Taylor Made are bidding against each other for the services of pros. Most sponsored shooters either get some free stuff or have a job at the manufacturer.

But yes, there are a couple of guys who have H&K sponsor relationships. And they're about the only competitive shooters using H&Ks at a high level.

 

[NWcityguy2]

My last IDPA match (APR) I shot with an HK P30L: 1st SSP (15), 2nd overall (37).

So I guess that means someone is shooting an HK at a "High Level"....right? And what exactly difference it makes is beyond me.

Chuck

This is where reading comprehension comes into play. Please, if you want to reply to me, go back and read what I wrote in the first place. It makes things simpler for all of us.

"The point he is trying to make is H&K is almost universally loved by people who shoot on a casual level. There is nothing wrong with that, but those who shoot handguns on a high level go elsewhere."

 

[Chuck R.]

My reading comprehension is fine, I just don't consider placing well at local matches a "high level". My post was purely sarcasm.

Chuck

 

[NWcityguy2]

That depends on who else attends local matches.

 

[RPZ]

Good question.

Competition? On the highest levels, shooters are sponsored. Does H&K even have a team?

Combat? On the highest level, shooters are issued handguns (and most aren't H&Ks, though the Navy and SOCOM reportedly still has some MK-23s in its inventory).

Military, and police, contracts are almost never awarded based solely on performance. And HK pistols have generally excelled in exhaustive testing.

I do not know why you find USPs unergonomic, but that is a universally subjective facet. The inaccuracy issue is puzzling though, as HKs are generally quite accurate, and I like the trigger on both the USP and the VP9.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

A few thoughts:

The OP hasn't been back to comment on any of these topics.

Is there anything transcendent about shooting HKs? No, not really. They aren't designed much differently than many other Browning derived designs. Based on my experience they are very reliable guns that exhibit good defensive, and combat capabilities.

They are polymer framed guns so they are relatively light weight guns and in general, there are some examples that make excellent carry choices for civilians or for professionals. That's true of many brands. If you like the ergos, then it may be a good brand for a person to consider. If money is the concern then look to other brands.

It makes no sense to even bring up competition IMO or "shooting at a high level", which is rather vague wording. The OP didn't mention competition that I saw, and I can't fathom why someone would choose a relatively light weight polymer gun for that purpose anyway. A heavier all steel gun would be the way to go with a potentially longer barrel and sight radius. Personally I'd favor a Sig X-Five or Six for that purpose. Maybe a CZ, or a Beretta 92 brigadier model also.

If a person truly wanted an HK geared towards competition, a USP Expert, Elite, Mark 23, or the new VP9 LS would be a better choice I think.

You are going to pay a premium for a Sig or an HK, and both brands have good track records. Choose the one that feels best to you and you should be ok.

 

[wojownik]

You are going to pay a premium for a Sig or an HK, and both brands have good track records. Choose the one that feels best to you and you should be ok.

That about sums it up for me too. Both have excellent lines of pistols. Personally I prefer the feel and manual of arms of Sig Sauers (particularly the classic p220/p225/p226/p228/p229 series). I've always wanted an H&K, but - with the exception of the P7 - never found one that felt "right." H&Ks are fine products, but are just not for me. I think I understand what the OP was asking - H&K has a brand "cache" - but if the firearm just does not fit you right, all the "transcendental feeling" in the world won't offset what might become an expensive paperweight while you fall back on more favored pistols to shoot. That's what happened to me - I didn't catch the "the Signess" because I'm a fanboy - it's because that particular line of pistols suit me very well.

 

[d'zaster]

HK P2000 chambered in 40. It has the smoothest SA trigger of all my pistols. Accurate, reliable and yes, over priced.
HK P7M8 9mm squeeze cocker mechanism is novel and requires practice especially for CCW. It has an excellent trigger.
P220 combat .45 - best grip for my hands. I installed the short reset kit. Shoots a bit to the right but that may be me.....
Walther PP .380 - reliable and small. Only downside is the sights.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

I've owned an HK P-30 LEM for about 6 month's now, love this pistol! Its very accurate, the trigger is good, the ergo's are outstanding and the grip feels awesome. The only reason I was able to get this HK, was the blowout price of $499 last Black Friday. I would never pay $750 for this gun, but at $499, count me in!

