Test: H&K P30 SK S, the sub-compact version of the Heckler & Koch P30

H&K P30 SK S disassembled — Marcus Heilscher
HK also manufactures the P30SK with a CDA trigger instead of SA/DA. Longer magazines also fit.

Despite the compact size of the P30SK S, the Picatinny accessory rail is still available, and with the large magazines and contour extension, the SK version is not spectacularly different from a full-grown P30 with a 4” / 104 mm barrel thanks to its similar overall weight. With the factory-supplied short ten-round magazines, the SK loses a third of its ammunition reserve, but it also takes up less space on the belt. HK is currently offering its small 9 Para pistol with an external hammer spur as shown, DA/SA trigger and external safety, or you can choose the variant with CDA trigger. You can usually do without the thumb safety, but the medium-length, medium-heavy trigger pull and travel always remain the same from the first to the last shot.

P30SK S: the accuracy test

As an exception, for the accuracy of the P30SK testers rated the second best result, in this case a 44 mm group with GECO Hexagon ammo at 15 meters (-6 points). The best result, a fantastic 19 mm with UMC hollow point cartridges, was achieved only once and was thus over 50% less than the average of the entire test ammunition, as well as the second best cartridge, and could not be repeated.

P30SK S: the hard facts

Model:	Heckler & Koch P30SK S
Price:	769 euro (price in your country may vary due to VAT and import duties)
Caliber:	9 Luger (9x19mm)
Magazine capacity:	10/13/15/20 rounds
Barrel length:	3.26” / 83 mm
Dimensions (L x W x H):	6.4 x 1.33 x 4.56 in (163 x 34 x 116 mm)
Trigger pull weight:	91.7-211.6 oz / 2.600-6.000 g (SA/DA)
Weight:	24 oz / 680 g
Notes:	semi-automatic pistol, all-steel construction, nitrided finish, external hammer, drift adjustable front sight with fiber optic rod, fully adjustable rear sight.

A detailed look at the Heckler and Koch P30SK S

Muzzle of the H&K P30 SK S — Marcus Heilscher
The small P30SK also offers current features such as front cocking serrations and a Picatinny interface.

The test gun occasionally threw brass at the shooter's head (-1 point). But that was not the rule – another P30SK safely ejected to the side and there were no real malfunctions. The traditional DA-/SA trigger pre-load was quite crisp and the uniform pull weight was able to score points in this test area. The pull weight of more than 91 oz / 2.5 kg in SA mode and a 211.6 oz / 6 kg double action, however, spoiled the good impression (-4 P). Triggers don't have to be that stiff. The grip design comes from the large P30 and it's good that HK used it for the SFP9 series (-0 P.). In addition, when using the short ten-round magazines, the little finger fits comfortably under the handle. With the longer magazines with the P30 grip contour, the hand position largely corresponds to the full-grown standard version. In contrast to the rest of the operating elements, the decocker is best operated with the second hand and for left-handers the button is located on the wrong side of the hammer spur (-1 P.). All other levers can be found both on the right and left side of the frame and are ergonomically and functionally well designed.

The rear sight of the H&K P30 SK S pistol — Marcus Heilscher
The rear sight is made of steel and offers photoluminescent dots. To the left of the sight is the decocker button.

The left slide stop lever remains on the frame during disassembly and with the (optional) thumb safety it's up to the users to decide whether to rest their thumb on the lever or to move their thumb under it. Both options seem equally convenient, especially as neither design nor function of the P30SK S forces the shooter to use the manual safety at all. The steel rear sight can only be moved sideways in the dovetail, but offers a high-contrast and quickly detectable sight picture in which the phosphorescent dots help in poor light (-0 P.). During processing, the barrel was too generously fitted at the rear (-2 P.). Apart from that, workmanship and finish were on the same high level as the manufacturer is used to and in the gun examined, the slide only had a little play on its guides.

H&K P30SK S test review

Rating	Points
Accuracy (max. 50 points)	44 points
Cycling/safety (max. 10 p.)	9 points
Trigger characteristics (max. 10 p.)	6 points
Grip design (max. 5 p.)	5 points
Controls (max. 10 p.)	9 points
Sights (max. 5 p.)	5 points
Fit and finish (max. 10 p.)	8 points
Total points (max. 100 p.)	86 points
Test result	Very good
Rating	5 out of 6

Subcompact P30 by H&K: wrap-up

That's enough for a total of 86 points and rating is very good. The P30SK may not be the smallest 9mm subcompact, but for fans of polymer pistols with an external hammer it offers good all-round features and fine shooting performances, plus options for the safety and trigger systems.

More information about H&K guns can be found at the Heckler & Koch website.

all4shooters.com already published tests of the following pistols: