P226 and P30L

B

Bloodstriker

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
16   0   0
Location
Vancouver
I'm looking at buying my first handgun, and I've narrowed it down to the Sig Sauer P226 or the HK P30L.

I've fired the P226 and the P30 (not the L), and I do like both. I find the Sig is great all around, but I'm not a big fan of the way it feels (tad heavy and grips).

Although I was only able to shoot the P30, I find the trigger reset a bit mushy and the first pull too long. Otherwise, I like it. The gun feels great in my hands.

I'm looking for a 9mm handgun for target practice and for IPSC.

I'm wondering if anyone has fired both the P30 and the P30L with an LEM trigger? How does it compare to the P226 trigger? I'm guessing V1 and V2 are out of the question as the trigger pulls are 4.5 lbs and IPSC production requires a minimum first pull of 5 lbs. So I'm looking at the V4 with a pull of 6.3 lbs.

Also, are there any issues with reliablity of either gun? I've heard that the American made P226s are not as good as the German made ones?
 
I have a bit of experience with both pistols, although I've never tried the LEM on a P30L.

Both will be extremely reliable, the parts replacement cycle on the P30 pistols is 25,000 rounds.

I think the Sig with an SRT will have the 'better' trigger, but a lot of this is subjective. My Sig pulls a pound or two heavier than my P30L but the reset is short and sweet. I have no experience with the P30 LEM system, but *from what I've read* it sounds as though it still has a fairly long reset (I'd love to try it side by side with a DA/SA P30L to see).

Will the length of reset really matter to a new handgunner?? In my opinion, probably not.

I switched to a P30L for IPSC mainly because I prefer the ergonomics. The 226 has a lot of grip options too, but right now I'm loving my P30L and getting faster with it every day....
 
I have both the P226 and the P30L and they are both very accurate pistols. The ergonomics on the P30L are probably better except for the different mag release location and the long slide stop lever. There's nothing wrong with those controls but they take some getting used to and some grip adjustment.
Although I like the P30L when I open the safe to choose a pistol to take to the range I almost always take the 226.
If you are looking to use the P30L in competitions check out parts and mag. availiability. When I bought mine mags. were scarce and quite expensive even in the US. That may have changed but it's another thing to factor in to your choice.
 
I was also down to these exact two choices.

Though mine was P30C with the threaded barrel vs what I ended up with P226 E2.

~3700 rounds later no regrets, and other than one faulty primer, no malfunctions at all. (factory S&B)
 
from the two mentioned, I'd go with the SIG P226 all the way, better trigger, well ballanced, accurate...and have the mag release where I expect to be all the time....LOL !
 
I have a P30L with LEM trigger. This is an exceptional duty gun that would be my first choice for going into harms way or as a P30 as a ccw pistol.
You are going to need to send a lot more rounds down range to get proficient with it and the reset - especially if you want to shoot it in a dynamic environment, and doubly so if you want to be competitive.

A German made 226 is hard to beat as another exceptional duty gun and the SRT is superb...but sadly, there are better guns suited to competitive IPSC shooting.

IPSC production division is owned by Glock 17s and CZ Shadows. (and a few other guns do ok too, but these two shine for different reasons).

My recommendation: get a glock;)
 
If it can Help you I had a 226 in .40 and have a P2000 LEM 9 mm.

I am trying to sell or exchange the LEM since I don't shoot it enaugh to be comfortable with the resset. If you plan on shooting verry ofthen, go with the LEM. You will have to develop musscle memory to get the resset right (triger pull is exacly as a SA if you know where it is and it's extremely short).

Just think that LEM will be a bit more of learning then the P226
 
beltfed said:
I have a P30L with LEM trigger. This is an exceptional duty gun that would be my first choice for going into harms way or as a P30 as a ccw pistol.
You are going to need to send a lot more rounds down range to get proficient with it and the reset - especially if you want to shoot it in a dynamic environment, and doubly so if you want to be competitive.

A German made 226 is hard to beat as another exceptional duty gun and the SRT is superb...but sadly, there are better guns suited to competitive IPSC shooting.

IPSC production division is owned by Glock 17s and CZ Shadows. (and a few other guns do ok too, but these two shine for different reasons).

My recommendation: get a glock;)
Click to expand...

The CZ Shadow is something worth considering. I do like the way it shoots.

The Glock isn't in the running for me. It doesn't feel suited to my hands and I have issues controlling recoil as I can't get a comfortable grip on it.

It'll have to go back to the rental range and do another round of testing.
 
I had both guns and preferred the P30. My only complaint about it was the extended slide release was a bit too long and could be inadvertently activated with big mitts and a high grip. Mags are steep for it and I would not be confident of the easy availability of parts. The 226 is also great with numerous parts and mags around but not quite the same with the ergonomics. I do not have experience with the LEM or DAK.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom