Thoughts on the new picture of the HK45?

[Huskyoff]

Anybody?

[HKPRO]

Maybe this will help:

http://www.hkpro.com/hk45v1.jpg

:)

[a_j]

Mmm, I think I liked the previous version better... besides, that grip pattern reminds me of Spiderman.

[HKPRO]

Yes, it's definitely taking after the P30 too.

[Huskyoff]

I think I liked the previous version better too...I really like the grip on my P2k. I may change my mind altogether once I have it in hand...

[sixfootbrit]

The control levers look more like final production items now, this is probably close to the final version IMO. I agree with a_j, grips are too "Spiderman" for me and don't look like they would offer much traction with sweaty hands. Gloves only for this one maybe.
I do like the extended mag release, and more 1911ish safety lever.

[NIB]

Yukk-O!

It's starting to look like a Super Soaker Squirt Gun now.

Sorry but I don't like that grip it looks bigger than what it was. I'll hold one first but as it looks I'm off the list for one.

[dcondiff]

Barrell looks different.. Grip, obviously. Hmph. I was liking how it looked better before, the P2000 grip is very comfortable to me

[dcondiff]

It definetly looks kind of goofy and too curvy now... i dont know.

[tastysp]

don't like the concept of finger grooves but if it fits well I'm buying 2
love the way p2000 feels so the previous incarnation would seem to fit me best. Maybe someone who's held a P30 can chime in on the feel.
and what wrong with Spiderman? He's just trying to make it in this world same as us.

[P7M8_P7M13]

and you will have all the traction you ever need.

Well, I just made that up.
It's always in the back my head that there's gotta be a better, simpler, cleaner design for the tactical rail than the one that is on every polymer pistol now. Do they really need to have that many grooves, notches, etc.?
The black accent of controls are nice. What does HK call that frame color? It's not sand, it's not green, may be call it "Lizard in Desert"? I still think more squared trigger guard looks better than the one here.

[gkanga]

I don't like finger grooves at all, but the rougher texture on the sides of the grip is an improvement I think. The spider web looking lines are kind of weird, though.

[dcondiff]

Hmmm... after looking more closely at the P30, the HK45 is now a P30 chambered in 45, apparently.

[LTK41D]

well i can say with certainty that while the older style grips offer much better all weather traction, it can really take its toll at the range after 100 rounds or so. gloved or hogued it's not as big of a problem. but in all honesty i think that grip looks mighty comfortable, i would love to try her out and see why H&K chose that particular style of grip.

[HipowerHK]

Overall, I like it. Yeah the grip looks a little different but I don't mind finger grooves as long as it feels right. The "spiderman" look may not be quite so obvious if the frame is black. Personally, I don't like the color, give me black or O.D. I'm not sure if its the angle but the sights look too small for suppressor use to me.

[dcondiff]

Doesnt look like it has the interchangable side grips that the P30 does.

http://hkpro.com/p3000side.jpg

other than that, it's the same frame.

[Syntax360]

I think the original was a lot better looking. Not to mention the horrible color...

I'm definitely going to keep my name off any lists until I get to hold one.

[svddragunov]

Agreed about the original. It no longer looks like an HK45, it looks like a .45 P30. I liked the original look. If i want finger grooves, I'll add a hogue hand all with its soft rubber that can adjust to my fingers, not ridgid plastic finger grips that do not move. Keep the grip simple, and stick with the adjustable palm swells (not even necessary in my opinion).

[10mm Sonny]

It no longer looks like an HK45, it looks like a .45 P30.
I guess now it is more like the USP line that way.

[SMGLee]

Since we are on the discussion on the HK45, have anyone seen the SW M&P in 45? it is about the same size as the 40 cal, and it features a safety. It shoots very soft and it is one of the front runner again the HK45. a lot of well known insiders are giving the SW and thumbs up.

Glock's single stack 45 with thumb safety is still under wraps too.. the competition is getting thicker.

[Big Bore]

What is HK thinking with that color? I really cannot find much fault with it other than the frame color. Finger grooves, ok by me. One can only hope its horrible color is due to poor lighting. If HK turns out something that really does look that bad, well, they need to lay off the Hookah for a while.

[trenace]

http://www.hkpro.com/hk45v1.jpg

Not sure if this aspect is different from the previous HK45 pics, but I like how rounded the sides are in the top of the backstrap / back end of frame and near the safety lever.

The Mark 23 is too squared-off for me in this area and can be slightly painful. This very clearly will fit my hand better in that regard.

[BobtheNailer]

fugly

[1_Heater]

Well for me...chances are I'll be buying one...mainly because it's in .45. True, the color does look kinda crazy...but thats probably just the prototype color. I'd take it in black and probably OD. I'm more concerned with the functionality of this new model...and the availability for mags, holsters, spare parts, etc. But I'll tell you what, whether this new HK45 does well or not....I know what the USP's can do....and I'd just as soon keep buying them!

[HKPRO]

What is HK thinking with that color? I really cannot find much fault with it other than the frame color. Finger grooves, ok by me. One can only hope its horrible color is due to poor lighting. If HK turns out something that really does look that bad, well, they need to lay off the Hookah for a while.


I think it's the lighting. These were taken with flash on camera. You can assume that the frames are probably the same color as the older photos.

[joehk]

Now I'm really glad I bought the USP .45 CT. Off of looks, I don't like the grips (love the P2000) and the mag release looks unusual, and don't think I'll like that either.

[svddragunov]

As said before, this tan color is due to JCP requirements, or so i beleive.

[nwusp45]

That is one ugly pistol! I don't like the grooves at all. I sure hope thats not the final design on the grips. And the color...uggghhh

[Greg Bell]

I like it quite a bit. I am glad they are incorporating the latest HK tech into the grips. It is VERY important to me that the grip be adjustable. I have large hands with short fingers, so I like a little fine-tunability. As far as color, while I would prefer black, I really don't care. I don't understand why looks are so important. It is like all the uproar over the furniture on the SIG 556. Get over it, this is form following function. There are a million pretty 1911s that will look good on your wall.

[deadboy]

If the grip is reconfigurable like the P30 than no sweat. If it is not then there might be a problem. HK, PLEASE make the grip reconfigurable!

Like Mr. Bell states it is of critical importance that the grip be comfortable. I just worry that the grip in it's most recent configuration won't be. There was nothing wrong with the P2000 style grip! Again, the ability to reconfigure the grip to end user requirements negates the only honest criticism of the USP series.

It seems odd that the gun will have changed much from the guns reviewed by "shotgun news" and "special weapons and advertisements for law enforcement". I wonder where this picture came from? It causes such alarming reactions largely because the picture itself isn't very good. Better lighting, a tactical knife and some spare mags thrown in would be an improvement.


Seeing as this is my first post on the new and improved HKpro, thank you HKPRO! I will be a premium member shortly.

[orfeo]

The original USPs are damn sexy lookin' guns, period. This one looks not quite as sexy, but damn good nevertheless. I'd much prefer a black frame though, but this looks to me like a great gun. . . a streamlined, modernized USP. I like the finger grooves. The frame looks comfortable. I highly doubt that it functions any better than the USP, but it may possibly have a little better ergonomics. If this were the same price as a USPf 45, I would buy it.

