HK....very unpopular

[Solidgun]

I like the way USPs look and feel. The solid craftsmanship and tested reliability of the pistol makes it the only pistol that I would keep if I had to choose one of my pistols to keep.

I was at a couple of local gun stores and got to chat with some of the employees there, and they have said that HK is not very popular in my area. They maybe sell average 2 HKs a year compared to 100+ Glocks. I really think it is the premium price and less knowledgeable customers....but anyone actually hear of this from your local gunshops?
:4:

[retromullet]

Oh yeah, all the time. Bottom line is, Sig and Glock make very nice guns as well. The price and non-mainstream side of HKs is what drives away the customers. Also, around where I am you're close to the Sig plant as well as the Smith and Wesson plant. They seem to also drive many other brands away.

People just know about sigs and glocks, they get the press, the price, and the reputation.

[sfguard]

Yeah, I hear that around here too. Not that few though I can usually find 3 or 4 on the shelves at my favorite fun shop. Of course they have more Glock, Smith and so on in stock. But you got the idea as to why. Some just don't recognize the quality difference. As long as it goes pow they are happy but then again so is my 3 year old when I take her out with her BB gun. ;)

[H&K 4 LIFE]

I agree. Glocks have way more media reputation and more people recognize that name over the name HK. If I say to a everyday non-gun person "whats a USP?" they might say a car or something else. If I say "whats a Glock?", virtually all will respond with "it's a gun". So when it comes down to what sells more of course it's going to be the infamous Glock that has been weilded by so many good/bad guys throughout the history of modern movies. Is this the basis on which a handgun purchase should be decided, of course not, but it does happen. Factor all that in with the price comparison between the two guns and it's no wonder why more Glocks walk out the door than HKs.

For the record, I bought my HK first and my Glocks after that. I recognize the name HK as qualtiy and I am sure there are plenty of people out there just like me. :)

[Tieva]

A big reason that more HK's are not sold is that HK requires gun retailers to purchase a minimum amount of handgun inventory on an annual basis. I've been told that the dollar amount of that inventory could approach $100,000 on an annual basis. That's a pretty big expenditure for a small gunshop. Also, if the dealer does not stock HK guns, they can't go to HK for accessories (of course they could go through a national distributor).

[AviatorDave]

Oh yeah, all the time. Bottom line is, Sig and Glock make very nice guns as well. The price and non-mainstream side of HKs is what drives away the customers. Also, around where I am you're close to the Sig plant as well as the Smith and Wesson plant. They seem to also drive many other brands away.

People just know about sigs and glocks, they get the press, the price, and the reputation.

I completely agree. Ironically, it's the non-mainstream part that makes me like them all the more.

[AviatorDave]

A big reason that more HK's are not sold is that HK requires gun retailers to purchase a minimum amount of handgun inventory on an annual basis. I've been told that the dollar amount of that inventory could approach $100,000 on an annual basis. That's a pretty big expenditure for a small gunshop. Also, if the dealer does not stock HK guns, they can't go to HK for accessories (of course they could go through a national distributor).

Maybe its because he's not a retailler, but my FFL orders one or two at a time on an as-sold basis.

[aralls]

I completely agree. Ironically, it's the non-mainstream part that makes me like them all the more.

Same with me. Walther and HK are probably my two favorite gun companies. It's usually harder to find a P99 than it is a USP.

[ss_doomtrooper]

I became familiarized with HK because of the vast amount of video games I play(God bless Resident Evil 2, in which the main character carries a VP-70). But even in that medium there scarce, honestly I think it will be this way for a long time. HK's for people who want an incredibly reliable gun for a steep price, and Glocks for everyone else. But don't get me wrong I still think Glocks are cool ,there just not HK's.

[Greg Bell]

I bet Kia sells more cars than Porsche.

[MarcDW]

Beside that HK are a lot more exspensive then Glock or XD's, there is thanks to CDNN and HK distribution pollicy no money in them for FFL.
As a FFL, my distributor has higher prices then CDNN on a HK and unless I buy $12,000 a year form HK, I can't get them cheaper then anyone can buy them form CDNN.
It's that simple.
So why would a FFL stock them and gues what someone buys, when he walks into a gun store without making up his/her mind?
Right, what the gun store has on the shelf and that is most times Glock, Walther, XD's, S&W, Taurus, ....!
By the way, after CPO and dealer direct I don't stock any more SIG's either!

[Glenfilthie]

Yup.

The only reason I bought the USP is because I bought an HK SL8. The only reason I bought that was because it is one of the few unrestricted 'black rifles' in Canada.

