[TarpleyG]

I am going to begin saving for a new pistol. Nothing that I want to carry. I already like my Kimber for that. This is shearly for recreational purposes. I am thinking of buying a H&K. Either a USP 45 or a Mark 23. My question is whether there is a significant difference in the two to justify a $1400 difference. My inital feeling is to pursue the USP based solely on costs and easy availability.

Anyone care to comment. And please, let's not make this a H&K bashing session like I have seen before. If you do not have anything constructive to contribute, don't.

Thanks,
GT

[fnforme]

I will admit that the only experience I have with a HK pistol is with the my dad's USP .40 Compact. However, a few years ago when I was looking to buy a .45 I faced the same dilemma as you. I ended up buying a P220, but in your situation I would recommend buying the USP Tactical model. It is priced in between the regular USP .45 and the SOCOM. I have seen them slightly used for as little $750. Rumor has it that the NAVY SEALs prefer the tactical to the SOCOM because of the better size and weight. HK's are damn good guns, I just couldn't justify the price. For what a Tactical or Mark-23 costs I would much rather have a P220 Sport model or a good 1911. Not to say HK's are bad at all, I just prefer others. If you can afford one then God bless you and good luck.

I see you live in Ft. Lauderdale, so do I, if you ever wanted to shoot a SIG P220 shoot me an e-mail . I should also be getting a new P220 ST this week. :)

Good luck!

[10-Ring]

The HK is an awesome choice, you won't go wrong w/ either. Some point to consider as you decide
If you like the SOCOM (or even the Tactical) is that the threaded barrel is an expensive feature if you don't intend to suppress it. Now the o-ring barrel is really nice to, but the standard barrels are very accurate too.
Also keep in mind that the SOCOM is rated to shoot 45 super. Standard USPs can shoot +P & +P+ rounds w/o mods.
Oh, also on the SOCOM & Tac, they come standard w/ the match trigger which is an improvement over the standard trigger.
I've got a USP Expert 45 & a USP 45 and like them both ALOT. To get more info go check out www.hkpro.com

[Skunkabilly]

Poser... :D

Why do you want the Mk23? If you don't need the threaded barrel, I'd probably go for the Expert of Elite, they cost somewhere in the middle and use the USP45 mags....I don't know if Mk23 mags are hard to find, being in California and all. That way, you have the match this and that, O-ring (?) and extended sight radius, it'll cost much less....but you don't get the threaded barrel.

HTH?

[TarpleyG]

One feature like about the Mark 23 is the larger trigger guard. I have big hands and even bigger fingers.

Before posting this I had not even given the Tactical any consideration but that sounds like what I might be looking for.

GT

[clubsoda22]

I think CDNN has some tacticals for around $800.

[fnforme]

TarpleyG,

IIRC a guy was selling a Tactical on Florida Shooter's Network for $750 and it was NIB. I'm not sure if he ever sold it. I think he was located in So. FL also.

[TarpleyG]

I can't do it right now anyway. Just bought a house. I am starting my next funding "nest" for this. Probably won't have enough for several months.

[Skunkabilly]

Tarpley, do you have a gun safe to go with that house?

[TarpleyG]

Sort of. I have a gun lock box that can be easily defeated but keeps honest people honest. As soon as I have the $$$ to upgrade, I will. I have already been saving for one. Why???

GT

[gbelleh]

My USP .45 Compact is amazingly accurate and has been 100% reliable. Any USP should serve you very well. Let us know if you get one!

[Dorian]

Here's another vote for the USP Tactical. It has the best features of both guns and costs significantly less than the MK23, IMHO.

It also has a match trigger, which is SWEET.