First post, first questions. USP 45 & HK45

[silentpoet]

I am seriously considering my first HK pistol. I handled several at the gun store from 9mm to .45. The USP 45 F felt pretty good in my hand. The HK45C and USP45C felt a little too short for my hand. But to be honest so does my Sig 229 without a magazine. I have to dry fire it with an empty mag in it. But back to the questions.

Does the fullsize HK45 only hold 10 rounds? I was looking at them on gun broker and they all seemed to show 10+1 capacity. Honestly for the price difference it ain't worth it to me for two less rounds.

Really at this point I am seriously considering the USP 45 if it is still there. I think from reading on here it is a V1. It is a DA/SA with a decocker and a safety. Do I have the trigger mode right? The frame is kind of tan colored. it comes with a soft case and 3 magazines. I don't think it was a tactical as I don't recall it having the threaded barrel. I think it was just a hair under 700.

I know both the USP and HK45 should be reliable. What am I really gaining with the HK45 over the USP? I don't really see the USP as a compromise, but would I be right in my thinking? I know about the adjustable grip and the light rail, but those might be offset by the price difference and the 2 less rounds.

The pistol would be mainly for home defense and possibly duty use as a security guard. If I could conceal it, it would also be a part time CCW piece.

[cmdrdredd]

The HK45 holds 10+1, but you can shove 11 in the mag if you try. It is worth it because it's so comfortable and everything about it is quality. It offers the more standard rail system vs the USP's proprietary system, a match grade trigger, luminescent sights, ergonomic grip with optional back strap to adjust the grip.

To me, there's no comparison.

[jdavis6576]

Others who have/shot both can answer better but if I were you I'd take a good look at the HK45 before deciding. I've never shot the USPf but have shot the HK45 quite a bit. Granted, you are giving up two rounds but the trigger is very good, recoil is minimal and the grip is incredible. If you have some time check out Greg Bell's Break my HK45 thread. I think you'll be impressed.

A good friend of mine who owns a gun range was a Sig fan for years until he shot my P2000. He sold all but one of his Sigs (W. German P220) and now carries either the P30 or the HK45. If you haven't fondled the HK45 you owe it to yourself...

[Sobriquet]

You owe it to yourself to fire an Hk45 before deciding. I'm very pleased with my choice. If you're concerned about mag capacity, but still want the benefits of the HK45, perhaps a P30 is something you should look into. With +P JHP 9mm ammo, it should be plenty for what you need. No safety on the P30, though, so you can't carry in condition 1.

On the 11 rounds in the mag thing... honestly, it's not worth it. You mentioned it's for home defense and possibly for carry. Ask yourself whether the risk of a failure to fire is offset by having an 11th round. I'd be more concerned that the first 3-4 rounds fired without malfunction than needing the extra rounds.

[silentpoet]

I did handle the compact HK45 and it was just a little too short gripped for my hands. Plus I believe it was DAO, and I want a safety. They didn't have a full size HK45. I even checked at another store and they didn't have one either. I might see what I can see at some shops today, but I am visiting family and I think the selection is likely to be alot worse in this town. Money/budget is an issue, but only to a point. Because I am also trying to see what sort of carbine I can get before either democrat gets in office. I do not really want to compromise on my side arm though. I am not sure if the HK45F will fit me better or not.

[cmdrdredd]

I did handle the compact HK45 and it was just a little too short gripped for my hands. Plus I believe it was DAO, and I want a safety. They didn't have a full size HK45. I even checked at another store and they didn't have one either. I might see what I can see at some shops today, but I am visiting family and I think the selection is likely to be alot worse in this town. Money/budget is an issue, but only to a point. Because I am also trying to see what sort of carbine I can get before either democrat gets in office. I do not really want to compromise on my side arm though. I am not sure if the HK45F will fit me better or not.

The HK45c feels nothing like the full size. That is to say, the full sized gun feels better. The HK45c comes in DA/SA with a manual safety + decocker. I've never seen it sold with the LEM which would be what you consider DAO in a way.

[silentpoet]

The HK45c feels nothing like the full size. That is to say, the full sized gun feels better. The HK45c comes in DA/SA with a manual safety + decocker. I've never seen it sold with the LEM which would be what you consider DAO in a way.

I could be wrong about the HK45C and getting it mixed up with one of the other ones I looked at that day. I looked at a ton of pistols and HKs from 9mm to .45. But the one I really liked that day was the USP45F. I will wait till I can get a look at the full size HK45. It is not a huge hurry.

