Paddle Release

Groundhog34 · April 6, 2021, 08:00 PM

I am a weirdo I admit it. I am left handed and really like the paddle release style pistol. I have a HK VP9 and a Walther PPS. What other pistol particularly compact or sub compact have a paddle release magazine?

Forte S+W · April 6, 2021, 08:24 PM

Most H&K Pistols have paddle mag releases.

That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me.

Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases.

I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip.

Siggy-06 · April 6, 2021, 09:37 PM

Hk USP Compact(and full-size) and P2000, Walther PPQ M1 and P99/c.

BourbonCowboy · April 6, 2021, 09:38 PM

I'm also a lefty, and I've got the VP9...and love the paddle release.

I also have the VP9SK...which is my EDC pistol. It's great - particularly with the 13-round mags. It's billed as a subcompact, but it's more like a compact. When outfitted with a Lobos trigger and Speed Sights, it's a fantastic pistol. What's even better is that you can get mag adapters that will let you use your VP9 mags with it.

wild cat mccane · April 7, 2021, 09:16 AM

Unclear if Walther will release a PDP with a paddle.

P99 is only paddle. PPQ M1 paddle is now discontinued.

No PPS with paddle in production. A new PPS has to happen at some point due to the P365.

Paddles are the best. Way faster and no accidental drop possible.

cmdc · April 7, 2021, 09:23 AM

Lefty here as well, and I love’em. I have several HKs wnd Walthers including PPS M1 and M2. If they ever come out with a PPS+ I’d be all over it.

Fishbed77 · April 7, 2021, 09:35 AM

I’m right handed and I have come to the conclusion that the paddle release is the superior mag release design.

It’s a shame that Walther has moved away from it on recent models.

cmdc · April 7, 2021, 10:18 AM

It seems that most American shooters hate them. I think that the biggest problem is that most pistols sold here use the button style and it’s more of a transition issue.

Siggy-06 · April 7, 2021, 11:30 AM

I always found it interesting that Glock never had a paddle release. I guess they took more design queues from Italy and Spain than Germany. While I can hit the release on my Gen 5 without adjusting my grip, I wish my Gen 3 23 had a paddle release. Are you reading this Gaston???

cmdc · April 7, 2021, 11:39 AM

Maybe they were ‘gunning’ for the American market all along.

TunnelRat · April 7, 2021, 11:51 AM

I’ve had pistols with and without. To me either works fine and I don’t have a strong preference for one or another. I have not had an issue with accidental drops with the button style release in the pistols I have carried.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TunnelRat · April 7, 2021, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forte S+W

Most H&K Pistols have paddle mag releases.

That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me.

Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases.

I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip.

When it’s in stock it’s a cheap and easy upgrade:

https://hkparts.net/product/extended...tols-p1669.htm

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Forte S+W · April 7, 2021, 12:24 PM

@TunnelRat
Thanks, I'll have to buy one of those as soon as they come back in stock.

PatientWolf · April 10, 2021, 08:05 AM

You can add the H&K P30 to your list. It has an added advantage for you in that it takes the same mags as your VP9.

You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.

TunnelRat · April 10, 2021, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatientWolf

You can add the H&K P30 to your list. It has an added advantage for you in that it takes the same mags as your VP9.

You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.

Since when is the P30 available with a button rather than a paddle? I know the VP9 is available with both options, but I’ve never seen a P30 with a button release.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

wild cat mccane · April 10, 2021, 10:52 AM

I know it wasn’t an option when I bought my P30L. I don’t think there is one. The grip doesn’t look to support it. Could be wrong

PatientWolf · April 10, 2021, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Since when is the P30 available with a button rather than a paddle? I know the VP9 is available with both options, but I’ve never seen a P30 with a button release.

Quote:

I know it wasn’t an option when I bought my P30L. I don’t think there is one. The grip doesn’t look to support it. Could be wrong

My bad. You are both correct. I’d been doing a lot of research on both lately and mis-remembered about the button release as the only think I took away was that on the H&K I wanted, I wanted to make sure it had a puddle release.

Thanks for the accurate fact-check!

Kreyzhorse · April 10, 2021, 04:37 PM

I'm a lefty but I can adapt to most right handed guns pretty quickly. The paddle is a nice option but it takes a bit for people to get used to, left or right handed.

I do own a Walther PPS with the paddle. It's one gun that I don't think I could ever sell.

jr24 · April 11, 2021, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishbed77

I’m right handed and I have come to the conclusion that the paddle release is the superior mag release design.

It’s a shame that Walther has moved away from it on recent models.