[Roger]

As said before, this tan color is due to JCP requirements, or so i beleive.

That is absolutely correct. I am sure they will put out a black one for us though.

[Roger]

And I hope to shout they put out the prototype pictured on SGN. The spiderman grips isnt going over too well with me :-(

[deadboy]

If they are replaceable like the P30 then it will not be the end of the world. I am sure HK will make a grip that all will like. Looks don't matter nearly so much as function.

I want the slimmest possible thing that will still fill my hand.

Any pics of the HK45c in in it's new incarnation? That is the gun I am really interested in. I have plenty of fullsize guns but no compacts. Something I hope the new generation of guns helps me with.


**Update**
I just looked at the P30 pics a great deal and it looks like the grips on the HK45 are the same as on the P30. This means they ARE reconfigurable.
Now I just need to see pics of the HK45c and different grip panels one can put on it.

[cueist]

my opinion will be judged once i finally get one in my hands to see how it feels. until then i'm willing to trust the designers at HK since i rather like everything that they have done up to now.

[Polecat]

That plain sucks, I was hopeful the HK45 would keep the P2000 ish grip. Just sad, looks like a Nike tennis shoe. No longer in the market for the HK45, you guys can have it. Truthfully, I think HK is finished. I don't think they will get the JSP contract, I bet FN or S&W wins. Then what will HK do? Look at how responsive Sig is to the civilians and FN lately as well, they deserve the business. Yet, alot of you guys continue to embrace these clowns, at their pathetic level of recent design, performance and service. It's like "thank you sir, may I have another." The SGN article was really quite sad, like HK needed Vickers and Hackathorn to make the P2000 in a .45 caliber. That took alot of experience. I guess maybe they designed this "1911" like grip monstrosity.

[olds442tyguy]

Some things I don't like.

The grip has swelled out. It looks like they bloated the grip's side panels. I like a grip that's oval shaped, but I don't like it flared out that much.

The mag release. In my opinion, it's extending way to far into the trigger guard. With the slimmed down grip, the USP mag release should be easily accessed and this new one looks prone to accidental mag drops.

I don't like what they've done to the interchangeable back strap. On the P2000, the grip panel extends to about a third of the side panel. On the P30, it extends even further. This is a good idea to me as it allows the user to choose the contour of the side straps. Now it's regulated to being just behind the mainspring housing.

It looks like the grip texture isn't as agressive as the P30. One of my biggest complaints with the P2000 was it's grip when used with sweaty hands. The P30 looks about perfect, but the HK45 needs to be a little more defined in it's texture.

Last but not least, why would anyone want a bobbed hammer on a full size DA/SA pistol? I know this won't be an issue with the modular fire control groups, but I had to mention it. :20000000:

I also think it's gotten twice as ugly with the soap bar looking front and rear sections of the frame, but looks don't mean that much to me.

[dcondiff]

If they are replaceable like the P30 then it will not be the end of the world. I am sure HK will make a grip that all will like. Looks don't matter nearly so much as function.

I want the slimmest possible thing that will still fill my hand.

Any pics of the HK45c in in it's new incarnation? That is the gun I am really interested in. I have plenty of fullsize guns but no compacts. Something I hope the new generation of guns helps me with.


**Update**
I just looked at the P30 pics a great deal and it looks like the grips on the HK45 are the same as on the P30. This means they ARE reconfigurable.
Now I just need to see pics of the HK45c and different grip panels one can put on it.Close, but not quite. Doesn't look like the side grip panels are replacable in the HK45 pic.

[psg1]

I didn't know there was quite so much concern about "looks" within the HK crowd, but I guess I was wrong. What does it matter if your hand is wrapped around it anyways? Oh yeah, it won't look as nice at the BBQ! I forgot about that! ;)

[psg1]

That plain sucks, I was hopeful the HK45 would keep the P2000 ish grip. Just sad, looks like a Nike tennis shoe. No longer in the market for the HK45, you guys can have it. Truthfully, I think HK is finished. I don't think they will get the JSP contract, I bet FN or S&W wins. Then what will HK do? Look at how responsive Sig is to the civilians and FN lately as well, they deserve the business. Yet, alot of you guys continue to embrace these clowns, at their pathetic level of recent design, performance and service. It's like "thank you sir, may I have another." The SGN article was really quite sad, like HK needed Vickers and Hackathorn to make the P2000 in a .45 caliber. That took alot of experience. I guess maybe they designed this "1911" like grip monstrosity.


Hehe, okay, we'll mark your words. "HK is finished" :rolleyes:

[svddragunov]

[QUOTE=olds442tyguy]

Last but not least, why would anyone want a bobbed hammer on a full size DA/SA pistol? I know this won't be an issue with the modular fire control groups, but I had to mention it. :20000000:

QUOTE]

It might have the LEM trigger on it.

[joehk]

It'd be the first LEM trigger with a safety level, that I've seen.

[dcondiff]

It'd be the first LEM trigger with a safety level, that I've seen.
I've heard about that in the HK45 though. Because of the manual saftey being required for the JCP.

[wh]

I still like it. I held the versions like the ones pictured in the SGN story.
The grip was thin and it did have finger grooves on the front strap.
The color takes getting used to but I would choose it because I have many black guns already. I think it would look good with a matching color slide.
The sides of the grip on this latest pic do look fatter which is a concern to me. I'm glad the HK45 does not look like a USP. I hate the looks of the USP.
Hell, this is page two and no one has bitched about the 10rd mag yet :)

[Shakey]

Not my cup of tea. I'd have to handle it before passing judgement though.

[NIB]

DOD has already stated that there will be no more weapons in black. All weapons will come in some form of green or tan or whatever other color may be required for the AO.

The color on the HK 45 is most likely SOCOM Flat Dark Earth. This new color is seeing use by Spec Ops personel in Iraq on weapons and equipment. I'm pretty sure it is the color of the FN SCAR rifle as well.

I'd say the color looks funky because of the lighting when the picture was taken. Some pictures I've seen tend to look either green or tan depending on the lighting and angle of the picture.

[Jeff Smith]

http://www.tacticalexcellence.com/images/HK45comp.jpg

I like the first style of grip better myself. I used to be a big fan of the Glock 21 until they came out with the 3rd generation frame. The finger bumps are fine for some but they just don't fit my large hands. I would always find one finger on top of a bump. One of the reasons I love my USPs so much is because of how comfortable they are in my hands.
I like the idea of the replaceable back straps. That allows the grip to fit more hands. But finger bumps are a deal breaker for me if they don't fit me. And if they fit me then they won't fit people with smaller hands. Couldn't they do some type of changeable front strap if they have to have something with finger bumps?
I really would like to buy this gun but only with something like the first grip.


JMO

[piebiter]

Kind of looks like something Arnold might use in a Terminator movie, but I'm still anxious to see the real thing in my hand.

[MichaelVain]

I like the new version and old version. Whichever they go with, i'm sure it'll be a fine.

I'm not a fan of dark earth, but I'll take one anyway.

