Groundhog34
New member
I am a weirdo I admit it. I am left handed and really like the paddle release style pistol. I have a HK VP9 and a Walther PPS. What other pistol particularly compact or sub compact have a paddle release magazine?
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Paddle Release
- Thread starter Groundhog34
- Start date
Most H&K Pistols have paddle mag releases.
That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me.
Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases.
I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip.
That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me.
Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases.
I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip.
BourbonCowboy
New member
I'm also a lefty, and I've got the VP9...and love the paddle release.
I also have the VP9SK...which is my EDC pistol. It's great - particularly with the 13-round mags. It's billed as a subcompact, but it's more like a compact. When outfitted with a Lobos trigger and Speed Sights, it's a fantastic pistol. What's even better is that you can get mag adapters that will let you use your VP9 mags with it.
I also have the VP9SK...which is my EDC pistol. It's great - particularly with the 13-round mags. It's billed as a subcompact, but it's more like a compact. When outfitted with a Lobos trigger and Speed Sights, it's a fantastic pistol. What's even better is that you can get mag adapters that will let you use your VP9 mags with it.
wild cat mccane
New member
Unclear if Walther will release a PDP with a paddle.
P99 is only paddle. PPQ M1 paddle is now discontinued.
No PPS with paddle in production. A new PPS has to happen at some point due to the P365.
Paddles are the best. Way faster and no accidental drop possible.
P99 is only paddle. PPQ M1 paddle is now discontinued.
No PPS with paddle in production. A new PPS has to happen at some point due to the P365.
Paddles are the best. Way faster and no accidental drop possible.
I always found it interesting that Glock never had a paddle release. I guess they took more design queues from Italy and Spain than Germany. While I can hit the release on my Gen 5 without adjusting my grip, I wish my Gen 3 23 had a paddle release. Are you reading this Gaston???
Most H&K Pistols have paddle mag releases.
That being said, I like the concept of a paddle magazine releases being fully ambidextrous and all, but so far in practice they just don't work with my hands. I just bought an H&K USP45 Elite, and I hate the magazine release on it. It's stiff, it's too small, and I cannot reach it with either my thumb or index feature without adjusting my grip. Fortunately, I didn't buy it with the intention to use it in competition shooting, (I just wanted one because I liked the look of them) because if I did then this would be a real problem for me.
Maybe if the paddle were substantially larger, (like 3x the size) then I could reach it without adjusting my grip and it would depress more easily due to better leverage, (why this hasn't been done already to improve the design is anyone's guess seeing as they gave the HK45 larger paddles) but as it is I'm not impressed, and first impressions are everything, so I don't see myself buying anymore guns with paddle mag releases.
I only hope that mine smooths out with use and I'm able to find a way to work it without adjusting my grip.
When it’s in stock it’s a cheap and easy upgrade:
https://hkparts.net/product/extended-magazine-release-for-hk-pistols-p1669.htm
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PatientWolf
New member
You can add the H&K P30 to your list. It has an added advantage for you in that it takes the same mags as your VP9.
You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.
You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.
You can add the H&K P30 to your list. It has an added advantage for you in that it takes the same mags as your VP9.
You do need to verify which P30 you are getting though as it’s also available in a model with a button release instead of the paddle.
Since when is the P30 available with a button rather than a paddle? I know the VP9 is available with both options, but I’ve never seen a P30 with a button release.
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wild cat mccane
New member
I know it wasn’t an option when I bought my P30L. I don’t think there is one. The grip doesn’t look to support it. Could be wrong
PatientWolf
New member
Since when is the P30 available with a button rather than a paddle? I know the VP9 is available with both options, but I’ve never seen a P30 with a button release.
I know it wasn’t an option when I bought my P30L. I don’t think there is one. The grip doesn’t look to support it. Could be wrong
My bad. You are both correct. I’d been doing a lot of research on both lately and mis-remembered about the button release as the only think I took away was that on the H&K I wanted, I wanted to make sure it had a puddle release.
Thanks for the accurate fact-check!
Kreyzhorse
New member
I'm a lefty but I can adapt to most right handed guns pretty quickly. The paddle is a nice option but it takes a bit for people to get used to, left or right handed.
I do own a Walther PPS with the paddle. It's one gun that I don't think I could ever sell.
I do own a Walther PPS with the paddle. It's one gun that I don't think I could ever sell.
Agree. Always liked it on my dad's P99AS but it's only recently when I really got to know my new HK 45c that I've been converted.I’m right handed and I have come to the conclusion that the paddle release is the superior mag release design.
It’s a shame that Walther has moved away from it on recent models.
I'm also a fan of paddle releases, though the only one I have is on my USP 40 which I've had since 1994. I'm sure I'm in the minority here but in terms of magazine releases, I'm much more concerned with retention of the magazine and avoiding an inadvertent release. Unless the pistol is being used in matches where lightening fast reloads are needed to score well, when it comes to self-defense, I'm really opposed to prominently extended releases like those found on 1911-style, competition pistols, making accidental releases more probable.
The truth is, for most self-defense scenarios, having a high capacity magazine makes the need for a reload much less likely. Getting rid of the magazine quickly would probably be more important in clearing a jam than needing to expend more rounds. Personally, I see some merit, especially in cold weather when wearing gloves, in having a "European"-style, heel-release. A heel-release type magazine is not that much slower to eject than some others and are far less subject to being dumped inadvertently.
The truth is, for most self-defense scenarios, having a high capacity magazine makes the need for a reload much less likely. Getting rid of the magazine quickly would probably be more important in clearing a jam than needing to expend more rounds. Personally, I see some merit, especially in cold weather when wearing gloves, in having a "European"-style, heel-release. A heel-release type magazine is not that much slower to eject than some others and are far less subject to being dumped inadvertently.