So I bought the rifle and soon fell in love with it. When I went shopping for a pistol I wouldn't have given the HK the time of day had I not had good experiences with the rifle. It is only be sheer, chit-house luck that HK earned my customer loyalty at all. Had I lived in the US I probably would have bought a high end AR-15 and a high end 1911 and would never have discovered the fine HK guns at all.

HK's marketing blows. More people would buy the product if they knew more about the product. As it stands now, many shooters are buying other weapons without giving the HK guns the evaluation they deserve.

[carboncycles]

Well when was the last time you heard a rap song mention HK by name?

[swiss_seth]

I became familiarized with HK because of the vast amount of video games I play(God bless Resident Evil 2, in which the main character carries a VP-70). But even in that medium there scarce, honestly I think it will be this way for a long time. HK's for people who want an incredibly reliable gun for a steep price, and Glocks for everyone else. But don't get me wrong I still think Glocks are cool ,there just not HK's.

Dont forget Metal Gear Solid, in all of those games the main character carriers a Mark 23 SOCOM with LAM and Knights Suppressor.

I can attribute my gun fasicnation with the video games too, especially Resident Evil...now RE 1 and 2 were classics.

[sniper1]

I bet Kia sells more cars than Porsche.

+ 1

[Goose5]

I have run into the same thing at a very large gun store. I was told that if I bought HK I was buying a gun that probably could not be serviced. They were waiting on parts from HK for almost a year. And they are HK dealers. Go figure. I won't get into the details about CDNN. I tried to deal with them once. It didn't go very well. I choose to go with SCP Firearms. Steve is a little more expensive. But, he makes up for it with class and service. I have bought two used guns from Steve and could not be happier.

[AviatorDave]

Yup.

The only reason I bought the USP is because I bought an HK SL8. The only reason I bought that was because it is one of the few unrestricted 'black rifles' in Canada.

So I bought the rifle and soon fell in love with it. When I went shopping for a pistol I wouldn't have given the HK the time of day had I not had good experiences with the rifle. It is only be sheer, chit-house luck that HK earned my customer loyalty at all. Had I lived in the US I probably would have bought a high end AR-15 and a high end 1911 and would never have discovered the fine HK guns at all.

HK's marketing blows. More people would buy the product if they knew more about the product. As it stands now, many shooters are buying other weapons without giving the HK guns the evaluation they deserve.

I wish that would change. They've been advertising the P30 and HK45 pretty heavily, hopefully (if) the 416s become a reality, they'll advertise those as well. I'd love to start seeing a bunch of 416's mixed in with all the Rock River Arms, Bushmasters, Colts, and Armalites at an upcoming gun show.

I also wish they'd just keep making some of their more infamous models, just for brand recognition, whether they lost money on them or not. Purely for the point you gave - drawing people to the brand. Kind of like how Dodge does their SRT line: I've heard they lose a ton of money on the Vipers because they have such low production numbers, but they still build them because they bring people into the showrooms.

For example, HK could continue to produce the HK91/3/4, and P7s, and maybe a more economical version of the PSG1, just in low numbers. Yes, now I'm REALLY dreaming.

[MarcDW]

... now I'm REALLY dreaming.

You will never ever again see a HK rollerlocked blowback rifle beside MP5"s.
HK sold the machines, tools, plans and all rights on the 9x series.
The only thing you might see are guns from Pakistan and/or Tuerky.

[ss_doomtrooper]

"especially Resident Evil...now RE 1 and 2 were classics."

"You were almost a Jill sandwich" LOL!

Seriously, it's nice to see a fellow Resident Evil fan on this board. You have good taste my friend. In video games, and firearms.

[AviatorDave]

You will never ever again see a HK rollerlocked blowback rifle beside MP5"s.
HK sold the machines, tools, plans and all rights on the 9x series.
The only thing you might see are guns from Pakistan and/or Tuerky.

Don't they still make current PSG1s and MSG90s? Those are just 91 receivers with a few minor modifications.

Never say never. The latest 416/417 news reaffirmed that old chestnut.

Besides that, this is my dream. How in the heck did you get in here? :)

[TronJohn]

Well when was the last time you heard a rap song mention HK by name?

I actively listen to rap ( I know, I know), but I have only heard one song that mentions HK's.

Goes something by the tune of "We got them German hand guns, those .223's, blow through your doors and rip through your knees!"

Haha nice!

But I would assume by their recent stance on not selling 416's & 417's to civilians that they are more worried about government contracts over civilians. (Even though there is obviously a lot of money there as well)

[Noctis]

"H.K. to ya chest plate, cave/ I will ride to the death, do you rep that way?"

