need opinions: new to handguns

[sernv99]

I searched on this forum, the glock forum, the sig forum, and used good ole google to get some varied opinions on buying my first pistol. I'm looking to get a 9mm to start off with and then perhaps further down the road in 6 months or so (or sooner of the Dems win the White House), get a bigger caliber gun (.45 ).

I don't plan to do the CCW thing, just going to the range to shoot and have fun a couple days a week. I was going to start myself off with a Glock 17 given its consistent trigger pull and no fuss with external safety buttons/cocking/decocking...just keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Then I thought about what if the trigger gets snagged on your clothing or some other thing...well you are basically screwed then if you have the gun chambered. A good thing is the finish is very durable. The balance was ok I guess, a bit different from the traditional design semi-autos I have handled. I noticed some on other gun boards felt the same, the center of balance and design of the Glock was somewhat hard to get use to.

I looked at the SIG 226. It felt nice, I like the way it feels in my hands. One of the salesman at the local gunstore told me it's bit more complicated than a Glock and a beginner has to learn how to use the various cock/deock levers and buttons and all but it's a good quality piece. I have read a few reports of how the finish isnt durable compared to a Glock.

I looked at the HK line, the 2000 series and the USP. My gun shop didnt have a USP on hand so I checked out the 2000 in a 9mm. Felt pretty nice. I prefer the looks (in the pics) of the USP, specifically the Expert model, given its longer barrel. On here, I have read a thread indicating how durable the finish is so that's a plus.

I also checked out the CZ-75. Pretty nice, fit and finish.

Walther P99 was the last pistol I checked out. It was pretty short for my tastes but overall it was nice.

I'm signed up to take an intro Handgun class next week and will have the opportunity to shoot various calibers and guns but I'll probably settle on a 9mm since it will be used as a range gun only. I have only handled the guns stated above to check out the fit of each one. My hand size is large but I have 'piano fingers", not some beefy bear paws. I'm thinking a light trigger wouldn't be ideal, maybe a heavy trigger pull would be good for long piano fingers.

I just wanted to ask if anyone regretted or recommend against getting a USP 9mm as an introductory pistol. The price is a bit overkill but I'm willing to spend the $$$ if it's something that is worth having. I guess also, for all those that started out with a semi-auto pistol in general, given wha tI stated above, what would be ideal (putting aside your preference for HK on here).


FYI, I live in VA so I don't have to deal with magazine capacity limitations.

Thanks.

[Hector45]

This thread will probably be deleted due to lack of content pertaining to HK, but preferences aside, for a 9mm go with either the P30, USP9 or P2000. All have better safety features, are extremely reliable, and are extremely durable.

[Voodoo]

I am also new to the forum, but I have had an average exposure to handguns and will attempt to answer your question from my viewpoint. The best way I can do this is drawing an analogy between purchasing a watch. There are many watches out there that you will find that fit you. Sure, you can go to the local dollar store or what ever and pick up a watch that will tell time just as well as a Rolex for a short period of time. If you want a weapon to last you your lifetime and then some, I would recommend anything from the HK stable. The workmanship is great and they are tested very well.

I would not worry about how complex a handgun seems. Since you are taking a handgun class, I am sure that you will spend time at home to become knowledgeable in whatever you own. Too sum it up, I have long since forgotten how many handguns I have owned, shot, and handled. The USP has always been my favorite after I have tried many others. If you can, take the chance to shoot a few models of handguns and find what you like.

[Scooter]

I don't drink the HK cool-aid so here's my take on the guns you listed.

Glock 17:
Pro:
Inexpensive.
Mags are inexpensive.
Reliable and extremely simple in design.
Low bore axis, pretty flat shooting.
OK trigger, consistant from shot to shot, fairly short reset.
Aftermarket parts are plentiful if you want to modify the snot out of it.
Glock 34 is available if you want longer barrel.

Con:
Factory sights are plastic.
Grip angle can be difficult to get used to especially if you have shot other guns.
Some mags don't drop free.
If you shoot with a high grip, your thumb can end up riding the slide release.

Sig 226
Pro:
Most have pretty nice DA/SA triggers.
Grip doesn't feel like holding a 2x4 like on the USP series.

Con:
Same slide release when using a high grip like on the glocks.
Aluminum frame longevitiy.
Bore axis is on the high side.

