Groundhog34
New member
I am a weirdo I admit it. I am left handed and really like the paddle release style pistol. I have a HK VP9 and a Walther PPS. What other pistol particularly compact or sub compact have a paddle release magazine?
Most H&K Pistols have paddle mag releases.
That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me.
Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases.
I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip.
You can add the H&K P30 to your list. It has an added advantage for you in that it takes the same mags as your VP9.
You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.
Since when is the P30 available with a button rather than a paddle? I know the VP9 is available with both options, but I’ve never seen a P30 with a button release.
I know it wasn’t an option when I bought my P30L. I don’t think there is one. The grip doesn’t look to support it. Could be wrong
Agree. Always liked it on my dad's P99AS but it's only recently when I really got to know my new HK 45c that I've been converted.I’m right handed and I have come to the conclusion that the paddle release is the superior mag release design.
It’s a shame that Walther has moved away from it on recent models.