Everyone has an opinion...

Joe Boogie · November 21, 2010, 09:07 PM

I'm a relatively new gun enthusiast and am about to embark on my first handgun purchase. I have fired the S&W M/P 9mm and felt very comfortable with it, but I recently held a HK P30 at a gun show and am getting second thoughts on the S&W. While I intend to rent and fire a HK prior to my final decision, I was looking for some opinions on which of the two might be a better purchase. I liked the feel of the HK's grip and found the mag release, slide lock and the decocker were easy to operate (although I'll carry cocked and locked).

I intend on IWB carry and fun at the range. While this is my first gun purchase, it will also be my home defense weapon until my collection grows.

Opinions? Pros/cons?

jimbob86 · November 21, 2010, 09:09 PM

I wouldn't buy a product from a company that hates me, and thinks I suck......

Sefner · November 21, 2010, 09:10 PM

The best response is to handle as many firearms as you can, see what you like, what fits you best... and on that note, it sounds like you already know what you want

Joe Boogie · November 21, 2010, 09:10 PM

What?

jhenry · November 21, 2010, 09:12 PM

They are both good pistols, just go home with the one that you like best.

Shadi Khalil · November 21, 2010, 09:21 PM

I think after you've shot the P30 you'll be buying one. Excellent all around in any caliber. My be a bit large for CCW but its a joy at the range and a dandy for around the house.

zombieslayer · November 21, 2010, 09:31 PM

Of the two I greatly prefer the Hk. But then, S&W is the one that hates me, and thinks I suck.

RT · November 21, 2010, 09:44 PM

"91,322 rounds 13 stoppages, 0 malfunctions, 5 parts breakages 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. By 91,322 however, the pistol had suffered ..."
http://pistol-training.com/archives/...s/p30-thursday

**Frank Ettin** · November 21, 2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob86

....I wouldn't buy a product from a company that hates me, and thinks I suck....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Boogie

What?

It's an inside joke. Heckler & Koch has a reputation for being arrogant and not very customer service oriented.

jimbob86 · November 21, 2010, 09:55 PM

http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/20...d-we-hate-you/

TXAZ · November 21, 2010, 09:57 PM

+1 for jhenry's comment.

My wife purchased the M&P 9mm Pro, and excellent weapon. She picked it because she liked the feel better. The P30 was also on the short list, but the bottom line for her was how the grip felt in her hand.

Both are very good.

chris in va · November 21, 2010, 10:01 PM

Three words...Rent, rent, rent.

Go to a large gun store/range where you can fire at least 5 different guns, I bet you'll be very surprised what floats your boat.

WVsig · November 21, 2010, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Three words...Rent, rent, rent.

Go to a large gun store/range where you can fire at least 5 different guns, I bet you'll be very surprised what floats your boat.

I agree with this 100% or if you have a friend who has both ask them to take you to the range and you pay for the ammo. Until you send some lead down range from a particular pistol it is impossible to know that you will like one over another.

I have held tons of guns in a shop a thought they would "fit" me but then after a short range session found it was not for me. The more you shoot the better you get at judging what works for you but even long time shooters miss the mark sometimes.

I loved the HK45. It felt great in the hand but the more I shot it the less it fit me. It simply did not fit me well enough to justify the price. HKs are great guns but they are not for everyone. I find their DA triggers to be a bit stiff.

jimbob86 · November 21, 2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

I have held tons of guns in a shop a thought they would "fit" me but then after a short range session found it not to be true.

My brother thought my sp101 in .357 was the greatest thing ever ..... until he shot a cylinder of full house loads through it ....... promptly dubbed the gun, "L'il Nasty", and avoided it the rest of the range sesssion.

NWCP · November 21, 2010, 11:35 PM

The HK P30 is an excellent weapon. If it fits your and well and you like the way it shoots go for it. I own quite a few HKs and have never had an issue with the guns, or customer service. If the M&P works better for you go with it. It all depends on works best for you and your shooting needs. The P30 can be carried concealed quite easily with a proper IWB holster. Good luck on your choice and enjoy whatever you get.

twhidd · November 21, 2010, 11:42 PM

If you're like many of us hear, whichever one you buy it will not be your last. You may end up with both of them before it's over and several more. They can become an addiction.