CZ-75 (commenting on the SP01 model)
Pro:
Low slide mass, very flat shooting, gun literally shoots itself.
Very cool anodize aluminum grips are available.
OK trigger, can be a really good trigger if you send it to Angus Hobdell.

Con:
Not the most attractive gun.

P99:
Pro:
1st of the interchangeable back straps
Decock lever out of the way.

Con:
Trigger isn't that good, a bit on the long side.
Mag release isn't as well designed as the HK.

USP series:
Pro:
Reliable
Mag release easy to operate

Con:
Crappy trigger
Feels like a 2x4 in your hand
very top heavy and high bore axis
Soft shooting but flippy

Newer HK's
Pro:
Doesn't feel like a 2x4.

Con:
see USP comments.

Guns not on your list:
XD-9
Pro:
Flat shooting, low bore axis
Lots of aftermarket parts
Okay trigger, can be made much much better

Con:
Ergonomics may not fit everyone

M&P9
Pro:
Basically a Glock minus all the cons.
Fully ambidextrous

Con:
few problems with early guns, firing pin breaking, mags not staying in place

[sernv99]

This thread will probably be deleted due to lack of content pertaining to HK, but preferences aside, for a 9mm go with either the P30, USP9 or P2000. All have better safety features, are extremely reliable, and are extremely durable.


Well maybe the message was lost. I know members on here have had various model guns and like each one due to X characteristic or Y feature or Z options. I'm looking for anyone who has had all the models I mention, had similar thoughts as I did, and has a similar physical hand characteristics,but decided in the end that the HK model [insert HK model here] was the best fit. To me I can really narrow down what model, if HK, to look at. Sort of like going car shopping,.....find someone who has similar tastes and likes and find out what cars they liked and disliked.

[harrydog]

My recommendation would be the S&W M&P9 full size. You can get them for a really good price, they feel great in the hand and come with with 3 sizes of adjustable back straps, they are soft shooting and accurate, and S&W customer service is the best.

[DrRhythm81]

As someone who did this search a year ago, and ended up with a USP 40, I would say just shoot a whole bunch of stuff. It sounds simple, but pretty much every pistol listed here has a good reputation. Some of the message board crowd will try to make it more complicated, but if you like a gun, and are particularly excited about it, you'll shoot it more, and become more proficient over time. I paid more for the USP than I would have paid for a Glock, but I hated the feeling of shooting the > 10 Glocks I tried, and apparently don't mind the much derided USP trigger. Good luck!

p.s. One bonus is that you can often use the space between the slide and the frame of the glock to view solar eclipses safely.

[Hector45]

p.s. One bonus is that you can often use the space between the slide and the frame of the glock to view solar eclipses safely.

lol :380:

[amstaffHK]

Scooter youre obviously CZ fan:6:

[Volodymyr]

USP is my first [hand]gun and I love it. If you felt the Glock was appealing though take a look at Springfield's XD line. They are awesome pistols, I shot them way better, way more comfortably than the glock, and they have the added grip safety (extremely unlikely you will have an accidental discharge from clothing etc. because the grip must be held firmly).

[Burke888]

To me I can really narrow down what model, if HK, to look at. Sort of like going car shopping,.....find someone who has similar tastes and likes and find out what cars they liked and disliked.

Try to find a store that carries the new HK P30. It's chambered in 9x19 (9mm), and feels amazing in the hand. I would easily rank it as one of the best feeling handguns I have ever picked up, and I have picked up ALOT of them. It has no external safety, but the heavy trigger pull should prevent it from discharging if it were to snag on something. You owe it to yourself to at least hold one of these. It's amazing. If you're local store that you are loyal to doesn't carry it, call around your state to find one that does. Handle the pistol at the store that carries it, then you could have your local store order it for you.

[madmardigan]

If you are just going to use it for a range gun, your best choice is a beretta 92 IMO. They are an all metal pistol and are very soft shooting. The trigger is very good and they are pretty accurate. You can buy a new one for around 500, used ones can be found for 400.

[Volodymyr]

If you are just going to use it for a range gun, your best choice is a beretta 92 IMO. They are an all metal pistol and are very soft shooting. The trigger is very good and they are pretty accurate. You can buy a new one for around 500, used ones can be found for 400.