The finger swells seem to be the in-thing now...

[p2000man]

Ok I will gripe about the 10 round magazine! I want a 12 round Magazine! BTW, I remember early in my LEO career when I carried a Browning High Power with a 13 round magazine. I was so impressed that I had 13 rounds, or 50% more rounds than my old S&W Model 19 4" blue steel .357 magnum revolver, I felt ready for anything the crooks could throw my way! Forget the fact that the only suitable hollowpoint ammo was the Super-Vel stuff that Lee Jurras was making at the time! Yes, I know I was young and dumb then!

I don't like the color of the frame, but it won't stop me from buying one. I am sure someone will come up with a way to refinish that polymer frame in any color you want. So that won't be a big issue for me either way.

I like the interchangeable back straps like on my P2000, it will make the pistol fit more people's hands. I would like it to have interchageable grip side panels. I can do without the finger grooves, but a previous posters suggestion of interchangeable finger grooves on the front grip strap is a good idea, and one which would be a great addition if they figure out how to do it without weakening the grip frame.

I wouldn't need the safety lever if it is a LEM trigger system but as an option for the paranoid and the Military it is good to offer it on both the LEM and DA/SA versions.

There is my .02 cents and I hope we have them on the market sooner then later!

[orfeo]

Okay, okay, the 10 round mag could be an issue for some. . . but guys, COME ON. . . this whole ribbed finger-grip revolt seems a little over the top. Look a little more closely. It is very mildly ribbed. Not nearly as sharp as, say, a (hugely popular) Hogue Handal slip-on. Why not wait and see how it actually feels in your hand before passing final judgement?!

[hughes417]

Clearly, there is a need for an industrial designer at HK. I'm not saying it needs to be a work of art (that would be great too) but it shouldn't be visually offensive. The color could possibly grow on me, but I agree with the Spiderman and squirt-gun design analyses. I associate German design with crisp lines and sharpened corners (more like USP and G36). The HK 45 is getting more and more rounded with time, I fear it will be an amoeba in the final iteration. I don't think they're testing this on the American market or they would not be going down this road - or at least it would have stayed on the sketch pad. I favor the the "shotgun news" prototype, but would be happier with more refinement on it, too.

[piebiter]

Doesn't sound all that bad to me. I've gotten by with 7 rounders for so long that 10+1 should be enough to get the job done. After all we're talking .45 here not 9mm.

[SP-01]

I love everything about my usp9f's except the square grip. I now shoot my cz sp-01's more because the more rounded and comfortable grip made a huge difference in my accuracy. I will deffinitely buy an hk45, but I too am not fond of finger grooves. Lets not forget that it is still a prototype.

[P7M8]

I prefer the P2000 style grip. If HK maintains the claimed 1911esque grip width this may be the gun I've been searching for.

[P7M8]

What does HK call that frame color?


Baby s#!t tactical yellow.

[psg1]

I really doubt that HK will only offer these colors to the public and not black. It costs absolutely nothing extra to make a black frame instead of a tan or green or purple frame. They know that not offering it in black is not worth the torrent of emails and phone calls and bad press it will inevitably create.

[Jassen]

Doesn't really grab me like othe HK models. I guess well see.

[Andrew_Dawson]

Spiderman and squirt-gun design.

+1 that grip is fugly, colors ok, i prefer a crisp clean look!

[007]

Personally, I get better control and accuracy with palm-swell grips.
I'm happy to see H&K go this route with the new 45.

[deadboy]

Look at the pictures of the P30. Now look at the picture of the new iteration of the HK45. No seams on either so the grip doesn't look interchangeable on either.

If the grip is interchangeable then I am sure everyone will find a modicum of comfort in the grip.

I am also excruciatingly tired of people talking about the color. HK will almost surely release it in black. If they do not than I am sure we can dye them like an SL8 frame.

Seriously, this is not a highschool band uniform.

[USMC03]

Personally, I like the dark earth color. It's about time that they start designing weapons in colors that actually work in a military environment. If the color's a problem, civilian shooters can do what we in the military have been having to do with black weapons for years...paint it.
However, I'm really turned off by the spidey grips. When I seen the older version from the SGN article, I couldn't wait for them to hit the shelves to own one. Now with these odd grips that are reminiscent of the old Vektor CP-1 or maybe a High Point, I'm not all that hot to get one. If it becomes a military issue handgun, I'd probably get one just to practice with in my off time but then again, I own a Beretta 92FS for that reason alone also.

[Greg Bell]

And civvies wonder why HK doesn't pay any attention to them. I want the HK 45. Waah! Bad color! Waaah! I don't like the grips...Whaa it doesn't match my skirt!!

Seriously guys, the reason I want an HK 45 is because it is supposed to be the most ergonomic, reliable and best constructed .45 around. I can't believe all these folks talking about the USP's "good looks" or the P2000a "good looks." I remember when the USP came out, it was REVILED. Do a search for when the 2000 came out, everybody bitched that it looked like a Walther.

Guys, I promise you you will like it it shows up on a cool TV show, I swear.

:)

[Huskyoff]

Oh Snap!

[diesel1959]

I like the dark earth color. I like the concept. I like the original shape rather than the newly-released pictured version. Will I buy one? More than likely, YES.

[deadboy]

Guys, I promise you you will like it it shows up on a cool TV show, I swear.

:)

Nice.

[DrMark]

Disappointing. I don't really care how the grip looks, but the finger grooves are a major letdown.

Since we are on the discussion on the HK45, have anyone seen the SW M&P in 45? it is about the same size as the 40 cal, and it features a safety.

I'm curious to see/try the M&P 45. More curious now that the HK45 design has regressed.

Seeing as this is my first post on the new and improved HKpro, thank you HKPRO! I will be a premium member shortly.

Welcome, deadboy. The new forum does look great.

When I seen the older version from the SGN article, I couldn't wait for them to hit the shelves to own one. Now with these odd grips..., I'm not all that hot to get one.

I agree.

Here's hoping for the best.

[sixfootbrit]

You know....the more I look at it, the more I like it. Hopefully it will be available soon...I will buy two.

[Fuzzyone]

I hope they do something with the color. I know desert sand color is in but I just don't think I could put one in my vault.


Fuzzyone.......

[snsctt]

Actually, the photos you guys have posted on here for both iterrations of the HK45 I think quite clearly show a removable back-strap. I don't understand some comments here where people are saying otherwise.

Secondly, concerning colors, the current prototypes are speficically for the JCP competition. I'm sure if the HK45 goes into production they will offer it in the standard "tactical black" with an eye toward the LE and (to a lesser extent) the Mall Ninja market. :43:

[Blackjack_21]

Where do I begin?

Somebody forgot to tell our German brethren that not all hands are created equally, ie get rid of the *&@()#*& fingergrooves!!! I've got big hands, and the USP45F I had was a handful. Damn fun to shoot, accurate, and a blast, but still just a pinch on the big side. If they stick with the SGN version of the HK45, but with an all-black design (mall ninjas, sure... I'd be just THRILLED to carry an HK45C in baby**** yellow as a CCW...).
Here's what will seal the deal with me:

HK45F, black frame, original (SGN) design.