I really enjoy shooting it and it was a fantastic purchase.

 

[Doublehelix]

Disclaimer: I am a "Sig Guy" and love my Sigs.

HOWEVER: when it came to a polymer, striker-fired pistol, I went with the H&K VP9 (my only striker-fired pistol). What a great gun! 100% reliable (zero malfunctions in probably 3,000 to 5,000 rounds somewhere), and accurate as I have ever seen for a plastic gun.

When I was searching, I spent a fair amount of time shooting the Walther PPQ and the Sig P320, and decided on the HK over either of the others, even over my beloved Sig Sauer company!!!

I have shot the VP30, but not really for very long, so I cannot really comment too much, but I did love the experience when I did shoot it.

 

[Winkman822]

Just a quickie update, I just picked up another HK today...this time a P30SK V1 Light LEM. Can't wait to test drive it this weekend.

 

[JDR]

I have an HK45 and a 9mm P30. I just picked up a lightly used .40 S&W HKP2000 with a V2 LEM trigger. I am 100% satisfied with all of these firearms!

 

[Nuclear]

Really can't go wrong with any of them. I own a Sig P226, a Walther PPQ and an HK P7. I buy guns based on if they fit my hand, have a good trigger and are accurate. All of these manufacturers' guns are accurate. I like the SA trigger on the Sig and the P7, I have no problems with the squeeze cocker on the P7, and the trigger on the PPQ is very good. I too find the polymer HKs to have OK triggers and be a bit blocky in the grip (not as bad as a Glock). I must admit I shot the USP when it first came out in 40S&W and it was like shooting a 9mm. However, I shoot the PPQ better than anything else I own, including my 22lr Buckmark, and I can't explain why.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I own a few Sigs and a Mark 23. After renting a Mark 23 I had to buy one for myself and it's my favorite pistol. I like the HK45 full size and would like to pick up a USP in .357 Sig because they are rare but beyond that I don't really have an interest in HK. There are many Sigs that are on my list of guns to buy but not many HKs. The ergonomics of HK doesn't bother me and that really just comes down to how someone's hand is shaped. HK makes a nice gun and you can't go wrong with one. Hold them in your hands and if possible try them out and see what you think.

 

[RPZ]

Speaking of ergonomics, one thing I especially like about the USP are the grip profile, ambi paddle mag release, and the large safety/hammer drop and slide release. Easy to grab even with gloves.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Just a quickie update, I just picked up another HK today...this time a P30SK V1 Light LEM. Can't wait to test drive it this weekend.

I really love mine and carry it when ever my clothing allows me to conceal it. Enjoy. Did you get night sights?

 

[Winkman822]

I really love mine and carry it when ever my clothing allows me to conceal it. Enjoy. Did you get night sights?

I'll have a chance to shoot it today. I did get night sights, and after dry practicing with it a couple of times since I brought it home on Tuesday, I've concluded that I actually like the flat floor plates on the mags better than the finger extender and have thus ordered two additional flat base plates. I know I LOVE my P30L...I'm anticipating I'll also Love my P30SK.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'll have a chance to shoot it today. I did get night sights, and after dry practicing with it a couple of times since I brought it home on Tuesday, I've concluded that I actually like the flat floor plates on the mags better than the finger extender and have thus ordered two additional flat base plates. I know I LOVE my P30L...I'm anticipating I'll also Love my P30SK.

I don't want to get off topic, but I bought a few extended floor plates from HKParts.net with a finger groove and +1 capacity. I feel the same. I prefer the feel of the flat, flush fit floor plate.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

 

[Ca survivor]

I own HK, Sig and Glocks, if I had to start all over again it be HKs and Sigs the HK been a polymer frame is slightly lighter than the Sigs, to me the Sig has a better trigger out of the box.