HK 45 or HK USP 45

I'm one of the oddballs that like the USP much better. I tried to like the HK45, Lord knows I tried . I've bought three of them, and sold each one. I kept thinking there was something missing and gave it another (and another) chance but for me it came down to two things—the grip was too slippery in my hand (even though it felt great just holding the gun) and the damn trough in the trigger guard would bite the inside of my trigger finger when shooting. Even with my small hands I find the USP fits me really well (although the DA reach is a bit long). In favour of the HK45 the DA trigger pull on the HK45 is much better, and the factory sights are easier to see, too. As well as the three HK45s I've owned five USPs—two 9mm USPs, a .40 USP, a 9mm Expert and a .45 Expert. (now down to just the .40)

EDIT: I was just re-reading the thread and noted 460Shooter's comment about the HK45 grip texturing and that prompted a near-forgotten memory from a few years ago when I think I read that Canadian HK45s were the European model whereas American ones were different, including the grip texture—if that's case my opinion might only apply to non-US ones. I found the picture below from H&K's website, and the one below that with the green frame is my latest HK45 (as an aside—they are nice looking guns, aren't they?). It's hard to tell 100% but the grip texturing does look different—more like stippling on the black one.

Dragonfly said:

I'm one of the oddballs that like the USP much better.

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I guess I'm an oddball too-I much prefer the USP (mine is a .40). It "feels" so much better in my hand than the HK.

No one has mentioned one of these: The USP Compact I really like mine. But does not take usp mags...



Here is a picture of the USP mag, next to the single stack Compact mag. The compact has a slimmer grip than a USP.

USP45 compact is AWESOME. I LOVE that gun.

Dragonfly said:

EDIT: I was just re-reading the thread and noted 460Shooter's comment about the HK45 grip texturing and that prompted a near-forgotten memory from a few years ago when I think I read that Canadian HK45s were the European model whereas American ones were different, including the grip texture—if that's case my opinion might only apply to non-US ones. I found the picture below from H&K's website, and the one below that with the green frame is my latest HK45 (as an aside—they are nice looking guns, aren't they?). It's hard to tell 100% but the grip texturing does look different—more like stippling on the black one.

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When I get home today I'll do a side by side picture of my HK45, VP9, and P30SK. The HK45 I have is like the top picture in your image, and it does resemble stippling. I find it an excellent texture to keep the gun firmly planted in your hands. My VP9 and P30SK have the texturing like the green HK45 below, and I completely agree with you. On an HK45, with the recoil of the 45acp (Even though it's still mild recoiling it's still more than a 9mm IMO.) I absolutely wouldn't want that texture. I find it slippery as well, and couldn't figure out why they changed it from the original P30 and HK45 models to the "new and improved version. The newer texture works minimally well on the VP9 and P30SK, but only IMO because they are soft shooting 9mms. I do find the HK45 to be a bit top heavy, more so than my other HKs, but with a longer barrel and logically more mass up top, that's bound to happen.

I have roamed the internet looking for replacement panels for my VP9 and P30SK with the old style stippling. No luck. If HK released them, I would immediately change mine out.

Regarding the trigger trough, I also agree. I have been debating hunting down a LEM model, or changing the trigger system out on my gun. I find that my finger isn't pinched in the trough on my LEM P30SK or VP9. I don't know why it only happens on the HK45. Maybe sharper recoil causes my finger to slide around more than on the 9mm guns. I mean even with the heavy DA pull on my HK 45, I still find the SA acceptable.

I'm debating converting mine to LEM and adding night sights, trading it away if I can find a LE version in LEM, or just ditching it completely and moving on to a CZ97BD or B from Cajun Gun Works, or the CZ Custom Shop.

I love everything about my USP-45, but the trigger guard. My trigger finger would be red after a range session. Caused by the raised area on the inside bottom. I got out the Dremel and sanded it smooth. What a difference it made.

I have both. I should like the HK45 better, but there's just something about that brick of a USP and its horrendous trigger that shoots absolutely lights out. HK triggers are proof that it doesn't have to feel good in the store to shoot good on the range.

Sergei Mosin said:

HK triggers are proof that it doesn't have to feel good in the store to shoot good on the range.

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That’s a very good observation that’s often overlooked, not just for H&Ks but handguns in general. Too often you’ll see a recommendation to buy the gun that “feels best in your hand”, and while I can certainly attest to the true pleasure that comes from shooting a gun that feels just right, the recommendation should be that, for anything other than range fun (which is certainly a legit reason to buy a gun), you should buy the gun that you shoot the best, irrespective of how it feels. The first time I held a Glock and tried its trigger (just about 30 years ago now) I was appalled at the feel, but damned if I didn’t shoot the beast really well.

