[Tecolote]

Does anyone own both a Browning HP and HK USP Compact? How do they stack up against each other? Which has been more reliable and accurate? Do you recommend one over the other? Thanks :D

[Brasso]

I've never handled the Browning compact, but the HK is a good gun. Maybe not the best, but I like it. I have noticed that my USP40c mags will hold 11 rounds. :)

[caz223]

I don't have a BHP, but I have a USP compact in .45, and 2 CZ75s. (Czech cousin to the BHP.)
Maybe I could answer your question.
What was your intended use?
What caliber were you looking for, 9mm?

[Chupacabra]

I have noticed that my USP40c mags will hold 11 rounds

I can barely get 10 in mine. :(

Anyway...

I can't speak for the HP, but the H&K is stone-cold reliable. Mine has never ever jammed or had any failure whatsoever. I have handled an HP though and the ergonomics are good, very well balanced. The USP is a bit top heavy (But I still like it!)

[Tecolote]

Thank you for your replies. I'm looking for a range and home defense tool probably in .40. Thanks.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Tecolote-

I can't address your comparsion, but I have owned a 9m/m
Browning Hi-Power "Practical" and a .45 caliber full size H&K
USP. Both are well made firearms; and are accurate. I took
the time to compare the H&K vs. my .45 caliber SIG-SAUER
P220A; and after extensive testing, the SIG won out. My
only fault with the Browning, was the fact that it is a SA
only firearm. In terms of accuracy, between the H&K and
the Browning; I seemed to shoot the 9m/m Browning a
bit better. Hope this helps?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[caz223]

If home defense is involved, then reliability is the most important thing.
The edge in reliability would go to the USPc.
Make absolutely sure that anyone who has legit access to it is familiar with it's operation, and has shot it enough to be comfortable in it's use.
It is a good weapon, it will serve you well.
My particular H&K USPc in .45 is more accurate than either of my CZs or any stock BHP that I've had the pleasure to shoot.
I personally prefer .45 over .40 because the recoil is less with .45 (Slow push, less slide velocity, lower pressure, etc.) and the gun is a hair bigger, but not too big. I do realize that I'm giving up two rounds, but that's ok with me.
It ties with my SIGs in accuracy, and I like it's versatility better.

The BHP would have the edge in ergonomics (Better grip angle, pointability), capacity (Pre '94), and a slight edge in size (Slightly longer sight radius, etc.). It would also prolly have less felt recoil in .40 when compared to the lighter polymer-framed H&K compact.
I'd guess that the full sized USP in .40 would have similar recoil as the BHP, but I have no basis for that opinion, having never shot them side-by-side in the same caliber.

Both would require similar time to get familiar with, and get confidence in.

[Pilot]

Boy talk about comparing apples and oranges. I think both would work very well for you. Well I have both an HK USP Tactical in .45 and BHP in 9MM, so I can't talk about the .40. I bought the Tac on an impulse purchase and its my only polymer frame gun. Its accurate and reliable and fun to shoot being a little different from everyting else I have. Its strictly a range gun for me.

The BHP is a working gun and its my home defense and one of my carry guns. I trust my life with it as its been utterly reliable ever since I got it years ago. It is a tremedous platform for a 9MM. I've shot a friends .40 BHP and its fine, but a bit heavier and bulkier. If you have to have the .40, I'd go HK, if you could live with 9MM, I'd go BHP. Slim, reliable, refined and a shooter.

[10-Ring]

WOW, very different guns to compare. This one will really be a subjective decision. I'd recommend the USPc because of it versatility & ruggedness. I'd also recommend shooting them both a deciding for yourself.

[George Hill]

Hey guys... I was thinking about a new car.

Should I get a Ford F350 King Cab or a Cooper Mini S?

[caz223]

Myself, I'm trying to decide between a vintage Lotus super seven, or a Kenworth.

[Skunkabilly]

What George Hill said...

Besides, shouldn't you be saving up money for your dolls? :D

[sm]

Can't help with decison.
I prefer single action, C&L , for CCW, SD/ HD. Which equates to BHP in 9mm, 1911 in 45 ACP. Never warmed to the .40 personally.

Ala Dan is a big Sig fan, he bases his choices same as I, what works for him, evertime, fits and he has experience with.

Not to pick on my friend Ala Dan, just re-enforces a critical point. Ala Dan and I may differ on Platform , not on principle.

George...find an old muscle car...tick off the green people without the use of a SUV...when they start to chase you in their battery cars...punch it!

Thinking SS 396 with hurst shift...cobalt blue, night running w/o headlights...good old days...;)

[22/22mag]

Hi I have a BPH in .40 that holds 10+1 and is a great shooter fits small hands and the recoil not bad ,a very good home defence gun.No expercence with HK.

[Wildalaska]

The edge in reliability would go to the USPc.

Au contraire, when the HK has 65 years of combat use, your statement will be far more supportable...

Never had a burp in any high power, ever....in 30 years of shootin em...

WildhpsruleAlaska:D

[caz223]

Maybe I should have said 'from my perspective'.
I'd like to offer the dissenting opinion, sorta thing.
Because that's what I meant.
I havent been shooting for 30 years, so my frame of reference only goes back so far...
I wonder where Stephen A. Camp stands on this one? (LOL)
Also, just like when you say 1911, when you say BHP, you have to include the clones, as well.

[BHPshooter]

I can't speak for the HP, but the H&K is stone-cold reliable.

I can speak for the BHP, however. I have had zero problems with mine in about 2000 rouds. In fact, I just got my second - a FEG FP9. I shot it yesterday, and it performed very well also.

Given your choices, I don't think that you can really go wrong. ;)

Cheers,
Wes

[New_comer]

Given a choice between a BHP and a USPc, here and now...


