HK P30SK vs P2000SK: Which Compact HK for Concealment?

You're looking at two of HK's most overlooked carry guns. The P30SK and P2000SK both offer German engineering in a package that actually disappears under a shirt, but they take different approaches to get there. After carrying both and putting serious trigger time behind each, here's which one deserves your holster.

The P30SK is the newer design with modern ergonomics and that controversial LEM trigger system. The P2000SK is the older, proven platform that's been protecting cops and soldiers for two decades. Both shoot 9mm, both conceal well, and both cost more than most people want to spend on a carry gun. The question isn't whether they're good—they are. It's which one fits your hands and shooting style better.

Here's what matters: grip feel, trigger characteristics, and how they perform when you need them most. Everything else is just marketing.

Size and concealment reality

Both guns measure nearly identical for carry purposes. The P30SK runs 6.42 inches long, 4.57 inches tall, and 1.26 inches wide. The P2000SK comes in at 6.42 inches long, 4.57 inches tall, and 1.31 inches wide. That 0.05-inch difference in width is meaningless in a holster.

Weight tells a different story. The P30SK weighs 23.99 ounces empty while the P2000SK tips the scales at 21.52 ounces. Two and a half ounces doesn't sound like much until you're carrying appendix for 12 hours. The P2000SK's lighter weight comes from its simpler internal design and slightly different frame construction.

Both guns carry the same 10+1 capacity with flush magazines, though you can bump that to 13+1 with extended mags that still conceal reasonably well. The grip length with flush mags gives most shooters a solid two-finger purchase, which is adequate for defensive shooting but not ideal for extended range sessions.

I've carried both guns in various positions—appendix, 4 o'clock, and even ankle carry for the P2000SK. They disappear equally well under an untucked shirt. The P30SK's slightly thicker grip doesn't print noticeably more than the P2000SK's slimmer profile.

Ergonomics and grip differences

This is where these guns diverge significantly. The P30SK uses HK's newer ergonomic design with interchangeable grip panels and backstraps. You get three backstrap sizes and six different grip panel combinations, letting you dial in the perfect fit for your hand size and shooting style.

The grip customization isn't just marketing fluff. I've seen shooters transform their relationship with the P30SK by swapping from medium to large backstraps or changing from smooth to textured side panels. The modularity actually works, especially for shooters with longer or shorter fingers who struggle with fixed-grip designs.

The P2000SK takes the opposite approach with a fixed grip profile that HK got right the first time. The grip angle feels natural, the texture provides solid purchase without being aggressive, and the overall shape works for most hand sizes. You can't customize it, but you probably won't need to.

Both guns feature HK's excellent build quality with tight tolerances and smooth operation. The slide-to-frame fit is exceptional on both models, with no rattling or play that you'd find on cheaper alternatives.

Range notes: After 500 rounds through each gun during a single range session, the P30SK's customizable grip kept my hands more comfortable during extended shooting. The P2000SK's fixed grip started feeling less secure as my hands got sweaty, though it never affected accuracy.

Trigger systems breakdown

Here's where things get interesting. Both guns offer multiple trigger configurations, but they approach the problem differently.

The P30SK comes standard with HK's LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger system. This is a double-action-only setup with a partially cocked striker that gives you a consistent 5.4-pound pull with a short reset. The trigger face is smooth, the break is clean, and the reset is audible and tactile.

Some shooters love the LEM system for its simplicity and consistency. Every trigger pull feels identical, which eliminates the double-action-to-single-action transition that trips up some shooters. Others find the long, rolling trigger pull less precise than a traditional single-action break.

The P2000SK offers more trigger options. You can get it with the same LEM system as the P30SK, or opt for a traditional double-action/single-action setup with a decocker. The DA/SA version gives you a 13-pound first shot followed by 4.5-pound single-action pulls for subsequent shots.

I prefer the LEM system for carry work. The consistent pull weight means muscle memory stays intact under stress, and you don't have to worry about transitioning between trigger modes mid-fight. For precision shooting or competition work, the DA/SA setup offers better single-action accuracy potential.

Both triggers benefit significantly from the Grayguns Short Reset System upgrade, which reduces reset travel and improves the overall feel. It's a $150 modification that transforms either gun's shootability.

Shooting performance comparison

Both guns shoot better than most compact 9mms, but they have different personalities. The P30SK's slightly heavier weight and grip customization give it a small edge in felt recoil management. With 115-grain practice ammo, the gun stays flatter between shots and tracks better during rapid fire.

The P2000SK feels snappier but recovers quickly. The lighter weight makes it more pleasant to carry but slightly less pleasant to shoot extensively. Both guns handle +P defensive loads without complaint, though you'll feel the difference more in the P2000SK.

