They are both great. The p30L is not much different from the p30, in my opinion. I really love the p30 series, have 2 L's, a regular and an sk. That said, my full size usp9 with the jet funnel, match trigger, and dawson sights is about as great a pistol as you can find, again, my opinion. I would say since you have a p30, the usp is a must have. The match trigger makes it even better.

 

Thanks for the input guys. The above was kind of where I was leaning.

I'm sure I'll end up with both, but the USP is probably going to be first.

 

I have the P30 P30S P30SKS and have shot the P30L/LEM, they shoot similar because of the ergos.
I'd get the USP9/FS given your lineup, and you have the USP itch.

 

I had both, prefer USP series, the match trigger in the USP is the icing on the cake.

 

I have both and have been going back and forth about which to use for duty carry.

The grip on the P30 is more ergonomic and the recoil impulse is more traditional and linear with the single spring and plastic buffer. The rail is standard and has enough slots to fit pretty much anything. The magazine release is bigger. The trigger, however, is not modular like the USP/HK45 series and has a longer reset. There is anecdotal evidence that the long slide 9mms are more susceptible to malfunctions from limpwristing and debris due to the extra slide weight, but that generally holds true for all polymer pistols.

The USP can fit most accessories with an adapter, which may limit holster choices. The recoil impulse may be smoother, but some users report a "figure 8" movement of the front sight due to the double recoil spring setup. The trigger and reset are better on the USP (or readily modifiable to be), and jet funnels and their 18rd mags can be used.

For me, for duty use, I'd be comfortable with either, but am probably going to try the USP first and see how it goes. If I don't end up liking it, I'll probably send the P30L to lazy wolf and just deal with the 15rd mags and enjoy the bigger selection of retention holsters.

 

I wasn't aware you could modify a pistol for duty carry, especially the trigger and trigger pull. Is that not the case?

 

Depends on the agency and the nature of the modification. There are plenty of companies that offer "duty" or "carry" action jobs that don't lower trigger weight significantly, but make the pull smoother, cleaner or reduce reset.

Larger organizations (especially ones that issue firearms to officers) tend to be the ones that have blanket policies about changing anything on duty guns, which would be considered department property.

Smaller organizations, which tend to require officers to purchase their own guns, may have radically different policies.

 

IMHO it's totally personal preference.
You need to shoot both and figure it out for yourself.
Love my USPc guns.
But shoot my P30 better than the USP compacts.
For me, theses days, I'd take a P30L.
For whatever that's worth ...

Full Disclosure:
My favorite carry guns are P2000 357 and P2000SK 357

 

IMHO it's totally personal preference.
You need to shoot both and figure it out for yourself.
Love my USPc guns.
But shoot my P30 better than the USP compacts.
For me, theses days, I'd take a P30L.
For whatever that's worth

The P30L IMO is the very underrated and often bashed for it’s “bad” trigger.

I have one and must say many are wrong about this firearm.

The trigger is great once you accept the way it is.

I shoot it well and am quite accurate with it.

To be honest, I am starting to like it more than my VP9


Sorry dear... HK does not stand for Hong Kong!

 

I had a 30l Lem and sold it. I lucked into a full size 9 USP with Lem/match hybrid which is awesome. For duty though I’m considering going back to a standard p30 Lem. It’s the perfect size, accepts lights, and duty holsters are available. Just seems to be a lot more aftermarket support for the p30 as a duty weapon than the full size usp.