PROJECT: BREAK MY HK45

[Greg Bell]

Guys,

If all goes well, I will finally get to start the sequel to my Break my P2000 thread. Anyone who followed that thread knows I only planned to do it until summer or so when the HK45 came out. O.K., so the HK45 is a few months late.


I will be shooting my HK45 at least 500 rounds a week. I will keep a meticulous log of all quirks, malfunctions, etc. I will treat the gun like crap, and shoot a mixture of duty ammo, reloads, steel cased, etc. This gun is going to be put to the test!!!!

With any luck the torture begins tomorrow!!!

BTW, I will be taking reasonable requests as to what tests and trials to put it through.

GHB
:57:

[Cadillac Johnson]

How bout the 'shipping test'?

Send it to me, I'll verify it ships without issues, and then ship it back sometime in the future.

PM me for details.

[SauceNJ]

This is gonna be a popular thread... I'm getting a good seat.

[Mark71]

Yes! Another great Greg Bell torture test thread!!!
I am looking forward to this! :)

[softmentor]

Guys,

If all goes well, I will finally get to start the sequel to my Break my P2000 thread. Anyone who followed that thread knows I only planned to do it until summer or so when the HK45 came out. O.K., so the HK45 is a few months late.


I will be shooting my HK45 at least 500 rounds a week. I will keep a meticulous log of all quirks, malfunctions, etc. I will treat the gun like crap, and shoot a mixture of duty ammo, reloads, steel cased, etc. This gun is going to be put to the test!!!!

With any luck the torture begins tomorrow!!!

BTW, I will be taking reasonable requests as to what tests and trials to put it through.

GHB
:57:

We will be watching your carer with interest, young Skywalker.

[F22_RaptoR]

Oooh, definatly gonna be watching this one! :D

[KILO1-1]

yeah i know, this will be good...

[rohardi]

Greg, this is going to kick ASS!!! I loved the P2000 thread! It really gives us confidence in our HK guns. Thanks for puting them to the test for all of us! We all thank you!

[carboncycles]

Well, since you mentioned requests. How about we do the elemental test? So, we start with earth, fire, air/wind, water, and sky. This translates to:

earth - burial in sand, mud and clay
fire - simulated temperature tortue...bake the gun under melting point or possibly a rapid fire simulation until the barrel starts to glow?
air/wind - drop test from at least 20'
water - freeze it in ice and then thaw rapidly into boiling water or immerse in a viscious fluid like glycerine and try cycling the action with a round
sky - if it survives all the above with flying colors, we retire it to the HK Gods ;)

Yea, it was a verbose reply, but I for one am excited to see you put this through its paces! I'm sure it will fly with passing colors.

[sfguard]

I think one of your tests should include the good ole' classic buried in mud test. A classic but those if us in the military or have been in the military can appreciate it. For a new spin on it after one range trip put it in mud then let the mud dry until the next shooting trip. I would be interested in seeing the outcome of the dried mud in the components.

[Glockdude1]

I am very interested in the performance of the new HK 45.

[ksj2004]

awesome, can't wait for this to kick off. I've got my buttered popcorn by my side.

[TexKettering]

In on page 2...:D

I'll be following this thread for sure. :)

[Wolfdaddy]

excellent!


*gets popcorn and kicks back*

[gutsy]

im wanting to get a new duty gun and i was thinking about the usp 45 full size but the new hk 45 has really got my attention . i will definitly be on the edge of my seat with this one . durability of the back strap components would be key as well as the reliability. usp45 compact hasnt let me down yet!!!!

[eric10mm]

No pics arrived here, so I call BS. ;)

[Kost]

Greg
Are there photos of your HK45 in this thread?
(I cant see them if there are)

Im thinking this will be similar to your P2000 torture test, and the HK45 will keep running like a machine.
Cant wait for you to reach 15k rounds on the HK45!

[rmc85]

sweet!!!! I can wait to see how this goes.

[gunut45]

I wish I could afford to spend ~500 a month on ammo. : (

[paratroop23]

Greg what's the status of your P2000? Broken yet? How many rounds have you put through it since your last thread?

Can't wait to hear the HK45 results!!

[madmike283]

I wish I could afford to spend ~500 a month on ammo. : (

That's 500/week he's planning on!

Can't wait to follow this thread and see how it holds up. Just fine I'm sure, but it'll be fun.

[Hossam]

How bout the 'shipping test'?

Send it to me, I'll verify it ships without issues, and then ship it back sometime in the future.

PM me for details.
+1 for this mandatory test

[Captain America]

Great idea, we will require lots and lots of pictures.

I will wait on getting the HK45 and see how things go with your test.

Standing by!

[sniper1]

I think we should all send him a box of ammo. He is doing us a service.

[deadboy]

Greg, you rock.

+1 on mud tests.

Water, silty water, pick it up let it drain and shoot it like a madman.

Ice? Freeze it like that sweet, sweet P2000 video?

Awesome. Can't wait.

[Haizum]

If this is going to be a somewhat scientific test, then we need two control groups. That is, we need an HK45 that will be subjected to normal use, and an HK45 that will be subject to no use. Both control groups will then be evaluated when the test group (the tortured gun) has completed the testing cycle.

I will volunteer to be the custodian of the control groups. :rolleyes:

[NoJoy]

I agree, we should chip in to supply some ammo. Greg I would like to get you a box or two of 45 Super to shoot through your test gun to see how it handles and what the accuracy is. pm me so I can get your address-

[sniper1]

I agree, we should chip in to supply some ammo. Greg I would like to get you a box or two of 45 Super to shoot through your test gun to see how it handles and what the accuracy is. pm me so I can get your address-

+1 on the address, I will send you some dirty-ass blazer brass.

[Pat911]

oh my god I can't wait for tommorow...

Is it tommorow yet?

:-)

[Greg Bell]

DAY 1: 250/250
Saturday, November 17, 2007

First 20 rounds out of the gun at 30 feet. Fired offhand at a medium/fast pace.

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/17_DAY_1%3A_250_250_files/IMG_0364.jpg

I drove to Adventure Outdoors and picked up my HK45 today. I wasn’t able to get him to hold it when I called them yesterday. Luckily no one there knew what it was. When I got there at opening time this morning, there was someone on the phone asking about it. Too slow!

First things first. The HK45 is a service weapon. It is clearly meant for military/police/sport use, not CCW. That said, it is just as easy to conceal as a 1911, and carries a little more easily because it is lighter. Second, the gun is basically a USP Compact .45 that has been P30-ized. That is a very good thing. Ergonomically, the HK45 is in a different world, hell a different galaxy from the USP 45 fullsize. Everything is better. The grip is better, the sights are better, the safety is much, much better, the mag release is better, etc. If I had a fullsize USP .45 I would dump it immediately in favor of the HK45.

The gun came coated in what looked like Cosmo/Vaso line. I cleaned it all off before I shot it. I also boresnaked the barrel. I bought 250 rounds of Blazer Brass 230 grain ball for “break-in” My first group of 5 was barely bigger than a nickel. I knew I was going to be happy. The HK45 comes pre-sighted from the factory with some of the smartest sights out there. The HK45, despite being a little shorter than a 5 inch 1911, has a slightly longer sight radius. Hk also nicely added superlumiova sights to the gun without additional cost. That means, basically, tritium is a luxury now. The Superluminova sights are, essentially, solar powered. They retain light and glow in the dark for hours after their last charge. All you need to do is flash it with a light and you are good to go! I just flashed my front sight with my X200 and it basically turned my front sight into an Aimpoint/bigdot. Remember though, tritium is availible to if you must have it. I won’t be bothering.

I shot 50 rounds bullseye at 30 feet/10 yards. For the next 50 I then set up two targets. I practiced the Tactical Response FAST drill (well, my version) on multiple targets at 21 and 30 feet. Since I don’t have a proper holster I used an Uncle Mike’s nylon belt slide for large autoloaders. It worked nicely.

The HK45 is just as controllable as a 1911. Period. You will hear on the net some BS about “bore-axis” and how the USP is uncontrollable because of the high bore axis. Guess what, the difference between the HK45 and the 1911 in this regard is negligible.
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/17_DAY_1%3A_250_250_files/IMG_0324.jpghttp://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/17_DAY_1%3A_250_250_files/IMG_0322.jpghttp://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/17_DAY_1%3A_250_250_files/IMG_0319.jpghttp://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/17_DAY_1%3A_250_250_files/IMG_0326.jpg

The next 50 rounds were spend shooting at a 12x15 inch plate at 40 yards. The HK45 was dead on. The very prominent sights. Look at the picture above made focusing on the front sight a breeze. Ping, Ping, Ping, Ping.




The next 50 rounds was spent shooting on the move. I shot strong handed moving to the left, and with both hands moving right. The HK45 again, despite its lower weight, proved even better at this drill than my 1911. You might also note the interesting fact that my HK45 has a lighter trigger. My HK45 trigger weighs 4.5 pounds. My 1911 trigger weighs 5.7.

Also, my drill involve constant tactical mag changes (I AM A NERD). The new extra large mag release makes strong and weak handed mag changes a snap. And the extra large slide release (yes, I said slide release!) on each side make weak handed drills almost as much of a no-brainer as with a P7.

All together, I fired 250 rounds through my HK45 today. As expected, it did not malfunction. It put every piece of brass 6-10 foot to my right and back.

The HK45 will probably feed anything. I noticed no bullet set-back even when rechambering ball multiple times. There was never any “feeling” of the action straining to feed a round like I can sense in a 1911.

Anyway, 250-300 more tomorrow including a lot of hollowpoints I have been saving.

[Greg Bell]

Better pics tomorrow guys. I had to use my phone!

[HK1286]

Greg

How about a no lubricant test. Completely run it dry and then place in mud/sand or some other fun particles. That could be interesting. By the way, good shooting.

[Gunslinger808]

Try cast lead bullets, other than the 1911 most weapons will choke on them.
Or in the case of Glocks, self destruct.

[Greg Bell]

I will.

[sniper1]

Thanks Greg

[Greg Bell]

Also, the manual refers to 15 round mags. HELL YEAH! When can I get those??

[sniper1]

Also, the manual refers to 15 round mags. HELL YEAH! When can I get those??

my guess is typo from the p30 manual

[Greg Bell]

Maybe. But there were supposed to be high-cap mags available. I thought they were 12 rounders, but 15 would be perfect for beside the bed use.

[JWSandi]

Hey Greg you do realize this experiment will go the way of your (ermmm... my) P2000 thread.

It won't fail, it won't break, you'll just get bored of feeding it anything you can find and move on.

