The uspC compared to the XD45

The fullsize USP 45 is 12 + 1 & the compact is 8+1. The differences between the USPc & XD (off the top of my head):
1. hammer vs. striker fired
2. USPc can be carried cocked & locked
3. XD has grip safety
4. USP/USPc's are rated +P & +P+ rated from the factory
5. USP/USPc no longer available in stainless

Personally, I prefer the HK's over the XD

I believe 10-Ring listed the major differences. The HK is a smaller gun if I remember correctly. The USPc is a nicer gun in my opinion as well.

Check out the HK45 as it will be avilable soon.

I prefer the H$k's grip and look over the xd. The H$K can also be carried cocked and locked sa all the way. Uspc 45 is a double stacked.

I own both an XD Tactical and a USPc, although my USP is in .40 S&W. As far as dimensions go, the XD is slimmer in both the frame and the slide, and also doesn't have the manual safety protruding from the frame as the USPc does.
FWIW, if you're a lefty, the safety on the USP can be moved to the right side of the gun. Another thing that some people like about the USP over the XD is that you do not have to dry fire the gun in order to field strip. That shouldn't be an issue if you follow the rules, but I still prefer it.

One cool thing about the XD, if you get the subcompact model, is that you can still use full-size mags with a grip extension. I thought that would be a pretty cool balance for concealed vs. target practice.

Both are fine guns IMO, but I like the USPc better. That said, I think that a compact/subcompact XD model would be better suited for concealed carry.

I am new to guns. I did alot of research before I decided what I would buy. I started out thinking about buying a Glock 22 or the XD. Then I rented the Glock, XD, and HK at a range and the difference to me was night and day. The Glock felt blocky. The grip angle didn't feel right. The XD felt ok but it didn't blow me away. The HK felt great in my hand. The grip angle was awesome. The HK was built to withstand +p and +p+. I looked at what was on the hips (HK) of most people that worked at the two gunstores that I frequent. The police in my town carry HK.

My first gun was the HK 45 USP compact tactical. I figured that I would buy the gun that I liked and I could grow into it. Also, if I ever decide to get a class III permit, I can attach a suppressor to the compact tactical. I found a great deal on the stainless compact a short time later. I love them both. They shoot better than I can. HK was the first company to come out with the polymer frame. They are both 100% reliable. Never had a FTF or FTE. They can be carried cocked and locked. They are DA/SA. Ambi mag release. 8+1 capacity.

The only downside that I can think of is that extra mags are expensive.

I would suggest that you rent them before you buy.

^ Even the full-sized USP only holds 12 rounds, and is double stack.

HKs are very nice, but they're very bulky relative to their capacity. Some people like this, some not so much.

Put an HK and an XD next to each other and it will be obvious the HK is better finished.

That said, I'm an XD fan and think the XD45 Service is the best XD in the lineup. I honestly feel the HK is a $600-$650 gun but not a $750 gun. The fact that the XD is frequently compared to and is also considered a viable alternative to the Sig Sauer, HK, and Glock with no price caveats puts it in pretty good company imho. But if I had lots of money laying around I'd get an HK USP45, that's a very nice handgun.

they're not in the same class

XD people wish to have "HK" on their gun. I don't think HK owners want to have XD on their gun. I don't

brother gudel...what did you just start?

they're not in the same class

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XD people wish to have "HK" on their gun. I don't think HK owners want to have XD on their gun. I don't

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They absolutely are in the same class, along with Glocks, FNPs and M&Ps. The truth is XD, M&P, FNP, and Glock owners don't want "HK" on their guns because they don't want to pay $200 for a name. HK could greatly increase their sales if they brought their pricing in line with Glock, S&W, FN, and Springfield. I have customers who can easily afford HKs, but won't buy them because XDs, Glocks, FNPs, and M&Ps are far more cost effective.

Price aside I'm a big fan of gun fit. There are plenty of reliable polyframe pistol options out there. Get the on that fits your hand and don't worry about the name.

I have customers who can easily afford HKs, but won't buy them because XDs, Glocks, FNPs, and M&Ps are far more cost effective.

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Exactly. I own guns which are more expensive than the XD, but when it came to what I wanted the XD for, I wanted a high threshold of quality and reliability as I trust my life to it, but I saw no point in needless expense. Cost effective is the perfect word. I would add CZs to your list though. For other people the HK is probably the better option because their needs for the gun may be different.

XD breaks the trend by being a single action pistol w/out a manual safety. While many companies found various ways to have a trigger cocking or double action system, the XD designers stayed away from that gambling that the public would not know or care.

Most gun writers can't get it right, though it's single action system was profiled in Guns & Ammo within the last couple years. Gun Tests magazine changed their specs from test to test.

Go with what feels best for you...and keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot.