HK P30 vs Sig P229 E2

Questman · March 18, 2011, 11:21 PM

Hey there everyone... I've decided it's time to invest in another new pistol, and I would like the input from the forum. I've narrowed it down to a 9mm, either an H&K P30 V3, or a SIG P229 E2. (I'm also considering the H&K USP compact, but this is kind of a backup choice. Feel free to comment.)

I've tried both and they each feel great in my hand, and for all intents and purposes, let's consider them to cost exactly the same, so price isn't important. I'd like to know what everyone thinks about which would be better. I want a gun that is going to, if you'll pardon the expression, bulletproof, take anything I can throw at it and keep on going.

I know the reputation of each company... but I've heard the rumors that SIG has started having QC problems as of late, so that's a factor. Accuracy, reliability, features, longevity, all are up for grabs. Let the discussion begin, and thanks everyone!

AustinTX · March 18, 2011, 11:48 PM

I absolutely love my 1990s-era P229, but if you're talking about a present-day P229 versus the P30, I would go with the P30 in a heartbeat. Just my opinion. I am not impressed with Sig's direction as a company.

Questman · March 19, 2011, 12:43 AM

Yes, either would be brand new- and the P229 would be the E2 model, the one with the reduced grip circumference, short reset trigger, etc.

WVsig · March 19, 2011, 12:54 AM

Both should serve you well. They are both proven platforms. It all depends on which one fits you better. They are both quality guns.

If I had to choose it I would choose the P30. I had a P30 I sold it. It just did not knock my socks off but I think its a better gun these days. Both are pricey. Unless you are really looking for the E2 grip look for a used one. They can be had for under $600. LNIB I rarely see the HK P30 for less than $700.

I do not have a P229 but have own several P228s and used to own a P229. I prefer old German Guns but the P229 has always been made here. If you can get a decent deal they are still good guns.

RT · March 19, 2011, 06:46 AM

P30 all the way

http://pistol-training.com/archives/2668
"At 91,300 rounds, the P30 was running strong. Even after a chunk went missing from the frame, the gun had turned in well over five thousand rounds of accurate and reliable service. I carried it every day.......only cleaned fifteen times — once going over 12,000 rounds between cleanings. It was rarely lubed more often than once every 4-5,000 rounds."

warpig602 · March 19, 2011, 07:52 AM

Id say they are comparable on every level of your criteria, as a post mentioned above, go witht the one that feels best. Ive been shooting Sig for 20+ years and recently sold my Glock 33 for an HK P2000SK and for the life of me cant get used to the mag release on the HK's. Id go Sig....bigger market for mags, holsters etc.

You said disregard price, but, price is a factor as you can get the 229 for less....that leaves extra cash for mags, ammo etc. I would use fitment and price as the standard for buying at that point. You can also buy a nice used 229 and just buy the E2 conversion kit to save a few bucks.

One last thing to consider........HK's customer service is seriously lacking.

Jagman13 · March 19, 2011, 08:10 AM

The vast majority of qaulity issues with new SIG's is internet BS. I own multiple versions of both of these guns and for me the SIG is the winner by quite a large margin. The SRT on the E2 leaves the trigger on the HK in the dust. Buy the SIG and don't look back.

dpetreikis · March 19, 2011, 09:06 AM

Sigs are fine weapons - I have a few - but in my opinion, it'd be P30 all day, every day.

Uncle Malice · March 19, 2011, 12:15 PM

Buy a LNIB older P229 without the rail. Send it in to Sig to have the E2 grip and SRT put on.

Now you're a winner.

warpig602 · March 19, 2011, 12:43 PM

Or just install the SRT and grips yourself and save a chunk of money by not paying Sigs ridiculous prices.

WVsig · March 19, 2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Or just install the SRT and grips yourself and save a chunk of money by not paying Sigs ridiculous prices.

Winner winner chicken dinner.

Coltman 77 · March 19, 2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

P30 all the way

http://pistol-training.com/archives/2668
"At 91,300 rounds, the P30 was running strong. Even after a chunk went missing from the frame, the gun had turned in well over five thousand rounds of accurate and reliable service. I carried it every day.......only cleaned fifteen times — once going over 12,000 rounds between cleanings. It was rarely lubed more often than once every 4-5,000 rounds."

Agreed.

With adjustable backstraps and grip side panels the HK can be made to melt into almost anyone's hand. The ergonomics are excellent.

