Pistol Review: HK's P30L V3 - For Those Who Love Hammer Fired Pistols!

When it comes to HK firearms, you can immediately expect zero compromise in the pursuit of building exceptional firearms. The P30L is not only no exception, but takes that sentiment to new heights. The result is a quality pistol with perfect functionality and the utmost safety.

The P30 series was engineered as a modern police and security pistol with an emphasis on practical functionality and safety features. Featuring a striking new design along with the German's knack for refined details, the P30L is especially notable for the completely new design of its grip ergonomics.

The special grip frame allows for interchangeable grip shells and is the only ones of their kind in the world. Along with exchangeable back straps, the P30L can be individually adapted to any user with any hand size. Not only that, but ambidextrous controls including dual slide releases and magazine release levers allow the pistol to also adapt to users of either hand dominance.

More on adaptability/versatility, a standardized MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail at the front of the P30L frame provides flexibility when looking to outfit it with additional tactical accessories.

As expected with HK, the P30 series comes with plenty of variants mainly distinguishing those with the conventional DA/SA trigger that is paired with a decocking mechanism on the rear of the frame and those outfitted with HK's enhanced double action only Law Enforcement Modification (LEM) trigger that has no external decocking.

The LEM trigger system combines the advantages of a cocked striker component with a double-action hammer system. Using this trigger system consolidates ease of use and safety into a convenient, innovative trigger operation which especially reduces the chance of unintended firing. Essentially, the LEM trigger system combines the reliability of a double action revolver trigger with the crisp trigger of a single action pistol.

More on safety, the extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator providing a visual reminder of a loaded chamber.

Being the police/security pistol it is, the P30 series has been extensively tested and already been adopted by several European police agencies. In fact, during an endurance test, a P30 test pistol fired more than 91,000 rounds without any major component failures. HK's ergonomic engineering makes the P30L incredibly well balanced for a longer pistol and is naturally allows for quick acquisition and "pointability". An open notch rear sight with luminous contrast points allows for fast and accurate target acquisition, even under poor lighting conditions.

Special grip frame with interchangeable backstrap inserts and lateral plates
MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail on frame for mounting lights and accessories
Corrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frame
Polygonal bore profile for increased velocity, easier cleaning, and longer barrel life
Multiple trigger firing modes available
Patented HK recoil reduction system
One piece machined slide made from nitro-carburized steel
Corrosion resistant “hostile environment” blued finish
Ambidextrous slide levers and
Ambidextrous magazine release magazine
Patented lock-out safety device
Bobbed hammer (LEM models)
Spurred hammer (DA/SA models)
Automatic hammer and firing pin safeties
Ambidextrous safety levers (P30S model)