HK45c vs USP 45c - should I trade?

[robert14]

For those who have had both, is there any real advantage to trading my USP 45c on the HK45c. I have the USP 45f and the HK45f, there is quite a bit of difference in them, but i'm not sure if same is true for the compacts. The light rail is the only big difference that I can see, & I have the rail attachment for my USP 45c so it can use standard mount lights. My USP 45c is the standard V1.

[Deep Toad]

I had both a full size USP 45 and the USP 45 Compact. I have traded both and replaced them with the HK 45 and HK 45 Compact.

The ergonomics of the grips, especially that of the HK 45, was key to my decisions. The larger, easier to actuate magazine releases were also relevant but a second order factor. The other changes in the guns, such as front slide serrations, radiused slide, O-rings on the barrel, etc, are all nice but would not have justified a change for me.

I have relatively small hands, short fingers particularly. The grip of the HK 45 is simply much more ergonomic - it fits my hand very well; the USP 45 was more difficult to grip well - it could be done but it did not fall to hand naturally the way the HK 45 does. The improvement in fit in the HK 45 C is better than the USP Compact, mostly towards the top of the grip, below the slide (as they both use the same magazine the width of the rest of the grip has stayed the same); it was enough at the margin that it made a difference to me but to many people it won't. The HK 45 C grip is similar to the P2000; the HK 45 grip is more like that of the P30 (best fitting grip I have ever held). The relatively small difference in the grip of the HK 45 C (narrower at the top combined with small backstrap) made it work a little better for me; I suspect that for most people it won't.

[bzinbv]

I switched mostly because of the magazine release, and I'm glad I did. I had a USPc in .45 that I traded to another member for a USPc in .40, knowing that as soon as the HK45c came out I would get one. I use the .40 for practice since it has the same feel as my P2000SK which is also a .40

[robert14]

I switched mostly because of the magazine release, and I'm glad I did.

I agree on the mag release, the one on my HK45 is SO much better than the one on my USP. I wish someone would tool up & make an extended one for the USP series. Probably less likely now that the HK45 & P30 series have been released.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

[2 Samuel 22]

I had both, I kept the HK45C and sold the USPC. To me, the HK45C has the better grip, spurred hammer, picatinny rail, narrower slide w/front serrations, and I also like the wider fire/safety/decock control lever. To each their own.

[robert14]

OK, one more question please. I have around 9 mags, mostly with the fingergrip floorplate for my USP 45c. Will these fit the HK 45c? If so, I would be set for mags....

[12131]

OK, one more question please. I have around 9 mags, mostly with the fingergrip floorplate for my USP 45c. Will these fit the HK 45c? If so, I would be set for mags....
Yes.

[Deep Toad]

OK, one more question please. I have around 9 mags, mostly with the fingergrip floorplate for my USP 45c. Will these fit the HK 45c? If so, I would be set for mags....


No problem; they are the same mag. I kept my old ones and they are fine. The new mags actually have both USP 45 C and HK 45C marked on the floorplates.

[mgunslinger]

Not meaning to hi jack the thread but could you guys elaborate a little more on the differences of the USP 45 and HK 45 mag releases? Location and operation.. Thanks

[HK_Flyer]

Longer release lever. Look at your USP mag release and fill in the contoured area of the trigger guard. Basically you get a more lever-like release instead of the standard USP/P2000 nubs. It's better, and much easier to use.

[Gerber]

I agree on the mag release, the one on my HK45 is SO much better than the one on my USP. I wish someone would tool up & make an extended one for the USP series. Probably less likely now that the HK45 & P30 series have been released.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.

I don't get this at all. I have no problem with the mag release on my USPc. However, are newly produced USP's (my date code is '07) given a larger mag release?

[givo08]

The 45c's mag release is enlarged/oversized too. Makes it very easy to release mags. For me it's very awkward to drop the USPc or P2000 mags because the mag release is so tiny, but on the 45c it's very ergonomic.