HK45 vs. USP Expert .45

[boomstik45]

I'm sure some will think I'm nuts for asking this. I just bought the HK45. I love a big .45, and I love an HK. Problem is, less than a week after this purchase, I saw the USP Expert .45. I'm a big fella (6'0" 300lbs....no, I'm not fat....well, I got a bit of a belly but don't let it fool ya), so I have no problems carrying and concealing most handguns, large and small. I've concealed pistols such as the Glock 35, H&K USP .45 full size, XD .45 5" (tactical), etc. I saw that Expert and tried the trigger. I think I'm in love. While the Expert is obviously going to be a bigger package to be carrying around, I don't think it will hinder me. The HK45 has the newer universal light rail, but the Expert is shorter in the handle (due to the mag, for one thing), and has a better trigger. While I don't care so much for the Expert's sights, I'm sure they're easily replaceable with tritium night sights. The HK45? It has these superluminova sights that don't stay bright for long (no matter HOW long you hold that flashlight to them). Of course, the Expert has the USP 12 round mags, while the HK45 is cursed with 10 rounders. Then again, 7-8 rounds is enough for the 1911 afficionados, why shouldn't 10 offerings of .45 not be enough for me?

I'm still sick over this choice. I really want that Expert (despite it's $1100 price tag). Should I? Or should I stick with the newest kid on the block, the HK45? By the way, trade-in price won't bite me too badly. The owners of the shop are good friends of mine. I just can't decide which gun to go with.....it's killing me....and I can't have both (before you try to give me that answer), because I just can't afford it.

[Thray]

Trading the sights on the Expert is not a cheap affair. The rear sight, though the same as the USP Tac and Elite, sits lower to fit in the IPSC box. Thus, the front sight is different (shorter) than other front sights. You'll have to do a Mepro rear with an Ameriglo front. I have also READ that some modifications to the rear sight are required as not to interfere with the firing pin block.

I personally prefer the feel of the USP 45s to the HK45, but I also prefer the feel of the Mark 23 to the USP 45s. I'm 6'2 and can palm a basketball, albeit with some effort.

My opinion? Go with the Expert, but expect to pay closer to $1300 for everything you want (sights included) rather than the initial $1100.

I don't consider the rail on the HK45 to be that big a deal because you can get picatinny adapters for the USP if you want them, and on top of that, I find LAMs to be a waste of money for the most part. (Although a rail-mounted tac-light has some advantage for home defense scenarios, especially if you remember to keep the bulb and battery ready to go.)

My $0.02.

[boomstik45]

Thanks for the reply. So, I would have to buy TWO different kinds of night sights, and have to modify the rear to keep things from getting out of whack? Hmmmmm. Not sure who I could take it to, to have that done...Although, it's not the money that concerns me, it's getting it done right and not having function or sighting problems.

[dtibbals]

Well I own the HK45, Expert 9mm and Expert 45. The Expert is still nicer to shoot then the HK45 but if I was going to carry one I would carry the HK45. I am a big guy myself but the HK45 is going to come out of a holster faster (its shorter) and is thinner so it is going to be more comfortable to carry. Both guns will have limited holster choices and sights. The Experts are more target guns and happen to be the 2 that I use for competition. The Experts are so easy to shoot they almost do it for you!

If I was you I would keep what you have, if you can afford to buy the Expert and keep the HK45 then do it. If you can't then sit around and save up the money for the Expert so you can have them both. The reason I say this is the HK45 you have is made in Germany. They are going to start building them in the USA and as we all know that will drive up the value of anything HK made in Germany. Second is that the USP line will probably be discontinued by HK at some time. This will probably drive the USP value down for a short period of time.

I bought my Expert 45 here at HKpro.com from a member and only paid $850 for the gun in like new condition and a 2007 date code. So if its really something you want, shop around. There are deals on Experts all the time. You have to remember that you just bought the HK45 and to sell it your going to take a loss, in my opinion not worth it just to have an Expert.

[boomstik45]

Bought the Expert! Guess I fondled it too much at the store. Had to have it. I bought the HK45 for $900. I got $850 for it (being friends with the store owners REALLY helps), so I only lost $50 on it. Besides, if for some reason I don't like this gun or it just doesn't fit me right....I can trade back down to a USP .45 or HK45 and be just fine. Know what I mean?

[terrible1one3]

Get a trigger job and wait for more sights, save yourself the cash.

[terrible1one3]

Lol nvm. you made out fine then.

Have fun with the expert!

[boomstik45]

Thankyou!

[azimuth]

When I bought my expert, I put Meprolight adjustible nitesites on it. After an initial tuning, this gun is an accurate tack driver. I didn't need two different sites.