Pro’s / Con’s HK45 US V1 45 ACP Pistol 81000026

If you're wondering, the V1 from HK's website https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/usp/

Variant 1: Double action/single action with “SAFE” position. Control lever (manual safety/decoking lever) on left side of frame.

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If I was a fan of transitional DA pistols (I'm not) my pistols of choice would be the DA's made by HK. I have lots of experience with the USP line and the MK23 (used them, also armorer qualified on them) and shot the HK 45 some. So of all the pistols in the world from all the manufacturers in that DA configuration that are available, I would go with HK. That said, I like consistent triggers whether it is the first shot or the last shot- this is why I prefer striker fired pistols like the the Glock line and S&W M&P, or the SA 1911.

What kind of info are you looking for? I have an HK45 V1.

I think most of the info is available on the HK website. About the only place people get hung up is the trigger variants, but you specifically stated V1.

I had a USP 45 many years ago. I got rid of it largely because of the gun's size, my hands are exactly in-between a large and medium and the grip and gun was just huge to me. From what I understand the hk45 is almost the same gun, just more ergonomic.

Years later I regretted selling it somewhat, and bought an FNX45 but sold it 6 months later for the same ergonomic reasons.

On top of that, I seem to remember the SA trigger pull on the USP feeling somewhat spongy, almost like the plastic trigger had flex in it. Not as nice as my other da/sa guns.

+'s
Reliability
Is a tank
Mag release

-'s
WML mounting sorry misread the model
Trigger.
Mag costs.

The USP proprietary light rail is only a problem if you don't like the Insight Technology M2.

Devonai said:

The USP proprietary light rail is only a problem if you don't like the Insight Technology M2.

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The Streamlight TLR7 supposedly directly mounts.

I like Surefire so I am SOL.

The HK45 is:

1. Reliable
2. Reliable
3. Reliable
4. Very accurate.

Hope that helps.

I believe Langdon Tactical may be working on them now, if you're willing to spend some more to slick up the trigger and improve the sights.

I may be in the minority but I prefer the USP (and Mk 23) over the HK45. I wanted to like them—I’ve owned three over the years but have sold them all. My main issues were the grip, while feeling nice in the hand was too slippery for me, and the trough at the bottom of the trigger guard would “bite” the bottom of my trigger finger. I have read that Canadian HK45s may have a different frame texture (that we get the European version) but not sure if that’s the case or not. Here’s my last one for comparison purposes (no question, it’s a good-looking gun):

Screw the USP (or Mk 23). I'm a huge HK45 fan. I was issued the USP as a duty pistol for a few years, and it's a mediocre duty pistol at best. HK hit a home-run with the HK45. The ergonomics are splendid, the trigger is okay, but the V1 is my preferred operating system on a DA/SA pistol. I would like (1) improved factory night sights and (2) way less expensive magazines. Otherwise, I love the HK45. Although I appreciate the P30, the HK45 has totally reversed my former dislike of HK pistols.

Ergonomics is excellent.

Limited to 10 rounds. Not bad for a range toy.

Survived an apocalypse. Featured in the post apocalyptic movie “Book of Eli” as his weapon of choice.

The HK45 and P30 series are kind of a modernized second generation of the USP series. Extremely well made guns. There are two main reasons, in my opinion, why they aren't as popular as they should be.

1. The rise of the striker fired handgun.
2. The HK45/P30 is fairly expensive compared to said striker fired guns.

dh1633pm said:

I ordered one today. I may also order a Striker Fired 45 acp sometime shortly. Probably get a Glock. FL-NC says their good, I trust what he has to offer.

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I carried a Glock 21C as a duty gun for several years. Very good gun. Super accutate, reliable, and handles recoil well. Only issue is it's a big gun.

The HK45 will feed anything including SWCs.
Very accurate and reliable.

PO2Hammer said:

The HK45 will feed anything including SWCs.
Very accurate and reliable.

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I've shot a few hundred of those. No hiccups.

I have owned 2 USP pistols, one full size and one compact. The compact pull nightstand duty only due to the fact I let the full size get away from me. I would buy another in a heartbeat if I found one for a good price.

It feels and works just fine. I have larger than average hands. I wear XL gloves.

Sights could be improved but that's my only complaint. It's a duty pistol, not a target pistol.

The HK45 was designed to be the US military replacement for the M9. HK put a lot of R&D money into designing that pistol. It was tested to be reliable way beyond what the military specs required. Then the military had a change of heart and said it didn't want a 45 ACP. I have a feeling that it would have made the cut if that hadn't happened. Mine doesn't have a 30K round count but it was tested to the extreme and came through without fail. If I were choosing a duty weapon it would have to be an HK45. I'm sorry the military ended up with a $150 striker. They deserved a lot better. To be honest, I'm surprised it isn't more popular than it is. Cost might have something to do with it.

https://www.chuckhawks.com/hk45.html