Berettas are great if you have a lot of money to waste on a giant overblown contract... like the government...

In all seriousness though I know no one, and read of few that actually like their berettas. I take that back, I do know one person that likes his.

There shouldn't be a big difference if you are looking solely for a "range gun," maybe only in that size isn't as much as a concern. My USP serves me well as a range gun, and it will serve me well when I get my permit to carry as well.

[sbwharton]

Do you have access to a variety of weapons for the purpose or trying them out?

[sernv99]

Do you have access to a variety of weapons for the purpose or trying them out?

just the Glock and SIG to rent and test fire at my local gun shop.....I have to go hunt down another gunshop that has Walther, CZ, and HK for rental

still looking up research on this but a lot of the replies here helped me narrow down my search. I was first leaning towards a Glock, then a SIG but given the comment about the aluminum used in the P226 and other comments on its not so durable finish, am now leaning towards a HK (USP 9mm). I don't like the short barrel compact models

[Cadillac Johnson]

still looking up research on this but a lot of the replies here helped me narrow down my search. I was first leaning towards a Glock, then a SIG but given the comment about the aluminum used in the P226 and other comments on its not so durable finish, am now leaning towards a HK (USP 9mm).

Dont worry about the aluminum frame, or the finish on the Sig.

An aluminum framed Sig will outlast you with decent maintenance.

Sig's 'Nitron' finish is a W-DLC coating. (THE most durable finish currently available, and even more so when applied over electroless nickel)

The 'no-so-durable finish' you hear of hasn't been used in many, many years. When Sig started using Nitron, it was actually TOO hard and ate up barrels. The current Nitron being used is much softer on barrels and frame rails and will hold up better than pretty much anything at the same time.

Another plus for the Sig is the trigger. Outside of a custom 1911, you wont find a better trigger. The P229 would be another option along with the P226.

Glocks are nice, well 9mm Glocks are nice ;) They're easy to use, reliable, lots of parts available, and more accurate than most people. The grip angle shouldn't really be an issue for a new shooter.

HK's are nice too. The USP's arent the most comfortable and the triggers suck. The P30 has a better grip and a better trigger, but is going to be more expensive. The P2000 might be a nice 'middle' for you. HK's are very accurate, maybe a tiny bit less so than Sig, but easily number two and probly closer to 1.5.

After those three, Springfield XD's, CZ 75's, or Smith and Wesson M&P's would also be a good choice. I like the M&P's better than the XD's, but that's JMO. CZ's are nice for the price, but dont have the best triggers IMO.

The best advice is to shoot as many examples as you can and then make your decision.

[madmardigan]

Berettas are great if you have a lot of money to waste on a giant overblown contract... like the government...

In all seriousness though I know no one, and read of few that actually like their berettas. I take that back, I do know one person that likes his.

There shouldn't be a big difference if you are looking solely for a "range gun," maybe only in that size isn't as much as a concern. My USP serves me well as a range gun, and it will serve me well when I get my permit to carry as well.

What's so bad about Berettas? Most problems you hear about in Iraq with them is caused by bad mags, poor maintenance and inadequate stopping power (not the guns fault they can't use HPs). Interesting you say that you only know of one guy that likes them. I've heard the complete opposite. I'm not saying there the best handgun, but for a first pistol you could do much worse.

Oh and for the OPs question get the Glock 19, it's the best polymer pistol (flame away)

[Scooter]

Scooter youre obviously CZ fan:6:

Nope. Of the 9mm guns on the market, I prefer the M&P9. It offers the best bang for the buck. You could buy those for as low as $399 then add in the $50 rebate, plus 2 more mags for free. So for $350 you get a really good gun and 4 mags. You can't beat that. Add in a tungsten guide rod, trigger job by Burwell, and new sights, you really have an unbeatable gun.

[DrRhythm81]

Oh and for the OPs question get the Glock 19, it's the best polymer pistol (flame away)
What do you base this on? The fact that government agencies really dig it? I don't dislike the gun, but from shooting a few, it is a worse fit for me than an XD, Sig, or HK. Also, writing this on an HK forum is just trolling. At least the M & P guy gives a reason... I really would like to try an M & P myself.... Please PM me if you want to donate one so I can have an enlightened opinion on it.

[TriggerHappy]

I agree with Scotter, M&P is best bang for the buck but I think HK's are far superior to M&Ps. You must try out P30 if your looking for a 9.

