CZ 97 vs HK USP 45

Status
Not open for further replies.

battleborn775

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2018
Messages
1
Hi All,

I am new to this forum. I was wondering if you guys have a opinion on these two 45's. Both to me seem like they're outstanding guns but I want to narrow my choice down to one.

Any opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!
 
battleborn775

I had a USP in .40S&W years ago but never really warmed up to it. Kind of big and not all that ergonomic for my smaller size hands. All three USP models (9mm., 40S&W, and .45ACP), have the same grip dimensions. I have handled a CZ97 but the grip section was somewhat large and wide and felt awkward for me to use. Also a bit of a reach to the trigger. I believe the USP weighs in at around 35 ounces while the CZ97 is a little over 40 ounces.

If you have larger size hands either gun should feel alright for you.
 
The CZ is an awesome pistol but the USP 45 is as good as it gets in the handgun world for durability and reliability, they earned their reputation of excellence, I'm a Sig fan and think the P220 and P227 are some of the best 45 caliber handguns on the planet but the USP 45 can stand beside either of them and all 3 will be more reliable over the long haul than the CZ 97.....but it's not that far behind lol
 
I would go with the USP.

I do not have the CZ, but, my USP has been flawless. I will digest any 45acp I put into the mag.

I'm a Sig fan and think the P220 and P227 are some of the best 45 caliber handguns on the planet but the USP 45 can stand beside either of them

I agree I have P220's and a P227 and they are awesome, but the USP would be my choice.
 
I've owned a bunch of big handguns (The H&K Mk 23 and Desert Eagle .44 being two) and the only pistol I ever had an issue with DA trigger reach was the CZ97 with factory wood grips—slim aluminum grips made it manageable though still a stretch for me. I liked the pistol a lot—the SA pull was nice, and recoil with the big all-steel frame very pleasant. It looked darn nice, too! I ended up selling, though, it as it was just too big for me.
sZm5q4l.jpg

I've owned a USP in .45 but it was more than ten years ago so I can't remember how it felt compared with the 9mm/.40 frame but as Bannockburn mentioned above they are the same circumference, and the .45 is a bit taller. I am in a distinct minority in that I love how a USP feels in my hands, and mine are definitely on the small size. I'm also a big fan of the dual-paddle mag releases. It's one of my favourite polymer pistols.
QIwf7CH.jpg
 
I can confirm that the USP full-size .45 is a bit larger than the 9/.40. I have a thumb break holster meant for the 9/.40 that will fit my .45, but I can't snap the retention strap over the hammer in the lowered position. I have to carry it C&L. Not a big deal as this is how I carry a USP.
 
I had a 45 USP. It was a very nice handgun. Pretty big as stated, I liked the paddle release but wasn't in love with the USP as a whole.

I'd really like to try a SAO CZ97.
 
Hard to beat the USP 45 for reliability and accuracy out of the box. Shot some of my best groups with a plain USP 45.
 
the P220 and P227 are some of the best 45 caliber handguns on the planet but the USP 45 can stand beside either of them and all 3 will be more reliable over the long haul than the CZ 97

How so? I have not experienced any reliability issues with my CZ97 (shooting factory ammo —ball & hp and handloads —plated RN, coated LSWC) so I must say I am curious. The only item I note is that it prefers CZ factory mags over Tanfoglio mags.
 
How so? I have not experienced any reliability issues with my CZ97 (shooting factory ammo —ball & hp and handloads —plated RN, coated LSWC) so I must say I am curious. The only item I note is that it prefers CZ factory mags over Tanfoglio mags.
Just in overall quality I would rate the HK as the most durable then the classic P-series Sigs then the CZ but all 3 are still top rate pistols and I own, carry, and shoot all 3 brands
 
I have an HK45 and I can certainly vouch for it. A CZ 97B, particularly one with the Cajun Gun Works Enhanced package, is an excellent .45ACP.
 
I had a CZ 97 for a long time, it's a beast of a gun. They're accurate and soft shooting, but check out the FN FNX .45 as well, hard to beat the 15 round capacity.
 
If the USP grip is on the large side, you might want to check out the HK45. The grip is much like the P30, reliability like the USP, accuracy is on par with me Les Baer:

1QxsriT.jpg

Has since been converted to LEM.
 
For a DA/SA I much prefer the CZ triggers to the various USP triggers I have shot.

If you are going to get a light LEM trigger in there? Then maybe the USP. Doesnt fit my hands as nice as a full size CZ.

I think I'd still get the CZ, myself.
 
Do you care about what is "tactical"? Planning on taking it swimming with you in a swamp? Backpacking where you need to save every ounce? If so, the H&K.

Otherwise, the CZ.
 
Idk about the cz but price magazines and such before buying too. I bought 2 (all plastic btw) hk usp 40 mags this week ON SALE for 35 bucks.
Last time I replaced my usp 45 recoil spring it was 80 dollars.
I'm not a fan
 
Hard to beat the USP 45 for reliability and accuracy out of the box.




Just my opinion after owning or shooting hundreds of pistols in my life but this statement holds a lot of truth. When it comes to newer pistols HK really will embarrass the hell out of most of them if you consider reliability, accuracy and durability.
 
The HK and cz are both above average in accuracy.
As far as reliability, one has to try very hard to find a modern service pistol that isn't reliable. Of the two, whichever one fits best, if your set on those models
In the world of quality handguns, neither of those is my choice. I do own a 40 and a 45 usp pistols.
 
I've never owned either gun but I do have an HK45 which is a great gun. I've heard ears nothing but good regarding the 97B.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. If you haven't looked at an HK45, you may like it. The ergos are great, but the grip is a tad small for me.
 
Last edited:
I notice that my HK pistols have a rather long trigger reset compared to my other SA/DA pistols. I don't have or handled CZ tho. Yes the USP grip is big but the gun points well and not an issue at all for me.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top