Let's have some real fun and all pitch in and give Greg the money to buy say... a Lorcin then get someone to hand load up about 500 rounds of the hottest ammo possible and let him torture test that puppy!

KKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM MMMMM!!!!!!

[chainring]

Great pics - just the comparison I was wanting! I'll be watching..

[Dark Knight]

Great info thanks

[Marksman14]

How long do the sights stay "charged"?

And also, where are you finding the tritium sights? I'm a bit of a night sight whore, but if they aren't really necessary, then maybe I'll opt out of the night sights.

Thanks,
Scott

[Mark71]

Maybe. But there were supposed to be high-cap mags available. I thought they were 12 rounders, but 15 would be perfect for beside the bed use.

It was asked on the HK USA forum and the answer was no by HK Customer Service :(. It would be nice if they were wrong.
http://www.hk-usa.com/wforum/viewtopic.php?t=1279


Greg thanks for the great first writeup. Can't wait till the next one and for some of your nice pics.

[Greg Bell]

I don't know how long they stay charged. They seem to go from true-glo, to regular night site, to faded 5 year old night sights. Either way, the manual lists night sights as availible. In any case tool tech will install them in the factory sights. That is my preferred method since HK actually properly sights in their weapons and I hate to roll the dice on half-ass installed meprolights or trij.
Mark,

I am hoping that just means for now. Obviously there were high cap mags at one point as part of the JCP project. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

[Mark71]

I am hoping that just means for now. Obviously there were high cap mags at one point as part of the JCP project. Let's keep our fingers crossed!


Thats what I am hoping for as well. Sorry if I missed it but did you end up purchasing any extra mags? How many are you planning on using during this torture test?

[Greg Bell]

Mark,

I am still looking for 3 extra mags. I also would like a damn holster. This Uncle Mike's crap is an insult to my gun! :20000000:
Actually, the cheapy Uncle Mike's is working fine.

[Tecumseh]

I am envious. Enjoy your HK45. Are you going to change the picture in your signature line to you holding your new HK45?

[AviatorDave]

That's 500/week he's planning on!

Can't wait to follow this thread and see how it holds up. Just fine I'm sure, but it'll be fun.

True, but it's 500 rounds per week, not dollars. What would that run, somewhere around $300 a month? Or would it be more like $500 a month?

[NoJoy]

Greg I have some 230 gr fmj 45 Super coming from Buffalo Bore. Let me know if you want to shoot a box and I will ship it to you.

[hkmike]

Greg ,YOU DA MAN!!!!!!!!

[eric10mm]

.... and I hate to roll the dice on half-ass installed meprolights or trij.
So, when you have night sights installed on a pistol, you don't go verify their POI with your carry ammo, and adjust them as necessary? You just run them out-of-the-box on blind faith with every kind of ammo? Or did I misinterpret what you wrote?

[Greg Bell]

Oh heck no. I was just pointing out that most sight manufacturers only put out one, or sometimes two front sight heights for their night sights. HK uses quite a few and is one of the reasons that everybody notices how accurate they are right out of the box. I honestly don't believe most other manufacturers bother to sight in their guns. They just fire a proof round and mail it out.

If you go with tool tech, you get to keep your sights perfect. They drill out your sights and install trit.


It all comes down to this. I am an accuracy nut. My concerns are probably irrelevant to the average guy who buys a gun and shoots it 3 times in a lifetime. You and I , I suspect, are gun nuts who let every little detail drive us nuts!

[GARY1911A1]

Greg, I know this is somewhat a subjective thing, but does the thumb safety feel like a 1911 to you? I'm asking because to me the USP's thumb safety feels higher than a 1911 to me and that could also be related to the USP being thicker. I don't have the HK 45 yet, and I'm looking forward to reading your posts.

[loupav]

Thanks for starting this thread! I loved the P2000 thread and was sad to see it go.

Please let us know where we could send some ammo! I'd love to chip in.

Post more pics!

[nbell13]

Damn credit card debt, I want one!! :(

[KILO1-1]

Damn credit card debt, I want one!! :(

i have an idea for you...sell all of your microtech's and get the HK45! sounds like a no brainer to me.

[zenbubu]

Yeah, it seems like with some of the sights, they made them based around one certain caliber. I had a set of trijicons that shot fine on a USP9 but too high on my USP.40. I'm a little weird about changing the sights on my pistols now.

[nbell13]

i have an idea for you...sell all of your microtech's and get the HK45! sounds like a no brainer to me.

I am looking to sell the HALO... but the other two are just too cool... haha

[Greg Bell]

First, let me apologize for the pictures. I took new ones today but my little card reader seems to have died sometime in the last few months. I blame my wife.

You can look at some pics at this link...(the new stuff is towards the bottom).http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/Gun_Pics.html

I continued the “get to know you” phase of owning my HK45 today. I plan to shoot about 1000 rounds through it before I do anything silly. My logic is, if anything was manufactured poorly it is likely to show up early. And I don’t want H and K backing out of any warranty work because I was shooting .45 Super through it (later on). Once I am satisfied, then the true torture begins.

Today, I took it out and did transition drills with it and my rifle. I ended up shooting 200 rounds of Blazer brass.

1.50 rounds transition drills. These were done at a minimum of 1- yards all the way to a gong at 80 yards. This gun is a tack-driver. Even at distance, if you focus on your fundamentals it will do the rest.

2.100 rounds of draw/Mozambique (I am using a foam Uncle Mikes IWB holster, btw). I use a Don Hume HK45c Mag holster I had laying around. Works perfectly (as it should, since the mags are the same except for in length.

3.50 rounds of shooting on the move. I did walking to and backing up. I prefer the foot drag method. Just seems safer. I did plenty of side to side, which I try to focus on.

After that, I tried out some hollowpoints. I had 20 rounds of Federal 185 gr PD ammo. Another 20 rounds of 165 Federal Pd ammo, 2 rounds of Cor-bon (LOL) and 50 rounds of extremely out of spec atlanta arms 230 jHP. I purposely brought this along to test H&K’s vaunted reliability. These rounds were mismanufactured by Atlanta arms and will not even fit in a 1911 mag. If you get about 3 in the 1911 mag they start binding. The HK ate them like skittles. This gun maybe THE solution to .45 pickiness. Even my SIG 220 can’t handle that stuff.

I really need some more mags. I think I need 5 to start with. I will use 3 as range mags and hold two in reserve.

I am already CCWing the gun. The cheap-ass Uncle mikes IWB holster actually carries nicely! It is almost weightless and did not come out with the gun during my draw drills. By no means is this a long-term solution. Reholstering is a nightmare. I really need a comp-tac for this thing! It is no more difficult to conceal than any full-size handgun. If you can handle a 220/1911/Glock 17-21, etc, you can handle this. I concealed it under my black “Blackwater T-shirt” at a gas station and an Arby’s (barf!, I am thinking pepto). With the winter here concealment won’t be a real concern until March/April. Maybe HK will get off their ass and put out the HK45C!!

[Greg Bell]

Guys,

Thanks for the ammo offers. No need to send me any ball, I can afford it by cutting back on some other stuff. But, if you have some exotic rounds (no insane reloads please) you want me to test, just PM me and I will send you my address.

[loupav]

How do you like the Sig P200ST? I have one and because of the weight and feel of the gun it's my favorite Sig 45 pistol made. But I don't shoot it much. I shoot better with the USP 45.

[Greg Bell]

The 220 ST is an excellent .45. Mine has a trigger that is nearly perfect in SA and DA. The DA rolls off like a competition revolver. It is a great range gun. My only criticisms are the weight.

[mosesv2]

This is the thread I have been waiting for.... Woo Hooo!

[loupav]

The weight is one of my favorite things about the P200ST.

Like I said, I hardly shoot it. But I love holding it.

[Cadillac Johnson]

Yeah the only downside to Sig's is the weight, especially the full stainless models.

Of course this is only a problem if you plan to carry.

Hell I think an alloy frame P239 is heavier than a USPF, but there's no doubting the accuracy, feel, and overall quality of a Sig.

Anyway, keep up the good work on the test!

[Greg Bell]

From a shooting perspective, the 220 ST's weight is perfect. Is is a really, really soft shooting .45.


BTW,

I sent Larry Vickers an E-mail hoping he would give me some pointers on what holsters he has been using.

[loupav]

I took my Smith and Wesson 4566TSW out last night for her first time out to a indoor range. Same weight as the Sig more or less. But I SUCKED with it! I missed the long slide release of the USP not needing to change my grip.

I wish I brought my USP last night. I wish I could buy an HK45 more so.

[Greg Bell]

Well, I went to Eagle gun range and fired 226 additional shots.

1.50 Rounds AA 230gr JHP Mozambique from concealment at 30 feet.
2.100 Rounds AA 230gr JHP double tap from concealment at 30 feet.
3.50 rounds 230 grain Blazer brass JHP. Mozabiques for speed at 21 feet.
4.26 rounds of 230 grain blaser brass and various ranges.

All of these were conducted using my modified F.A.S.T. drill:

1.Draw from concealment. Grab gun firmly.
2.Move gun to “retention positon” swipe off safety.
3.“punch out” gun while prepping trigger.
4.Front sight focus, fire! Reset, fire!
5.Assess side to side moving pistol with head.
6.Once clear, scan 190 degrees left, then 190 degrees right. Both starting from 12 o’clock. Keep weapon in SUL for this.
7.Tac reload. Do not look at weapon. Continue scanning for threats.
8.Do a chambered round verification by inserting finger into chamber. Do this while continuing scanning. Do not look at round since you want to know how it will feel in the dark.
9.Apply safety and reholster.

Basically, this is a slightly modified Tactical Response drill. I do not do the 361 degree pirouette because scanning 190 in both directions does the same thing without threatening any bystanders. I do not pull the weapon to my face because I do not want to be looking at my weapon when I could be scanning.

The only time I “sling shot” the slide is during a malfunction drill. (I insert a dummy round every two mags).

Finally, I do not dump a round on the floor after a tac reload. This adds additional time and a failure to chamber malfunctions are basically unheard of in the quality of weapon that I tend to shoot, so I would rather keep the bullet and do a CRV before I reholster if needed.


Well, details aside, the HK45 is amazing. I shot the letter A out of an IPSC target with my first shot at 25 yards today. Now that was bad ass! (and a total fluke!). I quickly moved the target in closer and acted like I only intended to shoot a single shot at that range.

This gun is as easy to shoot fast as a 1911, period. Although the much discussed, and little understood “bore-axis” is a hair higher in the HK45, it is pretty minor. Further, the polymer frame’s flex seems to more than make up for this in “reseting” the sights from shot to shot. Add to that the excellent target grip and you have a recipe for double-taps.
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/21_226_768_files/IMG_0331.jpg
I can’t say enough about the trigger improvements. The 4.5 pound HK45 trigger is, essentially, perfect for self defense. The reset is a hair longer than a Glocks, but there are legitimate safety reasons for wanting to do that.

