What About the USP45 Grip is Too Big / Un-Ergonomic?

[D-Man]

I'm thinking about the purchase of a USP45 to serve as a home defense / range gun. I've handled one in the store, and it doesn't seem 'that big'. I need to go back and handle it some more, but I wanted to see what most people who say it is too big object about it:

1) Is the grip to blocky?
2) Does the grip size make it difficult to get a consistent trigger pull? (This is my biggest concern and one I'll need to make sure I'm OK with before purchasing).
3) Or is it just the overall size of the gun that is too big?

The reason I lean towards the USP45 is the 12 round capacity and similar controls/feel to my USPc in 9MM.

[Phalanx1]

I think you're better off with a HK45. It just fits better. Even though it has 10 round magazines, with one in the tube its 11. If you can't get the first 10 to go where they have to in a defense situation, chances are the next two won't matter. IMHO of course.

[benderx4]

I use a USP45 Tactical for home defense and love it. 12+1 45acp

We have another USP45 we take to the range as a shooter and my son shoots his best groupings with it (of all my guns other than 1911s) and he's only 14 years old.

We did add the Hogue Handall to our USP45s and was amazed to find what a HUGE positive difference a $10 piece of rubber made - highly recommended.

I must admit, however, that I also own a HK45 and think it's one of the finest guns made anywhere by anybody.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3195451318_3f5d3876e9.jpg?v=0
(Before Vortex and Hogue Handall)

Tough choice, but the good thing is that you can't go wrong either way you go.

[Rican Havoc]

Personally, I think one's preference to grip size is something that is learned or developed. I have no problems with the USP45f. Yes, it is a large gun, and it should be, seeing as it holds 13 rounds of good ole' .45 on tap. Whenever I've handed my USP45f to a new shooter, I've never heard them complain "Ack, the grip is too big!" Only after they make up their mind on what they prefer do they entertain thoughts of guns being too big for them.

For a while, I had a love affair with single stack 9mms. At that point, ALL double stacks felt too d@mn big. However, once I started appreciating the double stacks more and more, I found that even the USP45f and the G21 are not too large. Big? Yes! Too big? Not in my opinion. Now if we want to talk about "too big," we should be talking about Desert Eagles...

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/214/214487/pages/1016963/handlength.jpg

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/214/214487/pages/1016963/handwidth.jpg

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/214/214487/pages/1016963/griplengthftb.jpg

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/214/214487/pages/1016963/gripwidth.jpg

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/214/214487/pages/1016964/holding.jpg

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/214/214487/pages/1016964/triggerreach.jpg

[Phalanx1]

Hey Rican - Nice series of comparison pics.

[orfeo]

If you are happy with your USPc trigger, you'll definitely be fine with the USP. . . AND, you can always put a match trigger in it. It is a big gun, but it's not like it's a Desert Eagle or a Mark 23. It is a VERY reasonable size, and a great gun which is as overbuilt as a Sherman tank! True that it is not as "pretty" and as streamlined as the HK45, but it's as beautiful as a HumVee and can be had ALOT cheaper than the newest, latest thing (HK45). JMHO :)

[orfeo]

I use a USP45 Tactical for home defense and love it. 12+1 45acp. . .

Best groups I ever shot was with one of these. . .

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Is un-ergonomic even a word? ;)

You will have to decide for yourself if it fits your hand. While I find the P30 very comfortable (never shot the HK45) I still like the "old n' blocky" USP just fine. :)

[Perseus]

Hold an HK45 and I think the decision will be clear.

[MrShipwreck]

To me, the fullsize USP, either in 9mm or 45 is too large for my hand. my HK45 is ALMOST too large for me.

But I love the grip of the USPcs. I have a 9mm and one in 45ACP.

They use a different mag, and they are not as blocky as the fullsize USPs

[.45ACP]

USPs fit my hand like a glove.

The USP 45 isn't even much wider at the grip than the 9/40. It seems the main difference is the increased length of the grip, which actually suits my hand better. I still like the overall grip on the USP 9 though, but I prefer the .45.

[D-Man]

I appreciate all of the comments so far.

Rican Havoc - If my hands were as large as yours, the USP45 would be mine already!!! To try and compare, when gripping the USP45, my thumb is just touching my other fingers around the grip (where it seems as if you have about an inch or so to spare).

[Rican Havoc]

I appreciate all of the comments so far.

Rican Havoc - If my hands were as large as yours, the USP45 would be mine already!!! To try and compare, when gripping the USP45, my thumb is just touching my other fingers around the grip (where it seems as if you have about an inch or so to spare).

Wow! You've definitely got some tiny mittens! My hands are smaller than most people I know, more of what I'd consider "medium-sized." If I were you, I'd be looking for single stack pistols.

Just my .02,

RHP

[ptechjpjr]

I don't know about looking at single stack 9mms since you already have a double stack 9mm and like it. How about the USP Compact in 40 caliber or the P2000 in 40 caliber. I believe both have 12 + 1 capacity if my memory is correct and are in a much more reliable defense caliber. If you want some serious defense ammo take a look at double tap ammo, Mike McNett makes some of the best ammo, PERIOD.

[Rican Havoc]

I don't know about looking at single stack 9mms since you already have a double stack 9mm and like it.

You do realize that single stack handguns come in many calibers...?

[Jezsuiz]

I have medium sized hands. As in when I buy batting gloves or winter gloves medium size fits me perfectly. I have a USP45f I have no issues with the grip or trigger control or recoil. I think to many people worry about the size of their hands. I think it has alot more to do with hand strength than size. Ive been to a few classes where the teachers seem to think smaller hands are better for pistol shooting.

[orfeo]

USP 45 all the way. . . . :)

[taseal]

It fits me well I think. but you know what, I think I have big hands.....

I'll take some pics to show my hands too.

only thing that annoys me is that I can't reach the mag release with my thumb. but I have heard this is an issue with most people...

[D-Man]

I do plan to check back with the USP45 to make sure the fit as mentioned in a previous post was correct. I'd guess my hands are average for my height (5'7"), so maybe I'll be OK. I do currently own other double-stack handguns, some M&P's which are slimmer in design and a P226 which is a bit fatter. I don't have issues with any of them.

[ptechjpjr]

You do realize that single stack handguns come in many calibers...?

I'm sorry Rican Havoc I misread your quote. I thought it said look into a single stack 9mm. I guess 9mm was just on my brain from reading this post.

[BytorJr]

I think if one uses proper grip, the effect of a larger circumference grip is mitigated. That said, I used to own a Beretta, and I hated that grip; of course, this was early on in my "career" so I'll chalk it up to that.