Whoohooo My HK45c with LEM arrived

[kraigster414]

'Took about 6 weeks for my dealer to receive from Germany but I now have the gun I want, outfitted the way I want. I really like the LEM on this gun.

Not much difference by the way between the medium and the small grip panels, I tried t hem both and went back to the small that was on the gun to begin with.

To clarify any confusion...you CAN get the HK45 with an LEM trigger versus the Variant 1 but it is considered a special order and be prepared to wait a little. But given the cost of the HK45 to me anyway, it makes sense to get the gun fitted the way you want from the get-go.

Shown in a LH AKJ Concealco IWB and with an Uncle Mike's medium slip on grip.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/kraigster414/HK45c/hk45cconcealcoiwb-1.jpg

[ARKAY.357]

NOW you've done it! Now everybody is going to want one! Congrats on holding out for what you wanted. A little extra time and/or money is always worth it to get it right the first time.

Very nice setup;

ARKAY

[kraigster414]

I would never have been so patient in my '30s or '40s. I guess with age comes patience along with more aches and pains.

[Mark71]

Looks good kraigster! Post up a range report when you can.

[kraigster414]

Mark, I just came back from the range after shooting 200 rounds of Win Ranger 230 gr standard pressure JHP, a magazine of Golden Saber 230 gr. standard pressure JHP and 150 180 gr. (Remington JHP) reloads (mine, I would never trust anyone else's reloads). It shoot very nicely. My reloads however because they were so light (just a little above a starting charge of Clays) barely cycled the slide and so in the future I will have to up the powder charge a hair if using in my HK45c.

Yes to the learnig curve with the LEM! Indeed a lot of pre-travel (slack) but very quick re-set and the more I fired, the better I got (it's all a question of getting used to). And I need to practice more that's for sure. Overall, I am VERY pleased. This one's a keeper. :)

[sjopling]

Very nice, I am sure the LEM beats the standard DA pull.

[Gerber]

Curious, though, why didn't you just buy the V1 and send it to HK for the conversion? Unless you're like me and wanted the factory model...

[kraigster414]

I was in no hurry and it just seemed better to have it all done at once without the need to mail my gun to HK (I hate sending guns through the mail) plus HK's rep for speed and communication is well, ok but not exactly the gold standard. Easier/safer I thought to have Germany do it (and then pay for the gun once received). Bottom line, it all turned out well.

[LSP 972]

Are you CERTAIN the gun came straight from Germany with the LEM installed?

I ask because, with USPs and P2000s, most of the LEM pistols arrived in the US as V1s and were converted by HK staff armorers in Trussville (and now Georgia).

The giveaway was the white index mark on the frame, intended to be used in conjunction with the thumb safety of the V1. On the few USPs/USP Compacts with LEM I've seen that I KNOW came direct from Germany, the white mark wasn't there. No need for it on a factory-equipped LEM pistol.

I am not trying to minimize your joy, or saying that a domestically-converted LEM is inferior to one installed in Germany. I've had both, and there is no difference.

I AM, however, wondering if your dealer charged you a premium for the "Germany-installed LEM"... if so, he might have ripped you off.

Work with that LEM trigger, and get to know it. It is a superb piece of engineering.

.

[kraigster414]

My dealer is HK stocking dealer with an a steller rep who caters to the LE community as well as to civilian shooters. They are one of the largest HK dealers in the area (I live in a large metro area on the East Coast. The price was competitive. Not everyone is out to get you. I was advised by management that the gun was outfitted in Germany and I have no reason to disbelieve but even if it was fitted in Georgia, it would be fine with me - I did not pay a premium becuase it came from Germany just a small extra charge for the LEM.

An LEM is an LEM and I think either HK location is/was competent to do the install. I'll look fo "white marks" but it really doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

[Gerber]

The giveaway was the white index mark on the frame, intended to be used in conjunction with the thumb safety of the V1. On the few USPs/USP Compacts with LEM I've seen that I KNOW came direct from Germany, the white mark wasn't there. No need for it on a factory-equipped LEM pistol.

That's an interesting observation. My USPc is a factory LEM model and you're right, it doesn't have the white mark where a V1 control/safety lever would have originally been.

However, I am with him, who cares? If he didn't pay anything extra and he is happy with his purchase, then it's doesn't matter. He the got the pistol and trigger he diesired. Happy shooting my friend...