Agree. Always liked it on my dad's P99AS but it's only recently when I really got to know my new HK 45c that I've been converted.

dgludwig · April 12, 2021, 04:18 PM

I'm also a fan of paddle releases, though the only one I have is on my USP 40 which I've had since 1994. I'm sure I'm in the minority here but in terms of magazine releases, I'm much more concerned with retention of the magazine and avoiding an inadvertent release. Unless the pistol is being used in matches where lightening fast reloads are needed to score well, when it comes to self-defense, I'm really opposed to prominently extended releases like those found on 1911-style, competition pistols, making accidental releases more probable.
The truth is, for most self-defense scenarios, having a high capacity magazine makes the need for a reload much less likely. Getting rid of the magazine quickly would probably be more important in clearing a jam than needing to expend more rounds. Personally, I see some merit, especially in cold weather when wearing gloves, in having a "European"-style, heel-release. A heel-release type magazine is not that much slower to eject than some others and are far less subject to being dumped inadvertently.

Siggy-06 · April 12, 2021, 08:18 PM

Dhludwig, it would be cool to see a modern offering with a heel-release. Maybe bersa or walther could put one on one of their .380 offerings. Some of the advantages of the heel style release: the mags wont just fall free of the gun and be damaged if they hit the ground, no accidental magazine release, less parts on the frame. These were never meant for competition shooting obviously, but during several wars/conflicts, most servicemen were only issued 2 magazines for their pistols, and you didnt want either getting damaged from falling to the ground.

Cosmodragoon · April 15, 2021, 04:19 AM

I'm right-handed but I love the paddle. Besides being convenient, proper holsters that protect the trigger guard also help to protect a paddle release.

This isn't true for buttons. Under the wrong circumstances, bumping into a counter the wrong way can push that button. (Ask me how I know.)

Desmosedici · May 12, 2021, 02:43 PM

Paddle release on my HK45 is very easy to actuate with my trigger finger, and the magazine has such positive ejection, it's easy so easy to do.

I love this pistol. My shooting buddy always seems to struggle with remembering where the mag release is when he shoots it, it's humorous.

wild cat mccane · May 12, 2021, 02:49 PM

I haven't heard too many people say the button release is superior in design. Only thing I've read is a knock on the paddle because of familiarity with the button.

The button really should go.

HistoryJunky · May 12, 2021, 04:11 PM

I am also a left hander. I have an HK P30 and it is my most comfortable, ergonomic handgun.

I have size small hands and it is the only handgun I have owned that I can hit the mag release and slide stop without breaking my grip.

I have held other guns with paddle releases and like them too.

I wish it was an option on more firearms.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

April 6, 2021, 08:00 PM	#1
Groundhog34 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 196	Paddle Release I am a weirdo I admit it. I am left handed and really like the paddle release style pistol. I have a HK VP9 and a Walther PPS. What other pistol particularly compact or sub compact have a paddle release magazine? __________________ "they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name 666." Revelation 13:11

April 6, 2021, 08:24 PM	#2
Forte S+W Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2019 Posts: 819	Most H&K Pistols have paddle mag releases. That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me. Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases. I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip. __________________ Conspiracy theorists are the greatest political spin-doctors of all time. Only they can make the absolute worst political blunders sound like spectacular feats of ingenuity.

April 6, 2021, 09:37 PM	#3
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Hk USP Compact(and full-size) and P2000, Walther PPQ M1 and P99/c. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

April 7, 2021, 09:16 AM	#5
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,623	Unclear if Walther will release a PDP with a paddle. P99 is only paddle. PPQ M1 paddle is now discontinued. No PPS with paddle in production. A new PPS has to happen at some point due to the P365. Paddles are the best. Way faster and no accidental drop possible. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

April 7, 2021, 11:30 AM	#9
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	I always found it interesting that Glock never had a paddle release. I guess they took more design queues from Italy and Spain than Germany. While I can hit the release on my Gen 5 without adjusting my grip, I wish my Gen 3 23 had a paddle release. Are you reading this Gaston??? __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

April 6, 2021, 09:38 PM	#4
BourbonCowboy Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2019 Posts: 127	I'm also a lefty, and I've got the VP9...and love the paddle release. I also have the VP9SK...which is my EDC pistol. It's great - particularly with the 13-round mags. It's billed as a subcompact, but it's more like a compact. When outfitted with a Lobos trigger and Speed Sights, it's a fantastic pistol. What's even better is that you can get mag adapters that will let you use your VP9 mags with it.

