New HK P30SK Line of 9mm Pistols

Heckler & Koch (HK) has announced the addition of the P30SK and P30 SKS sub-compact 9mm pistols at SHOT Show this year. Going through an extensive 3-year testing and development process, the P30 SK pistols come with (2) two action variations – a DAO, Law Enforcement Modification (LEM), and a DA/SA action. The P30 SKS is the same pistol, but adds an external safety lever for those who prefer that option.

The larger P30 line of pistols have been a very good product for HK, especially for those who prefer hammer-fired pistols with the DA/SA action. The addition of these sub-compact versions is a great move into perhaps the hottest pistol market today – concealed carry.

The HK P30 SK sub-compact 9mm pistols are packed with features that most shooters have come to expect, even on smaller pistols aimed at concealed carry. The P30 SK grips are fully adjustable with (6) six grip panels and (3) three back straps. The front of the grip has wide finger grooves, and the design itself is ergonomically tailored to fit a shooter’s hand well. That is about as tailored to each shooter’s grip as one can get.

The DA/SA action has a spurred hammer that extends backward slightly, and a serrated decocting lever on the left side at the rear of the slide for easy access. All P30 SK models come with a firing pin block, dis-connector, and drop safety. The DA/SA model comes in (2) versions – one with, and one without an external safety lever. If you choose the external safety version, the control lever is ambidextrous. The DAO action has a no-snag bobbed hammer that barely extends outside of the slide.

The HK P30 SK barrel is cold hammer forged from “cannon-grade” steel and uses a polygonal rifling profile. Polygonal rifling has been found to be superior to standard lands and grooves rifling. The polygonal design puts more barrel surface on the bullet, and keeps more gas from escaping while the bullet is traveling down the barrel. The polygonal design replaces traditional lands and grooves, with sharp angles, with a much more rounded “hills and valleys” design.

A great HK feature, found on many of their pistols, is ambidextrous slide-lock levers, and ambidextrous magazine release levers. The magazine release is the unique HK paddle version, that rests on the bottom side of the trigger guard, as opposed to more traditional push-button releases mounted on the frame behind the trigger guard.

The P30 SK series comes with a short Picatinny rail on the frame just in front of the trigger guard if the shooter desires a weapon-mounted light or laser. The trigger guard is enlarged and recurved, giving extra room for the shooter’s fingers even when wearing gloves. The front of the trigger guard is textured if the shooter desires that position for extra support.

Another great advantage that HK offers is their non-radioactive, luminescent 3-dot sights. Having night sights is a must for personal defense, in my opinion, and the HK P30 SK pistols come with them standard.

The P30 SK pistols have a trigger designed with an “optimal parabola” for great comfort and ease of control. In addition, the enlarged extractor acts as a loaded chamber indicator by extending outward for positive visual and tactile confirmation.

HK P30 SK Specifications

• Action – DAO (LEM), or DA/SA
• Caliber – 9×19 mm
• Slide Material – Steel
• Frame Material – Polymer
• Overall Length – 6.42″
• Barrel Length – 3.27″
• Width – 1.37″
• Height – 4.57″
• Weight – 23.99 oz. (with empty magazine)
• Trigger Pull – Approx. 5.4 lbs.
• Capacity – 10+1
• Sights – Non-radioactive luminescent 3-dot
• MSRP – TBA (Check back this week for update).

Final Thoughts

I’m not a real fan of DA/SA actions, as I prefer striker fired pistols now that I have experienced their outstanding performance. However, the HK P30 SK series is a fine new pistol, and will surely compete in the concealed carry market. The lines are very nice, and the pistols are packed with quality features. You can rest assured that these HK pistols will live up the high reputation of their predecessors.

If I were to choose a P30 SK I would go with the DAO – LEM version. What do you think?