Gun Reviews By Women – H&K P30SKS – Victoria

H&K P30SKS Gun Review

By Victoria

H&K P30SKS Specifications

Gun Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

Model: P30SKS V3

Caliber: 9mmx19

Barrel Length: 3.25”

Ammunition Capacity: 10+1

Price: $549-849 depending

H&K P30SKS Usage and Features

Primary Use

Home Defense

Are you right or left handed?

Right Handed

What features does this gun have that appealed to you?

My present primary carry is a .40 Walther P99AS. I sleep with a pistol under my pillow and wanted the P30 because it has an external safety which makes it much more safe to do that, and it shares the manual of arms with the 99, in that it is DA/SA with a decocker. I’d wanted the full size P30S but the P30SK was on deep discount at the LGS where I got it and was about $200 off list. That sealed the deal.

Tell us about shooting this gun.

It is 9mmx19, and weighs about as much as my full size P99. It’s built heavy and strong. It s a full size P30S which is cut down at the grip and muzzle by about an inch each way. I can get my whole hand around the grip, which enhances shootability. It kicks about like my .40 P99 but isn’t quite as snappy.

How would you describe the recoil, is it manageable?

Yes, consistent with other subcompact 9mm such as the Glock 26, or 9mm VP9SK or P2000SK.

How does it fit your hand, are the controls of this gun easy to use? (Safeties, slide pull, magazine release, trigger pull, etc.)

A perfect fit, I can get all my fingers around the grip while using the magazine without a finger rest. P30s are very customizable and the grip panels and backstrap can be changed. Trigger pull is about 10lb DA and 4lb SA, heavier than my 99 but consistent with most good revolvers. The safety is ambidextrous and I can drop it with my thumb in 1911 fashion. It locks the trigger only and the gun can be cocked and decocked with safety on. The decocker is next to the hammer, easiest to manipulate for right handed shooters. The magazine release and slide lock are ambidextrous also and I can reach both with my thumb. The mag release is the paddle style similar to my 99, and I prefer it over buttons as my grip is a revolver grip with thumbs tucked and I tend to trip the mag release on buttons, I have a Colt Government Model and I have to change to a high thumb grip when shooting it. It has a full 1913 Picatinny rail and I have a Viridian C5L for it.

Do you like the sights on this gun?

Yes. They are Novak style, all steel, filled with Superluminova. A 15 second charge will cause them to glow for about six hours.

How reliable is it?

Typical HK reliability.

Any problems with any type of ammunition?

None yet.

Was it easy to take down and clean?

Yes. It takes down 1911 style with the takedown pin captured.

Is there anything you dislike about shooting this gun?

No.

For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?

If you like DA/SA guns and want a subcompact, this is the one. It’s roughly Glock 26 size but DA/SA. It has a lot of variants, so if you prefer double action only there are two Law Enforcement Modification DAO variants, and there is a decocker variant that doesn’t have the safety if you don’t like that. Mine is Variant 3, with the decocker. They are available with factory Meprolight night sights, like the VP9 is.

Would you recommend this gun? If no, do you have a preferred gun?

I would recommend it. I like the Walther P99AS better for carry as it is full size, but the P30SK is a good companion piece and I have a Muddy River holster and two extra magazines on order so I can carry it as a backup if I need one. Capacity is 10+1, perfect for restricted states.