Accuracy is excellent from both platforms. At 25 yards from a rest, both guns will shoot 2-3 inch groups with quality ammunition. The P30SK's grip customization might give you a slight accuracy edge if you can dial in the perfect fit, but the difference is minimal in practical shooting scenarios.

I've run both guns through various drills—ball and dummy, dot torture, and timed precision work. The P30SK's consistent trigger gives it an edge in precision work, while the P2000SK's lighter weight makes it faster in transition drills.

Reliability and durability

Both guns share HK's reputation for absolute reliability. I've put over 3,000 rounds through my P30SK and 2,500 through a borrowed P2000SK without a single malfunction. They eat everything from cheap steel-case practice ammo to premium defensive loads without complaint.

The P2000SK has a longer track record, having been in service with various agencies since 2001. It's proven itself in harsh conditions and high round counts. The P30SK is newer but built on the same engineering principles and manufacturing standards.

Both guns feature HK's excellent corrosion resistance and finish quality. I've carried both in humid conditions and sweaty situations without seeing any finish wear or corrosion issues. The polygonal rifling in both barrels shows minimal wear even after thousands of rounds.

Field stripping is identical between both guns and requires no tools. The captured recoil spring assembly makes reassembly foolproof, and the overall design prioritizes reliability over complexity.

Common issues and solutions

Neither gun is perfect, and both share some common HK quirks that you should know about.

The magazine release on both guns sits flush with the frame, making it slower to operate than most American designs. This is intentional—HK designed it to prevent accidental mag drops—but it requires more deliberate finger placement during reloads. You can train around this, but it's worth knowing upfront.

Both guns come with night sights that aren't particularly impressive. The three-dot system works but lacks the brightness and clarity of modern tritium options. Plan on upgrading to Trijicon HD-XR or similar sights for serious defensive use.

The LEM trigger system confuses some shooters initially. The long, rolling pull feels different from striker-fired guns or traditional DA/SA systems. Dry fire practice is essential to build familiarity with the trigger's characteristics.

Magazine availability can be challenging. HK magazines cost more than most alternatives, and finding them in stock requires patience. Buy extra magazines when you buy the gun—you'll need them for training and carry rotation.

The slide stop lever on both guns requires more force to operate than most designs. This is another HK design choice prioritizing reliability over speed, but it can slow down administrative reloads during training.

Accessories and customization

Both guns accept the same holster patterns from most manufacturers, though you'll find more options for the P2000SK due to its longer service history. Quality holsters are available from companies like Safariland, Blackhawk, and various custom makers.

Light attachment options are limited on both guns. Neither has an integrated rail system, though you can find aftermarket solutions if you need weapon-mounted illumination. Most defensive shooters skip the light on these compact guns anyway.

The P30SK's grip customization is its biggest accessory advantage. The interchangeable panels and backstraps let you fine-tune the fit without permanent modifications. This modularity makes the gun more adaptable to different shooters or changing preferences.

Trigger upgrades are available for both guns through companies like Grayguns and HK Parts. The Short Reset System is the most popular modification, significantly improving trigger feel and reset characteristics.

Carry considerations

Both guns excel as concealed carry options, but they serve slightly different roles. The P30SK's customizable grip makes it better for shooters who struggle with standard grip sizes or want to optimize the gun for their specific hand dimensions.

The P2000SK's lighter weight and proven track record make it ideal for all-day carry, especially for smaller-framed shooters who feel every ounce. The weight difference becomes significant during extended carry periods.

Both guns work well with various carry positions. I've successfully carried both appendix, strong-side hip, and small-of-back without printing issues. The similar dimensions mean holster selection is comparable between both models.

The LEM trigger system on both guns eliminates safety concerns during holstering and unholstering. There's no manual safety to forget, and the consistent trigger pull reduces the chance of negligent discharges during administrative handling.

Which one to choose

Pick the P30SK if you want maximum customization and don't mind carrying a slightly heavier gun. The grip modularity makes this the better choice for shooters with non-standard hand sizes or those who want to optimize every aspect of the gun's fit. The newer design also means better parts availability and ongoing factory support.

Choose the P2000SK if you prioritize proven reliability and lighter carry weight. This gun has been protecting people for over two decades without major issues. The fixed grip works for most shooters, and the lighter weight makes it more comfortable for extended carry periods.

Both guns represent excellent values in the compact 9mm market, especially if you can find them used. They're not the cheapest options, but they deliver German engineering and reliability that justifies the premium price.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either choice. Both guns will serve you well for concealed carry, and both offer the kind of reliability that lets you sleep well at night. The decision comes down to whether you value customization (P30SK) or simplicity (P2000SK) more.

Try both guns if possible before making your decision. The grip feel and trigger characteristics are different enough that most shooters will have a clear preference after handling both models. Whichever one feels better in your hands is probably the right choice for your needs.