In Praise of . . . Heckler & Koch P2000’s Trigger Pull

Heckler & Koch is one of those brands in the gun world that even the rivet counters respect. Or perhaps you could say it has the least amount of critics. I recently had some trigger time behind the P2000 V1 in 9mm. What makes this baby unique: the buttery smooth LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger. It allows for a consistent double-action pull with every squeeze. Every pull of the bang lever yields the same light yet controllable trigger pull. I could explain it, but H&K does a much better job . . .

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.

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 on HK 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 6.18 – 8.5 pounds (27.5 – 37.8 N) because the two-part hammer is pre-cocked every time the slide moves rearward. Trigger pull on conventional double action pistols is 12 – 15 pounds (53.4 – 66.7N).

The unique LEM pre-cocked hammer system combines the advantages of a cocked striker component (constant level of trigger pull and short trigger travel from first to last round fired) with a double action hammer system. Optional adjustment (by HK certified armorer) can bring the trigger pull into the 5.5 pound (24.5 N) range.

Using such an enhanced trigger system consolidates ease of use and safety into a convenient, innovative trigger operation — one that prevents unintended firing. And in case of an ammunition-related failure to fire, all that is needed is an additional second or third pull of the trigger without the need of first pulling the slide back to re-cock the P2000. The enhanced LEM trigger system combines the reliability of a double action revolver trigger with the crisp, precise trigger of a single action pistol.

The H&K 2000’s trigger reminded me of the PARA LDA system (a.k.a., “Lightning DA”). In that case, you have a long (and I do mean long)  trigger pull (the safety aspect), followed by a surprise break. While the action is easy and consistent, there’s still a bit of “grit” at the point of final release. The H&K 2000’s trigger pull is the same thing, only better. No grit.

The H&K 2000 was one of the first guns that had me contemplating getting an all-black ‘plastic-fantastic’ versus my delicious blue steel-and-wood single-action 1911. For the range, I’m still 1911 all the way. However, for self-protection, training with this system will yield both accuracy and reduce the possibility of negligent discharges. There is enough ‘creep’ in the trigger to not have it go bang when you don’t want to (staging it is easy). But it’s light enough to keep your sights on target when you are shaking harder than BP executives in front of congress. Kudos to HK for getting it right.