[BytorJr]

I don't mind the HK single action trigger (after that atrocious DA is out of the way) and I love my LEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crappy, IMO, it is not. Granted, neither have the very positive reset of a Glock.

If you never shot before, Glock grip angle won't be as big of an issue. However, I can't deal with it.

I don't have a P30 because no LEM exists...yet...and it dang well better. I've never felt a gun that felt like it WAS my hand...forget fitting in the hand...it was my hand :).

I almost snagged an M&P 9mm compact, but didn't want to switch from the awesome HK mag release. I may consider a Walther PPS for a small IWB type gun...but if you're going that small...just get a Rorhbaugh and have pocket carry possibilities (I know you're not looking at carrying...yet).

I owned two Beretta Cougars (now Stoeger) and I always felt the thing had too small of sights, and was too darn wide in the grip. It also malfunctioned (45 did) quite a bit. The 40 was very reliable, but I couldn't hit the side of a barn. I then purchased an HK...a gun I WAS going to buy to begin it all, but was talked into the "plastic sucks" mentality.

My personal list would be as follows:
1) Any HK - USP included
2) Walther P99 or PPS
3) Steyr M-A1 (almost non-existent bore axis lever arm on this puppy). Early ones had some issues, but I think they're fixed.
4) M&P or Springfield XD

What can I say...I like plastic.

[c4v3man]

For those of you who say that HK triggers suck, he can always get the Match trigger, which comes in the Expert he likes. As the owner of a USP Expert 45, and one who has shot S&W's, Glocks, and rugers, I still shoot my USP expert the best. I think a fair amount of it is psycological, as I KNOW I can shoot my USP expert well, and that if I miss, it's my own fault. I also know that the gun will not malfunction, unless it is maintained poorly (well, now that I think about it, only if it was not maintained at all), and that allows me to focus on shooting and having a good time. I owned a Ruger P90DC for awhile, and while I never had any problems with it, it felt a little cheap, and didn't fit my hand as well. When I shoot Glock 23's and 26's (I think), I'm always pretty accurate with them, however they don't feel comfortable. I'm always having to point the gun down. Still, they are also very reliable, and I know many people who are happy with them. They are a decent value.

I purchased my USP expert because I'm left handed, and I wanted a gun that I could pass on to my kids in 50 or so years. I enjoy the guns that have been passed on to me, and I look forward to doing the same. I know my HK will shoot just as accurately and reliably when I do pass it on. Compared the to cost of the ammo you are going to be shooting, another couple hundred dollars don't really matter in the long run. Buy the gun YOU want, that YOU feel comfortable using. The guns you have mentioned will all function fine for you. Thankfully with the competition in the market, it's hard to purchase a poorly made gun IMO.

[madmardigan]

What do you base this on? The fact that government agencies really dig it? I don't dislike the gun, but from shooting a few, it is a worse fit for me than an XD, Sig, or HK. Also, writing this on an HK forum is just trolling. At least the M & P guy gives a reason... I really would like to try an M & P myself.... Please PM me if you want to donate one so I can have an enlightened opinion on it.

Yeah a lot of people do not like the grip angle but it doesn't bother me the least bit. My two favorite pistols are the glock 9mms and the HK P7, with 1911s coming in a distant 3rd. Glocks are cheap, parts and mags are cheap, they are easy to fix, they have a very low bore axis which makes for fast follow up shots, they are the most reliable pistol made (ever seen the glock torture test? Google it sometime.) Simple to operate, very safe to carry, etc, etc, etc, etc

[bordercop]

If you're starting out, I REALLY recommend getting a full size slide. In fact I would probably even go a step further and recommend a 6" barrel revolver in .22lr Cheap ammo, long sight radius, and you don't have to worry about magazines (the primary weakness of semi-auto pistols). My very first introduction into handguns was plucking aluminum cans off of a fence rail with a Ruger Single Six.

I also encourage newer shooters to shoot at reactive targets like soda cans, steel plates, balloons, etc. While paper bullseyes help you refine your skills, once you are getting the hang of it, reactive targets really bring up the fun factor of shooting.

P2000 series are based on the compact, which means shorter sight radius and more muzzle flip. I would advise you to look into a full size model. Your spider fingers will do just fine on it. I shoot/carry a full size USP45, and I too have long skinny fingers.