"You dont know"
Eminem, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Ca$his
The Re-Up

According to wikipedia, the album recently went platinum which can say something for the audience reached.

Well when was the last time you heard a rap song mention HK by name?

As far as popularity goes....
People's spending traits differ but, not everyone can or should purchase a pistol(s) which can be close to a grand a piece.

[Gerber]

I bet Kia sells more cars than Porsche.

Hey! I just bought a Kia. Anyway, my .02. Not being a gun person or prospective owner of a gun until the middle of last year, I too immediately thought of Glock. Not just because of movies, but because I had read it is typically the standard sidearm of LEO's. However, I looked further and tested more and more handguns...and I'll be D&mned! I found the HK USP Compact. I fell in love with this gun and will purchase my first in February.

[Gerber]

Dont forget Metal Gear Solid, in all of those games the main character carriers a Mark 23 SOCOM with LAM and Knights Suppressor.

I can attribute my gun fasicnation with the video games too, especially Resident Evil...now RE 1 and 2 were classics.

Can't forget Jack Bauer and Twenty-Four. USP Compact and various HK's in the last three seasons, that I know of for sure. Sigs in the first three.

[Aarin]

Well when was the last time you heard a rap song mention HK by name?
"you keep those Heckler's close, you know the smokers will test ya"
Jay-Z

[carboncycles]

Man, call me edumucated...obviously I don't listen to much rap. Consider me corrected :D

[Shakey]

It's easier to sell the customer a pistol that may be 2/3 the cost of the HK. How many of the gun shop salesmen have even used much less owned an HK? I look at it as the K-Mart mentality. Less expensive is better for a lot of shooters. I prefer HK and Walther pistols to Glock and S&W. I may pay a premium, but you get what you pay for IMHO.

[AviatorDave]

It's easier to sell the customer a pistol that may be 2/3 the cost of the HK. How many of the gun shop salesmen have even used much less owned an HK? I look at it as the K-Mart mentality. Less expensive is better for a lot of shooters. I prefer HK and Walther pistols to Glock and S&W. I may pay a premium, but you get what you pay for IMHO.

I definitely think price is the biggest reason they are not more popular. The majority of shooters are a lot more price conscious that we HK fanatics are, who will pay the premium for them. They are (correctly) perceived to be more expensive. But I don't at all think its because most people think poorly of H&K.

One of the guys I shoot with has a USPc, and when we go to the range, his USP and my P7s always catch the eye of at least a few people - and that's even when I don't have the MP5 with me, so I know it's really for the handguns. I can't count how many people say "I wish I had an HK, but they're too expensive."

[N6ATF]

If anybody pulls that bulls*** line out on me, I'm fully ready to say, oh really? Less than $50 more than a Glock 21? Because that's how much I paid.

[softmentor]

Hey if Tommy Lee Jones in US Martial says Glocks are all there is and all other guns are sissy guns, they must be right? I mean he would know right?
What's the best hamburger you ever ate? What? You mean it wasn't McDonalds? They sell the most.
H&K <hey!> we rule the day, a'int no way, you gona get away wi' dat'
no compromiz don't care 'bout yo size
or yo b'littl'n I be fillin' you be chillin'
yo
a little off the cuff rap... fo' yo' who what's gotta ha' some

[dhousley]

I like the way USPs look and feel. The solid craftsmanship and tested reliability of the pistol makes it the only pistol that I would keep if I had to choose one of my pistols to keep.

I was at a couple of local gun stores and got to chat with some of the employees there, and they have said that HK is not very popular in my area. They maybe sell average 2 HKs a year compared to 100+ Glocks. I really think it is the premium price and less knowledgeable customers....but anyone actually hear of this from your local gunshops?
:4:

Apparently that is the case in the midwest. I was at the Wannamaker gunshow this past weekend. Supposedly one of the biggest shows in the US...11 acres of tables. I was looking forward to the show for weeks....

Then I get there and walk the entire show without seeing a SINGLE new HK. Granted, I was there on the last day, and I could have overlooked one or two...but I didn't see more than 5 pistols the whole show.

Needless to say I was very disappointed.

[Reoze]

Same situation with me, Went to a few gun shows around here. Seemed like there were tables and tables filled with glocks, and STi 1911's. Only saw 1 HK and it a heavily used 9mm match. Judging from the exterior you'd think it was probably around 30% condition, but i'm sure it functioned fine.

There's one store around here which stocks HK's and they're quite a bit overpriced, 850 for a 9mm compact. It's just cheaper to order online, and easier to do private sales to make buying them retail worth it.