I still have been getting good service out of the Superluminova sights. I keep them under a small lamp by my bed-stand, so I always have charged sights available.

I have 5 mags on order. I will keep 2 in reserves for any brakes. Although, my P2000 went 13k without any mag failures, and the baseplates on these look even tougher.

[deadboy]

Wow! Thanks Greg!

Admit it, all this torture testing is just an excuse to shoot constantly.

You're a brave man to take this horrible burden on yourself.

Would you be cool with taking some larger pictures of your P2000 and HK45?

Or just more pics of that gorgeous pistol?

I wanted one before, now I need one.

[spaladin]

thanks again for this thread. On bore-axis you said it's hair more than 1911. Is it much lower compare to a usp?

[D-gin]

Well Greg, Your last thread "Break my P2000" convinced me to buy one so I hope this one will do the same for the HK45.

I need to have some excuse (beside wanting one) to go pick one up.


:D

[JLStorm]

I have a feeling that you are going to fail just like you failed to break the P2000, but I'll enjoy watching you try!

I would like to request that you follow the same cleaning (or lack of cleaning) ritual that you followed for the P2000, which worked out to one cleaning every 4000 rounds give or take.

[GARY1911A1]

Well Greg, Your last thread "Break my P2000" convinced me to buy one so I hope this one will do the same for the HK45.

I need to have some excuse (beside wanting one) to go pick one up.


:D

Me too. My P 2000 is great and I use it for conceal carry.

[Greg Bell]

Happy Turkeyness,

My wife has granted me reprieve from family crap until 2:30. I am going to run 200 rounds through her today.

[Taterporkchop]

thanks again for this thread. On bore-axis you said it's hair more than 1911. Is it much lower compare to a usp?
This is the million-dollar-question(O.K., $900.00 question)in my opinion; how much of an improvement over a USP is this? I love my USP45 Tactical; I have large hands(wear XL glove)and am considering selling one to fund a H&K45. But, should I? What am I really gaining if the USP fits pretty good already? I'm also about 6' 1" and weigh 230lbs; concealing the USP isn't a problem. What does the H&K45 have that my Tac doesn't except 2 less rounds? Greg, can you shed some light on this?

[loupav]

Happy Turkeyness,

My wife has granted me reprieve from family crap until 2:30. I am going to run 200 rounds through her today.

Hahahaha! Rock on dude! Take some pics.

[johnb1962]

This is great...entertainment and information.

[Vegas]

This is the million-dollar-question(O.K., $900.00 question)in my opinion; how much of an improvement over a USP is this? I love my USP45 Tactical; I have large hands(wear XL glove)and am considering selling one to fund a H&K45. But, should I? What am I really gaining if the USP fits pretty good already? I'm also about 6' 1" and weigh 230lbs; concealing the USP isn't a problem. What does the H&K45 have that my Tac doesn't except 2 less rounds? Greg, can you shed some light on this?

I would wait for the HK45 TAC. It won't be that long.

[bnsutton]

This is the million-dollar-question(O.K., $900.00 question)in my opinion; how much of an improvement over a USP is this? I love my USP45 Tactical; I have large hands(wear XL glove)and am considering selling one to fund a H&K45. But, should I? What am I really gaining if the USP fits pretty good already? I'm also about 6' 1" and weigh 230lbs; concealing the USP isn't a problem. What does the H&K45 have that my Tac doesn't except 2 less rounds? Greg, can you shed some light on this?

Dude, If you sell one of your hands that is going to make it a little harder to shoot fast double taps.
Seriously though, I have been carrying the USP45Tac on duty for many years and I couldn't imagine selling it for any reason. It is that good of a pistol. I also have large hands and it fits really well. That said, the HK45 fits better. It is an evolution of the USP. Everything about it is a little or a lot better IMHO. I have found that during certain drills the USP will move in my hand some. I can adapt or redo my grip. So far, with little range time, I've found that the HK45 is just grip and fire. Moving, multible targets, etc. I haven't had to readjust my hold or adapt to how the gun has moved a little in my hand. The HK45 just isn't as boxy as the USP. You have a tough decision to make. Find a HK45 and put your paws on it. You might find that your decision becomes a little easier. Good Luck.

[spaladin]

^^

I held an hk45 and the grip is much better than my usp. The question is how does it shoot. If it shoots better than my usp I'll have an easier time selling my stainless .45

[sfguard]

Still waiting between USPS, and the holiday. argh

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/23_1000_%28O.K._995%21%21%29_rounds_in_less_than_a _week%21_%28227_995%29_files/IMG_0387.jpg

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/23_1000_%28O.K._995%21%21%29_rounds_in_less_than_a _week%21_%28227_995%29_files/IMG_0385.jpghttp://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/11/23_1000_%28O.K._995%21%21%29_rounds_in_less_than_a _week%21_%28227_995%29_files/IMG_0383.jpg


Well, the HK45 had a workout over the holiday. On Thursday morning, I sneaked out to the range and fired 71 rounds of ammo. I did about thirty rounds doing double tap drills on paper plates at 21 feet. The rest I fired at a small plate at 40 yards.

Today I went to Shooters and fired 156 rounds. 150 rounds of Blazer Brass. 100 shots on draw from concealment Mozambiques at 30 feet. The next 50 went strictly into draw from concealment head shots. Lots of fun. I used my modified FAST drill. By the way, all this “scanning” makes you look like a huge dork. I think the scanning is smart despite this. However, I am going to delete the chambered round verification at the end of the tac reload. I just don’t see it as being a problem. I have never had any of my HKs with well over 100,000k through them ever fail to lock back on the last round. This drill is, I suspect, largely a waste of time. With a rifle I could see it more.

I finished up with 6 rounds of mystery Federal Hollowpoints. Looked like 185gr.

I picked up 4000 primers and some powder today. I think, even with tax I can get my .45 reloads to $8.00 per box. Not cheap, but cheaper that $12 for Blazer Brass and that is as cheap as I can find. Basically, I can reload .45 for the price of Walmart 9mm, but not as cheap as steel cased 9mm ammo. I figure I will get it down a bit more as I get a little more reloading savvy.


Sorry about the crappy pics guys. My card reader crapped out and I have been doing everything on my phone. Been to busy shooting to buy a new card reader!

[KILO1-1]

what about american eagle .45 fmj? how much is that a box? I was also wondering if you are field stripping a cleaning the HK45 after every trip to the range.

[Greg Bell]

Yes! But that ends today. I was just doing that until I got to the 1000 round mark.

[Taterporkchop]

Dude, If you sell one of your hands that is going to make it a little harder to shoot fast double taps.
Seriously though, I have been carrying the USP45Tac on duty for many years and I couldn't imagine selling it for any reason. It is that good of a pistol. I also have large hands and it fits really well. That said, the HK45 fits better. It is an evolution of the USP. Everything about it is a little or a lot better IMHO. I have found that during certain drills the USP will move in my hand some. I can adapt or redo my grip. So far, with little range time, I've found that the HK45 is just grip and fire. Moving, multible targets, etc. I haven't had to readjust my hold or adapt to how the gun has moved a little in my hand. The HK45 just isn't as boxy as the USP. You have a tough decision to make. Find a HK45 and put your paws on it. You might find that your decision becomes a little easier. Good Luck.
I will cruise the dealers in my area to see if I can fondle one. I also don't mind waiting until all the hype has gone down. I'm hoping a H&K45 Tactical will be in soon so that I can compare them as you suggest. The only trouble with getting one is I'll need 2(one is none, 2 are 1)and it will hurt a little...

[Wolfdaddy]

btt

[Tecumseh]

This is getting interesting.

[GARY1911A1]

Greg, it looks from pictures that the HK 45 is longer in the grip than the 1911. Is the HK 45 longer than the USP full size 45? Does the longer grip of the new HK 45 cause you any concealment problems?

[inkwell]

Well, the HK45 had a workout over the holiday. On Thursday morning, I sneaked out to the range and fired 71 rounds of ammo. I did about thirty rounds doing double tap drills on paper plates at 21 feet. The rest I fired at a small plate at 40 yards.

40 Yards?!?!?

[spaladin]

Greg Bell is it true it's a lower bore axis, almost like 1911? If so can you tell the difference over a USP? Thanks

[Viktor]

Greg... What glock do you own? Which one is that in the picture? Round count? Any failures? Accuracy?

Viktor

[Greg Bell]

GARY1911A1,


Greg, it looks from pictures that the HK 45 is longer in the grip than the 1911. Is the HK 45 longer than the USP full size 45? Does the longer grip of the new HK 45 cause you any concealment problems?

No, but I am wearing a coat these days. It is longer than a standard 1911 but shorter than one with a 10 round mag.


inkwell,


40 Yards?!?!?

Heck yeah. I can hit a gong with it at 100.



Greg Bell is it true it's a lower bore axis, almost like 1911? If so can you tell the difference over a USP? Thanks

Yes, I can tell the difference as it is quite noticeable. The USP sits higher in the hand. It is so close to the 1911 that the difference is negligible.

[Greg Bell]

Vik,

I have a Glock 17. I have around 10,000 rounds through it over the past few years. I have shot several tactical matches with it. Humorously, it looks much worse than my P2000 that has more rounds. Plus, I clean my Glock after every session, something I did not do with my p2000. I have had about 4 jams during that period (one of which was with a Glock 18 mags). It is very accurate, and I like it a lot.

[Greg Bell]

Guys,

I think I am going to put on a race between my Springfield 1911 and my HK45. I already have over 1000 rounds through each. The springfield has been 100 percent with ball and Golden Sabre. It did choke X2 on some Cor-bon. How about a race to the death between the two?:2300000:

[Mark71]

Guys,
How about a race to the death between the two?:2300000:

Sounds like fun. For some reason my $ is on the HK45 :20000000:

[Lukas Koukal]

As far as race to the death goes... I think both are fine guns, however without regular cleaning, any 1911 will produce malfunctions sooner or later, depending on its tightness. I also believe You´d see some decrease in accuracy with it sooner, as standard land/groove barrels wear out faster. But You´d have to get to some REAL solid round cound to notice the difference. We´re comparing two incomparable designs here, each of them born to different standarts. The most important is, You won´t ever ENJOY shooting that Spring so long and so much ;)

[GARY1911A1]

Guys,

I think I am going to put on a race between my Springfield 1911 and my HK45. I already have over 1000 rounds through each. The springfield has been 100 percent with ball and Golden Sabre. It did choke X2 on some Cor-bon. How about a race to the death between the two?:2300000:

You know I think I would be more interested in the difference in time and points between the HK 45 and 1911 on your tactical drills you spoke of earlier.