Like Scooter, I am a fan of the M&P. After years of saying Smith should stick to wheel guns, they've finally proven me wrong with that gun.

[P7_Id10T]

FWIW / YMMV

I prefer all metal guns.
With that first statement, let me say I LOVED my tupperware (HK Tactical 45 and Steyr M40).

9mm In Order of My Preference:
P7M13
P7 (M8 or PSP - tie)
CZ-75B (yes, the trigger can be rough)
USP Elite (Like the long slide)

The HK45 and P2000 both feel great, but haven't tried them.

Cannot stand Glocks - they do not fit my hand at all. With a high grip, my pinkie is underneath the standard mag floorplate. It made shooting the G17 very awkward.

Every person I know who owns a Beretta 92 loves it (and usually has more than one).

[bordercop]

Every person I know who owns a Beretta 92 loves it (and usually has more than one).

Most people I know who have purchased one, likes them as well. A majority of the complaints I've heard have come from the mouths of soldiers. One thing that you have to understand about this is that they are getting something that has been abused by many hands before them, and is locked in an arms room, instead of getting a lot of TLC when not in use. Also, in most cases, soldiers magazines are handed out from a box with the weapon, are rarely maintained or even cleaned.

I know of one person who did a side by side comparison of a US made, and original Italian made 92's and said that the Italian models are far superior. I can say that the M9's I had in the Army were all POS, but the 96D I was issued when I joined DOJ/INS served me well, right up to the day I was given the P2000 in it's place.

[CZ-75]

I think there's enough HK related discussion to keep this thread alive.

In all honesty, the only newer HK pistol I like is the P30. I had a USP Tactical, but I just couldn't shoot the gun very well.

I think the CZ-75 is the best 9mm pistol for the money.

[harrydog]

I think there's enough HK related discussion to keep this thread alive.

In all honesty, the only newer HK pistol I like is the P30. I had a USP Tactical, but I just couldn't shoot the gun very well.

I also had a USP45 Tactical and could never shoot it very well. But the HK45 is a different story. I can shoot it almost as well as my 1911's.

[19852]

All of the pistols you mentioned will give a lifetime of service. I also have long fingers and I like a hand filling grip. I liked the large backstrap on the P2000. I also like CZ's and Beretta's for thier comfortable grip, they give my long fingers someplace to go. SIG's are known for accuracy [not that the others are not]. I don't shoot Glocks well but they are extremely popular in police, military and competitive circles. For after market support you can't beat Glock [except for the 1911].

[BillR]

Basically it comes down to how the pistol feels in your hand, caliber , which you have decided on and the type of controls or action . Do you want DA/SA ? or a double action only or pre-cocked action like the Glocks ? The best thing you can do is find a range that rents pistols and try them out before you buy . Otherwise you may not like what you get . Consider youself lucky to have larger hands , there are alot of great pistols that are now a little dated due to all the new models that have come out but this gives you a chance to find great prices on the SIG 226 , HK USP , Beretta and Glock.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Glock in a swamp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrZ0kxhDA3Y&feature=related

Beretta 92 in a swamp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc_Rqm0bESI&feature=related

Any questions? :D

[CrippledPidgeon]

Most people I know who have purchased one, likes them as well. A majority of the complaints I've heard have come from the mouths of soldiers. One thing that you have to understand about this is that they are getting something that has been abused by many hands before them, and is locked in an arms room, instead of getting a lot of TLC when not in use. Also, in most cases, soldiers magazines are handed out from a box with the weapon, are rarely maintained or even cleaned.

I know of one person who did a side by side comparison of a US made, and original Italian made 92's and said that the Italian models are far superior. I can say that the M9's I had in the Army were all POS, but the 96D I was issued when I joined DOJ/INS served me well, right up to the day I was given the P2000 in it's place.

I know a bunch of people who swear by their 92s, and I have to admit, I like the styling, but it's a really large gun. If the USP feels like a 2x4, the 92 feels like holding onto a log. It's a very wide, very round grip. I had issues with the trigger too. It just didn't feel very good on my finger, probably because it's a lot straighter than my USP, so I just felt like I didn't have good purchase on the trigger.

But yea, +50 for renting everything that you're looking at.