[jpgeorge]

P7M8

[pilotdane]

Back to the original post about the price of HK vs Glock. In my tiny bit of NC the situation is even worse. Our local gun market is dominated by sub $300 guns. At the local shops there are a few Glocks and Sigs with dust on them. The $200-$300 pocket guns and cheap 9mm's move quickly. It is also shocking to see how many people walk up to the counter and say they want to "buy a 9". They don't know anything about guns, but they know they want a 9... and then they hold the gun sideways or upsidedown.

My local FFL dealer was ecstatic when I asked him to order an HK. He is as excited to see the gun as I am.

[orfeo]

I don't know. . . it just seems to me that we see less of HKs because there are fewer HKs in existence.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Back to the original post about the price of HK vs Glock. In my tiny bit of NC the situation is even worse. Our local gun market is dominated by sub $300 guns. At the local shops there are a few Glocks and Sigs with dust on them. The $200-$300 pocket guns and cheap 9mm's move quickly. It is also shocking to see how many people walk up to the counter and say they want to "buy a 9". They don't know anything about guns, but they know they want a 9... and then they hold the gun sideways or upsidedown.

My local FFL dealer was ecstatic when I asked him to order an HK. He is as excited to see the gun as I am.

Wow thats kind of sad. Nothing wrong with a good pocket pistol, but theres alot wrong with holding any gun sideways or upside down. If I owned that shop it would be very difficult to make a profit because I would probably think twice about selling a gun to anyone who did that.

I could only imagine how pleased the shop owner was when you asked him to order an HK. I would be a good guy and let him take it for a spin too. :)

[HKTSM]

Part of the reason I got an HK is because no one else has one....I like to be different. :) Why have what everyone else has- esp. when what I have is better :43:

[Solidgun]

Part of the reason I got an HK is because no one else has one....I like to be different. :) Why have what everyone else has- esp. when what I have is better :43:

Same reason for me on the purchase.

[dtheman]

While I do not own an HK I do know it's going to be my first .45. I've been reading these forums for almost a year know trying to learn the most I can and I really enjoy all the feedback that everyone gives on here, but I hate rap music. Please don't deface the HK name by associating it with rap "songs". I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

[2929]

Were I live there not unpopular there expensive. Its almost i mpossible to get mags and if you can youre getting ripped off. Everyone pushes GLOCK because they are affordable to the seller and the buyer. The dealers around here say hk wont work with them.

[Reoze]

Its almost i mpossible to get mags

Local dealer over here is selling .40 10 round fullsize mags for $55

I bought 6 10 rounders for $15 a piece online

[CrippledPidgeon]

It is also shocking to see how many people walk up to the counter and say they want to "buy a 9". They don't know anything about guns, but they know they want a 9... and then they hold the gun sideways or upsidedown.

I had an experience like that at the range the other day. Some guys were shooting something in 9mm and sounded all happy about it. One guy started watching me shooting my USPf 9mm, so I asked him what they were shooting over there. "A 9mm" was his reply. I never was able to get exactly what model he was shooting, and I didn't care enough to see for myself.

The guy then says, "what you got there, is that a glock?" I look around at my bench. Buckmark, 1911, USP.... no glock here. "Uh, no, it's a USP." "Hey, [the guy who's letting us shoot his guns] has one of those in .45. Said it cost him like $1300." I've never seen a USP .45 going for that much unless it was an expert, so I walked over. Nope, it's a normal USP. I got really confused. The guy who bought it didn't speak very good english, and I couldn't figure out if the story that he bought it for $1300 was right. If he did, boy did the seller make off well!

Local dealer over here is selling .40 10 round fullsize mags for $55

I bought 6 10 rounders for $15 a piece online
I got my 10 rounders for $10 each from CDNN...

BTW, is it only possible to purchase firearms from CDNN if you have an FFL?

[Reoze]

Not that I've purchased guns online from another state before, But from what I understand they can and will ship to your FFL if your FFL sends them a copy (or faxes, depending on the company, some require hard copies) of their FFL. You'll need to pick it up at your FFL/Dealer, and they'll do a background check and have you fill out the ATF forms as if you were buying the gun from them.

Again I have not done this, so take my information with a grain of salt.

I haven't quite had an experience that bad, but I do see people walking in all the time asking for a "glock 9 mil" or someone renting a gun asking where they keep the "9 x 19 mm parabellum", Which either means that either they're very enthused about owning or shooting a gun and researched what they're about to do very carefully. Or they've played too many video games and think that it's a very similar experience, Granted I've had my fair share of "computer use for education reasons" But some people really need to seek help when they need it, There was one person I was next to at a range in NY who kept trying to release the bolt on his AR-15 by repeatedly yanking on the charging handle, Thats one of the tell tale signs of too much video game "education".

