The HK trigger experience

T

Tenguns

New member
I enjoy my Sigs and Walthers, and would love to have an HK some day. I know they are top-of-the-line pistols, but I see comments that their triggers aren't necessarily the greatest. Are some HK models significantly better or worse than other HK models in this regard? For example, do their SA/DA models have better triggers than their striker-fired models? Does any one model stand out, good or bad? They have so many models and configurations, it makes my head spin! :confused: I don't have many functional gaps in my existing handgun collection, so my HK decision would be based a lot on the enjoyability of the shooting experience.
 
I have an HK45 DA/SA, P30LS DA/SA, and a VP9 and the triggers are fine on all of them. The SA trigger pull was always nice on all of them and the DA trigger pull was heavy and long (these are military/police grade pistols) out of the box but improved considerable after about 500 rounds. Also HK offers a 10LB hammer spring that IMO gives a pretty nice DA pull. I have been practicing DA on my P30LS quite a bit lately and am satisfied being able to put most on center of target at 7 yards with no staging but a quick smooth pull like that would be needed in a SD situation.

The P30 series has a fairly long reset if that could be an issue for you but it is not for me. The HK45 series and VP9 have a fairly short reset but not Walther PPQ/SIG SRT short.

Walthers and SIGs generally have terrific triggers out of the box so most HKs (or other most pistols) may not impress you right out of the box.

I suggest you go to the local gun store and handle and dry fire some HKs to see what you think and then try some out at the range if you can. The HK USP Tactical/Expert/Mark 23 line have the best triggers on HK pistols because they come with the HK match trigger kit installed from the factory. However I don't own any USPs because I prefer the grip/ergos of the HK45/P30/VP9 and the trigger on mine are NOT holding me back at all for great shooting for me.

http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/usp-tactical/ --- HK USP Tactical line

http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/mark-23/ -- Mark 23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JsISMYW3wk -- video on HK Match trigger

The VP9/VP40 are sriker fired and IMO have an excellent trigger out of the box though to me the Walther PPQ is even a bit better. The HK match kit trigger can be installed on any HK USP model.

I just had my P30LS and VP9 out at the range a couple weeks ago. I shot this 15 rounds at 7 yards with my VP9 and most targets were similar and my P30LS was about the same too. Not rapid fire but 15 about a round per second as my range does not like when we shoot much faster. I certainly could do better if I took my time carefully aiming each shot but for me this is fine and the VP9 trigger is great for me.


 
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If your objective is simply to own an HK and you're not partial to hammer fired over striker fired, then I would definitely recommend the VP9. Its trigger is much better in comparison to other striker fired triggers than the HK hammer fired pistols are compared to other hammer fired pistols. As sigarms pointed out it's not a difficult remedy and just swapping out the hammer spring and firing pin block spring can make a huge difference (a relatively common practice for DA/SA guns). The match trigger for the USP series is also very good. But again, the VP9 is generally much cheaper and notably better out of box.
 
The USP match trigger, found in factory Expert, Tactical, Elite and Match models, is quite good. It can also be installed relatively easily into any other USP, full-size or compact. It's part of the reason they're my favorite HK, and I loves me some HK.
 
The DA/SA hammer fired guns usually (all of mine) have very good single action triggers. Maybe not a refined as a tuned 1911 or S&W revolver, but as good or better than the average Sig or Beretta.

The DA triggers have a much shorter stroke than Sig or a DA revolver, so they feel stiff and heavy by comparison, but for self defense they are quick to pull.

My HK45C has an excellent SA trigger and I use it cocked and locked most of the time, except when I slip it into my waistband without a holster, then I have it hammer down, safety on. Very few guns allow for that.

Never shot a striker fired HK.
 
Tenguns, another one to check out is HK's LEM trigger. Though I no longer have any HK's, I will be acquiring another LEM model in the future. I just have to decide whether I want another P2000 V2 or, the USP9C. Okay, before somebody says it, maybe both lol.

What is the HK LEM trigger?: http://youtu.be/kwcsV4Bns_4
 
I have the 9mm P30, stock trigger variant "3" with the heavier (@12 lb.) DA pull and the nicer (@4-1/2 lb.) SA trigger pull as my EDC. I like this trigger variant, since there is no need for an additional thumb safety on the gun with this heavier DA pull. I practice thumb-cocking the pistol out of my holster IDPA-style when I'm at the range so the DA pull isn't a problem for me. I got this one 6 mos ago because the modular grip fits my large hands nicely. I have about 3K round through mine so far and the more I practice with it the more I like it, totally reliable and accurate.
 
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I like all of my HK triggers, P7, Elite, USP and P2000. They suit me just fine and are appropriate to the pistol. HK controls in general seem the most ergonomic as a group of any brand I've used.
 