[orfeo]

I recently bought a 9mm CZ SP-01 with manual safety for my nephew. We looked for a long time at quite a few 9mms. Ended up deciding on an all-steel full-size design, which qiuckly led to the SP-01 which is basically an all-steel CZ-75B with accessory rails, night-sights, and (2) 19-round mags. We paid $480 for it NIB. This is BY FAR the nicest shooting 9mm I have ever handled. Gritty trigger can be worked to duplicate the nicest 1911s. Follow-up shots are a dream, with the pistol just wanting to stay on target. This is ALOT cheaper than the USP, and is (I think) a nicer shooter. Not quite as cheap as the M&P, but as even Scooter mentioned, the M&P has had some quality control issues out of the box.

Since you say you are not into the CCW thing, I would strongly recommend a full-size, all-steel pistol like the CZ.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

The SP01 always struck me as a nice range pistol. I like the idea of nearly 20rnds of 9mm. :)

And I don't dislike the Beretta either. My uncles old Beretta 92 (not 92f or fs) shoots like a laser. I just wouldn't want one in a sandy enviorment given the tight tolerences of this Italian pistol. As a range gun though theres nothng wrong with it.

[s2000ap1]

I've just been through this same exact decision process.

I bought my first gun on February 28th and looked at all the guns you just mentioned. Sig, Glock, Springfield, S&W, CZ, HK and even some 1911's.

I was fortunate enough to shoot a CZ-SP-01 and a Sig P223 (I think), both 9mm as well as some revolvers before my purchase.

After hours at a gun store over 2 weekends, I decided to go with the HK P30.

- It felt the best in my hands plus had interchangeable grip sizes
- It was 9mm which I wanted as a first gun
- It was easy to take apart to clean and Maintain
- It had night sights
- It had the HK brand reliability

Let me say that I was also afraid of a 'compact' 9mm because I though I had to get a full-size to be comfortable with the recoil. DO NOT WORRY about this, especially with something like the P30. You will be fine. I cannot say enough good things about the P30. My friends who have fired it, all of whom own various pistols .. they LOVE this gun, they WANT this gun. It is that good.

I've since bought an HK USP Fullsize .40 S&W. And I agree it isn't the most comfy weapon, but to me it feels like a military service pistol and knowing that is OK with me. I wouldn't recommend it as your first and only gun though.

Having said all that, I tend to like the trigger on my friends Sig better and I think my other friends CZ SP-01 is the easiest to shoot.

My next gun will be a Beretta 92FS, contrary to what some may say on the boards about their reliability, there is something about this gun that feels good to me when I hold it. And that counts as much as anything else in my book.

If you aren't comfortable with the gun, you won't shoot it good.

Do yourself a favor and find an HK P30 to hold. Be sure to find out what size grips are on it because if it doesn't feel perfect, you can adjust that. Mine has the medium grips and its perfect, I've held one in the store with the small grips and though it felt better than other guns, it wasn't the same as the medium for me.

OK enough rambling.. My vote is the HK P30 hands down.

You will want another gun no matter what, it is that addictive, so the other ones will come later:)

-C

[Burke888]

See above. P30 is the way to go here.

[sernv99]

I handled the USP .45 yesterday. I assume the USP 9 feels the same way, grip wise. It was ok, it wasn't like a brick. I have large hands and long skinny fingers so I was able to grip it without problems. But I prefer the slimmer grip handle of the CZ-75 a little bit more. I don't know, something about it made me more comfortable with the gripping of the CZ. I didnt like the plastic grips, sweat from your hands can easily have the gun slip around in your hand so if I get that model I'll get rubber grips.....Today I hope to visit some other gun shops and handle the P30. I like how it has finger grooves to give it a more secure grip. The Springfield XD just sucked, I didnt like it grip wise and is too short. BUT I did like their safety feature, the button on the back of the handle that need to be depressed if you want to pull the trigger....sort of like the UZI.

thanks for all of the replies.

[19852]

I have the CZ checkered rubber grip panels on my CZ P01. They work great even with my long fingers. I have Hogue rubber grips with finger groves on my fullsize SA only, CZ 75. I never tried the new P30 but I had a P2000 LEM. With the XL size grip insert the smallish P2000 was very secure to hold.

[BytorJr]

IIRC, the USP 45 is larger than the USP 9/40 in grip circumference.