Simple, elegent enough for me, and sized just right for what I need. Personally, I think the P30/HK45 hybrid is a late April Fool's joke, but I've been wrong before...

[10mm Sonny]

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/z07vette/HK-4501.jpg

[dcondiff]

**************** NOTICE *************

T H E C O L O R I S F O R THE J C P

THEY WILL MAKE A BLACK FRAMED VERSION
THEY WILL MAKE A BLACK FRAMED VERSION
THEY WILL MAKE A BLACK FRAMED VERSION
THEY WILL MAKE A BLACK FRAMED VERSION
THEY WILL MAKE A BLACK FRAMED VERSION

************* END NOTICE *************

[MaverickH1]

I see interchangeable backstraps on the HK45 in the picture...

Anyone else think the grip looks exactly like a Command Arms Accessories aftermarket pistol grip for an AK-47 or AR-15?

http://www.alsarmynavy.com/images/Product/icon/010450.jpg

[Gocad]

No. These finger grooves are far more aggressive than those of the HK45.

Besides, I had the impression that everyone was pleased with the grip design of the P30, so why are people complaining now about the fact that HK has put it to use on the HK45? I don't get it....

I should admit though that I'm not a fan of finger grooves either, but based on the pic these seem to be less annoying than those found on a Glock...

[G36gunner]

The complaint is because the smaller dimension 9mm grip was probably just snug for grooves, but the .45 grip may be too big for finger grooved grip.

[wh]

I have to make a slight correction. Going from memory only, I'm not sure which HK45 I held at the NDIA show in May. I do seem to remember that the grip on the full size was not the same as the grip on the HK45C that was on the table right next to it. The HK45C looked like the SGN pics with the P2000 design I think. I'm 99% positive the HK45 I held had finger grooves. I should have got a pic but did not.

[dcondiff]

I have to make a slight correction. Going from memory only, I'm not sure which HK45 I held at the NDIA show in May. I do seem to remember that the grip on the full size was not the same as the grip on the HK45C that was on the table right next to it. The HK45C looked like the SGN pics with the P2000 design I think. I'm 99% positive the HK45 I held had finger grooves. I should have got a pic but did not.
How did it feel?

[dcondiff]

I'd like for the grooves and maybe the swell to be rubber material, like a houge grip.. thatd atleast make it more comfortable

[F22_RaptoR]

Yeah, the finger grooves are a personal touch. i got a hogue on my mark23 and love it, but i know so many people that hate its ORIGINAL grip, that the hogue would kill it for them.

Let the grip be a standard one, and then spend an extra 10 bucks if you want the finger grooves. For the ammount of money HK wasted on to-be retruns of the pistol due to people not liking the grip, they could have made a profit by supporting some other company like Hogue. Or used the money on the new mould to make a version with an interchangeable FRONT strap. who knows if it would work, but at least they wast 5 bucks on a returned grooved front strap, rather than an entire pistol. They're going too far with the "erganomics" and it'll hurt them in the long run. just my .02

[Tenmm]

I thought the Springfield XD was the ugliest thing to come along since the Glock. Then I picked one up, it was really comfortable. I didnt get to shoot it, but it sat nicely in the hand. Still ugly though.
A picture isnt enough for me to make up my mind, but I gotta say, I hope feels better than it looks!

[HKPRO]

Let the grip be a standard one, and then spend an extra 10 bucks if you want the finger grooves.


At the cost of the final production mold, whatever that is, there won't be another one for a slightly different grip style.

Once they settle on it, it will be a done deal. They call this new style, the "ergo-grip."

Of course, landing the contract will be a big part of whether we see it at all.

[CZ-75]

I like the all black picture a lot better.

I like finger molds as long as they fit my hand.

[tastysp]

Let the grip be a standard one, and then spend an extra 10 bucks if you want the finger grooves. For the ammount of money HK wasted on to-be retruns of the pistol due to people not liking the grip, they could have made a profit by supporting some other company like Hogue.

I agree wholeheartedly! Make the grip the P2000 type w/ interchangable backstrap and offer a HK/Hogue rubber grip w/ finger grooves. Make it with a nice red HK logo on it
Variations would include
1) use the smallest strap
2) use the smallest strap w/ the rubber grip if you want the grooves
3) use the medium strap
4) use the medium strap w/ the rubber grip if you want the grooves
5) use the largest strap
6) use the largest strap w/ the rubber grip if you want the grooves
That's enough for anyone

[Smoke]

as someone else said here... Its a matter of "if they get a contract" weather this gun ever sees the light of day..
personal opinion ....Grip color... Black of course..

smoke

[Ted]

Not a big fan of the "earthy loam" or "infant excretia" color or whatever it's called. I hope that's just a lighting or reflection issue with the image. That said, I'll buy anything they make in a .45 ACP.

[Polecat]

Is there going to be a subcompact version?

[Nosferatu]

Looks good to me!

Will you people PLEASE get off the color already? You don't like it. Great, we get it. If they do release it to the public, they will make a black one for you tactical teds.

Personally, I want a green one!

[HKPRO]

Looks good to me!

Will you people PLEASE get off the color already? You don't like it. Great, we get it. If they do release it to the public, they will make a black one for you tactical teds.

Personally, I want a green one!


Yes, and the flash on camera shot of this latest pic is distorting the earth color it's supposed to be. Don't take internet colors at face value at all!

[psg1]

I sure hope they make one in radar-absorbing tactical carbon-fiber with the infrared deflecting speckles in it. Then I'd totally buy one for my safe.

[wh]

as someone else said here... Its a matter of "if they get a contract" weather this gun ever sees the light of day..
personal opinion ....Grip color... Black of course..

smoke

I got the impression at the HK booth that if they get a govt contract or not they will offer the HK45 to us. I was told 2007 but I generally don't believe the planned release dates. I believe they will offer the HK45 because the P2000 and P30 don't come in .45 right?
As for what I thought of the finger grooves, I thought they felt fine.
I have medium hands with fingers on the thin side.

[LSP 972]

... you tactical teds.

LOL.

Is that a relative of the wiley, elusive mall ninja??? :D

[HKPRO]

I sure hope they make one in radar-absorbing tactical carbon-fiber with the infrared deflecting speckles in it. Then I'd totally buy one for my safe.


Yes, but then you'd not be able to find it. :)

[loupav]

Mmm, I think I liked the previous version better... besides, that grip pattern reminds me of Spiderman.

Yeah I don't like the P30 grip on it either. Doesn't look as serious and evil as the P2k style grip. If they offer both of them. Then I don't care.

[piebiter]

Contract or not, HK will market the HK45. I want one in digital camo!

[deadboy]

Is the HK45c still the same?

Are there any photos of alternate grip panels?

As long as we're speculating. I don't care about looks, I just have never felt one and want the grip to comfortable.

[10mm Sonny]

I want one in digital camo!
Now that would be cool.

Woodland, desert or urban.

[BIGDUKE60]

I Like it..it's not another can of TUNA!

[MMcCall]

I sure hope they make one in radar-absorbing tactical carbon-fiber with the infrared deflecting speckles in it. Then I'd totally buy one for my safe.

