My HK45C LEM trigger is awesome!!!

[the_fallguy]

I recently posted that I got my first .45ACP ever, an HK45C. I love this pistol, but I kept de-cocking the safety during the presentation of the pistol about 50% of the time. It was annoying enough I had decided not to carry it until I could fix the de-cocking issue.

I decided to call H&K and ask them how much a variant 9 detent plate would cost, and see if I could order the plate alone or if I had to send the gun in. I had already decided to alter a USP detent plate if I couldn't just order one for the HK45C, as I really couldn't justify the extra shipping costs and the installation cost (or I might as well just get the LEM kit installed, since that is what I really wanted any how).

To my dismay, H&K didn't have any variant 9 detent plates in stock. I asked the rep whether I would have to send my gun in once they did have them, or whether I could install it myself. He said he could sell one to me to install myself once they got them, but that might be a little while longer. I decided to ask if they would send an LEM kit, because as far as I knew, you had to send the pistol in to get it installed. "Sure", he said. "I have them, and I can send one to you". I verified that it was the HK45C we were talking about, and not the USP Compact 45. It was, so I ordered one on the spot. It was about $80, and well worth it.

The kit came via UPS today, and I installed it immediately (a huge thanks to Big Bore for posting the instructions). All I can say is WOW! The trigger is awesome, and the trigger reset is almost as short as my Glock 22. I love the simplicity of the pistol with the LEM installed. I used the included LEM hammer spring but left the original trigger return spring, for a pull weight of about 6 lbs. when it breaks (to mimic the actual trigger weight of my Glock, my other carry pistol). The HK45C will be my full time carry pistol for the rest of the year now that it has the LEM trigger. It is exactly what I want in a carry pistol now.

[steelshooter]

I like the manual safety a lot but it gets in my way. I've tried LEM and didn't like it so I've had to alter my grip.

[the_fallguy]

I keep hearing from some people that they don't like the LEM trigger, and for the life of me, I can't understand why. It is essentially the same pull as the SAO of a variant 9, but with a closer reset. There is a take up, but it has no resistance at all, and you are starting out with your finger forward anyhow, at least if you have good trigger discipline.

I'm not picking at you, steelshooter. I am just curious what it is you don't like about the LEM trigger.

[steelshooter]

It doesn't feel consistent to me. The only trigger I have liked similar to the LEM is Sig's DAK trigger. i understand there is a light LEM and maybe I would like that better. The P2000 I tried definitely did not feel like an SAO.

[kraigster414]

My dealer ordered an HK45c with the light LEM for me and I expect it shortly. My preference for this gun is no levers, safeties, nada and considering the cost of the gun, you might as well get it outfitted the way you want. I'll post a review as soon as I receive and am able to get to the range.

[ccmdfd]

I haven't seen a 45/45C with LEM yet. Do you leave the safety on the gun, or does it come off during the installation?

Thanks
cc

[Spokes]

I have two P2000's with LEM. I think it is the greatest thing since white bread. I also have a HK45C double/single and would love to convert to LEM.

[dcondiff]

It doesn't feel consistent to me. The only trigger I have liked similar to the LEM is Sig's DAK trigger. i understand there is a light LEM and maybe I would like that better. The P2000 I tried definitely did not feel like an SAO.

Make sure you rack the slide when you test the trigger, otherwise its MUCH harder than it actually is when you're firing the pistol. It's really hard to get a accurate feel of the LEM trigger unless you take about 50 rounds and slow fire them to feel where the trigger resets etc.

I think for CCW weapons, LEM is the best option. I don't mind the DA/SA with my P30 either, I like that trigger a lot more than the USP line for whatever reason.

For range/non-CCW purposes my USP Tac45 still reigns supreme.

[dobe]

What does HK say is the actual pull weight of LEM?

[givo08]

The trigger reset on the LEM HK45c (and USP type and HK45f) should be a lot shorter than the P2k/P30 in LEM. This just has to do with the designs of the two different trigger systems.

[the_fallguy]

steelshooter, the light LEM is very comparable to the SAO pull of the variant 1 or variant 9 trigger. I actually replaced the hammer spring with the heavier version because the lightest variation wasn't heavy enough for my taste.

kraigster414, I couldn't stop handling this pistol once I installed the LEM. It is exactly what I wanted in a CCW pistol. I think you'll be pleased with yours.

ccmdfd, I took the safety off. There were (I think) like eight original parts that didn't go back into the gun. The only difference between the HK45C kit and the one in Big Bore's instructional post was that you don't discard the Sear Complete. It looks like there is a way to leave the lever on with the LEM, but I wanted it gone.

[Legion]

I just picked up a P2000sk 9mm with the V2 LEM this weekend, and I'm actually amazed by this trigger, and how smooth it is.
I've been used to my P7M8 for years - and after that, traditional double actions in my USPc .40 and HK45c...but after playing with the LEM equipped P2Ksk, in my local shop, I figured I'd give it a try. If I didn't like it, I could always trade it back in, right?

Now, I'm kicking myself for not trying one earlier. And as a rule, I can't stand DAO pistols, or the Glock trigger.

I have a funny feeling that all my future HK purchases may have to have the LEM trigger!

[the_fallguy]

EXACTLY!!!:44: