HK P2000 and P2000 SK Pistols European Police Agencies

HK P2000 and P2000 SK Pistols

The first of the many recent additions to the Heckler & Koch handgun line, the P2000 and P2000 SK (Subcompact) incorporate features of the successful HK USP Compact pistol with the latest innovations of HK engineers. A refinement of a design created for several European police agencies, the P2000 and P2000 SK are available with a traditional single-action/double-action trigger mode and the LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger system first introduced by HK in 2001 on the USP Compact “LEM” model. The HK Law Enforcement Modification trigger system combines the advantages of a cocked striker component (constant level of trigger pull from first to last round fired) with a double-action hammer system.

Using such an enhanced trigger system consolidates ease of use and safety into a convenient, innovative trigger operation one that reduces the chance of unintended firing. And in case of an ammunition-related failure to fire, all that is needed is an additional second or third squeeze of the trigger without the need of first pulling the slide back to re-cock the pistol. The enhanced LEM trigger system combines the reliability of a double action revolver trigger with the crisp trigger of a single action pistol. On variants using the conventional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mode of operation, an ambidextrous decocking button is mounted on the left, rear portion of the frame. It allows the user to safely lower the hammer from the cocked single-action position to the uncocked double-action position. This DA/SA variant of the HK P2000 and P2000 SK is readily identifiable by the presence of the serrated decocking button and spurred hammer.

A set of simple-to-install modular grip inserts allow all HK P2000/P2000 SK models to be custom-fitted to any shooter’s hand. An ambidextrous magazine release and dual slide release levers make handling P2000 Series pistols natural and easy for right and left-handed shooters alike. The addition of “industry standard” mounting rails to the P2000 and P2000 SK allows the widest variety of lights, aimers, and accessories to be added by sliding them onto the open rail system. The HK P2000 US model uses widely available, reliable USP Compact magazines. The same magazines fit the HK P2000 SK for added firepower.

Developed especially for a U.S. government agency, the Law Enforcement Modification (or LEM for short), is a unique trigger mechanism created specifically to improve the trigger performance and reduce the weight of the Double-Action Only (DAO) trigger pull in the P2000 SK, P2000, P30/P30L, USP, USP Compact , and HK45/HK45 Compact pistols. With this mechanism, HK pistols can be fired like a standard DAO semi-automatic pistol where every round is fired by simply pulling the trigger fully rearward with the hammer starting at the forward rest position. The design of the proprietary HK LEM system allows the weight of the DAO trigger pull to be reduced to a smooth and constant 7.5-8.5 pounds because the twopart hammer is precocked every time the slide moves rearward.

Choice of conventional DA/SA or LEM trigger mode on the P2000 and P2000 SK. Double action/single action variant of the P2000 and P2000 SK is readily identifiable by the presence of the serrated button and spurred hammer (left pistol, below). LEM (DAO) model appears on the right. Three dot sights for quick target acquisition, optional tritium sights available P2000 SK can also use high capacity USP Compact magazines (shown with accessory “X-Grip” magazine sleeve).

The Heckler & Koch P2000, P2000 SK, and the USP Compact LEM were subjected to the most punishing pistol evaluation to date by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch. The evaluation was performed with the most potent ammunition loads for three calibers (9 mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG). After three million rounds were fired, HK finished ahead of five other competing manufacturers, earning a “Superior” technical rating. On August 20, 2004, HK was awarded the largest pistol contract in U.S. law enforcement history. Five months later, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the largest U.S. federal law enforcement agency, officially adopted the P2000 pistol in .40 S&W, replacing both legacy Glock 17s and Beretta 96Ds.

The HK P2000, P2000 SK “Variant 2” LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) enhanced double action trigger pull of 7.3 pounds. Also available in conventional double action/ single action trigger mode with decocking button located on the back of the slide.