Why I love my P2000 SK

I purchased my P2000 SK for one purpose, self defense.  At the time prior to that I was carrying my Springfield XD.  I was having difficulty carrying my Springfield in summer.  I did not want to wear a cover shirt like I have seen so many other people do.  To me it "flagged" me for carrying a concealed firearm.  I decided I needed something that I could carry that was slimmer than my XD but still had a reasonable size.  I personally like to have a full hand grip on a firearm.  I know some people do not mind if their pinky finger is hanging off the grip.  I wanted something that was going to be reliable and of solid build quality.  I also wanted to stay with my 40 S&W cartridge.  I have always been a fan of the cartridge.  It does have a snappy recoil, but when I have looked at videos of me firing my pistol, it is not as pronounced as I have perceived it to be while in the moment of shooting.  I had found myself falling into one of the cardinal sins of concealed carry.  I had stopped carrying my Springfield XD just because I got tired of trying to find a way to conceal it.  So on the hot days if I was not carrying my camera bag I did not have my firearm.  I initially started carrying concealed because I had received a death threat stemming from work I perform.  I went out bought my XD and enrolled in concealed carry class.  As the seasons changed I soon discovered the above issue about concealing my firearm.  After many trips to gun stores and searches on the Internet I decided on my H&K.  I have been very happy with it ever since.  Here are my criteria I was looking to meet.

1.  Needed a minimum of 8 rounds. 

2. Needed to fit all my fingers on the grip. 

3. Needed to be reliable. 

4. Needed to a have a very durable finish.  

5. Easy maintenance.

6. Easy to shoot.      

7. Solid build quality.

8. Needed to have a solid review history.  

9. Easy to operate.  

10. Must be accurate.  

The numbers above were in no order of importance.  It was just in short what I was looking for in a firearm.  The P2000 SK met and exceeded many of those requirements above.  I will admit I was frustrated with a few things when I first started shooting the firearm.  I was aware of one being the L.E.M. trigger mine came with.  I had read that many users struggled with this trigger system in the beginning.  I can say I struggled with the trigger for about 500 rounds.  It was not until I got used to the trigger that my accuracy improved.  My P2000 SK does not have a traditional decocker arrangement that many H&Ks have.  Mine has basically a very long trigger pull, then it meets final resistance till the hammer falls.  It is almost like it has two stages.  The long slack pull and then the final part till it fires.  I had to buy snap caps and practice dry fire drills to finally truly adjust to the trigger and learn how I was pulling my shots of center.  I kept shooting low 7 O'Clock on target with the P2000 SK because of my trigger pull.  Now that I understand the trigger pull I can shoot very well.  I can stack shots on paper now with the P2000 SK.  I am very happy with the trigger now.

I struggled with the magazine catch at times.  I have read some people changed theirs to a different style.  I have kept mine the same.  I just have to squeeze the magazine release with my pointer and thumb.  I understand why H&K designed it this way.  It was set up to minimize the risk of accidental magazine release.  It works well for that for I have never accidentally dropped my magazine.  

The P2000 SK holds 9+1, is very easy to clean, very easy to disassemble, easy to shoot, has never jammed one time since I have owned it, solid reviews, and is definitely much more accurate than me.  I also think with the dual recoil spring and buffer system it may be softer shooting than my Springfield even though is is smaller in size.   

I am still working on monitoring the finish wear of my P2000 SK.  It truly has shown very minimal wear.  I will post pictures in the next few weeks on this.  So stay tuned.  

Here is a photo of the P2000 SK broke down.  Very easy and quick to clean.  I have zero issues with rust either on the lettering and engraving.  I have read that some individuals have had issues with that.  I have also not changed my trigger pull because I have read that some people have had functioning issues after they have attempted to lighten their L.E.M. trigger pull.  It should also be noted that H&K make some of the best magazines.  The quality of the magazines this pistol has is amazing to me.  The only issue, they come with of hefty price.  

 I am currently using Hornady Critical Defense ammunition.  It is expensive but well worth the price if your life should ever count on it.  

I was previously carrying Winchester Silvertip ammunition.  This ammo was highly recommended by my instructor.  He showed me during class the tests they had conducted and it out performed Golden Saber and Hydra Shok.  For the performance to price it is a good alternative, plus you get fifty rounds compared to 20.  

The Key to Concealed Carry

The number one thing with concealed and carry to remember is always carry as often as you legally can.  I know several people who carry "only when they will need it."  This mindset is self defeating and leaves you vulnerable.  Who can predict what will happen to them day to day?  I know I can't and if I could I would be a millionaire right now!

What are some things that keep people from carrying day to day:

Inconvenience

They may go to several locations or work at a place that does not allow a firearm to be brought in.  So instead of taking the extra few seconds to make the gun safe and stored in their automobile they leave it at home.

Carrying is Uncomfortable

Well to me a gun is not always very "comfortable" to carry but it is comforting knowing I have it with me.  To me this is a mute point.  If you get a style of carry your comfortable with and a good belt and holster rig you will be set.  I personally use an IWB holster and love it.

Seasonal/Geographical Issues

I know weird subject header.  I could not think of anything else to call this section.

Depending on where you live you may have to dress differently.  It also may mean you sweat more and this will mean extra care will need to be provided to your firearm.  With hotter climates it will be harder to conceal a large frame firearm because of you having to dress appropriately for the weather.  I know I have personally struggled with carrying my firearm concealed in the summer with OWB holster.  If I used my Fobus paddle holster it was even harder to conceal.  Since I purchased my IWB holster it has become much easier to conceal my firearm in just a T-Shirt.  In the winter I have no issues since I wear three quarter length jacket most of winter.  I however have found myself using my IWB holster most of the time now.

I worry about the finish on my firearm

Well if you want a "Safe Queen" firearm you will never carry it with that mind set.  Your carry firearm is a tool.  You need to come to terms that if you carry a firearm everyday it is going to get wear on it.  No matter what finish you choose there will eventually be some wear.  Do yourself a favor get a gun that you will not get too sentimental over.  Do not carry your dad's gun or a firearm handed down over the generations.  Get a firearm that is reliable and durable.  Get a gun that feels good in your hand and you can shoot well.  If you have trouble with the recoil of the firearm get one that you can manage the recoil.  You may have to consider going to a smaller caliber.  I will cover that a later date.

This post has got too long already and I could write for much longer.  I am going to make this several posts over the next few weeks.

On ending get yourself a firearm that you feel comfortable with, come to terms that it will get wear on it, practice often, carry often, get a belt and holster rig that works for you, and dress to suit your style of carry.

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