I'm personally with big bore, where I've seen such a share of idiots I could never run a gun store. The vast majority of people I've encountered either have no idea what they're doing, or the ones I fear even more, the ones who do act like they know what they're doing and still don't.

[joehk]

I really think it is the premium price and less knowledgeable customers....but anyone actually hear of this from your local gunshops?
:4:

Maybe is the premium price and more knowledgable customers?
Most 20 dollar hammers work as well as most 100 dollar hammers.
It's a tool. Glocks are every bit as effective (some argue more so) as HK's at the job they are built to do.

[Zapfenstreich]

I like the Porsche/KIA comparison.

It's apt, and like the Porsche pilots, we pay too much for our beloved German hardware. But we're talking about love here, not just functionality.

[Gary_P]

I bought nothing but Snap-on Tools and none have failed me for 20 years

The same reason is why I buy Hk's...Reliability

[AviatorDave]

I bought nothing but Snap-on Tools and none have failed me for 20 years

The same reason is why I buy Hk's...Reliability

Not sure of what this analogy means, but I've always bought Craftsman. Sure, you can break them if you abuse them, like channel lock pliers on nut drivers, or 4' cheater pipes on a swivel joint, but when they break, you just go get a free replacement.

[joehk]

Not sure of what this analogy means...

Yeah, me either.

[kassenz]

I feel the same way.
The US Military dumped millions into the development of the USP. They spent it, we get to buy it. I collect Militaria. I like how its close enough design to an american 1911, so it formilliar, but lighter, simpler, and hosts upgrades like lasers & flashlights. Its a modern design. Its German. Its well built, and FEELs like quality. It looks cool.

But I was one of the only people that thought that at two of the three gunshops I've worked at. Most people I came across only like wood and steel 1911's and M1A's. Or die cast toy AR-15's with thousand of dollars in accessories. They make comments up here in Seattle too, that its a "HK" provounced "AAAAAich Kay". Like its a Bentley or Rolls. That you just paying extra for the name. I get the feeling HK's are really played out, that they think its an exclusive fad of weird german origin over-engineereding. Then they tell me about how they slept with their beloved Croation built XD.

The manager of the last gunshop I worked at would rarely stock the new P2000's or anything else really. I asked, Why not. He said he could sell 20 glocks for $40 profit each in the time it takes to flip one HK. And the rifles/carbine would just get fondled by video game addicts/airsoft junkies.

I see HK's in most every movie. Die Hard, MP5's. now in most new movies, G36's. USP's. Matrix, UMP's. You'd think people would recognise them. My HK 94 get called a "tec 9" or "assault rifle"
everytime one sees it. I think since the import ban, HK backordering, and price tag, people dont see HK's as often as Remington 700's & 870's. Maybe that why I'm drawn to them.

To me, HK's are something special. I like my HK's I've only owned three, but looking forward to my collection growning.

[Gerber]

I chose HK because I educated myself on hadnguns or firearms in general. Unlike some punks that have been mentioned, I just didn't walk into a gun shop and point at a Glock and say "want that", I found a lot of imfo and a lot of has come from this board, gunshops a gun show. How about asking seomone there about the gun you are intersted in? But like many of you have said, I like the fact that it isn't mainstream with the general public and that not alot of your average gun owner doesn't have one. I know several people that I work with or with the company that own guns, train and are all around gun enthusiasts, yet they don't own an HK. And it is very satisfying to see the look on their face when I've told them I will be purchasing one in a couple of months (need the funds, but I'm saving). They get awe struck.

[softmentor]

Not sure of what this analogy means, but I've always bought Craftsman. Sure, you can break them if you abuse them, like channel lock pliers on nut drivers, or 4' cheater pipes on a swivel joint, but when they break, you just go get a free replacement.

In my ntbho SnapOn and HK are to the professional what Craftsman and S&W are to the retail market. Craftsman and S&W are excellent quality for the weekend handyman and the once or twice a year home defense shooter. SnapOn and HK are the top of the line tools for those who work with them for a living.

I have Craftsman hand tools too. love them.
I may only be a private security guard, not LE, but I still work with HK.

[Cadillac Johnson]

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z63/Frenchy4g63/homeboysights.jpg

[N6ATF]

Holy ****!

[ARKAY.357]

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z63/Frenchy4g63/homeboysights.jpg

Excuse me while I go change my pants. I think I wet myself!

Now THAT was funny!!!

