Home defense pistol. HK P30L or a Glock 34 Gen 4

[heavygunner8]

I want an easy shooting pistol for home defense. Money aside, which, in your opinion, is easier shooting and more accurate? I hear the G34 is a competition pistol, so maybe the glock?

 

[qwiksdraw]

Everyone's experience with a handgun is unique. You're going to have to find a way to shoot both of these guns and then decide for yourself. Two people shoot the same gun; one loves it, the other hates it. Who's right? They both are.

 

[Charlie]

If money (and size) are no issue, I'd get the HK but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Glock.

 

[Dawico]

Get the Glock.

I never recommend buying from a company that hates us. Screw H&K.

 

[Charlie]

Hmmmm? I could agree with that kinda'.

 

[Dawico]

Hmmmm? I could agree with that kinda'.

You agree completely whether you like it or not.

I agree with trying other firearms to see what fits best, but we were only given two options. I am a Glock fan too so the choice seems simple to me. I own a G34 and really like it.

 

[BigBoss0311]

not sure how HK hates us but ok. Admitted HK fanboy here, go with the P30L. The grip alone should be enough to sway you.

 

[Charlie]

Depends on your hands. HKs seem to be bigger gripped than Glock.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Apples and oranges.
The Glock would be cheaper.

 

[Charlie]

Yep! And shoot as good as the HK, and be less expensive.

 

[sharkey]

For magazine costs, simplicity, and parts availability, I would go Glock. I'm not a big HK fan though.

 

[SIG_Fiend]

Both are great guns. It's simply a matter of personal preference. Here's a few of the highlights:

Glock 34

• Faster cycling (not a massive difference, but it's there)
  • Some may prefer this and might feel it fits the "timing" they are used to in terms of managing recoil
• Widest aftermarket support
  • If you like to mod, this is the better option
• Higher grip, lower bore axis
  • This is actually not a "thing" in terms of affecting the performance potential, from a practical standpoint. It's simply that some prefer the feel and timing of a low bore axis vs. high bore axis gun.

H&K P30L

• Superior ergonomics
  • It's just not even a question. I love Glocks for what they are, but they're just never going to feel "good" to shoot in the same way as a P30 or HK45. At least not in terms of the grip anyways.
• LEM trigger is a great DAO
  • While a lot of people like their short striker fire triggers, just as many love a good DA/SA or DAO as well. The H&K LEM trigger, particularly in it's lightweight variant, can be quite good. We're not talking S&W Performance Center revolver-level smooth or crisp. Though, you probably won't find a better one in a polymer semi auto.
  • If you go this route, the "TLG" (Todd Louis Green) variant of the lightweight LEM's is fantastic. Usually they measure in around ~5.5-6# and are quite manageable.
• Paddle mag release ergonomics
  • Not that this even matters to most people, but a lot of people find paddle-style mag releases, like the original Walther P99 for example, perform better for them. They can be quite fast and natural to use, but this is purely personal preference.

All things being equal, what you like and feel most comfortable with is probably going to be easier for you to shoot better.

 

[BigBoss0311]

Looks like HK is also going to run a special starting July 1st that gets you 4 extra mags if you buy any P30 or VP9 model.

 

[HKaltwasser]

HK P30 .40 V1 light LEM with yelLow HD's & tlrs sits in my night stand. You have endless grip combinations that can really help with shooting comfort.
I haven't shot the 34, but I'm sure it would work well too.
I'd rent them both if all possible.
Good luck.

 

[TxStetson]

Looks like HK is also going to run a special starting July 1st that gets you 4 extra mags if you buy any P30 or VP9 model.

Looks like I might be adding to the collection.

 

[heavygunner8]

If I already own a P30L V1 LEM in 9mm, is there any practical reason to get a G34?

 

[SIG_Fiend]

"Just because" is an entirely practical and good reason, so YES!

 

[heavygunner8]

"Just because" is an entirely practical and good reason, so YES!

I just bought a cz p10c. I'll get the g34 next for sure.

 

[dohc97]

My handguns have a price range between $500 to about $2,000. I also have a P30L mentioned in here. All of my handguns are 100% reliable and all are very accurate. To me, if for some reason I happen to use any of my handguns for self defense, I know that it will be taken away from me, at least while there is an investigation going on. Because of this, my bedside gun is either my Walther PPQ or my CZ P07, both in 9mm. Both are very reliable and very accurate, but, nowhere the cost of my HK P7.

 

[easy rider]

In my other life, before I sold and gave away everything and left the northwest, I had several handguns, but I mostly carried a Glock. After travelling around the country and settling here in Texas I was fortunate to meet others that shoot and I was able to shoot many guns. My first thought was to buy another Glock, but after shooting many types of handguns I found that I loved the feel and shooting of the Sig P320 and that's what I got first.

I am NOT trying to tell you to buy a Sig instead. I think you should, if you can, try out as many handguns as you can, and go with what shoots and feels best to you. Save yourself any regrets.