Happy shooting

sonnycrockett · November 22, 2010, 07:06 AM

M&P feel great in the hand ,ergonomics are slick but I bought one and hated it.......It has IMO lots of room for improvement ,it needs a trigger that is smooth
for one thing........Thats why every M&P owner runs out to APEX for a trigger kit
but if I am going to spend 550 bucks for a M&P and then plunk down another 100 or so for a trigger kit and get in the 650 range Id rather just buy a SIG
It has all that and more plus a high resale value,you cant give away a used M&P...
HK is a nice gun,but I have others Id rather try ,FNs look really nice,and I really like Rugers SR9s and 40s....and Glock is as always a no brainer A+

02

limitdown · November 22, 2010, 08:13 AM

H&K and/or SIG all the way!

spodwo · November 22, 2010, 09:28 AM

I have the M&P - great pistol. I also agree on the trigger - it can be better. Frankly, I like the trigger on the Glock - it breaks a lot cleaner, less mush compared to the Smith. But I prefer the Smith over the Glocks overall due to it's ergonomics. I like the manual safety on my S&W also - I just prefer a pistol that has one versus the Glock system.

As far as the H&K P30 - there are a lot of great reviews on them. Never shot or held one though.

I think the FN9 deserves a look too....I really like the look of that and it is also getting great reviews.

Dc9Loser · November 22, 2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

"91,322 rounds 13 stoppages, 0 malfunctions, 5 parts breakages 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. By 91,322 however, the pistol had suffered ..."
http://pistol-training.com/archives/...s/p30-thursday
Yesterday 09:31 PM

HK's sound like junk, LOL

This glock:

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/...-torture-test/

went 277,000 rounds before its first failure, after being left at the bottom of the ocean for six months at one point in its life.

I think the best first gun is a Glock. That is because they pretty much never fail, they are light and small for CCW, and at 500 bucks give or take are a good deal.

After ya shoot awhile you can get something more exciting, prettier, flashy, or cool.

Of course after shooting Glocks you will have little tolerance for finicky guns.

EdInk · November 22, 2010, 10:03 AM

They are different types of pistols. Figure out what platform you prefer the most. I prefer striker fired polymer guns for full size pistols. My preference is for the XD. The Glock would be second followed my the M&P. My gripe
about the M&P is the trigger feels chintzy. I know it's not BUT it feels it.

Flyfisher · November 22, 2010, 02:43 PM

...but it probably would not have been my first choice when I was starting out.
I think the better approach is to shoot as many as you can before you purchase. As another poster said: rent, rent, rent. Don't know how old you are, but you have the rest of your life to find your all time favorites...and those seemingly "final" choices will change over time.
I am, admittedly, partial to HK and Sig, but it took me a while to get there.

November 21, 2010, 09:07 PM	#1
Joe Boogie Junior Member Join Date: October 29, 2010 Posts: 2	Everyone has an opinion... I'm a relatively new gun enthusiast and am about to embark on my first handgun purchase. I have fired the S&W M/P 9mm and felt very comfortable with it, but I recently held a HK P30 at a gun show and am getting second thoughts on the S&W. While I intend to rent and fire a HK prior to my final decision, I was looking for some opinions on which of the two might be a better purchase. I liked the feel of the HK's grip and found the mag release, slide lock and the decocker were easy to operate (although I'll carry cocked and locked). I intend on IWB carry and fun at the range. While this is my first gun purchase, it will also be my home defense weapon until my collection grows. Opinions? Pros/cons? Last edited by JohnKSa; November 21, 2010 at 09:24 PM. Reason: Title edit.

November 21, 2010, 09:10 PM	#3
Sefner Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 769	The best response is to handle as many firearms as you can, see what you like, what fits you best... and on that note, it sounds like you already know what you want __________________ gtalk:renfes steamID: Sefner

November 21, 2010, 09:12 PM	#5
jhenry Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Location: Ozarks Posts: 1,840	They are both good pistols, just go home with the one that you like best. __________________ "A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer

November 21, 2010, 09:21 PM	#6
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I think after you've shot the P30 you'll be buying one. Excellent all around in any caliber. My be a bit large for CCW but its a joy at the range and a dandy for around the house. Last edited by JohnKSa; November 21, 2010 at 09:23 PM. Reason: Deleted comment made superfluous by title edit.