Very accurate and uber reliable.

And before someone criticizes HK customer service, let me say that HK has worked hard to improve it and it's very good now.

My P30 L. For inspiration.

Uncle Malice · March 19, 2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Or just install the SRT and grips yourself and save a chunk of money by not paying Sigs ridiculous prices.

I concur with that statement except for the fact that you can't just buy the SRT kit or E2 conversion kit... and the sig prices aren't bad. I had a 229 converted to e2 with srt for $100...

i've seen people offer the srt parts on gunbroker once in a blue moon and they're always around $90

warpig602 · March 19, 2011, 01:30 PM

Ive seen the parts to do it rather frequently but Sig must have changed some prices around if you can get both done for 100 bucks. Last time I looked it was almost double that on top shipping both ways.

Uncle Malice · March 19, 2011, 01:32 PM

It was during a promotion, which i've seen come up again since I had mine done. $49.99 ea for E2 and SRT mods.

There is an SRT kid on gunbroker now with a starting bid of $80 - I have not yet seen the E2 parts available for separate purchase.

warpig602 · March 19, 2011, 01:37 PM

Indeed, thats a pretty good deal. I have seen a few E2 kits on Sigforum. I dont have a problem with the current Sig grip so the E2 has never appealed to me. In fact I think it makes it look kind of funny, been staring at the Classig lines for too long I guess. It took me 2 years to warm up to the Elites....just couldnt really get used to seeing a beavertail, now I think they look funny without one.

IMTHDUKE · March 19, 2011, 02:34 PM

This is my second....I had a v3 and sold and regreted it, so I got this one.....

I like the trigger option it gives...the safety you can chose to use or not.

balance · March 19, 2011, 02:48 PM

I have the exact same pistol (H&K P30S), and I like the trigger options as well. I carry mine cocked & locked, and the trigger does not feel bad at all, it is just that the reset is longer than most.

You could also carry it DA/SA with safety on or off.

IMTHDUKE · March 19, 2011, 03:12 PM

You Sir....are a man of exquisite taste

balance · March 19, 2011, 03:54 PM

As are you...

And I would have no problems buying a Sig, if I wasn't a lefty, or if they made a more lefty-friendly 9mm pistol that cost less than the X-5. But even then, I'd probably prefer the P30S as I like C&L carry.

AustinTX · March 19, 2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

It took me 2 years to warm up to the Elites....just couldnt really get used to seeing a beavertail, now I think they look funny without one.

I'll never warm up to those beavertails. To each his own, but I think they look ridiculous on a Sig. Who ever got hammer bite shooting a P22x?

Questman · March 21, 2011, 02:46 AM

I like what I'm hearing... but one thing to keep in mind, both feel great in my hand, so it's not a matter of one suiting me better than the other in that case. And let's throw the USP compact in here, just to see where that takes us.

dgludwig · March 22, 2011, 01:59 PM

I much prefer the way the SIG feels in my hand over the HK. And I really like the way the E2 version with the SRT handles (I have a 226 E2)-and I have largish sized hands.

globalsmack · April 1, 2011, 10:42 AM

P30 with light LEM trigger is pure boss. You can even find them with night sights and a matching serial number HK bench made knife set.

March 18, 2011, 11:21 PM	#1
Questman Member Join Date: October 29, 2004 Posts: 16	HK P30 vs Sig P229 E2 Hey there everyone... I've decided it's time to invest in another new pistol, and I would like the input from the forum. I've narrowed it down to a 9mm, either an H&K P30 V3, or a SIG P229 E2. (I'm also considering the H&K USP compact, but this is kind of a backup choice. Feel free to comment.) I've tried both and they each feel great in my hand, and for all intents and purposes, let's consider them to cost exactly the same, so price isn't important. I'd like to know what everyone thinks about which would be better. I want a gun that is going to, if you'll pardon the expression, bulletproof, take anything I can throw at it and keep on going. I know the reputation of each company... but I've heard the rumors that SIG has started having QC problems as of late, so that's a factor. Accuracy, reliability, features, longevity, all are up for grabs. Let the discussion begin, and thanks everyone!

