H&K P2000 .40 S&W Review and Range Report

Aesthetics:
The phrase, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, implies that everyone has their own idea of what they consider to be beautiful. In some cases, however, people’s interpretation of beauty is synchronous with one another. Enter the H&K P2000. Its looks stem from the original H&K USP, but appears slimmer and with smoother edges. Some will say that it looks like its other H&K brethren, and they’d be correct – to an extent. To one who knows their H&K’s, each and every pistol looks entirely unique and all have certain characteristics that make them stand out. The smooth lines and uniquely textured grip of the P2000 are some such characteristics.

One thing that H&K constantly boasts about their pistols is reliability. And when measured against long term use, this quality is most applicable. However, in regards to everyday use, it is impossible not to notice this pistol’s ergonomics. Grasp it in your hand and it feels as though it were made for you. Like the company had a mold of your hand specifically, and only put the pistol into production when it fit the mold perfectly. To add to this are the interchangeable back straps that are included with the firearm (small, medium, large, extra large). My medium-sized hands had no problem with the stock back strap, and have yet felt the need to change. The grip customization isn’t quite as expansive as say the P30 with its ability to change the side panels of the grip, but with the P2000, there doesn’t seem to be a need. If it ain’t broke… The only thing I have changed is the magazine release. I do like that the magazine release is a lever as opposed to a button; it just feels more natural. However, it is a bit on the small side, so I went ahead and ordered an H&K 45c magazine release, which is a bit bigger, and swapped out the old one. From what I understand, this is a popular “upgrade”.

One can fondle it all day long, but you can never begin to know a pistol until you take her out and send some ammunition down-range. On my first trip, I had a few different boxes with me. All 180 grain, I used CCI Blazer, Winchester Ranger, and some Reliant Ammo (more on this company in another review). All fed reliably and I’ve yet to notice any issues. Recoil is relatively pleasant, albeit snappy, but certainly manageable, and the pistol is definitely more accurate then I am.

The H&K P2000 is a pleasure to shoot, own, and maintain. It is my first H&K and it has solidified my suspicions that I will be purchasing more (I’m looking at you Mr. 45C).