November 21, 2010, 09:31 PM	#7
zombieslayer Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,198	Of the two I greatly prefer the Hk. But then, S&W is the one that hates me, and thinks I suck. __________________ "An angry prophet, denouncing the hypocrisies of our time"

November 21, 2010, 09:09 PM	#2
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	I wouldn't buy a product from a company that hates me, and thinks I suck......

November 21, 2010, 09:44 PM	#8
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,194	"91,322 rounds 13 stoppages, 0 malfunctions, 5 parts breakages 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. By 91,322 however, the pistol had suffered ..." http://pistol-training.com/archives/...s/p30-thursday

November 21, 2010, 09:55 PM	#10
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	Linky for Joe http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/20...d-we-hate-you/

November 21, 2010, 09:57 PM	#11
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	Excellent shortlist +1 for jhenry's comment. My wife purchased the M&P 9mm Pro, and excellent weapon. She picked it because she liked the feel better. The P30 was also on the short list, but the bottom line for her was how the grip felt in her hand. Both are very good. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

November 21, 2010, 10:01 PM	#12
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Three words...Rent, rent, rent. Go to a large gun store/range where you can fire at least 5 different guns, I bet you'll be very surprised what floats your boat.

November 21, 2010, 11:35 PM	#15
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	The HK P30 is an excellent weapon. If it fits your and well and you like the way it shoots go for it. I own quite a few HKs and have never had an issue with the guns, or customer service. If the M&P works better for you go with it. It all depends on works best for you and your shooting needs. The P30 can be carried concealed quite easily with a proper IWB holster. Good luck on your choice and enjoy whatever you get.

November 21, 2010, 11:42 PM	#16
twhidd Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 823	If you're like many of us hear, whichever one you buy it will not be your last. You may end up with both of them before it's over and several more. They can become an addiction. Happy shooting __________________ Todd NRA Life Member

November 22, 2010, 07:06 AM	#17
sonnycrockett Junior member Join Date: July 4, 2010 Location: Memphis TN Posts: 240	M&P feel great in the hand ,ergonomics are slick but I bought one and hated it.......It has IMO lots of room for improvement ,it needs a trigger that is smooth for one thing........Thats why every M&P owner runs out to APEX for a trigger kit but if I am going to spend 550 bucks for a M&P and then plunk down another 100 or so for a trigger kit and get in the 650 range Id rather just buy a SIG It has all that and more plus a high resale value,you cant give away a used M&P... HK is a nice gun,but I have others Id rather try ,FNs look really nice,and I really like Rugers SR9s and 40s....and Glock is as always a no brainer A+ 02

November 22, 2010, 08:13 AM	#18
limitdown Member Join Date: January 21, 2010 Posts: 26	H&K and/or SIG all the way! __________________ Rearmament for World War II got us out of the first Great Depression. What will it take to get us out of this Second Great Depression?

November 22, 2010, 09:28 AM	#19
spodwo Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2008 Posts: 839	I have the M&P - great pistol. I also agree on the trigger - it can be better. Frankly, I like the trigger on the Glock - it breaks a lot cleaner, less mush compared to the Smith. But I prefer the Smith over the Glocks overall due to it's ergonomics. I like the manual safety on my S&W also - I just prefer a pistol that has one versus the Glock system. As far as the H&K P30 - there are a lot of great reviews on them. Never shot or held one though. I think the FN9 deserves a look too....I really like the look of that and it is also getting great reviews.

November 22, 2010, 10:03 AM	#21
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	They are different types of pistols. Figure out what platform you prefer the most. I prefer striker fired polymer guns for full size pistols. My preference is for the XD. The Glock would be second followed my the M&P. My gripe about the M&P is the trigger feels chintzy. I know it's not BUT it feels it. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

November 22, 2010, 02:43 PM	#22
Flyfisher Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 129	I have the P30... ...but it probably would not have been my first choice when I was starting out. I think the better approach is to shoot as many as you can before you purchase. As another poster said: rent, rent, rent. Don't know how old you are, but you have the rest of your life to find your all time favorites...and those seemingly "final" choices will change over time. I am, admittedly, partial to HK and Sig, but it took me a while to get there.