For a while now I have wondered how I would perform with my Langdon Tactical HK P30L in USPSA and this weekend I am putting it to the test. There are a couple of things I think either HK or the aftermarket needs to work on so that maybe more HK’s start appearing in USPSA.
The first main problem is the extended mags that HK includes with their pistols designed for competition are NOT legal in competition unless you run your gun in open. These mags are over the 140mm limit and the tube of the mag is extended so that you can’t just remove the extended baseplate and swap it for a legal one either.
The second problem is also related to the magazines, there is only one company making extended magazine baseplates named Taylor Freelance. While I appreciate that someone is making an option for this, it is disappointing that you only have one option. Springer Precision use to make magazine extensions for this, however I believe the lack of HK’s being used in competition probably resulted in a very small pool of customers interested in these.
The last problem is that HK doesn’t really have a gun designed more for competition like most of the other companies do. For exampled Walther has a steel framed 5 inch gun, Canik has a steel frame, Smith & Wesson has a steel frame, and you have the staples of CZ Shadows, and Beretta 92’s. HK has the VP9L however the balance of this gun is really weird because of the length and the polymer grip. Again Taylor Freelance is the only company that makes a brass grip weight for the VP9 series, and are currently working on one for the P30.
Let’s be honest competitive shooters spend money, even in a bad economy they are still buying things. I am not sure why HK has chosen to mostly ignore this market, but I am going to see if I can find out why, and if these setups are still just as viable despite not really being supported
#hecklerandkoch