My two friends and I bought the first three USP .45’s that a (now closed) police-centric gun seller sold when they were first introduced.

Sadly, the grip was just a bit big for my hand and, like the others said, the trigger was a mushy mess so it didn’t shoot very well for me. (The recoil wasn’t bad though.) I was disappointed in the gun so I ended up selling it within a year or so.

I’ve held the HK45 and it does fit my hand better, but I haven’t shot one so I don’t have a true shot to shot comparison for you.

If you can, try to shoot them both so you know which one will work the best for you.

Stay safe.

Dragonfly said:

I'm one of the oddballs that like the USP much better. I tried to like the HK45, Lord knows I tried . I've bought three of them, and sold each one. I kept thinking there was something missing and gave it another (and another) chance but for me it came down to two things—the grip was too slippery in my hand (even though it felt great just holding the gun) and the damn trough in the trigger guard would bite the inside of my trigger finger when shooting. Even with my small hands I find the USP fits me really well (although the DA reach is a bit long). In favour of the HK45 the DA trigger pull on the HK45 is much better, and the factory sights are easier to see, too. As well as the three HK45s I've owned five USPs—two 9mm USPs, a .40 USP, a 9mm Expert and a .45 Expert. (now down to just the .40)

EDIT: I was just re-reading the thread and noted 460Shooter's comment about the HK45 grip texturing and that prompted a near-forgotten memory from a few years ago when I think I read that Canadian HK45s were the European model whereas American ones were different, including the grip texture—if that's case my opinion might only apply to non-US ones. I found the picture below from H&K's website, and the one below that with the green frame is my latest HK45 (as an aside—they are nice looking guns, aren't they?). It's hard to tell 100% but the grip texturing does look different—more like stippling on the black one.

View attachment 893015

View attachment 893014

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Been busy.

That texture on your HK45 looks much better than on my old one!

I have small hands but like my USP (.45).

However I like my FNP 45 a little more. They are similar.

My experience is with the USP. Even tho the grip is a bit blocky, I have no trouble with it. Need to shoot mine more....will rotate it into the roster for the next range trip.

Both HK45 and HK USP 45 shoot very accurately.

I am the 1/10 that prefers the USP 45 grip. HK45 feels better in the shop. USP 45 feels better shooting for me.
I have hard bony XL hands, with the USP 45 lined up with my forearm the front corners of the blocky grip are exactly where my finger joints are. This gives me a grip on the USP 45 that resists twisting and recoil better than the HK45. I also like the rougher grip texture.

I started with HK45s about 2014 and later bought USP 45s, I am selling my HK45s and have bought USPs. I really like the USPT 45 and the Expert, had an Elite fine pistol but liked the Tactical and Expert better. Tactical, Expert & Elite have very good SA triggers. Regular full size USP is not bad.

DB and GJM (Pistol Forum) introduced me to the LEM / Match Hybrid trigger. This is my favorite.

I wish USP had a Pictinny rail but GG&G adapter works well with X400 Surefire. Holsters can be an issue.

Shipwreck

I found both the USP45 and HK45 to be too big for my hands, and I have previously owned both.

I have owned a ton of 45s over the years. I finally gave up owning any that are not 1911s. Every non 1911 45ACP I have owned was just too big in the grip for me. Or, they recoiled much more than a steel 1911.

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Same here! Had a USP and found it to be just too big and cumbersome for my smaller size hand. Same thing with the HK45, though not quite as uncomfortable as the USP. Definitely prefer a 1911 format in .45 ACP.

bannockburn said:

Shipwreck


Same here! Had a USP and found it to be just too big and cumbersome for my smaller size hand. Same thing with the HK45, though not quite as uncomfortable as the USP. Definitely prefer a 1911 format in .45 ACP.

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If you feel like branching out, you and @Shipwreck the HK45c has the slimmer grip, width wise it measures almost exactly as wide as a Glock 19, which is thinner in the middle than a 1911 with standard grips.

I love 1911s and I really dig the HK45C feel and, blasphemy incoming, find it more comfortable to shoot (both in felt recoil and how quickly I get back on target) than my VBob or Warrior.

Grain of salt though, I find a Glock 21 Gen 4 fits my hand perfectly too, so .45s and my hands go well together (except the USP, sadly, I've tried to often to like them).

I really wish HK would come out with a VP45 and a VP 10. I'd buy both.

460Shooter said:

I really wish HK would come out with a VP45 and a VP 10. I'd buy both.

