P30, PPQ, PX Storm, M&P review

[cannonfire]

So I've been in the market for a new 9mm and have been reading reviews for the past month or so. Well I decided it was time to hit the range and just rent a couple of guns that I've had my eyes on. I'm no professional reviewer but here are some things that I noticed.

First I tried the HK P30. I absolutely loved it. It fit my hand perfectly and I loved the SA trigger (the DA was kind of heavy IMO). I thought I had a winner here even though my groups weren't all that great, I was happy with them enough because I'm confident with practice I could get those groups smaller.

Second was the Walther PPQ. All I can say is WOW! It fit just as well as the P30 and felt lighter. The recoil was more noticeable than the P30 but that is probably due to the weight. The groups I shot were incredible by my standards. It just seemed like I couldn't miss where I was aiming. The trigger was clean and amazing, I love the short reset of the trigger too.

Third was the Beretta PX4 Storm. I hated it. I did not find it nearly as comfortable as the previous two but it was not terrible. Worst of all was the extremely long trigger reset. I shot 15 rounds and turned it back in. I had enough of it.

Last but not least was the S&W M&P. The gun felt great but I didn't not like the trigger at all. It felt gritty and there were a couple of times where I failed to reset the trigger to the point where I had to take my finger completely off the trigger before it reset. I don't know it was just that particular gun but it was no where near the the P30 and PPQ.

I was looking for a DA/SA pistol since I already have a striker fired but since I loved how the PPQ felt and shot and the fact that it was about $300 less than the P30, the PPQ may be my next gun purchase.

Any other suggestions for a 9mm carry gun? I have big hands so I don't like subcompacts and I don't like the feel of glocks

[Martowski]

Cannonfire, your experiences are similar to mine in some respects (but slightly different in others). Without completely retyping everything, you can check out my blog on the link below and see my thoughts on the PPQ, PX4, Sig SP2022. In short, I'm a big PPQ fan.

[JHansenAK47]

I was looking for a DA/SA pistol since I already have a striker fired but since I loved how the PPQ felt and shot and the fact that it was about $300 less than the P30, the PPQ may be my next gun purchase.

I prefer the PPQ myself, but if you like DA/SA don't forget the P99AS.

[plouffedaddy]

Just one thing on the M&P--it's really easy to clean up the 'grit' in the trigger. Nothing wrong with any of the guns you reviewed and they will all serve you well. I'm just saying don't discount the M&P do to the grit.

[TunnelRat]

If you still want the DA/SA, get a P99 AS. Same great gun, just a twist. It can basically be carried like a PPQ too if wanted.

[Fishbed77]

I was looking for a DA/SA pistol since I already have a striker fired but since I loved how the PPQ felt and shot and the fact that it was about $300 less than the P30, the PPQ may be my next gun purchase.

You should check out the P99AS. The best of both worlds.

[sigarms228]

You should check out the P99AS. The best of both worlds

.

IF you can find one!

[RBid]

I own a PPQ, and I feel that it is the best of it's category, for me.

The reason I'm posting is because of what it really is. Simply put, it is a truly awesome range or duty weapon. As with any gun of it's category, it may be a bit large to be a comfortable EDC. I don't know your physical dimensions, or where you're from, but here in Oregon, it's about a 270-days-per-year carry option. It is overcast and gloomy here a lot, so I walk around in a jacket most off the year. While that may sound great, I am currently in the process of shopping around for a pocket-carry option, because 1/4 of the year, I wear cargo shorts, and no jacket. I need something that fits big-ish hands, but still easily hides in warm-weather clothing.

If you're looking for a single weapon for range, CCW/EDC, and home defense, you may be better off looking at some of the compact guns that have pinky extensions. M&P9c is great, and the Ruger SR9c may be an option. Personally, I couldn't say, "no" to the PPQ. I will likely use that 9/12 months, and a Ruger LC9 for the hot season. The two guns still cost about what an H&K P30 costs.

Just some food for thought.

[BleedinPurple]

I own the ppq and its pretty awesome...does everything a polymer pistol should do...if you get to hold one you will think other guns feel not so good...except the m&p...because that feels pretty good as well...but the ppq is nicer

[TunnelRat]

IF you can find one!

Just got one today ! That said it was the only one my FFL could find out of his half dozen distributors. They seem to have vanished a bit.

[HKGuns]

the DA was kind of heavy IMO

They're designed to be kind of heavy. Completely normal.

Third was the Beretta PX4 Storm. I hated it. I did not find it nearly as comfortable as the previous two but it was not terrible. Worst of all was the extremely long trigger reset. I shot 15 rounds and turned it back in. I had enough of it.

Completely agree....and this is coming from someone who only shoots Beretta shotguns. I didn't even have to shoot it to tell I didn't like it. My thumb wouldn't reach that silly safety lever without a major grip adjustment. The ergonomics were just all wrong for me.