[Greg Bell]

I agree. The 1911 will close the gap there. Although, it wouldn't be fair since my 1911 has a military 6 pound trigger vs. 4.5 HK trigger.

[joehk]

Hey Greg,

What's the details on the Springer?

Thanks

[Greg Bell]

Loaded with night sights. I replaced the stupid FLGR with a non self-disassembling Ed Brown unit, new spring and Ed Brown plug. Novaks screws and some wilson grips. All together I have about $840 in the Springer. Nice little 1911 that has been totally reliable with ball. Even the loosening FLGR never caused a jam.

[softmentor]

~~ 99 boxes of ammo on the wall
~~ 99 boxes of ammo~~~~
~~ take one down, blast it around,
~~ 98 boxes of ammo on the wall

~~ ~~ 98 boxes of ammo on the wall
~~ 98 boxes of ammo~~~~

dude, you have way more fun than any one human being should be allowed to have! ::smiles his jolly smile::

[joehk]

Loaded with night sights. I replaced the stupid FLGR with a non self-disassembling Ed Brown unit, new spring and Ed Brown plug. Novaks screws and some wilson grips. All together I have about $840 in the Springer. Nice little 1911 that has been totally reliable with ball. Even the loosening FLGR never caused a jam.

Cool, I'm a Springer fan. I have a great LW Operator - 4" that has been 100% reliable. Too pretty to carry though. :)

[loupav]

That's an awesome idea. HK45 vs 1911.

[spaladin]

Yes, I can tell the difference as it is quite noticeable. The USP sits higher in the hand. It is so close to the 1911 that the difference is negligible.


I'm sold going to get an HK45 when CDNN gets more in stock. Now I just have to sell my .45 stainless USP :(

[Greg Bell]

Hey guys,

Nojoy is sending me 50 rounds of .45 Super. That should make for an :17: :17: test!

[Cadillac Johnson]

Looking at the HK45, do you think it would be possible to do a 10mm conversion?

[NoJoy]

Cadillac if 45 Super wasn't so expensive, the 10mm conversion would be a moot point. I am sure some people re-load Super ammo though to keep the costs way down. I should have bought 1000 rounds through Texas Ammo when I had the chance when they were having their gowing out of business sale! If you are interested, Grayguns is doing a 10mm conversion for the Sig P220 ST. It should be out in a couple of months. I did ask Bruce if the Sig could handle full power 10mm loads like Doubletap, but he responded that the gun may not hold up to this. I am going to wait and see how this conversion performs before making any decisions. For more about this conversion go to sigforum.
If the HK45 can hold up to the 45 Super, then it is definately a winner!

[MakeMineA10mm]

I'm quite confident the HK45 could hold up to 10mm loads. BUT, my screen name notwithstanding, I found a wonderful 45 ACP (NON +P, at that) load that scoots a 230gr JHP out at 1050fps. Why bother with 45 Super OR 10mm???

BTW - my suggestion for the "BREAK MY HK45" torture test? How about a few magazines of 40S&W shot through it??? :00000:

[NoJoy]

Who makes that load? That's a little faster than Doubletap's 230gr 45 ammo.
And the 45 Super fmj makes a good alternative woods load for those who carry a 45, and are not blessed with having a 10mm.

[sfguard]

Hey guys,

Nojoy is sending me 50 rounds of .45 Super. That should make for an :17: :17: test!

That one I am interested in

[james_f]

^^

Also interested in more info!

[Kost]

Hey guys,

Nojoy is sending me 50 rounds of .45 Super. That should make for an :17: :17: test!Way Cool Junior! Let us know how the HK45 runs with .45Super!
:)

[NoJoy]

If I could afford it, I would send him 500 rounds of that stuff!

[sfguard]

If I could afford it, I would send him 500 rounds of that stuff!

I am really interested in seeing how that one goes. Do you or anyone else have any info on the 45 super. Velocity etc. you know the normal info.?

[NoJoy]

I am not an expert. I know that Buffalo Bore carries this ammo. Whether they load it or not I do not know. Texas Ammo used to carry this ammo at a fair price, but has gone out of business after 10 years. Triton used to load 45 Super as well-I have a box of 20 165gr hp. They went out of business two years ago if I remember correctly.
45 Super runs at 28,000psi and has a stronger case thn your normal 45 ammo.
Buffalo Bore carries 185, 200 and 230gr hp and 230gr fmj.
For more info on the 45 Super go to http://glocktalk.com
then go to Gun-Related Club Forums, then down to The Big Dawgs Club.
The moderator there, Turbonatr has shot 45 Super out of his G-21C with a 22lb spring for a few years. There is a sticky there all about 45 Super including velocity and energy for each (185gr through 230gr). It is the most info I have seen so far on the Super. He would be the person to ask, unless someone here has also loaded this round and shot it extensively. This round is really for the re-loader, because it is expensive at $39.00 per box of 50.
But for the occational use at the range and a carry load on the trail, I think it makes a good alternative to the 10mm. Hope this helps.

[GARY1911A1]

Regarding a 10MM Conversion of the HK I looked into have Bill Jarvis bore out a .40 USP barrel to 10MM. He told me there wasn't enough metal ahead of the chamber to make this safe. I guess a .45ACP USP barrel being as long in 45 as 10MM would have enough metal, but then there is the breech face being larger with an extractor that may not have enough reach to get under the rim of a 10MM not to mention possible magazine problems although Big Chris has used STI magazines in .40 for this. A 220ST in 10MM would be interesting and I'll wait and see what develops.

[30 cal slut]

Greg,

Thanks for the wonderful thread.

At some point, after you take the kid gloves off, you're going to have to let me come down and pee on your HK45.

Or would that be considered cleaning it? :43:

[sfguard]

I am not an expert. I know that Buffalo Bore carries this ammo. Whether they load it or not I do not know. Texas Ammo used to carry this ammo at a fair price, but has gone out of business after 10 years. Triton used to load 45 Super as well-I have a box of 20 165gr hp. They went out of business two years ago if I remember correctly.
45 Super runs at 28,000psi and has a stronger case thn your normal 45 ammo.
Buffalo Bore carries 185, 200 and 230gr hp and 230gr fmj.
For more info on the 45 Super go to http://glocktalk.com
then go to Gun-Related Club Forums, then down to The Big Dawgs Club.
The moderator there, Turbonatr has shot 45 Super out of his G-21C with a 22lb spring for a few years. There is a sticky there all about 45 Super including velocity and energy for each (185gr through 230gr). It is the most info I have seen so far on the Super. He would be the person to ask, unless someone here has also loaded this round and shot it extensively. This round is really for the re-loader, because it is expensive at $39.00 per box of 50.
But for the occational use at the range and a carry load on the trail, I think it makes a good alternative to the 10mm. Hope this helps.

that was what I wanted to know thanks

[Moonshiner]

Dude, did anybody suggest running over it with a bulldozer or blowing it up like those 2 guys did to the Sig on TV? Or shoot it with another 9mm handgun! I'm guessing any of those would kill it for sure!:82:

[MakeMineA10mm]

Who makes that load? That's a little faster than Doubletap's 230gr 45 ammo.
And the 45 Super fmj makes a good alternative woods load for those who carry a 45, and are not blessed with having a 10mm.

Nojoy, you have to make it yourself. It's a load that was listed in a previous edition of the Ramshot Load Guide using their Enforcer powder. I can't lay my hands on it right this minute, and interestingly, it is no longer listed in their on-line loading guide...

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/1_Blammo_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

[carboncycles]

Greg, that HK looks way too new. Are you sure you're seeing enough range time with it? :)

[Kost]

Converting a .40 to 10mm is real straight forward, the two cases are identical diameter, and both head space the same. Converting a larger diameter .45 to 10mm (.40 diam.) wont work period, the diameters on the case are not even close enough to the same - plus the slide would need to be fitted for 10mm - that would include welding and refitting the breech face. Then the extractor and its hook would have to be refitted to grab the different rim .45 vs. 10mm properly.

If the HK45 is ever offered in .40 - then a conversion to 10mm would be simple.

[jepn30]

If the HK45 is ever offered in .40 - then a conversion to 10mm would be simple.

Not to be an ass but it wouldn't be an HK45 anymore.

[johnb1962]

Ha...That was good.

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/2_Blew_up_my_1911%21_350_1345_files/shapeimage_2.jpgDang it! I was testing my reloads today when I had a ftf. I did a tap rack and bang without thinking (as I have trained myself to do) and blew up the gun when I fired on a squib.

Damn it! This gun ran like a charm. It was a Imbel Springfield Loaded that ran on all kinds of hollowpoints, etc without fanfare. The barrel split in several places. I took it apart and it required a small amount of force to get the barrel out the front of the slide (I pushed it out with my thumb, after a few tries). I can't detect any damage to the lugs or anything else.

Anyway, the clash of the titans will have to wait until I fix the Springfield.
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/2_Clash_of_the_Titans_files/shapeimage_2.jpg
The HK45 had a light week. I fired 150 rounds on Monday after a trial got dismissed (in my favor). Most of this was plinking at 25 yard bullseye. The last 50 rounds was done using my modified FAST drills. The next 200 rounds were run through the gun thusly:

50 roundsMozambiue drills. My damn Pact timer is busted. Either way my double taps are getting fast.

50 rounds Supine with simulated fall.

100 rounds shooting on the move, almost exclusively side to side at 21 feet.

All in all an easy week for the HK45. Also, If found a decent IWB solution. I have an old Don Hume IWB leather holster for the USP. It works fine and allows a full grasp of the grip on the draw.http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/2_Blew_up_my_1911%21_350_1345_files/IMG_0421.jpg

[sniper1]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/2_Blew_up_my_1911%21_350_1345_files/shapeimage_2.jpgDang it! I was testing my reloads today when I had a ftf. I did a tap rack and bang without thinking (as I have trained myself to do) and blew up the gun when I fired on a squib.

Damn it! This gun ran like a charm. It was a Imbel Springfield Loaded that ran on all kinds of hollowpoints, etc without fanfare. The barrel split in several places. I took it apart and it required a small amount of force to get the barrel out the front of the slide (I pushed it out with my thumb, after a few tries). I can't detect any damage to the lugs or anything else.

