Question on HK USP and P30 ergos

[mikebravo]

With Christmas coming up, I've been thinking about a handgun to ask Santa for (hope he has an FFL). So the only times I have handled either of these guns have been at gun shows, and the USP, although it has an astonishing record for reliability, always had, from what I recall, a very awkward feel with it's rectangle of a grip, compared to the Beretta 92 I have (and love). Then I picked up the P30.... and WOW. It feels GOOD. But upon looking at some more pictures online, it looks like it has a very high bore axis, and with the way the tang is designed, it looks like it would be hard to get a good, high grip on, thus impeding any kind of rapid-fire shot control. Can anyone comment on this? Do they just take getting used to?

 

[Aiko492]

I have owned 4 USP's in different varieties and calibers (currently have the usp .45 compact which may sell or trade for the .45c[/U]Strictly on ergonomics, the P30 which i do not own feels better in my hand.

 

[Mot45acp]

My P30 is my favorite center fire pistol. Mainly due to rapid fire accuracy. I can dump a mag as fast as I can pull the trigger into a hand sized group at 15 yards. This is good for me.

I've only had two gripes. The first was my thumbs forward shooting would disengage the last round lock back feature. This was solved by replacing the slide lock lever with a slim lever for a P2000. I lost the capture feature but the trade-off was worth it.

The other gripe is lack of availability of factory threaded barrel. I want to mount my Osprey on it so bad I can taste it.

 

[12131]

Although eh P30 has better ergo, I like the feel of the USP better in my hand. No longer has the P30. Still have 4 USPs.

 

[Ehtereon11B]

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I think the P30 was a huge step down from the USP in almost every way. Especially in ergonomics. If you get the chance try firing both of them before hand to get a feel. But if not there is still plenty of time to get some non firing hands on time.

 

[jyo]

Currently I have a P30S, two USPf 9mm and 45, USPc in 9mm, a P2000 9mm along with a 45C---I have shot them all quite a lot---all are great, reliable pistols. In regard to the grip, the P30S beats 'em all, but the P2000 runs a close second for me (I have large hands). The USPfs are not bad at all for me, but the P30 is simply newer and better. The P2000 (mine is 9mm) is just a bit smaller than the P30 and is one of my favorite packin' pistols. If I feel the need for a 45, the 45C does it! All my HKs are DA/SA---I'm just used to that system. Many choices---good luck!

 

[usp9]

IMHO, the USP is a bit of an odd duck. It doesn't look like it would "feel" good in the hand, but the proof is in when you shoot. You are able to get a really firm grip and all the controls work very well. It grows on you.

The P30 "feels" good the moment you pick it up. It is adjustable so the grip can be altered to fit just you. Recoil and accuracy between the two are about the same. I really love my USPs, but the P30 is just a tad bit better in very subtle ways, if only that marvelous texture on the grips.

 

[mikebravo]

Great, thanks for the replies! Can anyone comment on whether or not you can get a high grip on a P30?

 

[Mot45acp]

I don't know if its a high grip, but with the small side panels, and medium back strap, it is the closest grip to perfect that I've felt in any handgun......ever.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I think the difference between the relationship of the boreline above the grip of the USP and the P30 is minimal...

...when I shot them side-by-side, I wasn't able to tell much difference between shot splits (about .30 sec; I wasn't pushing). However the USP moved more in my hand and resulted in slightly larger groups.

 

[el Godfather]

I have both. I am an average shot with both. I get decent combat accuracy for both. If I was looking for tight groups I would not chose either.

However, in the picture above i see the usp like control lever on p30. I could not find one of those for some reason. When I find one and a threaded barrel for my P30- usp will have time staying in my arsenal.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Mike,

I personally prefer the P30. To me it is much more ergonomic, but that is about the only difference. However, that "little" difference can have a big impact on shootability and as a result I shoot the P30 slightly better.

Another big thing to consider is that the P30s accessory rail can be used in conjunction with most all aftermarket lights and lasers with standard mounts whereas the USPs rail cannot. However, an adapter can be purchased for the USP, but it does take away from the aesthetics.

 

[tarosean]

If i were to purchase another poly pistol it would be the P30L..