March 18, 2011, 11:48 PM	#2
AustinTX Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2010 Posts: 1,417	I absolutely love my 1990s-era P229, but if you're talking about a present-day P229 versus the P30, I would go with the P30 in a heartbeat. Just my opinion. I am not impressed with Sig's direction as a company. __________________ Beretta Billennium/Billennium/92 Steel I/92 Steel I/92FS/92FS/92FS INOX/92FS INOX/8045F/84BB—HK P7M10/P7M10/USP Elite—SIG P210-5 HF/P210-5/P210-6 HF/P210-6/P210-6/P49—SIG Sauer P229—Colt Gold Cup NM/Gold Cup NM/Python—Browning Hi-Power—USFA 1910—Mauser Luger 29/70/HSc—S&W Model 41/Model 57/Model 57/Model 48-4—Freedom Arms Model 83-PG—Walther PPS—Glock 17—CZ 52—FEG ACK—Kahr P380

March 19, 2011, 12:54 AM	#4
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: WV Posts: 2,529	Both should serve you well. They are both proven platforms. It all depends on which one fits you better. They are both quality guns. If I had to choose it I would choose the P30. I had a P30 I sold it. It just did not knock my socks off but I think its a better gun these days. Both are pricey. Unless you are really looking for the E2 grip look for a used one. They can be had for under $600. LNIB I rarely see the HK P30 for less than $700. I do not have a P229 but have own several P228s and used to own a P229. I prefer old German Guns but the P229 has always been made here. If you can get a decent deal they are still good guns. __________________ Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.-Pete Townshend The United States is a nation of laws: badly written and randomly enforced. -Frank Zappa Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.-Frank Zappa

March 19, 2011, 07:52 AM	#6
warpig602 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2011 Location: Phoenix, Az......now Iowa Posts: 191	Id say they are comparable on every level of your criteria, as a post mentioned above, go witht the one that feels best. Ive been shooting Sig for 20+ years and recently sold my Glock 33 for an HK P2000SK and for the life of me cant get used to the mag release on the HK's. Id go Sig....bigger market for mags, holsters etc. You said disregard price, but, price is a factor as you can get the 229 for less....that leaves extra cash for mags, ammo etc. I would use fitment and price as the standard for buying at that point. You can also buy a nice used 229 and just buy the E2 conversion kit to save a few bucks. One last thing to consider........HK's customer service is seriously lacking. Last edited by warpig602; March 19, 2011 at 08:14 AM.

March 19, 2011, 09:06 AM	#8
dpetreikis Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2005 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 262	Sigs are fine weapons - I have a few - but in my opinion, it'd be P30 all day, every day. __________________ "If something seems to good to be true, it's best to shoot it just in case." - Fiona, "Burn Notice"

March 19, 2011, 12:43 AM	#3
Questman Member Join Date: October 29, 2004 Posts: 16	Yes, either would be brand new- and the P229 would be the E2 model, the one with the reduced grip circumference, short reset trigger, etc.

March 19, 2011, 06:46 AM	#5
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,188	P30 all the way http://pistol-training.com/archives/2668 "At 91,300 rounds, the P30 was running strong. Even after a chunk went missing from the frame, the gun had turned in well over five thousand rounds of accurate and reliable service. I carried it every day.......only cleaned fifteen times — once going over 12,000 rounds between cleanings. It was rarely lubed more often than once every 4-5,000 rounds."

March 19, 2011, 08:10 AM	#7
Jagman13 Member Join Date: June 9, 2002 Location: Dallas Tx Posts: 25	The vast majority of qaulity issues with new SIG's is internet BS. I own multiple versions of both of these guns and for me the SIG is the winner by quite a large margin. The SRT on the E2 leaves the trigger on the HK in the dust. Buy the SIG and don't look back.

March 19, 2011, 12:15 PM	#9
Uncle Malice Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2009 Location: Phoenix Posts: 2,486	Buy a LNIB older P229 without the rail. Send it in to Sig to have the E2 grip and SRT put on. Now you're a winner. __________________ Glock 17 OD \| Glock 19 G4 \| Glock 21 G4 \| Glock 20 G4 \| Springfield TRP Black \| Springfield Champion Operator \| Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Pro \| Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Daniel Defense DDM4 V4 \| Arsenal SGL 21 \| ASA SBR w/ Side Charger \| Mega/PSA M4 Clone \| Remington 700 SPS Tactical \| Savage Mark II FV-SR Mossberg 590A1 20" SP \| Mossberg 590A1 18" GR \| Mossberg 500 Cruiser w/ 590 14" front end \| Remington 870 Tactical

March 19, 2011, 12:43 PM	#10
warpig602 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2011 Location: Phoenix, Az......now Iowa Posts: 191	Or just install the SRT and grips yourself and save a chunk of money by not paying Sigs ridiculous prices.