Anyway, the clash of the titans will have to wait until I fix the Springfield.
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/2_Clash_of_the_Titans_files/shapeimage_2.jpg
The HK45 had a light week. I fired 150 rounds on Monday after a trial got dismissed (in my favor). Most of this was plinking at 25 yard bullseye. The last 50 rounds was done using my modified FAST drills. The next 200 rounds were run through the gun thusly:

50 roundsMozambiue drills. My damn Pact timer is busted. Either way my double taps are getting fast.

50 rounds Supine with simulated fall.

100 rounds shooting on the move, almost exclusively side to side at 21 feet.

All in all an easy week for the HK45. Also, If found a decent IWB solution. I have an old Don Hume IWB leather holster for the USP. It works fine and allows a full grasp of the grip on the draw.http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/2_Blew_up_my_1911%21_350_1345_files/IMG_0421.jpg


Man I thought he was going to say he blew up the HK45

[reaper8154]

That sucks about the Springfield. At least you still have all of your digits!

[Mark71]

That sucks about the Springfield. At least you still have all of your digits!

+1!
Thanks for the update Greg. Is Springfield going to replace that Barrel under warranty? :)

[Greg Bell]

I seriously doubt it. It was my own damn fault. I will probably ship it to them and have them look it over and fit a new barrel.

[Cadillac Johnson]

Cadillac if 45 Super wasn't so expensive, the 10mm conversion would be a moot point. I am sure some people re-load Super ammo though to keep the costs way down. I should have bought 1000 rounds through Texas Ammo when I had the chance when they were having their gowing out of business sale! If you are interested, Grayguns is doing a 10mm conversion for the Sig P220 ST. It should be out in a couple of months. I did ask Bruce if the Sig could handle full power 10mm loads like Doubletap, but he responded that the gun may not hold up to this. I am going to wait and see how this conversion performs before making any decisions. For more about this conversion go to sigforum.
If the HK45 can hold up to the 45 Super, then it is definately a winner!

That thread was the reason I had asked. :)

I know some USP's have been converted to 10mm, and more or less was curious if the HK45 looked to be up to the abuse a full power 10mm can dish out. .45super would be great, but without much support from ammo makers, it's not as appealing as a 10mm IMO.

[copper4262]

This is a really neat thread - Im dying to find one of these things but no-one has em - A buddy got on of them and i have held (sadly not shot it yet) and they feel great!!! Anyone know where there are some up for grabs?? Im trying to decide if i want to wait for the LEM trigger to come out or not - i love the LEM on my P2000 but i dont know if i can wait that long - Has anyone heard when the LEM comes out of the 45??

[copper4262]

Oh yeah - Any holster available at all yet??? I see the usp holste works good - Do you have any idea if it will fit in a Safariland SLS?? I want the HK45 for duty and just want to make sure its not going to wobble around in the USP holster if i get one for duty

Keep up the good work!!

[dcondiff]

damn i got scared for a second, i thought you blew the HK45 up

[N6ATF]

I think we all did.

[bnsutton]

Oh yeah - Any holster available at all yet??? I see the usp holste works good - Do you have any idea if it will fit in a Safariland SLS?? I want the HK45 for duty and just want to make sure its not going to wobble around in the USP holster if i get one for duty

Keep up the good work!!
http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70501
Check this thread and call Safariland.

[GARY1911A1]

Sorry to hear about your Springfield. Certainly a reminder why we need to wear safety glasses while shooting. I think sending it back to Springfield is a good ideal. Debbie will see that it gets checked out and fixed. It will cost you, but you can be certain Springfield will fix it.

[Greg Bell]

That is what I have done. I just got of the phone. They will charge me about $150. I am going to get them to fit a non-ambi safety and do a trigger job while they are at it.
:14000000:

[Lukas Koukal]

Um, lemme see... so You actualy broke it on purpose?! :D

[sfguard]

I think it was a accident. One that he is lucky to have came out of without getting hurt

[Greg Bell]

I think it was a accident. One that he is lucky to have came out of without getting hurt

Nah, Karma ain't got the guts to screw with me.:650:

[MakeMineA10mm]

Another fellow shooter and I were just discussing the other day the attributes of the 45ACP, and the idea of low-pressure = less likely to catastrophically fail came up...

Don't make you feel any better, I'm sure, Greg, but your barrel picture would have proven my point nicely.

If it could make you feel better: I have a Beretta 92 barrel that was bulged by the same exact kind of thing. I still don't know how they got the barrel out of the gun. Only thing I can figure is that steel is actually elastic, to a degree... I had them send the pistol back to me, and I found a less-expensive military surplus barrel to drop in it. Shoots just as good as before.

Glad you suffered no ill effects from that catastrophic event.

[loupav]

Glad to hear you didn't get hurt Greg, and that the HK is ok! ;)

[Greg Bell]

:53: Speaking of blowing guns up. I now have 50 rounds of .45 Super for the weekend thanks to Nojoy. Bwhahahahah!

[NoJoy]

Now all we need is nine more volunteers to ship you a box of 50 45 Super and we would have a real test! Any takers?

[Greg Bell]

Another week of suffering for the HK45. On Friday afternoon I took her out to Marion road and shot 150 rounds of Blazer brass, my reloading project having been shelved for the time being (see last week’s entry).

50 rounds bullseye at 25 yards with some 40 yard plate.
50 rounds Doubles on 3 paper plates @21 feet.
50 rounds shooting while moving from side to side.

On Saturday I snuck out early and got 150 rounds through the gun. This is the first time I failed to clean the gun in between shootings. Obviously, there were no problems. I practice 100 shots while running between targets placed at roughly 21 foot intervals. Start, 2 in the first plate, run to the cover of that target, go prone, shoot 2 in the next target, get up run to the next target shoot, tac reload from cover. Lots of good cardio.

Today I shot only 25 rounds of .45 super (BIG THANKS TO NOJOY FOR SENDING IT TO ME!!). 5 rounds were Triton HP and 20 were 230 grain buffalo bore. I had three buddies with me and everybody enjoyed shooting it. Muzzle flip was powerful, but not “snappy.” The push was way more than .40, but strangely not violent. Everyone agreed that it wasn’t the instant flinch inducer that, say, a full house .357 Scandium revolver is. It is just a big old BOOOOM!!!

I still have 25 more rounds of Buffalo bore. I am going to try and Chrono them next week and maybe try some phone book tests, etc.

Needless to say, the HK45 is running like a top. Dan, my buddy pictured below is a big XD and HK guy and he really enjoyed the HK45, commenting, almost swooning, over the excellence of the grip. He actually fired some of his own .45 ammo through it afterward, but I don’t know how many rounds so I didn’t include it in this weeks total.


This is the HUGE-ass box that buffalo bore comes in...
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/9_.45_Super%21%21_375_1720_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/9_.45_Super%21%21_375_1720_files/IMG_0426.jpg

My buddy Dan (ahem! TEST MULE!!:D) shooting .45 super through the super 45 .
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/9_.45_Super%21%21_375_1720_files/IMG_0424.jpg

[quikz]

Greg,

GREAT post as always...

Can you PLEASE do us a favor and confirm that the HK45 magazines WILL accept 11 rounds, not just 10???

Then can you PLEASE shoot loaded with all 11 rounds?

Thanks!!!

[NoJoy]

Greg I am glad you finally had the chance to shoot the Super! Which ammo did you find produced the most recoil, the Buffalo Bore or the Triton? The Chrono results will be interesting as well as the phone book tests. Hopefully others will send you some more Super ammo to help shorten the life of your gun!

[Greg Bell]

I hate to say it but I really didn't notice a difference in recoil. I was able to shoot a very nice cluster group at 30 feet with the Triton though. The Buffalo Bore seemed like regular old ball in the accuracy dept. Really, I don't have enough to know yet. Please send me 500 more rounds.:480:

Quickz,

10-4, I will do that next time.

[NoJoy]

I am work'n on it!

[Kost]

Go Greg go!!!! Really enjoying this HK45 thread...alot more than the first one!

I really feel sorry for your friend Dan (NOT) hehehe :)

[alaskamonte]

Nojoy, you have to make it yourself. It's a load that was listed in a previous edition of the Ramshot Load Guide using their Enforcer powder. I can't lay my hands on it right this minute, and interestingly, it is no longer listed in their on-line loading guide...


Longshot will run a 230gn@1400fps, sadly the H&K will eat itself at those pressures.

[P7M8]

Greg, what are your observations on recoil? I've only shot 220 rounds through mine. I thought the recoil felt like a mix between the soft/slow recoil from a 1911 (my Kimber Warrior) the snappiness of a .40SW.

[FIX BAYONETS!®]

Greg, what are your observations on recoil? I've only shot 220 rounds through mine. I thought the recoil felt like a mix between the soft/slow recoil from a 1911 (my Kimber Warrior) the snappiness of a .40SW.

Hey! My name is Greg also! :)

The snappiness may come from the polymer frame design.

[copper4262]

i know this has been a busy month for most - but are we gonna get more updates??? Anyone else gotten one of these yet?? im still scratching together the cash and then im gonna have to find one!

[P7M8]

i know this has been a busy month for most - but are we gonna get more updates??? Anyone else gotten one of these yet?? im still scratching together the cash and then im gonna have to find one!

Start looking for and buy your mags now.

[LCSO264]

Start looking for and buy your mags now.

yeah, everyone is out of mag's right now... between mags and holsters, I am pulling my hair out...

[DravisAR]

Shoot a lot of reloads. Had my first major jam with the USP .45 shooting them the other day. Gun locked up like it was full of concrete. Shook me a little, but then again, who knows where my friend bought them from.

[P7M8]

Shoot a lot of reloads. Had my first major jam with the USP .45 shooting them the other day. Gun locked up like it was full of concrete. Shook me a little, but then again, who knows where my friend bought them from.

This thread is on the HK45 not USP45.

[Mark71]

Greg has been MIA. Anyone know where he's been? I hope his HK45 didn't blow up while he was shooting some reloads :).

[NoJoy]

Yea I am anxious read more about shooting the Super!

[Greg Bell]

I am the range right now! It is raining like hell! I have been busy with family crap and i have been sick. I am shooting 500 rounds of ga arms today! I shot 250 yesterday--including some blazer and winchester hp thanks to Loupav!!

More updates with pics later. Btw, I am typing this on my phone so ignore errors.

[jamaicanj]

Great post.

I am subscribing

[Greg Bell]

After all the holiday distractions and having a nagging cold, I finally got out to the range with some serious shooting for the HK45!

On Saturday, I ran 250 rounds yesterday. This was mostly blazer, Atlanta Arms and Some Winchester Personal Protection hollowpoints provided by Lopav (Thanks dude!). As usual, the HK45 ran fine. (By the way, I name all of my guns, I need some suggestions). My drills were as follows...
1.100 rounds Mozambiques from 30 feet. This was run with my modified FAST drill.
2.50 rounds at 25 yards.
3.50 rounds FAST draw at 21 feet 2 chest, 2 head.
4.50 rounds strong hand/weak hand.