ARKAY

[Gary_P]

Not sure of what this analogy means, but I've always bought Craftsman. Sure, you can break them if you abuse them, like channel lock pliers on nut drivers, or 4' cheater pipes on a swivel joint, but when they break, you just go get a free replacement.

What my analogy means is this..I use the best and they have never let me down.

It is worth extra to get the best...to me.

[alayank]

Maybe is the premium price and more knowledgable customers?
Most 20 dollar hammers work as well as most 100 dollar hammers.
It's a tool. Glocks are every bit as effective (some argue more so) as HK's at the job they are built to do.

I understand your point, in that we don't need to treat our weapons as if they are religious artifacts. And for pleasure shooting, yeah, the $20/$100 analogy holds. But I disagree with the "tool" mentality to this extent: a personal defense weapon is not a tool. It is something you will trust your life to if things go south. It is not soley an item we use to do a job, like a wrench. It's going to be what I use to get through the night and be able to live to raise my kids. It's no more a tool than a parachute or an artificial heart. That's why you buy an HK, not a Glock. If there's a 1% chance the HK will work when the Glock doesn't, or is over-engineered where the Glock is less so, you bet your life on the HK. Why would'nt you, to save money?

[Reoze]

I like the "speshul weapons" vs genuine HK analogy. I think it fits a bit better. The mentality that all guns work the same is just false on every level. There are clear levels of quality when it comes to certain weapons, and short of spending 2500 bucks on a custom 1911 I'd pick my HK up over any other handgun if I needed to rely on somthing any day.

[skorittnig]

I hear the same thing here in Wisconsin- very few small privately owned gunshops sell HK's. I had one tell me that they cost too much for a polymer gun, and that he doesn't know anyone who would by them. I kindly reminded him that I own 3. :13: He went on to boast about Sig, which makes a very good gun as well (I just bought one two days ago), but I'll always be partial to HK.

Shay

[AviatorDave]

What my analogy means is this..I use the best and they have never let me down.

It is worth extra to get the best...to me.

I've bent and broken Snap-On and Mac tools just like I have Craftstman. The difference with Craftstman is that I just run to the mall and get another one, I don't have to order it, or wait for a silly truck to come sell me one.

But you just can't compare hand tools to a complex mechanism like a firearm. I have an 18 year old Ruger P85 that is every bit as reliable as my HKs, yet it was 1/3 the price. But it's more than just reliability that makes everything with the HK trademark on it mean what it does to me.

I'm not LE, military, contract security, and not a mechanic either (thank God, I spent years under a hood back in my younger days, and my body couldn't take it now). I can't really say WHY I like HK so much, I know a lot of it is because of my adoration of the MP5. But I do know why I do NOT like Glocks - it's that stupid trigger design. Besides the horrible feel when my finger touches it, I think it is an extremely dangerous design - not dangerous for people who understand firearms and how to use them, but for those that don't. Any 3 year old can pick up a Glock and fire it without knowing a single thing about safeties, or the hand strength to cock a P7. (Or a careless DEA agent in front of a room full of kids, but that's another issue alltogether.)

Oh yeah, for those seeing the Homie sights for the first time - what's more unbelievable is that he actually got in trouble for some of his joke ads - like the 50 caliber hand gun, the homie sights, and the atomic pistol round.

[variablebinary]

I like the way USPs look and feel. The solid craftsmanship and tested reliability of the pistol makes it the only pistol that I would keep if I had to choose one of my pistols to keep.

I was at a couple of local gun stores and got to chat with some of the employees there, and they have said that HK is not very popular in my area. They maybe sell average 2 HKs a year compared to 100+ Glocks. I really think it is the premium price and less knowledgeable customers....but anyone actually hear of this from your local gunshops?
:4:

I hear the same here. Who knows why. HK's are pricey, but so are SIG's.

I will say this much, no dealer in my area likes dealing directly with HK. They are supposed to be real pains

[softmentor]

ok ok point well taken.
nothing compairs to an HK
::smiles his jolly smile::

[sns3guppy]

In my ntbho SnapOn and HK are to the professional what Craftsman and S&W are to the retail market. Craftsman and S&W are excellent quality for the weekend handyman and the once or twice a year home defense shooter.


I''ve done a lot of jobs over the years, but professionally I fly, and I'm a certificated aircraft mechanic...and have been for a long time. I have a strong maintenance background. I've got six rollaways full of tools, which include among others craftsman, snap-on, and mac. While I appreciate the attempt at anology here, my rollaways are all craftsman, and the lions share of my tools are too. In fact, I worked in a large repair station where we were required to calibrate all our tools annually. The highest percentage of torque wrench failures were snap-on, then mac. My ATD auto-store wrench never failed, nor did my Craftsman. When the snap-ons failed, which they did several times a year, they failed to the point of destruction, and rom time to time would damage the calibration machine and require it to be sent out for repairs. That never happened with the Craftsman.

The chief value of the snap-on it's the quality, but the gaurantee, and the fact that the truck will be around in a week and one can find them where ever one goes. The company charges a severe premium for the name and the tool, and can afford to replace the tools...no problem gauranteeing them because they can replace them all day long for the price they charge.

The nice thing about the craftsman is that replacement over the years has very seldom ever been needed.

As for my firearms, I own several HK's, and carry one daily. I trust it with my life, and that's all that can be asked of it.

I also own glock, and I trust my glock with my life, too. HK produces well made firearms, albeit expensive ones. When I think of reliability, HK certainly has my respect, but the first name that comes to mind is Glock.

[131AJumpmaster]

The first pistol I purchsed was a USP9 in 1993. At my LGS I took the time to handhold several pistols including Glocks, Sigs, Rugers etc and the HK just felt very good. Coupled with a knowledgeable LGS owner who told me a bit about their reliability, I was sold.

I have since purchased several other HKs as well as Glocks and a few other brands. Undoubtably my HKs are my favorite and are normally shot more than the others but I will have to admit that within my collection my best 'shooter' is a Ruger P90 in .45 ACP. Cold or warm barrel it hits where I want it to.

Bottom line is that if I have to trust my life to any of the weapons I own, it will be an HK. I appreciate the level of engineering and reliability they have. I am more than willing to pay extra for it as well.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

I'm personally with big bore, where I've seen such a share of idiots I could never run a gun store. The vast majority of people I've encountered either have no idea what they're doing, or the ones I fear even more, the ones who do act like they know what they're doing and still don't.

+1 on all that! Just because you play Counter strike doesn't mean your a freaking Navy SEAL. :rolleyes:

[dtheman]

+1...I was at a gun store here in Orlando and came across an employee whose "extensive" HK knowledge lay in the video game and movie arena. The best part was watching him pretend to shot two guns at once, dry firing at quite a high rate with out any sort of caps inside of the guns.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

+1...I was at a gun store here in Orlando and came across an employee whose "extensive" HK knowledge lay in the video game and movie arena. The best part was watching him pretend to shot two guns at once, dry firing at quite a high rate with out any sort of caps inside of the guns.

Oh my god, laughing my ass off! The employee was doing that? That is so bad. Thanks for posting that was really worth a good laugh.

[dtheman]

Anytime. Trips to the gun shop always seem to be entertaining to me for a number of reasons, thats one of them. I learned about dry fire caps and the effect dry firing has on a pin without using them before I actually owned my own gun. The only thing that could have made that experience better would have been to have the shop owner catch him doing that. (were talking about two USP experts, not cheap)

[Reoze]

Which gun store in orlando would this be? So I know never to go back there. I've only seen one which sells HK's, So I hope it's not the one right down the block.

[dtheman]

It was some skinny kid working the HK shelfs and assault rifles. Shoot Straight in Apoka. Great store besides this incident.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Anytime. Trips to the gun shop always seem to be entertaining to me for a number of reasons, thats one of them. I learned about dry fire caps and the effect dry firing has on a pin without using them before I actually owned my own gun. The only thing that could have made that experience better would have been to have the shop owner catch him doing that. (were talking about two USP experts, not cheap)

Yeah I use Azoom snap caps in all my guns, rifles included. I won't dry fire on an empty chamber without one.

That employee probably would have been fired on the spot had the boss caught him. At least your story was dumb but funny. I have heard stories that were dumb but very dangerous, and I don't laugh at those ever, I cringe. But anytime you have some nerd "rapid firing" with a gun in each hand you can't help but laugh at that picture!

[rohardi]

Well when was the last time you heard a rap song mention HK by name?


Jay-Z, "Keep the heckler close b/c you know them smokers will test ya"

And If you go Real OLD SCHOOL

Sir Mix A Lot "AK-47 nope, I run HK91 with a leopold scope" That one had to be back in the late 80s or early 90s!!!!!

LOL

[Reoze]

It was some skinny kid working the HK shelfs and assault rifles. Shoot Straight in Apoka. Great store besides this incident.

hahaha, I think I know the guy you're talking about too, he sold me my lower, was a complete dick the entire time.

[dtheman]

I agree with the safety issue, I don't pull the trigger unless theres a cap in the chamber or I'm facing down range. All it takes for those people with their safety located in their frontal lobe to due is forget if they "emptied the chamber " then removed the mag or removed the mag and then emptied the chamber. Bye Bye wall.