Hilarious, and totally true.

[matteblack]

Wow. Someone please, please tell me this photo is older than the SGN version!

[HKPRO]

Wow. Someone please, please tell me this photo is older than the SGN version!


I could, but it wouldn't be true...

[LCSO264]

like everyone, I don't care for the color much, but I believe that was an Army requirement for their contract. I on the other hand will have to have it in black if I choose to carry it at work.

I agree with Greg Bell however, ultimately the important thing is how does the gun function. I like the finger grooves, but I agree the first version looked better, but I feel the grooves offer a more positive grip on the weapon... but that is just my opinion.....

[Blackjack_21]

So, if HK goes with the fingergrooves, who's going to make money by grinding them off for the guys with bigger, beefier hands? Some people ended up doing the same thing with their Gen 3 Glocks because the fingergrooves were too tight. I took the Handall off my USP when I first got it because even it didn't feel good, and the rough grip on the USP was just right. I know I'm in the minority here, but if HK goes with the wavy frontstrap, a lot of guy with big mitts are going back to the USP45 family.

[MMcCall]

I know I'm in the minority here, but if HK goes with the wavy frontstrap, a lot of guy with big mitts are going back to the USP45 family.

I applaud HK's desire to innovate, but I'm not planning on leaving the USP line. I have a USP45f set up exactly the way I want it for carry, and I don't see the point in paying ~$800 just for the privilege of giving up two rounds in the magazine.

I'm fully familiar with the USPf, I know how it's put together and how to work on it, I like it, and most importantly: I shoot it well. I don't see how the HK45 could improve on that

[mike100]

I know the new HK45 is going to be a new platform, but (excuse my Hk newbness) is there any backwards compatibility with magazines or anything from the USP or P2000 line. Even if it stuck out of the bottom, the 12 rd USP mag ought to be able to be used in the new platform IMO.

some of the most successful designs (not neccesarily the best) are ones with parts interchangeability (like the small block chevy and VW aircooled motors as an example). Glock hasn't changed their mags in 20 years have they?-perfect example.

[piebiter]

I've heard a rumor that the Army may have backed off of the upcoming contract and that the contract will be much smaller in quantity. Is that why the new pix of the HK45 looks different than the earlier ones in Shotgun News? Is HK designing the HK45 more for the civilian market now? That might explain the "new" look being more similar to the P30. How about it HKPRO, heard anything along those lines?

[dcondiff]

Hmmmph. Didn't the P2000 already have slight finger grooves? Subtle ones, that wouldnt throw you off if they didnt fit you perfectly, but still making it very comfortable... I know my P2000SK has slight finger grooves.

[Gocad]

Even if it stuck out of the bottom, the 12 rd USP mag ought to be able to be used in the new platform IMO.

I wouldn't count on that a USP 12rd mag would fit into the HK45, because I think that the 10rd HK45 mag is slimmer than the USP mag.

[LSP 972]

Glock hasn't changed their mags in 20 years have they?-perfect example.

Actually, they've made quite a few changes; they're on, like, the fourth generation follower for the G19; the change to metal-lining in the late 80s; several base plate configuration alterations; etc., etc. We won't count the 10-round fiasco, since they were just reacting to numbskull government requirements...

If you mean they have maintained the basic outline, then yes, that's a reasonably accurate statement. An all-polymer G17 mag from 1986 SHOULD feed just fine in a current-production G17...

[muffin]

only two things it has my tac 45 doesnt, extended slide release and 1913 rails. beyond that im happy with the tac 45 and dont see the point pratically speaking to buy a hk 45. i know they had to repackage it to fit the contract requirements and sell it but generally im indifferent to it. really rather like the old design but if it fits good in the hand then it aint too bad.

yes the weaver rails can be adapted to the usp series and i pretty sure extended mag releases can be installed, so that kinda ends that argument then.

[DrMark]

I know the new HK45 is going to be a new platform, but (excuse my Hk newbness) is there any backwards compatibility with magazines or anything from the USP or P2000 line?

I've read, but can't verify, that the USP45 mag is based on the USP 45 Compact mag, that is the USP45c and HK45c mags are the same and the HK45 mag is that mag lengthened to hold 10 rounds. Also, that the HK45 mag can be used in the HK45c.

We'll see (hopefully).

[DrMark]

Do you guys really see people putting Hogue Handalls on their USPs, as referenced in this thread?

Dear Lord! I can't imagine.

Do these people put vinyl roofs on their Porches?

[deadboy]

Mike100, hey, I know you!

I heard that the HK45c takes trigger parts from the USPc .45. That's cool, ensures parts commonality.

The HK45 doesn't thrill me too much. The HK45c with a standard 1913 rail and new features sounds awesome.

[svddragunov]

Do you guys really see people putting Hogue Handalls on their USPs, as referenced in this thread?

Dear Lord! I can't imagine.

Do these people put vinyl roofs on their Porches?

No, but they do put Z-rated Pirellis and Michelins on their Porsche's for better grip...much like the hogue hand all's on my HK's.

[wh]

No, but they do put Z-rated Pirellis and Michelins on their Porsche's for better grip...much like the hogue hand all's on my HK's.

Damn, I would hope a Porsche owner would have a P-7 and not a "Cheap" USP :)

[dcondiff]

Do you guys really see people putting Hogue Handalls on their USPs, as referenced in this thread?

Dear Lord! I can't imagine.

Do these people put vinyl roofs on their Porches?Joking, right? smh.

[VanusEmpty]

I guess I don't really see the sentiment from people that this is just a repackaged USP; the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" crowd, you know who you are.:) I have a USP45F and the longer I own it the more I've come to realize I'd much prefer to have a slightly smaller grip. Yes it's manageable, but you know what, one size doesn't always fit all, and I know I'm not the only one that feels that way. Consider yourself fortunate that you can comfortably wrap your hands around a grip with the addition of a Hogue Handall, but they've yet to make a product that makes the grip smaller. Until they do I'll gladly welcome the HK45 and anything like it that takes into account a wider spectrum of users.

[LCSO264]

USP mags will not fit the HK45. One of the big points of the HK45 is the grip size is smaller than the USP .45's and I am sure it will be smaller than say the Glock 21. The semi staggered mag is in part responsible for this, which leads to the 10rd mag count. for me this is the biggest selling point for the HK45, I find the USPf too big for my hands. the other selling point for me is the rail. I carry my duty gun with a light on it every day, a combination that I have found to be invaluable. If I am going to put big holes in bad people I want both of my hands on my handgun, not one incumbered with a light in it. with that being said there is a time and place for a secondary light in your off hand, I just like having the flexabiltiy to make that decision my self by choice not nesecity.....

I look forward to the release of the HK45, (please please please be available in all black so I can carry it as my duty weapon).

[DrMark]

Joking, right? smh.

No. I found the grips on my USPs to be almost ideal. Excellent texture for grip, without that rubber tackiness that causes a shirt to hang on the grip while carrying concealed. The only improvement would be to make the grip a little smaller... more 1911-like. That was the appeal of the pre-finger groove HK45... a 45 USP with a smaller grip circumference and better safety configuration (and a rail following the proper spec).