All my shooting was done at Eagle gun range. Two corrections officers were in the next aisle. They kept asking me what kind of gun I was shooting (I was also shooting fairly well, and fast). They commented on how big it was, questioned how much it cost, etc.

Today was insane. It rained, rained and rained some more. I showed up at the range at DAWN. I was the only person there until after lunch. I brought 500 rounds of Atlanta Arms and 50 more rounds of Winchester. This morning I did this...

~50 rounds of draw and fire double taps into two IPSC targets at 21 feet. I was able to stand under the covered portion of the shotgun range.

~50 rounds of shooting while moving left to right.

~50 rounds of Mozambiques on two targets. I moved one target to about 10 feet with the other positioned at 2 O’clock at 21 feet. I switched back and forth as to which one started.

I got bored, shot my P7 a little bit.

I zeroed my AR with my Aimpoint.

I went to breakfast at Subway (6 inch Sausage and egg--BURP!!)

I milled around at Subway until Lunch (about 1 3/4 hours)

I then went back to the range and shot my Shotgun at IPSC targets at 21 feet and 25 yards. I used my HK45 for transitions. Unknown round count.

I then shot about 50 rounds at the 40 yard gong. The HK45 is bad ass. I was able to draw an hit it consistently. The .45 round gives a very satisfying CLANG!

I then Shot my M1A on the 200 yard range. Hey, somebody else finally showed up shooting little .22 pistols!

I then went back to the Shotgun range and set up 3 ipsc targets. It wasn’t raining any more so I began by shooting the first target from a draw, running to it, shot the second target from the first, ran to the second, shot the third, etc. The only thing I would tape up were shots out of the A-Zone.

I continued with this pattern for the rest of the day, I practiced shooting on the move from both directions, strong hand only and triangle. I also shot a little weak handed.

By the end of the day, all my ammo was gone! 550 rounds down the tubes! My elbow hurts again. This is the first time I have aggravated it since my P2000 days.

BTW, I actually fired about 20 rounds of ammo through her last week, but didn't keep count so I am not including it. It was Golden Sabre.

The HK45 and my P7 while I was shooting at the gong...

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/30_Gettin’_it_out_of_my_system%21_files/shapeimage_2.jpg


Here is the gong...
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/30_Gettin’_it_out_of_my_system%21_files/P1010024.jpg

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/30_Gettin’_it_out_of_my_system%21_files/P1010003.jpg

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/30_Gettin’_it_out_of_my_system%21_files/P1010011.jpg

[hkshooterusp]

How about Loraine? For the HK45?

[Dean407]

Do you get ammo for free? If not, how much do you figure you spend per year on ammo? If you don't want to figure it- I UNDERSTAND. ;-)

[Greg Bell]

Dean,

I try to tell myself it is $400 a month.:41:

In reality...:eek:

But hey I take donations!!!!

Lopav and Nojoy have fed the sickness!!!


By the way Nojoy, I still have the rest of that BB. I just need to scare up a chrono.

[Mark71]

Thanks for the update Greg and glad to hear that you are back abusing your HK45 :).

[Dean407]

Maybe you could work out a deal with ammoman or ammunitiontogo.

Send them an e-mail to these threads. They will see how many views and attention it's gotten. GREAT ADVERTISING. Good chance they'd cut you a deal if you put their URL in the posts. Just a thought.

[NoJoy]

Cool-I would like to see what Super chronos out of the HK. Hopefully some other members send you some more boxes of Super to abuse your HK!

[Greg Bell]

Happy new year!

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/31_PIC_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

[sniper1]

Happy new year!

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2007/12/31_PIC_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

Happy New Year Greg!!! Thanks for all the great intel!!!

[nausthof]

Greg, thanks for the great thread. This thread is one of the reasons I have my first HK (HK-45) on order. You mentioned that you shoot down at Eagle gun range, are you down in Macon or are you up here in Atlanta? I would love to meet up sometime for some fun with the guns, even driving down to Macon would be well worth it to absorb some of your expertise.

[Greg Bell]

Any time! Bring some .45 and help me kill the HK45.

[softmentor]

BTW, I think you should name it Rea. (pronounced ray) short for Reagan.
But what do I know. You may be a Democrat.

[Tecumseh]

Yes! Another great Greg Bell torture test thread!!!
I am looking forward to this! :)

He intends to break his Sig 556 rifle now...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=4046448&posted=1#post4046448

I wish he would adopt me so I could play with his toys.

[Greg Bell]

Tecumseh,

That fell by the wayside. The cost of .223 was too much for the kind of beating I had in mind, and I always had this in mind. The gun does have about 3000 rounds through it, problem free.


softmentor,

I am no Democrat!

[loupav]

No problem Greg! I'm glad to help you out. Hope you enjoyed the rounds. Happy new year!

[rohardi]

Greg, Have you been CCW with your HK45? How has it been working out for you? Is it easy for you to conceal?

[ZAT]

Not Greg, nor have I stayedat a Holiday Inn lately, but I carry the HK45 daily. I use a VM2 for the USP45C and it works good. I am not a big guy and the gun conceals very easy. I can pretty much get by with a loose fitting t-shirt as a covering garment. No gymnastics or bending over I tie shoes without having the butt print, but for normal activity it is good to go.

[GARY1911A1]

I'm not Greg either and I hope he doesn't mind me posting this. I carry in this Kramer IWB. The grip is larger than I would like, but it's doable with the right clothing.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb75/Gary1911A1/100_0125.jpg

[Va_Dinger]

I'm not Greg either and I hope he doesn't mind me posting this. I carry in this Kramer IWB. The grip is larger than I would like, but it's doable with the right clothing.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb75/Gary1911A1/100_0125.jpg


Is that just a normal USP 45 full sized holster or specific to the HK45?

[paratroop23]

Maybe you could work out a deal with ammoman or ammunitiontogo.

Send them an e-mail to these threads. They will see how many views and attention it's gotten. GREAT ADVERTISING. Good chance they'd cut you a deal if you put their URL in the posts. Just a thought.

Excellent Idea!!

[GARY1911A1]

Is that just a normal USP 45 full sized holster or specific to the HK45?

It was made for a UPS .45, but I didn't use it enough to stretch it out so it fits the HK45 fine. It's not blocked in the back for cocked and locked, but that's how I carry it.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb75/Gary1911A1/100_0126.jpg

[Cadillac Johnson]

Maybe you could work out a deal with ammoman or ammunitiontogo.

Send them an e-mail to these threads. They will see how many views and attention it's gotten. GREAT ADVERTISING. Good chance they'd cut you a deal if you put their URL in the posts. Just a thought.


Excellent Idea!!

Just to add something to this..

Since you're (Greg) in Georgia, Georgia Arms might work out nicely if you decide to go that route.

I dont know if you've ever shot their stuff, but they sell their own brand of reloads that have worked great for everyone that's used them.

Since they're local it might be worth an e-mail.

[Greg Bell]

Shot 500 rounds of their .45 on Sunday! Good stuff. Cheaper than Wal mart and comes with an ammo can!

[HK91IA]

Thanks Greg.

[30 cal slut]

buncha guys over at THR asking how your SIG breaking project is going.

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/1/12_2830_300_Small_update_____files/shapeimage_2.jpg
Last Saturday I fired 200 rounds of Atlanta arms 230 grain ball through the HK45. I still haven’t cleaned it. I shot mostly long range/accuracy shooting at 25 yards and beyond. I did this because I have noticed a subtle degradation in my shooting lately.

Tonight (Well, Friday night) I shot 100 rounds of 230 grain ball through it at Eagle gun range. Again I focused on accuracy rather than speed, shooting at 30 and 50 feet.

I have noticed that Blade Tech has IWB holsters listed. I haven’t ordered one yet because I was hoping for a Comp-Tac. My Don Hume USP FS holster seems to be working fine for now, but it is chunky.

Larry Vickers told me to look into Raven Concealment for a custom holster. Michael Goerlich from Raven E-mailed me and said he would gladly make one if I could ship him mine for molding. I am considering it.http://ravenconcealment.com/

I am basically going completely HK45 for the winter. I have toyed with my Glocks here and there but the HK45 is just head and shoulders above the Glock in ergonomics--even the 9mm Glocks. My only concern is the lack of night sights. I could mail it to Tool Tech for them to insert trijicon tubes but I really like the brightness of the superluminovas. I wish I could devise a holster that would actually flash the sights with a high-lumen burst when you drew the weapon. The superluminovas, when fully charged, are so bright that they are basically impossible not to focus on. For now, I am in the habit of flashing the front sight with my X300 before I go out at night. I keep the X300 on the gun for “beside the bed” duty.

[Mark71]

I have noticed that Blade Tech has IWB holsters listed. I haven’t ordered one yet because I was hoping for a Comp-Tac.

Thanks for the update Greg. I am also waiting for Comp-Tac. When I called them last week I was told that they have a new HK45 and just waiting for it to come in. Hopefully we will see the HK45 holsters out soon. They did have them available for the P30 pretty quick.

[Veenus Envy]

Greg,

I just placed an order for the Surefire X300 for my HK45. Can you post a pic?

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/1/12_X300_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

[Greg Bell]

Somebody wanted a pic of a P9s with an Hk45...

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/1/12_Comparison_Shots_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

[ironchef]

Nice pics Greg. I have a Surefire X200B on my USPc for bedside duty.

[BHMav8r]

You are my hero... I have been dying for a pic of a HK45 & P9s together...Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...

Any comments on a comparison between the two? Accuracy, ccw, weight..

Heres to a great New Year

[Veenus Envy]

Nice Tac Light pic.

[LCSO264]

You are my hero... I have been dying for a pic of a HK45 & P9s together...Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...

Any comments on a comparison between the two? Accuracy, ccw, weight..

Heres to a great New Year

I haven't shot mine side by side, I don't really shoot my P9 that much. However, here on some observations... I have found I shoot both about equal in the accuracy department. The P9 witht he pinned barrel is likely a more accurate handgun, but at some point you get to a point where the shooters influence will out weigh other factors....

The P9 is lighter and smaller, making it easier to conceal. But I don't have a problem concealing my HK45 (it is winter, so I am wearing a coat/jacket most of the time).

You will not regret purchasing either of these, or both.....

good luck

[Greg Bell]

130 rounds today. We had a pretty big group and I sighted in four different rifles so I didn't get as much pistol time in. I did get to shoot a HKUSP .45 with a Gemtech Blackside which was nice. We shot it dry and without hearing protection and it was definitely worth the expense. It sounded a lot like a .22 without a crack.