I'd take BHP. Would make a fantastic addition to my growing 'collection', if only for that reason.


Otherwise, I would really have to go HK USPc, if possible the latest variant, the P2000. I really prefer a SA/DA/decocker/polymer/polygonal/linkless/German/integrated mainspring-guiderod/+P+ rated/tough finished/fastest mag release type of gun. :cool:

[Coltdriver]

If you are talking about the FN Compact version of the Hi Power which comes in a DA/SA model and a DAO model versus the H&K Compact .45 I would say that the primary difference will be when you hold the gun. The HP is relatively tiny by comparison.

I have two regular P35 Browning Hi Powers and an H&K Compact .45.

The H&K is my home defense gun because it can be fired DA then SA there after and decocked easily with the decocker. You can, for the cost of postage to H&K, have one of nine modes set into your H&K depending on your preference, ie DAO, DA/SA, safety, no safety, decocker, no decocker, etc etc etc.

I think the DA/SA compact Hi Power also has a de cocker.

I prefer my H&K for the home defense gun because it is a .45 round, it fits my hand well and it can simply be pointed and fired like a revolver.

The H&K is not nearly as compact as the HP.

At least hold one of each before you make up your mind.

[Mikul]

I wouldn't get the H&K compact in .40. Seeing a broken H&K is like seeing Bigfoot, but when I do, they're in .40 caliber. The full-sized guns don't have the same problem.

Glocks seem to follow the same pattern.

Whichever .40 you get, make it full-sized.

[varoadking]

Sorry - I don't understand the basis behind your statement. Can you elaborate?

TIA

[Black Snowman]

The HK is very robust. If you aren't trying to conceal the gun my choice would be an HK full size. Longer sight radius, slightly more velocity, less felt recoil. My Brother had a .40 and it was a pussycat to shoot. His was previously owned by an IDPA shooter who had cataloged every one of the 6550 rounds he put through it before my Brother bought it. Ran great.

Now if I was going to try and carry one concealed I think it would be easier and more comfortable to carry the HP.

[caz223]

Tecolote was expressing interest in a .40 caliber for home defense, and range duties.

I'm not a big fan of the .40 cartridge, but I've had a few examples.
It's a mixed bag.
I've had good and bad luck from almost every gun maker.
H&K is one standout in this caliber.
Strong enough, reliable enough, and accurate enough for me to bet my life on.
My 'edge in reliability' quote was not meant to disparage hi-powers, not at all, but my experience with USP compacts has been nothing short of exceptional.
SIGs in .40 have also gone above and beyond, but they just don't fit me as well.
YMMV.

[Serpico]

I have an 81 Hi-power and a P7M8, which is the only Hk I have any use for other than the P9....the USPc is just too blocky for me and lacks the finesse factor.....

[caz223]

True, but neither of those are .40s...
P7M10s are pretty blocky, too.
That's why they didn't sell well...

[caz223]

Still haven't got a usp or compact?
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=145614

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=134866

C'mon, that was last year.... :p

[New_comer]

Yup.


My answer then still stands.


But raise the round count to 4,000+ ;)

[Poohgyrr]

In .40 ?? Hmm, I'd expect the newcomer still wet behind the ears USP :neener: to be a good pistol, but haven't shot one... I do have two .40 Hi Powers and like them a lot. :D :D I'd shoot them both for comparison and then get the Hi Power..

The .40 is just enough bigger than the 9X19 Hi Power that I notice it when I pick them up. And this difference can seem like a sin, but it's still a Hi Power, with the reliability and (IMHO) best handling characteristics of any full size .40 out there.

[Tecolote]

caz223,

Curse the archives!:D

[caz223]

You have been found out.
The only way to preserve any shred of dignity is to immediately purchase a USP or USP compact series gun.
This is at least the third time I've responded to your USP vs. brand X in the last year, I did aboout six months of research myself, but in the end, I wish that I bought the USP compact sooner.
I'd still recommend one in .45, though-it seems to be the cream of the crop.

[caz223]

I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but there's a .45 USPc available right here:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39622

[mr. e]

I have both a BHP and a full size USP 40. I chose the USP for my home defense weapon because it has a nifty light rail that I attached a laser sight to (very handy in a dark home). I like the additional potency of the 40 auto cartridge compared to the 9mm.

I like the BHP for range use, and I think they're both too big for concealed carry. The USPc is a little smaller than the full size, but I've never had the opportunity to carry one, and size doesn't really matter at home.

[Erik]

I have experience with both and given an upgrade in sights would opt for the BHP.

Accurate, reliable, ergoinomic, relatively thin, and a fine tike on one of the industry's true classics.

[Rogelio]

Personal opinion....GET A GLOCK FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!!!

Higher ammo capacity, great ergonomics, great looks (ok, at the beggining -before getting my G25-I thought they were ugly as dogs)

[gearbox]

HK.
The HP was uncomfortable to shoot. Grip didn't fit me, trigger rubbed the wrong way.
I rented a High Power to see what the hype was all about....I was thoroughly disgusted.
My USP9C is absolute heaven, though. More accurate, more versatile, more comfortable. Disassembly is easier, the profile is streamlined and less snaggable, the magazine release is easier to access and it is ambidextrous. Can speak for reliability with the HP, but my USP has only had a misfeed or extraction failure TWICE--and that was with the first 2 magazines through the gun. Flawless executions.
Not a fan of SAs. The HK can be had in several variations and I suggest you look into it.

You should also look at an HK P7 (if you could afford it), the Sig lines (P229/P228/Pro), and definitely look at a Walther P99.

Be well. :)

[WonderNine]

USP??? Glock???

Blah...




Booooooringgggg :cool:

Think plastic Volvo :D