April 7, 2021, 09:23 AM	#6
cmdc Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2010 Location: Florida Gulf Coast Posts: 721	Lefty here as well, and I love’em. I have several HKs wnd Walthers including PPS M1 and M2. If they ever come out with a PPS+ I’d be all over it.

April 7, 2021, 09:35 AM	#7
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	I’m right handed and I have come to the conclusion that the paddle release is the superior mag release design. It’s a shame that Walther has moved away from it on recent models.

April 7, 2021, 10:18 AM	#8
cmdc Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2010 Location: Florida Gulf Coast Posts: 721	It seems that most American shooters hate them. I think that the biggest problem is that most pistols sold here use the button style and it’s more of a transition issue.

April 7, 2021, 11:39 AM	#10
cmdc Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2010 Location: Florida Gulf Coast Posts: 721	Maybe they were ‘gunning’ for the American market all along.

April 7, 2021, 11:51 AM	#11
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,214	I’ve had pistols with and without. To me either works fine and I don’t have a strong preference for one or another. I have not had an issue with accidental drops with the button style release in the pistols I have carried. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

April 7, 2021, 12:24 PM	#13
Forte S+W Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2019 Posts: 819	@TunnelRat Thanks, I'll have to buy one of those as soon as they come back in stock. __________________ Conspiracy theorists are the greatest political spin-doctors of all time. Only they can make the absolute worst political blunders sound like spectacular feats of ingenuity.

April 10, 2021, 08:05 AM	#14
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 946	You can add the H&K P30 to your list. It has an added advantage for you in that it takes the same mags as your VP9. You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.

April 10, 2021, 10:52 AM	#16
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,623	I know it wasn’t an option when I bought my P30L. I don’t think there is one. The grip doesn’t look to support it. Could be wrong __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

April 10, 2021, 04:37 PM	#18
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I'm a lefty but I can adapt to most right handed guns pretty quickly. The paddle is a nice option but it takes a bit for people to get used to, left or right handed. I do own a Walther PPS with the paddle. It's one gun that I don't think I could ever sell. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

April 12, 2021, 04:18 PM	#20
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	I'm also a fan of paddle releases, though the only one I have is on my USP 40 which I've had since 1994. I'm sure I'm in the minority here but in terms of magazine releases, I'm much more concerned with retention of the magazine and avoiding an inadvertent release. Unless the pistol is being used in matches where lightening fast reloads are needed to score well, when it comes to self-defense, I'm really opposed to prominently extended releases like those found on 1911-style, competition pistols, making accidental releases more probable. The truth is, for most self-defense scenarios, having a high capacity magazine makes the need for a reload much less likely. Getting rid of the magazine quickly would probably be more important in clearing a jam than needing to expend more rounds. Personally, I see some merit, especially in cold weather when wearing gloves, in having a "European"-style, heel-release. A heel-release type magazine is not that much slower to eject than some others and are far less subject to being dumped inadvertently. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

April 12, 2021, 08:18 PM	#21
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Dhludwig, it would be cool to see a modern offering with a heel-release. Maybe bersa or walther could put one on one of their .380 offerings. Some of the advantages of the heel style release: the mags wont just fall free of the gun and be damaged if they hit the ground, no accidental magazine release, less parts on the frame. These were never meant for competition shooting obviously, but during several wars/conflicts, most servicemen were only issued 2 magazines for their pistols, and you didnt want either getting damaged from falling to the ground. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

April 15, 2021, 04:19 AM	#22
Cosmodragoon Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Northeastern US Posts: 1,869	I'm right-handed but I love the paddle. Besides being convenient, proper holsters that protect the trigger guard also help to protect a paddle release. This isn't true for buttons. Under the wrong circumstances, bumping into a counter the wrong way can push that button. (Ask me how I know.)

May 12, 2021, 02:43 PM	#23
Desmosedici Member Join Date: April 1, 2016 Location: North Texas Posts: 72	Paddle release on my HK45 is very easy to actuate with my trigger finger, and the magazine has such positive ejection, it's easy so easy to do. I love this pistol. My shooting buddy always seems to struggle with remembering where the mag release is when he shoots it, it's humorous.

May 12, 2021, 02:49 PM	#24
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,623	I haven't heard too many people say the button release is superior in design. Only thing I've read is a knock on the paddle because of familiarity with the button. The button really should go. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

May 12, 2021, 04:11 PM	#25
HistoryJunky Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Freeport, IL Posts: 833	I am also a left hander. I have an HK P30 and it is my most comfortable, ergonomic handgun. I have size small hands and it is the only handgun I have owned that I can hit the mag release and slide stop without breaking my grip. I have held other guns with paddle releases and like them too. I wish it was an option on more firearms. Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

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