Please compare USP, P2000, and P30

[Lightsped]

What are the differences and benefits of these models from H&K. The USP, P2000, and P30. All come in a variety of calibers and sizes. Why would a person choose one model over the other? Is any of the three better? Why does H&K make so many of what appears to be the same basic type of weapon?

 

[psyopspec]

I can speak to the USP and P2000, but will leave the P30 commentary to people who actually own one.

Differences/Benefits:
-Grip. The P2000 has interchangeable backstraps, making it comfortable for a wide variety of shooters. The grip on the USP is too large for some, and the stipling can also be uncomfortable under prolonged shooting.

-DAO, DA/SA, DA, or SA? Between these two models, you can have any style you want. The most common version of the USP is the V1, which can be a single action with a sweep-down safety if you prefer. Or, sweep the lever to the bottom to decock. At that point it's your option whether you prefer DA/SA carry with or without a manual safety. Other versions of the USP are available, having the lever act as a decocker only for example. On the P2000, you have two versions: One is equipped with the LEM trigger, making each trigger pull the same, and the other is DA/SA with a decocker located at the back of the slide.

-Rail. The USP is equipped with the proprietary HK rail system, whereas the P2000 has a standard accessory mounting rail.

-Action. The actions of the pistols are similar, both Browning style "tip-up" barrel.

The P2000 is also less "blocky" than the USP, and smaller than the full-size pistols. A more ballpark comparison would be with the USP Compact series, which are similar in size the P2000 but have the manual safety of the USP. Magazines are interchangeable between the USPc and P2000 models of the same caliber.

Why does H&K make so many of what appears to be the same basic type of weapon?

Very shortly you'll have a line of posters ready to tackle this question with an overused line about sucking and hating.

 

[usp9]

Why does H&K make so many of what appears to be the same basic type of weapon?

Evolution.
The MK23 begat the USP
The USP begat the P2000
The P2000 begat the P30

The P30 is the culmination of R&D. It offers possibly the best, most comfortable, most adaptable grip available. The take down lever doesn't come off the pistol as it does in the USP and P2000...one less thing to lose in the field. A different type of standard sight is offered. Otherwise you are correct...they are quite similar.

The USP and P2000 offer several different trigger configurations not yet available on the newer P30.

You can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[CPshooter]

I own a USPc and a P2000sk, and have had limited experience with the rest of the H&K family of polymer pistols. Like psyopspec said, the P2000 is more similar to the USP Compact than it is to the full-size USP. The USPf has a longer and fatter grip than the USPc. The USPc grip is the same size and width as the P2000 grip, but it isn't as ergonomic as the P2000. The P2000 grip is more countoured and radiused, which not only makes it feel MUCH better in the hand, but it also allows for a higher grip than the USPc. This makes the P2000 much more comfortable and controllable when shooting. The interchangeable backstrap feature also makes the P2000 work for more people. Another great thing about the P2000 is that the grip is smooth on the sides, but has a very grippy texture on the front and back. It won't rub your skin off like the USPc will when carried IWB for long periods of time. The grippy, stippled texture on the frontstrap and backstrap actually keeps the gun more secure in your hand than the USPc's checkering, which can actually be uncomfortable after shooting a few hundred rounds.

The P2000 slide is also tapered towards the top, so while the widest points on the slides of both the USPc and P2000 are the exact same width, the P2000 is thinner overall which makes it great for IWB carry.

The P2000 has a slightly longer barrel than the USPc, a non-proprietary rail, and weighs less than the USPc. These are all upgrades over the USPc in my opinion.

The P2000 is essentially an upgraded, more "modern" version of the USPc. They are essentially the same gun on the inside, however. Neither is more mechanically reliable than the other. You can even get the same trigger variants on both (including the LEM trigger), except that the USPc has a manual thumb safety, which also acts as a decocking lever. The P2000 has a decocking button for the DA/SA variant and it's located at the rear of the slide just to the left of the hammer. They even use the same magazines.

The P30 is just an "upgraded" P2000 with a full-length picatinny rail, front cocking serrations, a longer barrel, and the new "spidey grip." It's extremely comfortable in the hand, but the grip has a rough texture like the USPc that makes it less than ideal for a IWB carry gun. It too will rub your side raw if carried all day against your skin.

They are all great and very reliable guns built on the same proven design. Like usp9 said already, they have just evolved slightly over the last two decades. My personal opinion is that the P2000/P2000sk is H&K's best creation. Definitely the most versatile of them all. They can be carried with ease and perform great at the range. Then again, all H&Ks are fantastic in their own way. You can't go wrong with any of them.