I assume you are asking about their recent offerings (USP and later), and the more common ones at that. I picked up a P2000sk 9mm a few weeks back, and love the way it shoots. It is a V3 DA/SA with a decocker. There are quite a few variants available for the USP line, but not as many for the P2000. For the most part those variants refer to triggers, and the way the controls are laid out. I personally like a good DA/SA gun for the added safety measure, but my wife was not as fond of it and actually prefers the Glock trigger. The DA pull was too heavy for her, but she is very much a new shooter. Her only real experience centers around Kahrs and a 1911, plus the Glock 42 that she fired prior to trying the HK. It isn't a finely tuned trigger, but more than acceptable for self defense. I'm also a fan of manual safeties, and just came across a P30SK with the safety... had I not just purchased the P2000sk, I would have gone with that instead.

LEM is something you should probably check out first, much like a Kahr trigger (not in operation, strictly meaning some like it and some swear off HK for it). I knew going into my purchase that I wanted the DA with an option of SA, so I didn't give the LEM a second look. YMMV.

Those VP9's feel great, but I'm going to hold out for a subcompact version before I jump on that one. Can't really see a need for something that large, especially when I am gonna be moving to California in about 5 months... 10 rounds for me!

I recently held a P99c, and am leaning towards that for my next firearm. I love the trigger in both DA and SA, and the reset feels amazing. It is between that and a Glock 26, but really only for the commonish platform to go with a G42. If you get a chance to rent an HK, go for it. Most ranges I've seen are stocked with those, Glocks, and M&Ps, but I'd love to try a P99. Good luck!
 
I am an HK and Sig fan. The Sig Short Reset Trigger is the best that I have shot so far. The HK VP9 has a nice trigger if you like striker fired guns. I carry a HK P30SK with the light LEM trigger which I like. I have moved away from DS/SA guns, except for my Sig M11-A1 with the sweet Short Trigger Reset, which I use for the range. My favorite is and will always be, a SA 1911 trigger.
 
The HK striker trigger VP9 has pretty good characteristics. It pretty smooth with a shorter take up, good break, lighter feeling break weight and a decent reset. I'd put it overall towards the top of the striker segment with the Walther PPQ, Steyr L/M-A1, and Sig 320.

The hammer fired models are another matter. The P-30 has a pretty long reset and quite a bit of creep. Pull with is SA and DA are not so bad but, not the lightest. I still shoot my P-30 V3 (9mm) very well. I think it could improve with some trigger work especially during fast fire drills with a shorter reset. The USP match triggers that I've shot were not quite Sig good but, with were much better than the P series in every aspect. and overall very nice The trigger shoe on the P-30 is comfortable for my fingers though. I'm hoping HK comes out with a P-30 trigger kit to improve it from average. I'd still buy one over again if I had to because of the rest of the gun.
 
I have four USP model HK's with match triggers, two Tacticals (45ACP and 9mm) and two Experts (45ACP and 9mm). The SA triggers pull is around 4 pounds. My two SIG X-Series are adjusted to approx. 2 1/2 pounds. The SIGs have more travel; so, for fast fire I like the HK triggers. I'm just a person who tends to let the trigger go all the way forward even if it reset much sooner. For slower target shooting the SIGs rule the day because the trigger pull is so light. I was shooting a SIG X-6 today, along with a new CZ75 Tactical Sport. The CZ trigger pull was so light that when I switched to the SIG I pulled off target for about three shots.

I also have a HK Mark 23 which is similiar in size, etc. to a X-6. The Mark 23 is bigggg! DA trigger pull must be more than 12 pounds. SA trigger pull is about 7 1/2 pounds. The trigger is great, smooth with a clean break. Feels as good as the HK match trigger, except for a heavier pull. The only issue is I can't shoot the Mark 23 in the same range session as the X-6 and the CZ75 TS. Shooting those light pull guns and going to the HK was a nightmare. I felt I couldn't even pull the Mark 23 Trigger. That was never an issue when just shooting the X-6 and the Mark 23 together. Lesson learned.

Last year I owned a HK p30s. I really loved everything about that gun, except for the trigger. It looked good, felt great, but was lousy to shoot. When buying it, I tried both the regular trigger and the LEM trigger. Preferred the regular trigger, but wouldn't adjust to it. Have to admit I have yet to learn all the HK trigger options; think there are 9 of them. On HKPRO, the forum, many, many folks love the different trigger variants.

Hope this is helpful. Purely personal preferences and observations.
 
This is very high-quality feedback, thank you everyone! There's a ton here that I will absorb and consider. You know, the VP9 was not even on my radar--it definitely is now. But I do have a PPQ already, so perhaps something a little more unique to what I already own is in order. I will definitely be checking out the USP's with the match triggers, along with all the other suggestions.

Happiness is a good German pistol! :)
 
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