HK 45C design

[GJM]

Looking at my P2000 LEM and 45C LEM, the pistols are obviously closely related.

While it is frustrating that there are no variant 9 parts* available yet, nor tritium sights, I understand all things HK take time. My biggest issue is the light rail on the 45C. While the P2000 works with the X300 and TLR-1, despite having a very aggressive looking light rail, the 45C works with neither light (excluding a modified TLR-1?). What was HK thinking when they designed the light rail on the 45C and what decent light works on it?

Right now, between tritium sights, the light situation and half again as many cartridges, the P2000 in 40 seems to offer advantages over the 45C.

*For a 1911 trained shooter like me, variant 1 on the HK 45 and 45C can be a real problem, as pushing down on the thumb safety beyond safe but not to decock, can tie the pistol up so it doen't fire.

[kraigster414]

I am a 1911 shooter too and when it came time to deciding what kind of trigger I wanted in my HK45c, I went with the LEM, just pull the trigger, guns goes bang (I was considering ordering the Variant 3 as well -da/sa decocker but in the end oppted for the LEM). Having said that, with practice comes profiency. So I think if you shoot a Variant 1 enough, it will become second nature to you.

For me, the HK45c is about as close to pefection as you are going to get in a polymer .45 ACP. Bill Springfield made my LEM even better (smoother and lighter by almost a pound) and I have now fired over a thousand rounds through the gun with no problems excpet with some of my reloads that were charged too light and wouldn't cycle the slide. The HK45's do seem to like the hotter loads.

Never thought much about adding a light but there's gotta be something that works well on the .45c.

The only thing I can find to B!@#$ about and it comes under the heading of extremely minor, is that darn little sear axle pin that drifts out from the gun's recoil. HK says normal, I say annoying. A pal told to stop whinning about it and he's right. Shoot the sucker like you stole it as someone once said. :)

[mjlombardo]

Does the HK45c come with the lem installed? I haven't been able to find one sold in that configuration. From everything I can find says that you have to buy a lem kit and have it installed. I really want a 45c but I want to remain with the LEM since that is what I have in my duty weapon.

[kraigster414]

Does the HK45c come with the lem installed? I haven't been able to find one sold in that configuration. From everything I can find says that you have to buy a lem kit and have it installed. I really want a 45c but I want to remain with the LEM since that is what I have in my duty weapon.

You will find only the HK45 with a Variant 1 trigger in the stores for the time being (on/off safety lever on the left side of the frame). If you want an LEM (no safeties or levers) out of the box without having to retrofit afterwards, have your HK dealer special order from the factory as I did - if he buys through a distributor, you/he may not have that ability. It took about 6 weeks for my HK45c LEM to arrive. In my opinion, it was worth it. When you are spending this kind of money, you might as well get it outfitted the way you want without having to buy new parts, spend more $, incur more downtime etc. All the factory outfitted HK45 LEM's come with the light LEM triggers (4.5-5.5 lb. break.).

[GJM]

I bought my 45C in variant 1, and returned it to HK to have the LEM installed. They offered different weight LEM options and called me to discuss my preference.

[givo08]

My biggest complaint on my HK45c is the trigger and light fit as well. I modified my TLR-1 by putting the 1913 attachment further back on the top of the light and using two sided tape to hold it in place. I have heard that the insight procyon works on it without modification, and it's supposed to be a great light.

Also, for sights, I put Heinie straight 8's on mine. I have these on my G19 as well and for me they are in my top 2 favorite handgun sights (the other being warren tacticals, which are not available for the HK45c). I noticed a significant increase in speed and accuracy over the stock sights.

The trigger is my last complaint (V1). I carry cocked & locked, so DA is not a concern (and it is horrible), but even SA has a lot of over travel and is a bit on the heavy side. I've thought about sending it to Bill Springfield for some work.

The biggest competition to the HK45c right now in my opinion is the M&P45 compact. It's got the same # of rounds, with a 10 and 14 round extended mag option. It can also have an extremely sweet trigger if worked on by someone like Dan Burwell or Bowie Tactical -- coming close to a 1911. With the safety it makes for a sweet setup.

[GJM]

1) Does it cost extra to order a new HK 45 or 45C with an LEM trigger?

2) I spoke to HK today, and they suggested that a light that will work on the 45C should be announced by a company (not Surefire) in about a month and a half. In the mean time, what light does fit a 45C?

3) As to the comment about getting used to variant one with practice -- I disagree. If you press hard on the safety with variant one, it may prevent the pistol from firing. I have seen this shooting on the run at a course, and shooting +P ammo where I was working to hold the pistol down.
For a thumb on top of the safety shooter, I see variant one as being unacceptable. Hopefully variant nine will arrive soon.

[ScbaSteve]

My biggest complaint on my HK45c is the trigger and light fit as well. I modified my TLR-1 by putting the 1913 attachment further back on the top of the light and using two sided tape to hold it in place. I have heard that the insight procyon works on it without modification, and it's supposed to be a great light.

Also, for sights, I put Heinie straight 8's on mine. I have these on my G19 as well and for me they are in my top 2 favorite handgun sights (the other being warren tacticals, which are not available for the HK45c). I noticed a significant increase in speed and accuracy over the stock sights.

The trigger is my last complaint (V1). I carry cocked & locked, so DA is not a concern (and it is horrible), but even SA has a lot of over travel and is a bit on the heavy side. I've thought about sending it to Bill Springfield for some work.

The biggest competition to the HK45c right now in my opinion is the M&P45 compact. It's got the same # of rounds, with a 10 and 14 round extended mag option. It can also have an extremely sweet trigger if worked on by someone like Dan Burwell or Bowie Tactical -- coming close to a 1911. With the safety it makes for a sweet setup.

The Insight Procyon does NOT fit on the hk45c. I made that mistake. The rail is not long enough for the light to clip on, and there is no way to move the lock rearward on the light. It is a great light, but unfortunately it will not work on the gun.

[igcsteve]

With assistance from forum member 99999 I mounted the TLR-1 on my 45C and it works great. Make's a great night light next to the bed.