I know people that own and carry USPs. I've never seen one with a Handall on it. I've never understood why someone would (1) cover up the superb USP grip texture, (2) willingly increase the grip circumference, and (3) give the grip a tackiness that would make concealed carry under a shirt more problematic.

But to each his own...

[choochboost]

(2) willingly increase the grip circumference,
Big hands.

[ALPHAGHOST]

the grip grooves is a negative as is the color...

h/w, its streamlined and the safety and mag release looks to be more user friendly and smoother to operate

hope trigger pull poundage was improved also

[dcondiff]

No. I found the grips on my USPs to be almost ideal. Excellent texture for grip, without that rubber tackiness that causes a shirt to hang on the grip while carrying concealed. The only improvement would be to make the grip a little smaller... more 1911-like. That was the appeal of the pre-finger groove HK45... a 45 USP with a smaller grip circumference and better safety configuration (and a rail following the proper spec).

I know people that own and carry USPs. I've never seen one with a Handall on it. I've never understood why someone would (1) cover up the superb USP grip texture, (2) willingly increase the grip circumference, and (3) give the grip a tackiness that would make concealed carry under a shirt more problematic.

But to each his own...1) Thats preference. 2) They probably have bigger hands than you 3) Some people put electrical tape around the hogue handall.

[NIB]

I've heard a rumor that the Army may have backed off of the upcoming contract and that the contract will be much smaller in quantity. Is that why the new pix of the HK45 looks different than the earlier ones in Shotgun News? Is HK designing the HK45 more for the civilian market now? That might explain the "new" look being more similar to the P30. How about it HKPRO, heard anything along those lines?


Indeed they have reduced the numbers.

Originaly this was a proposal to equip our Special Operations personel with a new .45 caliber handgun. Then someone decided to make it Army wide. Now the Joint Combat Pistol program has become disjointed and returned to being a SOCOM only project. So instead of a contract for 645,000 pistols, there will only be a contract for 50,000 pistols and that number may decrease. Worse case scenario would be if the program is cancelled all together.

But I doubt that is the reason why they changed the grip style.

[GPD45]

I was really interested in getting a HK45 when they were available until they changed the grip. It does look kinda 'spider web' like which I think is ugly!! They should have left it the way it was. I thought it looked awesome.

I have been a HK fanatic since 1995 and have owned as well as currently own several HKs. Since recent months that HK began not considering the civilian market which customer service and product availability were compromised, I have lost interest in HK. I will keep my current HK guns but I doubt I will be a future buyer unless they completely change for the better.

I have moved on to firearm companies (example: FN) that care about all customers and that rank customer service as their #1 priority.

I felt like saying something. GPD45

[dcondiff]

I was really interested in getting a HK45 when they were available until they changed the grip. It does look kinda 'spider web' like which I think is ugly!! They should have left it the way it was. I thought it looked awesome.

I have been a HK fanatic since 1995 and have owned as well as currently own several HKs. Since recent months that HK began not considering the civilian market which customer service and product availability were compromised, I have lost interest in HK. I will keep my current HK guns but I doubt I will be a future buyer unless they completely change for the better.

I have moved on to firearm companies (example: FN) that care about all customers and that rank customer service as their #1 priority.

I felt like saying something. GPD45
The new cust serv has been awesome.

[Greg Bell]

HK customer service has always been fine. Most of the "problems" have been isolated incidents and mostly the internet "echo chamber" effect. They used to have a guy, before they switched to Alabama, that was a robot. He seemed rude, but he was really just a dull guy. Still, his drone-like attitude was off-puting. The new guys have been getting rave reviews.

[Swedish Chef]

Yukk-O!

It's starting to look like a Super Soaker Squirt Gun now.

Sorry but I don't like that grip it looks bigger than what it was. I'll hold one first but as it looks I'm off the list for one.
My wife wondered why there was a squirt gun on the front page, can't blame her.

[centermass]

I hate the new grip, it looks kinda silly. Yeah, I know when its pointed at a bad guy he wont notice youre new grip setup but the sexy factor is what makes HKs and just about any gun sell in the civilian market (putting aside reliability and accurracy, of course.)

The USP has been out since around 1993 but it still manages to make it into countless action movies, the hands of police, and military end users til this day. All while looking sexy as f--k 13 years later!

Then again, the older prototype did look like a fancy USP with a few improvements that should have worked its way into the original.

[Pyrobot]

Looks too much like some sort of star-trekky ray gun. The green/brown frame looks awful. If I were to purchade in aesthetics alone, then I would not buy it.

[piebiter]

Beauty is only skin deep.

[Haizum]

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/3363/spiderhkqh0.jpg

[joehk]

Beauty is only skin deep.

And a turd is a turd. :)

[dcondiff]

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/3363/spiderhkqh0.jpgdoes that thing shoot super strong streams of spider web? lol

[Greg Bell]

You guys who are so obsessed with the guns looks are like a buddy of mine who used to by CDs because the chick on the cover was hot.

[Haizum]

You guys who are so obsessed with the guns looks are like a buddy of mine who used to by CDs because the chick on the cover was hot.

But that's just the thing; it looks like HK is trying to make the gun look cool rather than simply make it practical (and tactical). When they appear to be focusing on the aesthetics, we can expect their customers (us) to critique their decisions.

[ZAT]

Well, its definitely different, to say the least. I am still going to get in line to handle one and maybe buy one if it fits my hand well. I LOVED my USPf, but the grip size was just too much for me to comfortable deal with. Aesthetics are pretty low on my list pf requirements. With that said, I do wish that HK would make up its mind wrt to the color. Make it either black, or coyote (or whatever they call it). If and when it does show up I will decide based on comfort, capacity and functinality. I can deal with spidey grips if they are comfy and offer good purchase on the gun. I can deal with grooves as they seem to be pretty small. I can even deal with an indecisive HK making it dual tone. Someone made Gunkote for a reason. What will be a dealbraker for me will be the loss of the 2 rounds in the mag.

[wh]

With that said, I do wish that HK would make up its mind wrt to the color. Make it either black, or coyote (or whatever they call it). If and when it does show up I will decide based on comfort, capacity and functinality.

From what I remember of the SGN write up, it was said that it would be available in BLACK and the tan.
I cannot see any change to that. They made USPs in three colors, two would not be a hard thing.

[Slick]

So, is it for certain that this gun WILL be available for civilian sale some time in the near future? If so, anyone know a projected time-frame?

[deadboy]

Sometime in 2007. Maybe after the SHOT show.

I am not too worried about the grips. The HK45c is what I am waiting for anyway.

And people critiquing the aesthetics is like high-schoolers writing obscenity on the walls. It says more about them than what the graffiti says.

[HK PDX]

“Change is the one constant in human affairs. Change is unpredictable, unwanted, unplanned for, evolutionary, revolutionary, resisted, welcomed-and absolutely inevitable.”
Stephen Coonts

[cueist]

personally i don't think any of us should be too quick to judge untill we actually get it in our hands. as it stands now, it is still in protoype form. neither this redesign nor the older (SGN Style) design is set in stone. what we are forgetting is perhaps HK will yet again redesign it further. they may even decide to put the grip pannels in it. who knows, HK may even submit different framed versions of this gun for the trials to see which one the testers like most. one thing is for certain. which ever design scores best with the testers is the one we will see, and none of us has any control over that matter.

