HK P30 Vs VP9 Review
Specification Comparison and Reviews
Heckler & Koch, or HK, is a German company designing and manufacturing firearms for law enforcement, military, and civilian usage worldwide. HKs pistols are known to be extremely reliable, accurate, and durable. We are going to compare some of their more popular handguns, the HK P30 vs VP9 review.
Table of Contents
While HK makes a lot of great firearms, one often overlooked model is the VP9. Since its release in 2014, it has been a favorite for many shooters due to its high quality and reasonable price. The P30, however, is the handgun for those who want an even more premium experience. It’s also HK’s flagship 9mm pistol, so let’s see how it holds up to other similar pistols on the market. HK P30 has long been one of the most renowned service pistols in the world. The HK VP9 looks to carry on that tradition with its state-of-the-art design and features. The VP-9 has become a favorite for many reasons: Smaller and lighter than other popular service pistols, much like the P30.
Features and Specifications - HK P30 Vs VP9
Grip and Textures
The VP9 is equipped with Hk’s ergonomic handgun grip with a natural aim that promotes immediate firing accuracy. The grip has fully-adjustable palm swell inserts for optimal hand-fit and trigger reach, which can be found at the five o’clock position to decouple the trigger operation from slide manipulation. The P30 grip has three interchangeable backstraps of different sizes to accommodate various hand sizes. The low profile grip is undercut at the top of the mag well to increase accuracy and comfort. The grips have a comfortable and innovative stippling design that does not accumulate dirt and debris like many checkering patterns on other pistols. All of these features contribute to the P30s advertised “pointability.”
Sights
These handguns have good night sights on them that allow for quick and accurate target acquisition in dim light. The P30’s three-dot system has a low mount that provides a clear sight picture and a great field of view, while the VP9 uses HK’s standard three dot polymer combat sight system with an open twist design to improve visibility further.
Size and Dimensions
The VP9 is a full-size pistol that measures 7.34 inches in overall length, 5.41 inches in overall height, and 1.32 inches across the widest point of the grip. It weighs in at 25.56 ounces with the magazine, making it one of the smallest full-size 9mm pistols on the market. The VP9sk is a smaller version of the HK VP9 with an abbreviated 3.39″ barrel and 6.61″ overall length. The shorter barrel length reduces muzzle velocity and felt recoil. The P30 is slightly larger, coming in at 7.12 inches in overall length, 5.43 inches in overall height, and 1.37 inches across the widest point of the grip. It’s longer due to its accommodating a decocking lever on both sides for left and right-handed shooters. Its dimensions make it a little more difficult to conceal but easier to handle and shoot.
Weight
The VP9 tips the scales at 26.56 ounces with the magazine, which is slightly heavier than most full-sized duty pistols on the market today. The P30 weighs around 26.08 ounces with the magazine, making it the same weight as the VP9.
Magazine Capacity
The P30 with 9 mm x 19 mm Parabellum can take up to 15 rounds, while the P30 with .40 S&W can take 13 rounds. The 9 mm x 19 version of the VP9 can hold up to 10 rounds. It also comes with two floorplates to extend magazine capacity up to 15 using the flat plate and up to 17 rounds with the finger rest floorplate.
Trigger Pull
The VP9 features smooth 4.5-pound trigger pulls within its striker-fired single-action trigger system. It also has a tactile and audible trigger reset. The VP9’s factory trigger is slightly lighter than the P30s at 4.5 pounds, which means shooters can use it with smaller and weaker hands to operate and fire the pistol more accurately because of its shorter travel time between shots. The P30 features a serrated/ribbed 4.5-pound trigger pull that is very smooth and predictable. Its double action only system with smooth travel and low weight is great for cold weather carry and a reliable emergency backup if needed. The trigger travel distance is also different on each pistol. The VP9s trigger has a .24 inch travel distance, while the P30s trigger comes with a .25 inch travel distance for single action and a .55 inch travel distance for double action.
Safety Features
The VP9 comes standard with a striker-triggered safety that automatically decocks after engaging and gives an additional layer of protection against negligent discharges (ND’s). It also has a small tab that protrudes from the rear of the grip tang to prevent the slide from cycling completely if it is dropped. The P30’s safety features are similar to those on the VP9 but have some differences as well. It has a raised tab on the rear of its grip tang but does not have an automatic decocking feature. It has a standard trigger safety that engages when the trigger is pulled approximately halfway, which gives the shooter more time to disengage it before firing.
Slide and Barrel
The P30 slide is made of nitro-carburized steel for reduced wear and corrosion resistance, while the VP9 slide has an HK’s hostile environment finish. The slide on the P30 has 7 curved grooves for better grip and handling while also adding to its sleek appearance. The VP9’s slide features more aggressive motifs.
The P30 barrel is slightly smaller than the VP9 at 3.85 inches in length, another reason for its compact size compared to the 9mm full-sized model. The VP9’s barrel measures 4.09 inches long and has polygonal rifling inside it that reduces wear on the bore and slide while increasing accuracy.
Trigger Guard
Both pistols have enlarged trigger guards to allow shooters who wear gloves to operate their pistols without a problem. The P30s trigger guard can fit a gloved finger easily, while the VP9’s trigger guard is even larger than the P30 to accommodate all hand sizes.
Shooting and Recoil
Both pistols are accurate, but the feel of each trigger pull and how they shoot is drastically different. The VP9 has a very smooth double-action only (DAO) trigger pull that features no stacking or creep, which means it feels exactly like what you’re expecting every time you squeeze the trigger. The P30’s DAO system is a little heavier and has a bit more stacking as the trigger is pressed, but it still travels evenly without any spikes. The P30 also has more recoil than the VP9 because of its larger frame and reduced grip circumference due to the decocking lever on its frame.