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I've said for years that I wanted a mk23 in 10mm. Lol. I have the 45 version and a few other USP. Of course I'd likely settle for an elite/tactical. Would be the last HK id buy most likely though. They just dont interest me much But id pick one up for sure

I just wont ever pay $1000 for a plastic gun again. The price alone on the Mk23 is enough to turn me way off, no matter how good of shooters they are. I've turned to CZ Custom for fancy nice shooters north of $2000.

460Shooter said:

I just wont ever pay $1000 for a plastic gun again. The price alone on the Mk23 is enough to turn me way off, no matter how good of shooters they are. I've turned to CZ Custom for fancy nice shooters north of $2000.

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I spent 60k in a day at a Mopar dealership once.... so throwing 2k at a gun to put in a safe wouldn't be my dumbest financial move. Id still have to buy one just to make good on my word.....And I'm one who said I didn't like the USP grip a year ago on this thread. My three USP have bad triggers and mediocre accuracy. The MK 23 is slightly better than the other two though, albeit with even worse ergos. Still the HKs (IME) have worse triggers than any Sig or other brand. And if they made a HK10 I wouldn't buy it. Lol. And I'll admit right now I'd likely never carry it anywhere. I have my 220 and 6 inch Glock for hunting 10s. Plus wheel guns. and the Mk23 is too big for anything else. Comically big like the Dessert eagle almost. One thing I do believe though, is that the mk 23 could take the 10mm round for 30 years just as well as the Glock 20 has.

BUT.....I was in high school in the 90s. I played rainbow six and I said I'd buy one in 10mm if they made it. Mind you my first two vehicles back then totaled less than the price of a USP...... I still have both of those... still drive the 79 F150. And I'm starting on restoring the fox body. I believe I paid 800 for my Mk23 many years ago. Then a couple years ago I bought 2 more in .40 for 400ish each. Even at that 400 dollar price I firmly believe there are far better guns for the same price or less.

Trvestg said:

Does someone have both, and can you tell me if the USP is worth the extra bills?

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Depends on your anatomy... If you're comfortable with a non - SF Glock 20 or 21's grip, you should be okay. However - even HK's USP Match Triggers, set up from the factory - on my "Expert" models (range / competition versions), have a feel that seems to be of lesser quality compared to that of an off - the - shelf SIG P22x's. There's something intrinsically different with the way the trigger mechanisms were designed. HK fanbois would insist that the triggers were engineered for "hard use..."

460Shooter said:

The price alone on the Mk23 is enough to turn me way off, no matter how good of shooters they are.

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The Mark 23, despite its (intrinsic / mechanical) accuracy, actually exhibits disproportionate muzzle flip for a gun of its size and weight. There are better guns suited for rapid strings of fire. Its DA trigger pull is atrocious - I don't know what it's there for - I can't imagine getting off a quick, useful first shot with a DA pull. "Cocked and locked" is probably the only way this pistol should be stowed.

But don't get me wrong! I do like my USPs and Mark 23s for what they are...

...I'm not getting rid of them :lolz:

I'm with the minority. The usp45 feels way better in my hand. As always you'll want/need to hold both and if possible shoot both. Also note that I have a gen2 glock 20 that I put extra pachmayr wrap grips on to fit my hand better.

The Glockodile said:

However - even HK's USP Match Triggers, set up from the factory - on my "Expert" models (range / competition versions), have a feel that seems to be of lesser quality compared to that of an off - the - shelf SIG P22x's. There's something intrinsically different with the way the trigger mechanisms were designed. HK fanbois would insist that the triggers were engineered for "hard use..."

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Truth. I spent a lot of time learning my HK45c trigger and I'm pretty good first shot now, nearly on par with my Glocks, but I decided to do some dry fire and pulled out my wife's 228 and holy cow, that DA pull is so much lighter.

JR24 said:

If you feel like branching out, you and @Shipwreck the HK45c has the slimmer grip, width wise it measures almost exactly as wide as a Glock 19, which is thinner in the middle than a 1911 with standard grips.

I love 1911s and I really dig the HK45C feel and, blasphemy incoming, find it more comfortable to shoot (both in felt recoil and how quickly I get back on target) than my VBob or Warrior.

Grain of salt though, I find a Glock 21 Gen 4 fits my hand perfectly too, so .45s and my hands go well together (except the USP, sadly, I've tried to often to like them).

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I had the HK45c at the same time as the HK 45 - several years back. Still didn't work for me.

I have no 45's at the moment - but 1911s are the only 45's I will buy