Re: Sig Sauer P229 or H&K P30
My experience has been just the opposite. Now I am a long range rifle guy, and never use my handguns as much as I shoot the rifles. So keep that in consideration here...
I have owned Sigs exclusively for the past 20 years. They are all very well made, smooth and refined. I started with a plain Jane P220, and put thousands of rounds through it over 15 years. I have 2 P220 Elite Darks (one reg, one compact), a P229, and 2 P226's.
I have never been a fan of the "striker" design of pistols, but that is purely MY preference.
I never liked the USP series and they never fit my hand well.
Then I tried the HK45. It does not feel anywhere near as smooth, or refined as any of the Sigs. However, the HK45 is far more accurate in my hands than any of the Sigs I have ever used. I am more confident I can hit what I am aiming at with the HK45, than I am with the Sigs, and I have used the Sigs exclusively for almost 20 years. I prefer the V1 fire control mechanism, and can carry it in any configuration desired, including "cocked and locked" as a 1911. I do plan on eventually having a trigger job done on it, but even without, I am still far more accurate and confident I will hit what I am aiming at than any of the Sigs in my safe. Yes, it does have a somewhat higher bore center, but it isn't that much different than any of the Sigs. I am not a big guy, and do not have big hands, but the grip on the HK45 and HK45C just fit my hand so well, it makes the natural point of aim for me virtually perfect. As far as the magazine release, it is far easier for me to actuate it with my dominant index finger, than to reach the release on the Sig with my thumb. I know the HK45's are somewhat different than both the P2000 and P30, but my only point is to try it out for yourself.
The fact that I discovered a specific variant of the HK45C was the pistol of choice of our Dam Neck operators didn't exactly make me second guess my assessment.
I love Sigs, but if I have to grab one pistol, depend on it to fire no matter what, muddy, sandy wet, whatever, it will be the HK45. Just my 2 cents.