March 19, 2011, 01:30 PM	#14
warpig602 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2011 Location: Phoenix, Az......now Iowa Posts: 191	Ive seen the parts to do it rather frequently but Sig must have changed some prices around if you can get both done for 100 bucks. Last time I looked it was almost double that on top shipping both ways.

March 19, 2011, 01:32 PM	#15
Uncle Malice Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2009 Location: Phoenix Posts: 2,486	It was during a promotion, which i've seen come up again since I had mine done. $49.99 ea for E2 and SRT mods. There is an SRT kid on gunbroker now with a starting bid of $80 - I have not yet seen the E2 parts available for separate purchase. __________________ Glock 17 OD \| Glock 19 G4 \| Glock 21 G4 \| Glock 20 G4 \| Springfield TRP Black \| Springfield Champion Operator \| Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Pro \| Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Daniel Defense DDM4 V4 \| Arsenal SGL 21 \| ASA SBR w/ Side Charger \| Mega/PSA M4 Clone \| Remington 700 SPS Tactical \| Savage Mark II FV-SR Mossberg 590A1 20" SP \| Mossberg 590A1 18" GR \| Mossberg 500 Cruiser w/ 590 14" front end \| Remington 870 Tactical

March 19, 2011, 01:37 PM	#16
warpig602 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2011 Location: Phoenix, Az......now Iowa Posts: 191	Indeed, thats a pretty good deal. I have seen a few E2 kits on Sigforum. I dont have a problem with the current Sig grip so the E2 has never appealed to me. In fact I think it makes it look kind of funny, been staring at the Classig lines for too long I guess. It took me 2 years to warm up to the Elites....just couldnt really get used to seeing a beavertail, now I think they look funny without one.

March 19, 2011, 02:34 PM	#17
IMTHDUKE Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 1,386	This is my second....I had a v3 and sold and regreted it, so I got this one..... I like the trigger option it gives...the safety you can chose to use or not. __________________ http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com Ed Brown Kobra Carry \| HK P7M8, P2000sk, P30s \| Sig 1911 C3, P238, P938, P239, P232 \| Colt Defender, Mustang Pocketlite, 1911 \| Rohrbaugh R9 \| Kimber Covert Ultra II \| Browning HP, Buckmark 22LR(suppressed) \| Walter \| PPK(German made 1966) \| Kahr PM9 Black Rose \| S&W\|M&P

March 19, 2011, 02:48 PM	#18
balance Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Posts: 332	I have the exact same pistol (H&K P30S), and I like the trigger options as well. I carry mine cocked & locked, and the trigger does not feel bad at all, it is just that the reset is longer than most. You could also carry it DA/SA with safety on or off.

March 19, 2011, 03:12 PM	#19
IMTHDUKE Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2004 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 1,386	You Sir....are a man of exquisite taste __________________ http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com Ed Brown Kobra Carry \| HK P7M8, P2000sk, P30s \| Sig 1911 C3, P238, P938, P239, P232 \| Colt Defender, Mustang Pocketlite, 1911 \| Rohrbaugh R9 \| Kimber Covert Ultra II \| Browning HP, Buckmark 22LR(suppressed) \| Walter \| PPK(German made 1966) \| Kahr PM9 Black Rose \| S&W\|M&P

March 19, 2011, 03:54 PM	#20
balance Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Posts: 332	As are you... And I would have no problems buying a Sig, if I wasn't a lefty, or if they made a more lefty-friendly 9mm pistol that cost less than the X-5. But even then, I'd probably prefer the P30S as I like C&L carry.

March 21, 2011, 02:46 AM	#22
Questman Member Join Date: October 29, 2004 Posts: 16	I like what I'm hearing... but one thing to keep in mind, both feel great in my hand, so it's not a matter of one suiting me better than the other in that case. And let's throw the USP compact in here, just to see where that takes us.

March 22, 2011, 01:59 PM	#23
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 4,497	I much prefer the way the SIG feels in my hand over the HK. And I really like the way the E2 version with the SRT handles (I have a 226 E2)-and I have largish sized hands. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

April 1, 2011, 10:42 AM	#24
globalsmack Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2008 Posts: 145	P30 with light LEM trigger is pure boss. You can even find them with night sights and a matching serial number HK bench made knife set.