[tsenn]

I am looking at getting a home defense gun. I live in California where I do not carry, am limited to ten round magazines, etc. I was thinking a HK 45 would be a good choice because you have ten rounds of .45 caliber (good stopping power, less penetration?), and the option of cocked and locked or decocked, and also the option of adding a light. First of all, I know I need to shoot one first to see how it feels, just wanted some comments. Thanks

[Airwolf]

The second handgun that I got.

Built like a tank. Good DA trigger. Very good SA (I usually keep it in Condition 1). Best of all worlds: DA or Cocked & Locked and decocker or "paranoid mode": DA AND safety on.

I've had zero failures with it. NONE of any sort.

Nice recoil and accurate.

Only beef is with the factory night sights. To me they are really too dim. One of these days I'll replace them but that in no way detracts from the fact that it's a great gun.

Can't think of any reason (other than it's pricey) that you'd not want to have one for a self-defense/home-defense gun.

[Kahr carrier]

Hk usp good choice your limited to the Varient 1 since you are in the Prk . Surefire and H&K put out a nice UTL light for the H&K.:)

[10-Ring]

I like'em so much I'm thinking about adding a 5th to the collection. I prefer the fullsize USPs or the dual recoil spring system it uses. The triggers do require some break in...for the gun & the user, but that's no big deal. IT's always wise anyway to shoot a gun to get use to feel & function.
You're right, you should shoot a sample of the one you're interested in, but you won't go wrong in buying one! ENjoy!

[Erik]

A fine, if not exactly "size efficient," choice.

[larryw]

Eric, what does "size efficient" mean? :scrutiny:

[CZ-75]

what does "size efficient" mean?



Think Beretta 92. A 9mm as big as a .45 1911.

[Skunkabilly]

You know you want one. You know you want the whole set!!! :D

http://www.skunkabilly.com/images/usp45f_usp45e.jpg

http://www.skunkabilly.com/images/usp45s.jpg

GREAT pistols and reliable as heck. If a taclight is not a requirement you may also want to try out a compact 45 or even a compact 9mm, too.

Recoil is very tame, have you shot .45 before?

[gryphon]

I like the variant 1 because I am partial to the cocked and locked 1911 style carry. The USP is a bit "beefy", but if ou want it as a home defense firearm, then that will probably not affect you in any way. Just make sure that the grip is not too big for your liking.

1911's are my #1 all time favorite firearms, but the HK is a close second.

Mine has been 100% reliable, extremely accurate, and comfortable to shoot. The only thing that I did notice is that my HK was not very accurate with CCI Blazer ammo. It was very accurate with PMC and S&B. Pretty much I'm suggesting that you will definitely want to run a bunch of different ammo types through one if/when you decide to buy one.

[10-Ring]

I have been really enjoying my V1 USPs. I have spent alot of time, money and effort practicing DA/SA and sometimes practiced w/ it cocked & locked. The nice thing re: this gun is that it's so versatile & dependable.

[Ian11]

I do like them more for their looks than the way they perform. Its just that I don't think the performance justifies the hefty price. But I guess a lot of people say the same thing about my beloved Glocks and 1911's. The USP is a reliable handgun, accurate, and more durable than most of us can put it through.

The only real reservation for me was the long DA trigger pull for my medium sized hands. I regularly shoot a Glock 21 which is a pistol with a wide girth and even the USP was a bit much. The USP can be shot cocked and locked but I need to be comfortable with it, whatever mode its in.

As for penetration the .45 will potentially penetrate less walls than say a .357 Sig......probably.....but not enough to make any valuable difference. So if you plan to shoot in your house use appropriate discretion.:uhoh: and use hollowpoints over ball ammo.


Do try as many different handguns and calibers before you commit. That is the best advice I could give you probably.

[pogo2]

I have one of these and have used it for home defense, since it is quite reliable and holds 10 rounds. The grip fits me very well, and the gun, although fairly large in dimensions, is surprisingly lightweight because of the polymer frame. The SA trigger pull is quite a bit better than the DA pull.

Mine cost me $550 in slightly used condition from the previous owner, so it wasn't too expensive. I recommend buying one of these used, since there seems to be a fair difference between the new and used pricing.

If you like DA/SA .45's and aren't committed to the USP, another possibility is the Sig P220, which can be had in all stainless with the fixture for mounting a light under the slide, like the USP. The stainless P220 costs about the same as the USP .45, and will be heavier, which is not a bad thing in a home defense/range gun. The Sig magazine is single stack and holds 8 rounds, I believe.

[care-less]

I have a USP 45 Compact. Great pistol, you will not be disappointed.

[larryw]

CZ-75: thanks, haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

[Stevie-Ray]

I have a USP compact in .45 ACP that was bought for carry. Turns out it is a much better home defense gun than a carry gun. Spectacular piece in every way except size. This is no problem for home defense. And tactical lights and/or lasers mount right up to it, adding more home friendly features. The Sig P220 was also mentioned. Also a good choice. It was between these 2 when I got mine, the USPC simply pointed better for my hand. To me the .45 is the ultimate handgun round for home defense. Serious knockdown power without over-penetration in most home walls, though we shouldn't have to worry about that, as we all hit what we aim at, right?;)

[New_comer]

Get one. It's the best there is :D

[Gewehr98]

A fine, if not exactly "size efficient," choice.

Then again, the SOCOM is pretty darned big for being a .45ACP, too. ;)

[Min]

Get the USP Tactical, then get a suppressor for it. That way, you won't flinch when you shoot it inside your house.

[Jackanape]

I just put another 100 rounds through my USP .45 fullsize today. I've put almost 3000 rounds through it in the time I've had it, and It's never had a malfunction of any kind. Just make sure that you're comforatable with its size. Some people really don't like the thick grip. I'm very happy with my USP.