[LSP 972]

I'll look fo "white marks" but it really doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

No need to look far; its right there on the pistol. Assuming, of course, the photo in the OP is your pistol.

Like I said in my post, I wasn't concerned about the quality of your LEM install; just that you might have gotten ripped on a surcharge, etc.

And FWIW, all of the five LEM pistols (USP, USPc, P2000) I have were the same price as their V1 counterparts. Perhaps its a bit different with the HK45.

But like you said... who cares?

Excuse me for trying to point out something...;)

.

[2nd2none]

How do you like your holster? I can't seem to make up my mind on getting one for inside the pants or outside the pants. Is it comfortable for long periods, driving etc.??

[IMTHEDUKE]

I want that one. I was goin to get a v1 and take it over to Trussville, I live about 20 miles away, and get a LEM installed. Are there specials markings on the pistol that ids the LEM?

[kraigster414]

2nd, this is my second AKJ Concealco and I really like them and the maker did a rush job for me because I had travel coming up. My first choice was a Comp-tac MTAC but they don't offer for the HK45's. Second choice would have been a Tucker Texas Heritage but the wait is long. I also have an AKJ Concealco for my Walther P99. Very well made, comfortable and concelable. For maximum all-day comfort, albeit a bit Spartan in appearance, it's hard to beat the Crossbreed Supertuck. Fast shipping and moderately priced. I prefer IWB's (more options for carrying concealed) but body type weighs heavily into whether they are right for you.

No, no special marking Imtheduke to indicate an LEM but the lack of a decocker and safery lever is a tell tale sign. :)

I have a Variant 3 (sa/da with decocker) on my P30 and 2000 and like it a lot. I think I will equally enjoy the LEM (Variant 7) but it is different and there is a bit of a learning curve.

[Shakey]

2nd, this is my second AKJ Concealco and I really like them and the maker did a rush job for me because I had travel coming up. My first choice was a Comp-tac MTAC but they don't offer for the HK45's. Second choice would have been a Tucker Texas Heritage but the wait is long. I also have an AKJ Concealco for my Walther P99. Very well made, comfortable and concelable. For maximum all-day comfort, albeit a bit Spartan in appearance, it's hard to beat the Crossbreed Supertuck. Fast shipping and moderately priced. I prefer IWB's (more options for carrying concealed) but body type weighs heavily into whether they are right for you...


+1. AJ Concealco makes a fine holster. He's built two for me and I've been very pleased with them both. Good quality material and craftsmanship. Both mine are IWBs as well.

[2nd2none]

Thanks guys, I may just have to give the AKJ a try, next I'll have to get the LEM for my HK45c.
Kraigster good luck with your new baby girl she is a beauty...

[kraigster414]

Thank you 2nd and to all who replied.

Here's the link to AKJConcealco's website:

http://www.concealco.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ACL&Category_Code=051IWB

[Mark71]

I want that one. I was goin to get a v1 and take it over to Trussville, I live about 20 miles away, and get a LEM installed. Are there specials markings on the pistol that ids the LEM?

HK is no longer located in Trussville. They moved in August to Columbus, GA.

[snakyjake]

I want that one. I was goin to get a v1 and take it over to Trussville, I live about 20 miles away, and get a LEM installed. Are there specials markings on the pistol that ids the LEM?

While you are over there, can you ask them when LEM will be a standard option?

I'm not buying my HK45c until I can order it with LEM.

[IMTHEDUKE]

Roger that.

I may wanna wait also.

[TRK]

What real difference does it make as long as the shooter enjoys the pistol?

[bonehead]

Just ordered a Concealco select grade IWB holster for my 45c. Looks real comfy. Also love the Concealco Brown color. Oh, the pain of the wait......

[IAC533]

Let's be honest here. Among the many seasoned HK collectors and afficionados here, there is a certain amount of special interest associated with the unique and one of a kind. If this is indeed a rare, imported factory HK45c LEM it has a certain appeal. Besides, six years from now someone is going to be on this board saying that there were no imported HK45C LEM's and we'll all be like "Yeah, I remember when kRAIGSTER first showed it, and it's real!!":6200:

[Omega Man]

I would never have been so patient in my '30s or '40s. I guess with age comes patience along with more aches and pains.

Thats funny. I seem to be getting less patient as i get older.

[glockboy]

I picked up a 45c V1, it was sent back for the LEM and it does not have the white mark on it. Go figure.