[dtheman]

Ive came across two guys working that side, one covered in tattoos and the dumb video gamer.

[Reoze]

Definitely the dumb gamer.

I usually go to East Orange Shooting Sports myself, as it's a little closer and overall a nicer experience. Though the range rules are a bit more strict, File a waver every time you use the range, 1 shot per second (thats my big problem, Doesn't really allow for improvement on follow up shots).

[dtheman]

Thats where I always shoot myself. The one shot per second doesn't bother me as much, I've been there one day when all the jerks seemed to be there at once blowing through entire clips as fast as possible for the sheer thrill of it. It is pretty annoying considering they usually can't keep a grouping even when they follow the range rules (i usually watch how those around me are shooting and what they are using out of curiosity)

[AviatorDave]

Definitely the dumb gamer.

I usually go to East Orange Shooting Sports myself, as it's a little closer and overall a nicer experience. Though the range rules are a bit more strict, File a waver every time you use the range, 1 shot per second (thats my big problem, Doesn't really allow for improvement on follow up shots).

That does suck. Of the two indoor ranges I go to, one allows double-taps, but then 1 sec between sets of double taps. The other one paradoxically also requires 1 sec between shots, unless you're shooting full-auto, which they do allow.

[Reoze]

Thats where I always shoot myself. The one shot per second doesn't bother me as much, I've been there one day when all the jerks seemed to be there at once blowing through entire clips as fast as possible for the sheer thrill of it. It is pretty annoying considering they usually can't keep a grouping even when they follow the range rules (i usually watch how those around me are shooting and what they are using out of curiosity)

I've seen quite a few people walk in there, rent a glock, and blow the clips off. I'm sure I could get away with half a second between shots, I've been pushing it lately but I don't want to piss anyone off there as their employees generally seem nice.

Have you heard anything about that gun club in the southeastern area? I was considering it once hoping that an outdoor range would be a little more lax, But the idea of going to club meetings every month doesn't appeal to me, especially since I won't exactly have the free time soon.

[dtheman]

Yea the club is near the Sheriff's range...A nice 20-30min drive. I haven't been but I've heard that they do hold pissing contests (club matches) every once and a while.

[lab1406]

1- Why are less than 1 sec double taps not allowed?
2- I have read in this forums multiple times that dry firing will not harm your HK, in fact USPSA/IDPA requiere that you dry fire berore you holster your gun, any thoughts?

[Reoze]

1- Why are less than 1 sec double taps not allowed?
2- I have read in this forums multiple times that dry firing will not harm your HK, in fact USPSA/IDPA requiere that you dry fire berore you holster your gun, any thoughts?

Dry firing isn't the problem, Picking up a gun in each hand and dry firing as fast as you can on brand new weapons that you're trying to sell to consumers is bad business, bad saftey, and just plain stupid.

[rossfashow]

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z63/Frenchy4g63/homeboysights.jpg

does anybody know where I can purchase this? I've looked everywhere?!?!

[AviatorDave]

1- Why are less than 1 sec double taps not allowed?
2- I have read in this forums multiple times that dry firing will not harm your HK, in fact USPSA/IDPA requiere that you dry fire berore you holster your gun, any thoughts?

I think they don't allow rapid firing because of safety issues with the least experienced shooters. In other words, if they allowed rapid firing by experienced shooters that can control rapid firing, they'd also have people with no contol doing it, and would have more people shooting out the lights, the walls, the floor, the target track, etc.

As for dry firing, it probably won't hurt anything. It's just bad practice, especially in a store. Those USPSA/IDPA rules I'm sure have you dry-fire it pointing down range, not at a wall inside a store, right?

[NavyGuy]

People like glocks for price, and their excellent record of durability. Sigs are very similar in price to HK. A p226 will sell for about the same as a USP or P2000. (giver or take $75). The attraction to Sigs is all metal, even full stainless models, and pretty darn good out of the box triggers.

But I think there are a lot more HK supporters then meets the eye.

[dtheman]

Dry firing is fine as long as you use a DRY FIRE CAP. Not using one will cause a firing pin to wear out over time.

[lab1406]

I think they don't allow rapid firing because of safety issues with the least experienced shooters. In other words, if they allowed rapid firing by experienced shooters that can control rapid firing, they'd also have people with no contol doing it, and would have more people shooting out the lights, the walls, the floor, the target track, etc.

As for dry firing, it probably won't hurt anything. It's just bad practice, especially in a store. Those USPSA/IDPA rules I'm sure have you dry-fire it pointing down range, not at a wall inside a store, right?


Got it, I agree with you thanks for the info.