Is the HK45 much better in terms of practical accuracy or reliability than the USP 45? Is the recoil reduction noticeable?

[mbshooter]

i dont own either, but went and shot both the other day. for me the hk 45 gets my vote hands down. it feels better in my hands and i think the recoil is less in the hk45.

[rohardi]

IMO, I have owned a USP Tactical and HK45. I Like the feel of the HK45 MUCH better. I have medium size hands, so the HK45 works better for me. And I can fit 11 rounds in my HK45 mags with out any problem. Get the HK45, its worth the extra money!

[SIGtrarian]

The onlygood way to tell which one to get is to shoot, or at least hold them in your hands.

For specifications:
http://www.heckler-koch.de/HKWebText/detailProd/1925/135/4/21

http://www.hk-usa.com/hk45_general.html

[cmdrdredd]

I could be wrong about the HK45C and getting it mixed up with one of the other ones I looked at that day. I looked at a ton of pistols and HKs from 9mm to .45. But the one I really liked that day was the USP45F. I will wait till I can get a look at the full size HK45. It is not a huge hurry.

Is the HK45 much better in terms of practical accuracy or reliability than the USP 45? Is the recoil reduction noticeable?

The accuracy and reliability of ALL HK polymer pistols are legendary so they will all perform similarly in adverse or less than ideal conditions. The Recoil reduction buffer in the HK45 seems to work better than what was/is used in the USP. Some models of the USP series had a piston that would attempt to hold the slide from slamming back to the furthest position I believe. It works, but not as well as the buffer on the HK45.

[dtheman]

HK45 all the way, give it a try before you buy anything else.

[Kost]

USPF .45 is one of the most amazing and accurate .45's I have ever shot, only my custom built Colt 1911's are more accurate. I have big (not large) hands, so its not an issue...my fingers do a complete 'wrap around' on the grip, and the tip of my trigger finger extends a good 1/4" forward of the trigger guard..it just feels right.

I realize the HK45 is slimmer in the grip, but that wont stop me from getting one. Even if I decided not to get the HK45...the way I look at it, Im in NO WAY what so ever giving away or compromising by using the USPF .45

*You decide*

[jehu]

The USPf 45 is extremly accurate & recoil is very soft. Even one handed groups are tight. For home defense it's hard to beat 13rds of 45 on tap.

[loupav]

i say go with the HK45 because it's the newest thing.

[bigghk702]

usp get my vote every time i have BIG hands and no other gun feels even close to as good as my uspf 45, that includes the hk45 p30 usp compact sig glock etc. i dont see how the hk 45 will be any more reliable than the usp since most of the internals are from the usp. i think a lot of people like the hk45 just for one reason, it's the new gun. 13 rounds, cheaper price, parts and after market are more avalible. that with comparable accuracy/reliabilaty it's usp all the way.
just my two cents

[harrydog]

IMO, I have owned a USP Tactical and HK45. I Like the feel of the HK45 MUCH better. I have medium size hands, so the HK45 works better for me. And I can fit 11 rounds in my HK45 mags with out any problem. Get the HK45, its worth the extra money!
Exactly my situation. I've since sold my USP45 Tactical but I'll be keeping the HK45. For me it's much better. Muzzle flip is less, recoil seems less and I can just shoot it better.

[warISpeace]

I was at the same inpass.. usp45 or hk45.. in the end the hk45 won- and i have slightly less than medium sized hands.. ergonomics = wow!

The issue of the number of rounds should not be of concern for home defense (unless 11 + 1 people simultaneously break in). Also, the picatinny rail is nice since I have the Glock GTL21 light/laser (Glock's light mates very well with the HK45)

However, as stated previously, you should shoot both and get what mates better with your hands.

[robert14]

I have both & the HK45 is what sits on my hip & beside my bed.

[UTVOL06]

I'd say HK45 should be your first HK. You loose 2 rounds, but gain a more ergonomic and 1911ish design.

I'm actually wanting a HK USP .45 Tactical now though to go along with my new HKs.

HK USP.45 vs. HK45 ...hands down HK45. HK45 vs HK USP.45 Tactical..harder choice. I really like the fixed night sights on the HK45 though.

[HKCHEF]

I think either way you will be happy, just try and shoot both first and see which one you prefer.