Heckler & Koch P2000

The Heckler & Koch P2000 is a German semi-automatic pistol introduced late in 2001 and intended primarily for law enforcement, paramilitary, and commercial markets. It is based on the USP Compact pistol. The P2000 was designed specifically with improved ergonomic characteristics; it has features that reduce handling related stresses, while at the same time increasing user handling and comfort.

Design details

The P2000 is a short recoil-operated locked breech pistol with a modified Browning-type linkless cam action with a vertically tilting barrel also employed in the USP series of self-loading pistols, as well as most modern linkless semi autos.

The cold hammer-forged barrel has a polygonal profile while the slide is made from a solid bar of nitro-carburized steel. Following recent trends in modern pistol design, the P2000 makes extensive use of impact-resistant polymers to reduce weight and production costs.

As with other recent Heckler & Koch pistol designs, the P2000 is modular to suit individual needs. For instance, the grip is modular with exchangeable backstraps, allowing the user to customize the pistol's grip size and feel. There is a universal accessory rail built into the dust cover in front of the trigger guard that allows for the use of tactical lights, laser pointers and other accessories. This is in contrast with the USP series which uses a proprietary H&K mounting rail that limits the types of accessories that could be used with the pistol.

The P2000 is a hammer-fired pistol with an exposed spurred hammer; a bobbed hammer is optional. It has an ambidextrous slide lock and a fully ambidextrous magazine release installed in the trigger guard.

Trigger variants

Various trigger and cocking systems offer the possibility of converting the trigger firing mode from one type to another. Several variants are available based whether the LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger (H&K's double-action only) mechanism is used versus a SA/DA trigger. The following options are available:

• V0: CDA (Combat Defense Action) trigger system (SA/DA). Single-action trigger pull of 20 N (4.5 lb_f) (+4/-2 N), double-action trigger pull – 51 N (11.5 lb_f) (±5 N).
• V1: CDA trigger system (LEM). The LEM trigger is a dual-stage trigger that fires from a hammer down position in both SA and DA modes, but has an internal mechanism that is cocked with each cycle of the action. It provides a constant trigger pull of 20 N (4.5 lb_f) (+4/-2 N).
• V2: CDA trigger system (LEM). Like P2000 V1 but with an increased trigger weight. The trigger pull is 32.5 N (7.3 lb_f) (±2.5 N).
• V3: SA/DA trigger with a decocking lever mounted at the posterior of the slide to the left of the spurred hammer. Single-action trigger pull of 20 N (4.5 lb_f) (+4/-2 N), double-action trigger pull – 51 N (11.5 lb_f) (±5 N).
• V4: CDA trigger system (LEM). Like P2000 V1 and V2 but with a mid-range trigger pull of 27.5 N (6.2 lb_f) (±2.5 N).
• V5: Double-action only (DAO) trigger system. Trigger pull of 36 N (8.1 lb_f) (±3 N).

Ammo

The P2000 manual clearly states that HK does not recommend the use of +P and +P+ ammunition in P-series pistols:^[1] The revised manual (2014) removes this recommendation, stating that P series handguns are designed for brass-cased ammunition, factory-loaded to Nato or SAAMI specifications. The revised manual continues to warn against the use of steel- or aluminum-cased ammunition.^[2]

P2000SK

HK P2000 SK in .40 S&W.

The P2000 SK model is a smaller "sub-compact" version of the P2000. American versions of the P2000SK will accept the longer USP Compact magazines which provide higher capacities; up to 13 9 mm rounds and 12 .40 S&W/.357 SIG cartridges. Some of the advantages of its compact size will be compromised as these longer magazines will protrude approximately 1/2" below the bottom of the P2000SK's grip. Lower capacity 10-round magazines are the same size as the higher capacity USP Compact magazines.

Users

•  Canada: Correctional Service of Canada (V5)^[3] and Parks Canada Warden Service.^[4]
•  Germany: State police forces of Lower Saxony, Baden-Württemberg and the Wasserschutzpolizei of Hamburg.^[5]
•  Japan: Security Police.^[6]
•   Switzerland: Swiss Border Guard (Grenzwachtkorps) and Swiss Federal Police are replacing the SIG 220 pistol. Pistols will be issued in 9mm, and special agents may be allowed to carry the P2000SK (subcompact version of the HKP2000).
•  United States: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P.)^[7][8] and Rutherford, NJ Police Department.^[9]

References

External links

• Official page from Heckler & Koch
• P Series user manual
• 2008 Heckler & Koch Military and LE brochure
• HKPRO P2000 article
• Modern Firearms
• Review of the Heckler and Koch P2000 from American Rifleman