The HK45's workout was...

50 rounds from draw. 2 targets, one at 21 feet one at 30 feet. I swithed out shooting from left to right.

30 rounds Weak handed and strong handed as above. I much prefer reloading between the legs to the reverse holster drill that some outfits teach.

30 rounds shooting on the move from about 15 feet. I would rotate moving from left to right. I was running pretty fast and can at least keep it on the IPSC target while sprinting--not too shabby!

20 rounds falling onto my back and shooting double taps. Damn near shot my foot. That is a dangerous drill.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Damn Greg watch those feet! Like your eyes, you need those things. ;)

I'm guessing the P9 is a .45 too?

[Greg Bell]

Nah, my P9s is 9mm. I have owned several .45 P9s and their exteriors are identical.

[GARY1911A1]

Greg I know you are busy shooting, but what with you pay for ammo you should consider getting a Dillon 650 or 1050. It would pay for itself in no time.

[Greg Bell]

I have a 550b. I have it set up right now but have gotten several really good deals on bulk ammo lately. Plus, I blew up my springfield on a squib reload a month or so back.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Nah, my P9s is 9mm. I have owned several .45 P9s and their exteriors are identical.

Still very nice. How would you say the 9mm P9s compares to a P7M8 in the hand, mainly trigger wise?

I have held one but never shot one, and theres one in a local shop for under $1k so I'm wondering if thats something worth getting. The finish was kind of rough and there was some kind of rust/browness over the white index marks on the front and rear sight. I get the impression it would come right off with a little solvent, but who knows.:90:

[Greg Bell]

The P9s is a neat gun, but I much prefer the P7. The trigger on mine is very light, with a lot of over travel. The hot ticket is to install an overtravel stop and run it as a single action. If you extend the safety switch like Ayoob did his guns you could have a single action 9mm or .45 with a fantastic trigger. The grip works for me but it is strictly right hand only, with swells around the decocking/cocking lever etc.

Awesome gun. I would get one of the trade in 9mms if I wanted a shooter, and a .45 to collect.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Thanks for the advice Greg. I love the P7M8, I shoot one that belongs to a relative of mine every chance I get and love it but I have never had the chance to fire a P9, just held it in a store. I would definatly want a shooter so some minor finish wear and less collectable aspect of the 9mm doesn't bother me.

I think I will still continue looking for a P7M8 for the right price. The deal breaker for me is I want one with factory night sights, which seems very hard to come by...the quest continues!

Also, trying to hold onto my money for the HK45C, and with that, my first .45. :)

[Greg Bell]

Well, not too terribly much to report...

Well, on Friday I went to Eagle and shot 100 rounds of "Atlanta Arms" which has now gone up to $14 a box (FOR RELOADS!!!). Blazer Brass has also gone up to $14. Lordy. Next week I will be testing my own reloads again.

I shot every round of the AA from draw with my Don Hume mag holder and pistol all concealed under a heavy coat. I shot 50 rounds of Mozabiques at 30 feet.

I then shot 25 rounds @25 yards in 5 shot increments. Again, all of this was from concealment. So, I was pleasantly suprised to find all but two of my shots nicely in the A-zone. And, almost as nice, I had called the two that landed slightly to the right.

I finished up shooting double taps at 30 feet.

Today I shot 200 rounds of Georgia Arms FMJ. Here was how I did it...

50-75 bullseye on plate.
100 on two targets, one at 21 feet one at 30. Double taps on each as fast as I can.

25-50 rounds Moving drill. Most were, as usual, left to right running.

I actually had about 50 more rounds but it got cold as hell. I also shot the hell out of my 556 and Marlin today. What a fun day. I got to the range early this morning, and not a soul was there. Here in Georgia a 30 degree daytime temperature is a big deal. Only a few of the range DIEHARDS and myself were present. So, all day I pretty much got to be Mr. Mall Ninja with no old codgers to frown.

Also, I cleaned the exterior of the gun. It was getting too nasty.

[Mark71]

Hey Greg,
Thanks for the update. So whats the total round count now through the HK45?

Any update on how your Springfield 1911 is doing? I am looking forward to a battle between the two once it gets back :cool:.

[Greg Bell]

3260. Not a whole bunch but more than most folks ever shoot. I will try to pump it back up to 500 rounds a week. The cost is getting a little crazy though. Hopefully my reloads will be on line next week.

Still waiting on my Springer.

[loupav]

Poor little 1911! :p

[snakedoctor]

is the HK45 showing any signs of wear and tear? How about the recoil spring too. Does it feel like it cycles any slower?

[Litigator123]

Greg - after only a few hundred rds through my HK45 I have noticed it is not locking open after the last round and in some cases the slide snaps forward when I put a full mag into it (but before I manually release the slide)

Have you experienced any of these things?

[Dern_Humpus]

I think it is normal for some/all HK guns for the slide to release if you put a mag in hard enough.

[Greg Bell]

Greg - after only a few hundred rds through my HK45 I have noticed it is not locking open after the last round and in some cases the slide snaps forward when I put a full mag into it (but before I manually release the slide)

Have you experienced any of these things?

No, I have not. The great news is, there might be a simple solution. A lot of folks ride the slide release levers on their P2000s(which has controls just like the HK45) leading to this problem. It is usually people who have an excellent shooting grip that have the problem--paradoxically. People who really have a good tight grip on the gun often ride the levers without realizing it.

I would test this out before I worried. It sounds like you are just giving the gun a good firm grip, and in doing so are accidentally riding the slide release. I really haven' seen a situation where this didn't end up being the cause.

Have a good one!

GHB

[harrydog]

Hey Greg,
When are we going to get an update?

[NoJoy]

Greg, have you had a chance to shoot the rest of the Super? Some of your friends need to start donating some more ammo.

[ulose2]

Who makes that load? That's a little faster than Doubletap's 230gr 45 ammo.
And the 45 Super fmj makes a good alternative woods load for those who carry a 45, and are not blessed with having a 10mm.

Aquila make a 117 grain 45 ACP rounds that scoots. I have a couple of boxes but I haven't tried them

[Greg Bell]

Sorry about the delay. I haven’t been shooting as much these last three weeks, due to family obligations, gun shows, etc.


In HK45 news:

It is nice to hear that the HK45C is out. I will definitely be picking up one of those.

It is also nice to hear that Comp-tac has a holster out for the HK45. I will be picking up and reviewing one of those also.

It was funny to see that HK USA only had the old demo HK45c at Shot, yet the guns were delivered to customers the next week. It shows that my theory that HKUSA doesn’t know crap about what HK Germany does might be true.



Now, on to the shooting...


Nothing too exciting, my usual drills. I have been shooting Georgia arms 230 grain exclusively since it is as cheap as I can find .45. I still haven’t started reloading. I do have a nice 10-15000 round stash of brass though. I picked up another 1000 rounds of GA this weekend at the Eastman's show. It really is nice stuff. Sort of stout.

Last weekend I set up a course with my Sig 556, doing transition drills. It was a lot of fun. I am probably going to take that combo to the Vickers class.

In other good news, the Springfield is back! $125 and I have a new barrel and I had them change it to a GI safety (which I prefer over ambi styles). Shooting the 1911 is one of the reasons I fell behind on my HK45. I was testing it out. It still runs great! Not a jam or anything else. I was terrified that I had screwed it up when I blew the old barrel.

I haven't shot the rest of the super yet. I need to find a chrono setup. I don't want to waste it.

Lately, I have been keeping the HK45 on the nightstand hammer down and safety on. I had a nightmare a few weeks ago that I accidently shot my wife. Kind of spooked me.

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/2/12_650_3910_files/shapeimage_2.jpg

[loupav]

Could we get some better pics of the M1A?

Good to hear that the HK45 is running like it should.

I think I saw you post a picture of a S&W MP15. How did you like that rifle?

[Greg Bell]

I will get some more pics of the M14.

The M&P is a nice rifle. It has the wrong buffer but I haven't had any problems since the first 200 or so rounds (a few misfeeds). It basically fills the AR hole in my collection.

[MakeMineA10mm]

I'm quite confident the HK45 could hold up to 10mm loads. BUT, my screen name notwithstanding, I found a wonderful 45 ACP (NON +P, at that) load that scoots a 230gr JHP out at 1050fps. Why bother with 45 Super OR 10mm???

BTW - my suggestion for the "BREAK MY HK45" torture test? How about a few magazines of 40S&W shot through it??? :00000:

NoJoy and others who were interested - I found the load!!!

It is in Ramshot's Load Guide Edition III, which is a little long in the tooth now, as Edition 4.2 is current, I think. Anyway, the details of the load are:

Firearm used: 5" pressure test barrel 1:16" left-hand twist
Case: Winchester 45 ACP
Primer: Federal 155
Bullet: Sierra 230gr JHP (Sierra product code # 8805)
OAL (loaded): 1.235"
Powder: Ramshot Enforcer

Starting Load: 12.9grs for 947fps & 17,003 psi
Maximum Load: 14.5grs for 1060fps & 19,393 psi

Please note, that since this loading guide was published, there have been at least three more loading guides put out by Western Powders, plus their website has loading data. NONE OF THE NEWER SOURCES SHOW THIS LOAD ANYMORE! I'm guessing there's a reason for this, therefore, USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Have fun!

[quikz]

What kind of AK is that? Is it a converted Saiga?

Also what is the foregrip on that AK?

Thanks for your excellent posts and reviews as always! Good to see real substantive posts and can't wait till you do an eval on the HK45C. Am thinking about sending you a new Hk t-shirt.

I also agree that Hk-USA does NOT know the meat & potato's of what goes on in Hk-Germany. I wish we had someone on the forum with some REAL contacts with the Germans.

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/9_Passed_the_5000_round_mark%21_1160_5070_files/shapeimage_2.jpg


Hey guys,


Sorry about the month long delay. I have been tied up in a very hairy felony case (not me, my client) for the past three weeks. We had jury trial this last week and my guy was found not guilty on all counts (to give you an idea of the seriousness, the co-defendant got 25 years without parole plus life on probation for similar charges). It didn't keep me from shooting (except for last Sunday) but it kept me from posting.

Anyway, the HK45 continues to run like a dream. I have run 1160 rounds of Georgia and Atlanta arms 230 grain ball through her. There hasn't even been a hint of failure. I haven't cleaned the gun in quite a while, but am probably going to do so tonight. I got a fair amount of grass in it today doing transition drills.