The VP9’s lack of external safety allows shooters with smaller hands to grasp the grip more easily. The VP9 also has a lower bore axis than the P30, which helps to reduce muzzle rise and felt recoil by directing the recoil rearward instead of straight back into the shoulder. The VP9’s increased accuracy is mainly due to the precision-machined slide that features polygonal rifling inside it to reduce wear on the bore and slide. It also has a slightly longer sight radius, allowing shooters to get a better feel of their target and making it easier for them to shoot accurately.
Reliability
The VP9 has a lightweight polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, steel slide, and barrel that come standard with an aggressive, hostile environment finish to ensure reliable feeding and extraction even if exposed to dirt, sand, or other debris. The P30 has a slightly heavier steel frame and features a hammer-forged barrel that withstands years of harsh use. Its IP (ion-paired) coating gives the P30 corrosion and scratch resistance. At the same time, HK’s TCP (thermal conversion varnish) finish inside the slide ensures smooth operation and protects it from abrasion during long-term shooting. Overall, the P30 is a more tactical pistol, while the VP9 is more adaptable to shooters with different hand sizes and shooting styles. The VP9’s aggressive grip panels and finely tuned trigger give it a slight edge in accuracy over the P30, but its ambidextrous safety lever can make it harder for lefties to utilize.
Durability
The VP9 is slightly more durable than the P30 because it has a steel slide and barrel that can withstand harsh use, while the P30 has a lighter polymer frame with an aluminum slide. The stainless steel components on the VP9 also hold up better to corrosion and extreme weather conditions than those found on standard alloy steels. The P30 has a corrosion and scratch-resistant finish with an IP (ion-paired) coating and hard chrome alloy internal components. Its steel frame can also be refinished to look new if worn down or dirty over time. Overall, the VP9 is slightly more durable than the P30 because of its stainless steel components, but the P30 is more durable for finishing and corrosion resistance.
Concealability
The VP9 is one of the most concealable pistols. It has a slim frame and low bore axis, making it easy to carry and hide under clothes or in an ankle holster. The P30 is also very concealable, but the large decocking levers on its frame can sometimes get in the way when you’re trying to keep them out of sight. Both pistols feature a standard Picatinny rail for mounting lights and laser sights, but the VP9 offers more customization options with interchangeable grip panels and backstraps. The P30 features an ergonomic grip design that gives it a slight edge over the VP9 for how easily it fits in a holster or simply in hand for everyday carry. Overall, the VP9 is slightly more concealable than the P30 because of its low bore axis and slim frame, but it’s also easier to customize with aftermarket grips and accessories.
Aftermarket Accessories - HK P30 Vs VP9
The VP9 has slightly more aftermarket accessories than the P30 because of its interchangeable grip panels and improved ergonomics. Both models have similar accessory options, including holsters, lights, lasers sights, and magazine extensions.
Holsters
The VP9 has more holster options because of its popularity among police departments, military units, and gun enthusiasts. It also features the same aggressive grip texture as on the slide to improve retention for tactical situations. The P30 has a smoother frame that can make it easier to draw, but it does come with an ergonomic finger groove that allows you to quickly and safely draw the gun. It also has a smoother texture on its slide for added comfort during concealed carry. The VP9 is slightly more effective in drawing from a holster than the P30 because of its aggressive grip texture and ergonomic design, but P30 owners can use this as an advantage if they prefer to conceal their pistols.
Lights
The VP9 is slightly more tactical than the P30 because it allows you to attach lights or lasers on its standard Picatinny rail for use in low-light situations. It also has a tactile loaded chamber indicator that makes it easy to tell if your pistol is chambered with a round at any time. The P30 only has an optional Picatinny rail for tactical lights and lasers. Still, it does feature a loaded chamber indicator on the extractor that you can use to check if there is a bullet in the chamber quickly.
Sights
The VP9 offers more aftermarket sight options because of its popularity among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies. It also has a standard dovetail slot that lets you attach sights compatible with the 1911 pistol design. The P30 has a conventional 3-dot sight design with adjustable rear sights, but it has no accessory options other than tactical lights and lasers. The VP9 offers more aftermarket accessories than the P30, but both come with tactical sights and rails for mounting accessories.
Magazine Pouches
The VP9 has more magazine pouches than the P30 because it can accommodate longer magazines with a higher capacity. It also comes with one standard 18-round magazine, whereas the P30 only has one extended 17-round mag for greater firepower. Both models have similar holster options designed to accommodate both pistols, so this is a minor advantage for the VP9. The VP9 has longer magazine options, which gives it a slight advantage over the P30 in firepower and tactical situations.
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FAQs
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
He used the P30L V1 with a Nitron finish, an under-barrel Picatinny rail, and optional grip panels.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Yes, the VP9 is an excellent choice for concealing and carrying because of its ergonomic design and low bore axis.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
No, the P30 has a 15-round mag, and the VP9 has a 17-round mag. The VP9 also takes longer magazines with higher capacities, offering slightly more firepower from a tactical situation.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The VP9 is slightly more customizable than the P30, making it a better choice for gun enthusiasts and people with larger hands.
Conclusion
The VP9 is a very popular handgun among people who work in law enforcement and military units. It is an excellent choice for concealed carry, home defense, and tactical situations because of its ergonomics and accessory options. The only reason the P30 might be a better choice is if you prefer a smoother design or larger magazine capacity. However, the VP9 is still a better choice overall because it has more magazine options and allows you to attach lights and lasers on its Picatinny rail.
We hope that you found this HK P30 vs VP9 Review helpful, and don’t forget to check out our other content.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