[LCSO264]

very good point....

[Dietz]

Am I the only one, who likes that "Spiderman"-grip better? In my opinnion a gripp needs to be as stabil in your hand as possible. Should it glue for you to make you feel more confortable? I don't think so. I like this new version.

[HKComander]

I would try it first before passing judgement but the new look sucks!

[Slick]

Am I the only one, who likes that "Spiderman"-grip better? In my opinnion a gripp needs to be as stabil in your hand as possible. Should it glue for you to make you feel more confortable? I don't think so. I like this new version.

I'm not even looking at the spiderweb, I'm looking at the rounded front strap, which is what I'm waiting for. Hopefully, they didn't make the grip TOO thin, because I have very long hands/fingers. The finger grooves don't look too obtrusive, but of course, holding it in my hands will be the real test.

[Haizum]

The fact that people are referring to this grip style as "Spiderman" or "spider web" is the problem in itself; it means HK deliberately tried to stylize the grips instead of just making something that works.

To say, "oh well this is a prototype" doesn't help either; they should worry about making it look cool after they make something that works.

If I'm curt, then I apologize.

[Greg Bell]

Haizum,

I seriously doubt that HK "stylized" the grips. The pattern is more likely designed to maximize grip, kind of like the "stylized" tread patterns on a tire.

[psg1]

I agree.

And didn't someone say that HK contracted the grips to Carl Nill? I can't think of a better qualified gripsmith.

Perhaps the most effective grip pattern just happens to resemble a spiderweb... Would we rather have a less comfortable grip without the comic connotation? Maybe some special forces insignias instead? Are we afraid that our gunshop commando buddies will make fun of us at the BBQ? Now THAT would be embarassing...

[cleetus-van-damn]

Whatever design they come out with I can't wait to pick one up. True I do like the first design better, has nothing to do with the spider man thing. I personally just don't like finger grooves. What I do like with both designs is the fact of a slightly thinner grip(same width as a 1911), & interchangeable backstrap. I do really like my USP 45f, but my only gripe with it would be that the grip is just a tad to thick for my like'n. At the time I purchased it, it was the thinnest DS 45acp and had the best qualities for me,(is my only non1911 sidearm). For now I guess I'll have to sit tight and wait untill it is available. Hoping for just after 2007 S.H.O.T. show:670:

[hughes417]

Most companies that make prototypes keep them under wraps so that they don't get photographed outside of the "lab" until they have reached a version that is very close to final. The idea that this version is being shown around to generate excitement is troubling.

[olds442tyguy]

Has anyone else commented on how far out of spec HK's Flat Dark Earth is? Adding a few drops of black to their tan dye isn't going to cut it when the time comes. I'm thinking they had no clue what FDE is, and based it off of FN's blatantly wrong SCAR rifles as well.

For those wondering what real Mil Spec FDE looks like, this is the best example I've found yet, used on Magpul's new CTR stock. It's obvious HK's got some reserach to do. Flat Dark Earth is closer to the color of dirt, not desert tan.

(Photo taken and posted by Stickman of AR15.com.)
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2057/fdectr0hj.jpg

[Sinatra]

It has been mentioned many times, that it could be the light...not the actual color.

[olds442tyguy]

It has been mentioned many times, that it could be the light...not the actual color.
After seeing FDE in real life, I don't think there's any possible way to make it appear that color. The Magpul stock above looks to have about all possible hues the FDE could have based on lighting.

A few different companies are trying to pass off their own FDE. With the tan colors it worked, but now there's a military specification to abide by. The 220 Combat is true FDE, (except the grips, which SIG still claimes are). Magpul uses true FDE.

[wh]

If Magpul's FDE is the true military color then I can say that the HK45 pictured here is not FDE as Magpul's. To me the lighting in these latest pics is not much different then the one I saw at the show. The HK color is more of the old coyote.

[trenace]

Yes, I agree that the examples photographed thus far of the HK45 prototypes do not conform to the mandatory specification of Color #30118 (Flat, Dark Earth), which is:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1250/fs30118lf6.jpg

and also it seems to me accurately provided in the above Magpul stock which olds442tyguy posted. Pretty much as he said though in different words, that pic pretty much shows the various tones in the lighter and darker lit parts of the pic that one should see from this color with changes of intensity of light. And while color balance is rarely perfect, it shouldn't be drastically off in magazine photos.

The HK45 prototype pics appear to be, instead, approximately Color 30400:

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8339/fs30400pz5.jpg

The darkness difference between the HK45 pics and Flat Dark Earth is too much to be accounted for by lighting IMO, as adjacent objects in some of the same photographs appeared to be of correct lightness, and so while the exact lightness might be slightly misrepresented, it couldn't be THIS far off. The hue -- as opposed to brightness -- incidentally is very close between these two colors: it's almost entirely a darkness difference but a very strong one. (You can make 30400 look almost like 30118 in a photo editor simply by greatly reducing the lightness, though exactly matching it does require a very slight hue shift towards the green. But much less than you might guess.)

However, surely HK can easily change the dye or the amount of it.

BTW, if anyone is concerned that their monitor may not show color accurately, a calibration utility that will get one reasonably close is available here (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3912.html).

[Haizum]

Perhaps the most effective grip pattern just happens to resemble a spiderweb... Would we rather have a less comfortable grip without the comic connotation? Maybe some special forces insignias instead? Are we afraid that our gunshop commando buddies will make fun of us at the BBQ? Now THAT would be embarassing...

I resent that.

A comfortable grip has everything to do with the shape relative to the hand, there really isn't any debate there.

As for grip, I think anything more than diamond texture (think 1911) is just for show, and you'd be hard pressed to find anything that works better. That's all I'm saying.

If this new grip shape/texture proves to be an improvement, then I'll be happy to stand corrected.

[trenace]

Well, I did a photochop of the site's HK45 pic applying the same degree of brightness correction that was found required to convert Color 30400 (the apparent approximate color of the prototype) to Color 30118 (Flat Dark Earth.)

I didn't apply any hue correction as applying the very small amount that was correct for that conversion made the gun appear too green.

Even though the eye might think there has been a tint change towards green from the original pic, that's not the case. It's entirely a brightness correction.

This is undoubtedly not dead-on to what the gun would appear like in true Flat Dark Earth, as the gun almost undoubtedly wasn't exactly Color 30400 in the first place and corrections this drastic never come out exactly realistic, but here goes. One can see perhaps why HK may not have wanted the magazine pics to be this color for this gun:

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/9385/hk45flatdarkearthsimulationzy0.jpg

[Hud33K]

It looks better to me in the "corrected" color. HK will offer both black and FDE when it is sold to "the People"...

[trenace]

This time, instead of being adjusted according to method described above, it's adjusted so that a selected I-thought-neutrally-lit portion of the grip panel was made to exactly match the reference panel to the eye. This required a slight hue change, a slight lightening, and a slight saturation reduction from the above.