Anyway, I always do a wild variety of stuff. Today though, I mainly did double tap drills on multiple targets at 25 feet. The luminova sights are phenomenal. You basically have to TRY not to focus on the front sight (which of course, I will not try to do.). I also did some transitions with my FEG AK-47 that I just got back from Jim Fuller who added a big dot sight and a new trigger). I detest the big dot AK sight, btw. It stinks on everything but 25 yard snap shots. I may take it off my gun and go back to standard sights.

I also ran about 50 rounds of shooting while moving drills. Keeping my isosceles hold left to right, and strong handing it right to left.

The HK, as you might imagine, is just starting to show a hint of wear around the barrel hood and in the mag well. The mags look a bit worse for wear but I suspect that is only because I don't clean the gun very often, and the mag well is basically a sand box.

I am going to finally order my comp-tac (as a reward for winning my case). I look forward to seeing how well my gun can stand up to the holster and vice-versa.

I keep my HK45 with me all day (except in the Courthouse) and beside the bed at night. I really think it would be an excellent choice for a "one" handgun. It is stone reliable and as accurate as any 1911 I have ever shot. The trigger is excellent too. Better than my Springfield (but not as nice as my old Novak's, but give them a break!).

[Greg Bell]

http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/9_Passed_the_5000_round_mark%21_1160_5070_files/P1010056.jpg
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/9_Passed_the_5000_round_mark%21_1160_5070_files/P1010062.jpg
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/9_Passed_the_5000_round_mark%21_1160_5070_files/P1010041.jpg
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/9_Passed_the_5000_round_mark%21_1160_5070_files/P1010066.jpg

[Greg Bell]

quickz,

What kind of AK is that? Is it a converted Saiga?

Also what is the foregrip on that AK?

The gun in the earlier posts is just a Wasr. It looks terrible, but shoots great. My FEG is much nicer, but I can't say it is worth the price difference. I think a "cant-less" WASR is about all the sturmgewehr you really need.

[zak2427]

I dont get the point of these tests... seriously, do people think HK doesnt test the guns?

[Greg Bell]

It isn't really as much a test as a journal detailing my HK45's performance. A lot of folks live in places where it is difficult to shoot very often. Plus, it isn't exactly cheap to do this. People enjoy chit-chatting about their favorite guns.

[12131]

I dont get the point of these tests... seriously, do people think HK doesnt test the guns?
Actually, I do appreciate these tests from us average Joes (not calling you average, Greg) more than all the fancy glowing reports from the gun racks.

[Jagdraben]

I dont get the point of these tests... seriously, do people think HK doesnt test the guns?

Of course, I do. I also believe that artificial sweeteners are safe, that WMDs were in Iraq, and Anna Nicole Smith married for love.

:42:

[nbell13]

Of course, I do. I also believe that artificial sweeteners are safe, that WMDs were in Iraq, and Anna Nicole Smith married for love.

:42:

little quote from "shooter" there? hehe

[harrydog]

I dont get the point of these tests... seriously, do people think HK doesnt test the guns?
I don't get the point of posts like yours.

[MadMax2012]

I don't get the point of posts like yours.

I see your point. :D

[ltbarber]

Greg,

I really enjoy this series,thanks for the reports,and for the time and effort on our behalf. I appreciate it very much.

[Elesar]

:confused: Are you bragging or confessing?
;)




We had jury trial this last week and my guy was found not guilty on all counts (to give you an idea of the seriousness, the co-defendant got 25 years without parole plus life on probation for similar charges).

[loupav]

Wow! Nice collection Greg. What else are you holding out on? :p

[CyberH&K]

Greg thanks for the update. I see your HK45 stands up well to what you feed her. I have 1700 thru my P30.

[Greg Bell]

Elesar,


re you bragging or confessing?

Bragging. My guy didn't do it but was forced by the state to stand trial. A scary thing that all of us are just a breath away from. Remember this: anybody can say anything about anybody.

Loupav,

I have a lot of toys, although my Steyr and my Marlin are my favorite rifles. My HK45 and my ancient P7M8 are my favorite pistols.

Itbarber,

Thanks! The pleasure is all mine! :)

[ashen]

Thanks for this thread Greg.

Not to start any fires here, but I have been caught in a loop of indecision of whether to wait for the HK45 (I'm in California), or pony up for a custom 1911 with a rail. Specifically, the Springfield TRP Operator or Nighthawk GRP. I love the DA/SA of my USP Compact, but wanted a longer barrel, better ergonomics and trigger. I don't know if it's because the USPc is my first and only gun, but even after handling the GRP + TRP at my local gun store, the USPc still felt better in my hands and I felt like I'm quicker to get my sight picture than with the 1911 sights. Again, subjective opinion keeping in mind that I didn't get a chance to shoot the custom 1911s, so maybe that would have made a world of difference.

While I know with enough $$$ I could just buy everything, I really want "one" gun for the range and to trust with my life when the SHTF. Going through your posts/experiences with the HK45 convinced me that it is the "one" gun I'm looking for.

[NvrenufRR]

Thanks for this thread Greg.

Not to start any fires here, but I have been caught in a loop of indecision of whether to wait for the HK45 (I'm in California), or pony up for a custom 1911 with a rail. Specifically, the Springfield TRP Operator or Nighthawk GRP. I love the DA/SA of my USP Compact, but wanted a longer barrel, better ergonomics and trigger. I don't know if it's because the USPc is my first and only gun, but even after handling the GRP + TRP at my local gun store, the USPc still felt better in my hands and I felt like I'm quicker to get my sight picture than with the 1911 sights. Again, subjective opinion keeping in mind that I didn't get a chance to shoot the custom 1911s, so maybe that would have made a world of difference.

While I know with enough $$$ I could just buy everything, I really want "one" gun for the range and to trust with my life when the SHTF. Going through your posts/experiences with the HK45 convinced me that it is the "one" gun I'm looking for.

Great thread so far

Buy the Nighthawk while you still can in CA and then worry about the HK 45 later

IMO the Sprinfield doesn't even compare with the quality of Nighthawk

[ashen]

Agreed on all counts.

The CA roster for the Nighthawk GRP expires in 11/2008. But still, I think I just need to get what I can while I still can. The wait is torture.

[harrydog]

Buy the Nighthawk while you still can in CA and then worry about the HK 45 later

IMO the Sprinfield doesn't even compare with the quality of Nighthawk

Why not consider the Springfield Professional Light Rail instead of the TRP Operator? It's in a different league than the TRP and I'd take it over the Nighthawk any day. The price is about the same. I'm not sure if it's available in CA though.

But as for a "one gun" solution, I agree with Greg, the HK45 fits that bill very well in my opinion. I have 1911's that I truly love, but if I had to settle on just one gun to see me through the rest of my life, I can't really think of anything better than the HK45. It's very accurate, very durable, comfortable to shoot, can be carried concealed without too much effort, fires a potent round, and is more or less impervious to dirt, weather, and lack of cleaning.

[paratroop23]

I don't get the point of posts like yours.

+10

[Greg Bell]

Another fun week with the HK45.


http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/17_Gettin’_Dirty_%28350_5420%29_files/shapeimage_2.jpg
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/17_Gettin’_Dirty_%28350_5420%29_files/IMG_0578.jpg


On Friday I shot 150 rounds. 50 rounds of Ga arms and 100 rounds of Atlanta Arms. I did most of my shooting at 30’ while doing draws and double taps. C.C. came in and demanded I shoot at 50’ for some reason. From draw I was able to keep all my rounds in the face of the IPSC target (well, except one which was high).

On Sunday I shot 200 rounds of Ga arms. This was done on 3 IPSC targets placed at 21 feet (2) and 30 feet (1). As always I practice from draw. I started out shooting double taps in each target, changing up the order each time. Then I switched to strong hand only for 2 mags then weak hand only for 3 mags. I practice drawing behind my back and prefer reloading by holding the gun with my knees. The whole loading the gun in the holster backwards and racking it on my belt seems a bit much.

I let a Doctor friend of mine shoot the HK45 and he was impressed. He carries an USP .45 compact with rat shot as the first round in the chamber! He is Pakistani and Muslim (and more American than 99% of Natural-born Americans. How many of you wear cowboy boots, a big ass belt-buckle and pack a .45? ) Still, it is great fun to sit around with him at the gunshop and watch the rednecks get worried while he discusses the finer points of the AK vs. AR debate!!


http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/17_Gettin’_Dirty_%28350_5420%29_files/IMG_0573.jpg



I am still waiting on my Comp-tac.


I have decided that I am not going to install night sights on the HK45. Since I will likely be carrying this gun to Alaska, I prefer the rechargeable nature of the Superluminovas to fading tritium.

Old Pic from my camera...
http://web.mac.com/timetravelfoundation/The_LAMP/PROJECT%3A_BREAK_MY_HK45/Entries/2008/3/17_Gettin’_Dirty_%28350_5420%29_files/P1010093.jpg

[berserkr]

I let a Doctor friend of mine shoot the HK45 and he was impressed. He carries an USP .45 compact with rat shot as the first round in the chamber! He is Pakistani and Muslim (and more American than 99% of Natural-born Americans. How many of you wear cowboy boots, a big ass belt-buckle and pack a .45? ) Still, it is great fun to sit around with him at the gunshop and watch the rednecks get worried while he discusses the finer points of the AK vs. AR debate!!

AH, I'd love to see a YouTube vid of that! :90:

[loupav]

Thats an AK, AR debate I would like to watch.

[jamaicanj]

Thanks a lot for this thread. I subscibed some time ago, and it has been informative and entertaining. Thanks for now giving me the itch to go out and pick up one of these fine pistols

[cmdrdredd]

I let a Doctor friend of mine shoot the HK45 and he was impressed. He carries an USP .45 compact with rat shot as the first round in the chamber! He is Pakistani and Muslim (and more American than 99% of Natural-born Americans. How many of you wear cowboy boots, a big ass belt-buckle and pack a .45? )

So because I don't wear boots (because I think it's uncomfortable and looks silly), I don't give a damn about having a 5lb belt buckle, and I may like 9mm better than .45 I am not american?

[nuc_squid]

... and I may like 9mm better than .45 I am not american?

Bingo you nailed it! (Just kidding)

[Greg Bell]

So because I don't wear boots (because I think it's uncomfortable and looks silly), I don't give a damn about having a 5lb belt buckle, and I may like 9mm better than .45 I am not american?

No, no, no! Just less so! Heck, I don't even have the belt buckle!:79:

[cmdrdredd]

No, no, no! Just less so! Heck, I don't even have the belt buckle!:79:

meh...I vote, pay taxes, deal with immigrants and multicultural society.

No less american than ANYONE else who is a member of society with a valid social security number.

[Huey]

Thats an AK, AR debate I would like to watch.


Which side are you on, Alaska's or Arkansas'?