[Fishbed77]

You should check out the P99AS. The best of both worlds
.

IF you can find one!

I saw a few at Palmetto State Armory and at Sportman's Warehouse just the other week.

Walther ships several large shipments per year, so it seems that they dry up for a while, and a few months later, they are easy to find.

[stmcelroy]

Thanks for the comparisons.

I'd love to try out both a PPQ and PPS, lately i'm on a quest to find the best striker fired weapon for me.

So far own:

Glock 17/19Gen4/21SF
S&W M&P 9FS
Caracal F & C

Looking to try:
Walther PPQ & PPS
FN FNS
XD/XDm

[cannonfire]

So the Walther P99AS is a DA/SA PPQ? Does it feel and shoot like the PPQ?

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

[Fishbed77]

So the Walther P99AS is a DA/SA PPQ? Does it feel and shoot like the PPQ?

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Well, technically the PPQ is a glock-style precocked-striker version of the DA/SA P99AS. The P99 came first.

Yes - they feel and shoot pretty much the same. The only significant difference between the two is the trigger and some mild aesthetic changes (front serrations and grip stippling changes on the PPQ).

The SA trigger of the P99AS is a bit lighter and shorter than the PPQ's constant trigger. The DA trigger is a bit longer and heavier. Still incredibly smooth. The trigger reset is pretty much the same (which is to say EXTREMELY short).

It's not a stretch to say the P99AS probably has the best factory DA/SA trigger feel of any defensive handgun on the market.

Likewise, the PPQ trigger feel is excellent for a constant-action glock-style trigger. I think it feels smoother and crisper than the Walther PPS (and is light years better than any Glock trigger).

[Red Dog]

As an owner of the PPQ I will second the comments but I think you should
checkout the SR9 also.

[Fishbed77]

As an owner of the PPQ I will second the comments but I think you should
checkout the SR9 also.

My brother owns an SR9 that I've shot quite a bit, and I agree - it's a very good gun, especially for the price. Nice ergonomics (not Walther quality, but close). Excellent accuracy and great standard sights.

The trigger lets it down a bit (better than a Glock, but still nowhere close to the Walthers). I understand the compact SR9C is a bit better in regards to the trigger. In fact, since it can use the full-size mags (with a nice grip extension), I don't see much point in going with the SR9 over the SR9C.

The SR9 fit and finish doesn't reach the level of the Walther P99 or PPQ, but then again, those guns cost $100-150 more. Pesonally, I think it's worth it.

[LockedBreech]

I'm sorry you didn't like the PX4. It's a great weapon, but I completely understand that it could be the best one ever invented and that doesn't matter if it's not comfortable. I had the same sad experience with the XD(M) fullsize. I loved everything about the gun and wanted to love holding it, but the second I held one I was done with it.

I think all 4 options you listed have proven themselves to be excellent, reliable firearms. The most buzz seems to be about the PPQ these days.

Good luck, and whatever you get I expect a lot of pictures.

[GregInAtl]

I just bought a PPQ a few weeks ago. It has the best ergonomics of any gun I own, including my Sig 226 and M&P45. I love the trigger of the PPQ as well as the M&P45 and I had the Apex trigger kit put on my M&P, so that's saying something. I didn't think I would like the magazine release in the trigger of the Walther but now that I have one, I kind of like that feature.

[cannonfire]

When I first released the magazine from the PPQ, I didn't care for it, but then I realized I was able to release it without adjusting my grip too much which made me happy. I couldn't get my thumb into the fat part of the release but could grab it just enough to comfortably release it without a problem. I now like it too

[TunnelRat]

When I first released the magazine from the PPQ, I didn't care for it, but then I realized I was able to release it without adjusting my grip too much which made me happy. I couldn't get my thumb into the fat part of the release but could grab it just enough to comfortably release it without a problem. I now like it too

Try using your index finger and using the mag release on the other side. Seems odd at first, but very quick once practiced. I do the same with my HKs too.

[RBid]

+1 at using your trigger finger to engage the mag release on the PPQ. That's how I do it, as well. It felt completely natural after only 4 or 5 mag releases. I actually prefer Walther mag releases, now.

[miztic]

My experiences are similar to yours, the P30 was out for repair at my LGS, so I ended up renting an HK USP9.
I also rented the PPQ, a Springfield XDM9, M&P9, Glock 17. out of all of them, I liked the PPQ the best and am still considering getting one
the XDM9 was nice too btw.

[cannonfire]

I'm going to have to try the index finger release on the PPQ.

Ive shot the full sizes XDM9 and thought it was great but I'm looking for a smaller pistol. How did you like the USP9? My range only had the USP in 40 and 45. I do want to shoot a USPc9 if I can find a range by me with one to rent

[TunnelRat]

P99 really isn't that bad for carry, but your opinions may vary.

If you want a smaller HK for carry, check out the P2000. There's nothing wrong with the USP, great gun, but it is an older design.