Introduction
The Heckler & Koch P30 is a semi-automatic pistol designed for security professionals, law enforcement officers and demanding civilian shooters. Made in Germany, this model features advanced ergonomics, proven reliability and versatility of use thanks to its many variants. The P30 continues H&K’s tradition of excellence, while incorporating contemporary expectations in terms of comfort, safety and modularity.
History and development
Design context
Launched in 2006, the HK P30 was developed to meet the needs of European police forces, notably the German and Norwegian police. It is a partial successor to the HK USP, offering improved ergonomics and a customizable grip.
Modularity has been a central feature of our development: the P30 offers several sizes of handle backs and side panels, enabling adaptation to the morphology of each user.
Model evolution
Several variants of the P30 have been developed:
P30L: version with extended barrel and slide for greater precision.
P30SK: subcompact version for concealed carrying.
P30S / P30LS: versions with ambidextrous safety lever.
P30 V1 and V3: different trigger options (LEM or DA/SA).
This diversity of variations has enabled the P30 to establish itself in many of Europe’s elite corps.
Technical data
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Heckler & Koch P30 |
| Caliber | 9×19 mm Parabellum (or .40 S&W) |
| Weight (loaded) | ~820 to 860 g |
| Overall length | 181 mm (P30), 196 mm (P30L) |
| Barrel length | 98 mm (P30), 113 mm (P30L) |
| Capacity | 15 to 17 shots (9 mm) |
| Firing system | Double action / Single action or LEM |
| Materials | Reinforced polymer, stainless steel |
| Special features | Picatinny rail, adjustable handles |
Ergonomics and innovation
The P30 is one of the most comfortable guns to use in its class:
Modular handle: interchangeable back and sides.
Ambidextrous controls: decocking lever, magazine button, safety lock (on some versions).
LEM (Law Enforcement Module) trigger: an internal pre-arming system offering fluid triggering with built-in safety.
Luminescent front and rear sight: available in different versions, sometimes replaceable by tritium versions.
Tactical rail: compatible with lamp or laser-type accessories.
Its robustness, tested for tens of thousands of shots, makes it a reliable long-term service weapon.
Comparison with other service guns
| Model | Capacity | Trigger type |
| HK P30 | 15-17 | DA/SA or LEM |
| Glock 17 | 17 | Striker fired |
| Sig P320 | 17 | Striker fired |
The HK P30 stands out for its double-action/single-action (or LEM system), appreciated by experienced shooters, as well as for its advanced modularity, less present in its direct competitors.
Contemporary use
The HK P30 is used by :
German police (Landespolizei in several Länder)
Norwegian police
Special units in several European countries
Civilian shooters looking for a high-end, reliable and customizable weapon
It also remains popular as a high-quality service or leisure pistol.
Conclusion
The HK P30 combines German industrial reliability with user-centric design. Comfortable, safe, modular and durable, it embodies what many expect from a modern service pistol. Its versatility and numerous variations make it the platform of choice for professionals and civilian enthusiasts alike.