I think it should be a pretty close approximation to what it should look like in a correct FDE:

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6154/hk45flatdarkearthchopjl5.jpg

[LCSO264]

well, this certainly looks better. No longer looks like something found in a baby diaper, hahahaha....... None the less, I will still have to have it in black for work.....

[Gocad]

Those who have said that the frame color is out spec should perhaps take a good look at the pics of the HK45 article in 'Guns and Weapons for LE'. ;)

[trenace]

Your point being?

That did not appear at all close to FDE either, as I recall (I don't buy these mags, only thumb through at the newsstand, so can't go check now but I certainly don't remember it being much different than any of the other pics. Looked the same to me except exposed or printed very slightly darker.)

You are not saying that mag had pics this color?

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6154/hk45flatdarkearthchopjl5.jpghttp://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1250/fs30118lf6.jpg

And that is the specified color. (See the FS Color Server (http://ipmsstockholm.org/colorserver/showcolor.asp?fs=30118) to verify that for yourself if desired, and/or download (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3912.html) this utility if questioning the color accuracy of your monitor. It might be the case that your monitor is so far off that the screen pics are indeed matching the pics in that magazine, in which case your post would be very understandable but the difficulty would be your monitor being off.)

[dcondiff]

Your point being?

That did not appear at all close to FDE either, as I recall (I don't buy these mags, only thumb through at the newsstand, so can't go check now but I certainly don't remember it being much different than any of the other pics. Looked the same to me except exposed or printed very slightly darker.)

You are not saying that mag had pics this color?

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/6154/hk45flatdarkearthchopjl5.jpghttp://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1250/fs30118lf6.jpg

And that is the specified color. (See the FS Color Server (http://ipmsstockholm.org/colorserver/showcolor.asp?fs=30118) to verify that for yourself if desired, and/or download (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3912.html) this utility if questioning the color accuracy of your monitor. It might be the case that your monitor is so far off that the screen pics are indeed matching the pics in that magazine, in which case your post would be very understandable but the difficulty would be your monitor being off.)Wow is that what everyone else is seeing? Cause i still seen the light tan as pictured in previous articles (that i seen with my own eyes, not with monitor). Nuts.

[trenace]

No. That is rather closely what that gun would look like if it were Flat Dark Earth. The gun in fact does not look like that, because it was not that color. Before having its color changed via photo-editing to Flat Dark Earth, the gun's frame appeared approximately Desert Tan, or as you put it a light tan. Ditto for all published pics of the HK45 I've seen. They've been tan.

The above color panel is the reference color #30118, Flat Dark Earth, which was specified in the requirements. The pic was made to match that.

Both the color panel and the above pic are obviously quite different from the HK45 prototype. I had to apply a ton of lightness correction and small amounts of hue and saturation correction to make the transformation.

Some have argued that the pics of the HK45 only apparently differ from Flat Dark Earth, that vagrancies in exposure or printing could make the pics appear a little different than the gun actually is, and therefore the gun might actually be Flat Dark Earth but just look different in the photos. That could be a tenable theory if the differences were small.

However, the above I think shows that the required color is so far, far different from the prototype pictures that this cannot be accounted for by color reproduction errors but only from the prototypes being the wrong color, a light tan as you put it or at most a medium tan. FDE just is not even near the same color as the pics of the prototype.

If and when HK produces a HK45 actually in Flat Dark Earth, it will have to look very close to the above pic in terms of color, because that's what that color is. One would think, since the specifications call for it, that they will do so, as it should be within their technical competence to comply to the specification. The guns in the published pictures certainly don't comply. Comparing those guns to the color panels, you would not choose #30118 as the match, nor even anything close to 30118, whereas the above pic, I believe you would choose that color panel as the match. And that is the color that has been specified.

[herbie]

The article that appear in Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement about the HK45 written by Ken Hackenthorn must have been written quite a long time ago. He states the the model HK45 he is shooting for the article is the final version and it happens to be OD green. This particular issue just recently hit the book stores where I live, and now it seems that HK has already completely changed the final version in such a short amount of time is strange. I wonder if they have different versions of the final guns in their bid for the military purchase.

[trenace]

I found the Ken Hackathorn article in question on the Vickers Tactical website.

Indeed it also is the wrong color in at least the vast majority of pictures, with at most one exception but probably none. Specifically, its color appears in almost all pictures to be most nearly #30260 (the panel I'm posting next to it), not Flat Dark Earth:

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4531/hk45gwleig6.jpghttp://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4434/30260fv0.jpg

There is a single picture that indeed appears far darker, however, though that is possibly confused at least somewhat by much of the background being exceedingly bright which will cause a camera to stop down, and without knowing Mr Hackathorn's skin tone for reference the gun might be lighter than it appears; and one other pic that appears possibly slightly darker though the same concerns apply. So possibly different prototypes were different. His statement that the "most recent" samples were OD green indeed suggests different colors at different times, though of course OD green is not Flat Dark Earth either. Maybe the gun in the darkest-appearing photograph, though, could be what he called OD green.

Why on earth they're messing around with tan and OD green when the spec is very specific and is not either of those colors, I do not know. Surely they are aware that Federal Standard colors are defined reference standards, not vague hand-wavings? How stupid would it be to lose the contract because when the color chip is put up against the gun, it's an obvious mismatch and that was a mandatory specification? (Of course I'm assuming they'll have the color correct when the time comes, as it's hard to conceive they would be that negligent.)

[Markh2]

Mmm, I think I liked the previous version better... besides, that grip pattern reminds me of Spiderman.

Ha-ha...you got that right.

[DocHoliday2]

ugggggggggggggggggggggly!

[Blackjack_21]

No news on the HK45? Hmm, maybe H&K gave up on the Spiderman45 and went back with the original design as seen in Shotgun News. We can only hope, right?

[10mm Sonny]

It will have the spiderman grips. Just accept it.

[LCSO264]

It will have the spiderman grips. Just accept it.

yep, same grip design as the P3/P3000, which is allegedly soon to be available. The orig. grips as shown in the Shotgun News article are basically a larger version of the P2K grips...... I am pretty sure we are going to get the "spiderman" grips...... I really don't think they will look as "spiderman'ish" in the all black gun, but I guess we will see.....

[bordercop]

One word, Yick!

Then again, that was my opinion of the SL8, before I held and shot one, too.

[LaRue]

I don't like the looks of the grip. The grip looks like it came off of a toy gun. I really enjoy the P2000 and I liked the USP, they both shoot great and look awesome. The new HK45 just looks wierd, but maybe I'll change my mind when I shoot one.

[ILuvMyHK]

I have to say that I'm not too crazy how the grip design. But to me, that's just a small part of my decision whether or not to buy the HK45 when it comes out. I might just buy it anyways because it's HK!

[AaronUSP]

I have to say that I'm not too crazy how the grip design. But to me, that's just a small part of my decision whether or not to buy the HK45 when it comes out. I might just buy it anyways because it's HK!

Ah....... the irony, in the end.....we all eat our words......:)