.45 Double Stack, Full size USP? Or maybe XD...

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TL1234

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Trying to find out more about the full-size HK USP in .45. I haven't been able to hold a full-size USP, but I love the compact version. Just how much worse is the grip on the full-size? Is it comparable to the old Glock 21 (unacceptable for me), the new Glock 21SF (might be okay) or the XD (which is pretty good.)

Generally, I like HKs, but the grip may be a deal breaker. I know I like the grip of the XD, but there are so many other things I like better about the HK. I like the mag release on HKs way more, and I like DA/SA, I like the way they look, etc. But the grip is important! Is the grip on the HK manageable, or is it just another old Glock 21?

And lets keep price out of the discussion, I can get a lightly used HK pretty cheap, so a few bucks difference is NOT a big deal to me. I already know XDs are cheaper.

I would likely be carrying this as a duty gun, so holster selection is VERY important. Anyone know if there are more options for HK or the XD? (This is one of the reasons I don't want to wait for the HK45 like some have suggested, there really won't be any holsters available when it comes out.)

I'll find a USP to try somewhere before buying anything, but I'm curious now:D.
 
My hands are small. I am a .45acp fan. Though I love the HK's, I have to admit that for me, the XD is a much better fit. It is narrower (easier to carry IWB) and it is slimmer through the grip. If the HK fits, the recoil reduction system does work, the gun is bomb proof, and it will hold value better. See if you can get your hands on each one side by side. You'll answer your own question.

--usp_fan
 
I had a fullsize USP9mm, and I found the grip to be too large for me. I sold the gun. I have the compact USP, and I like it much better. But, my hands are fairly small.

The FNP45 should be out soon. May wanna check that out. There is also an M&P45.
 
The USP .45 is definitely a large gun. IMO similar in grip width to a G21. The XD45 and M&P45 were much more grip friendly than the USP and G21. Shipwreck mentioned the large grip of the USP. For a 9mm, that's definitely true compared to other polymer pistols out there, the USP.45 is noticeably larger in both grip width and length.
 
My hands are medium sized and I like the USP .45 just fine.

The grip always feels a little large when I pick it up, but when I'm firing it, it handles perfectly, even in rapid fire.

The grip is the same basic size as a USP 9mm or .40 because they use a thick walled plastic magazine.

It feels slightly smaller that a Glock 20/21, but if a 20/21 is definatly too large, the USP .45 may bee too large as well.

For me the borerline grip of the USP is the only negative. Everything else is A+ in my book. The accuracy, shootability, reliability cannot be touched by any other polymer .45.

I've shot a few XD's and they are no slouches either.
 
my agency just did T&E on the USP .45, Glock 21, and the XD .45. We gave all the officers the opportunity to shoot the three and give a report. hands down the xd .45 won. In relation to your question, the grip on both the USP and the Glock were too large for most officers. and they liked the feel of the XD. We are still deciding on what to do or if we are going to T&E any .40's. All three functioned flawlessly throughout the T&E peroid. The downside to the XD is there are not a lot of options for duty gear like the USP and Glock 21. Get your hands around one and see what you think. I am a strong supporter of shooting/carrying what fits you.
 
Usp45...

Is the grip on the HK manageable, or is it just another old Glock 21?
Click to expand...

You never said why the grip on the Glock is unmanageable. If it is size, then the HK is close in size to the Glock, and you may not like it. If you are asking about the grip angle or comfort in the hand, then they are two completely different animals. The HK is 10 times more comfortable, IMHO, than the Glocks in the hand. I have fairly large mitts, and the USP45 fits my well, but the Glock, which is roughly the same size, does not feel comfortable at all.

P.S. My USP45 has given me almost 10k trouble free rounds, and still looks and functions better than some other guns with half that count.
 
The size of the G21 is what I don't like (although I don't like the angle either, but I already knew that.) Anyone know if the HK is closer in size to the G21 SF or the standard G21? I could tolerate an SF size, as small as the difference is, but the standard is just a little too big.
 
If you dont really enjoy the usp 45 grip or find just ok, but not great I wouldnt get another usp 45 full size or compact. Generally the guns that are just ok as far as the grip is concerned just end up collecting dust after a while. I think the USP is about as perfect of a pistol design as you can get, but if it doesnt fit you , it just isnt the right choice. The XD holds more rounds btw.
 
All glocks feel "fat" to me. I vote for the XD. Get the Compact version, 4" or 5", and you get two guns in one. A cropped grip and short mag for potential CCW, or a full size mag with sleeve for extra rounds and full size grip. I have the 4" Compact (Service model). XD Tutorial;

Subcompact - ONLY for 9 & 40, 3+" barrel.

Compact - ONLY for 45, 4" & 5" barrel.

Don't laugh, I've had dealers at gunshows get confused (not that that's a stretch!)
 
USP 45 full size is kind of a handful. I find them ergonomically superior to the Glock 21, but it is a very subjective thing and ideally you need to not just try handling one in the store but put some rounds through one.
 
If any of the above feel too "fat" for you and you don't want a 1911, take a look at the EAA Witness CZ clone in .45ACP Only holds 10+1 but that is what keeps it close to the size of the 9mm CZ. They also have a polymer version, but these have changed a couple of times and getting the right mags can be problematic in some calibers.

Another plus is for ~$200 you can add a 10mm, .38 Super, .22LR or Compact upper with no need for an FFL.

Unfortunately' EAA customer service is about as bad as it gets. Although they do have a reasonably effective on-line parts ordering system, and the lady you talk to on the phone after they screw up shipping your order is quite pleasant.

--wally.
 
i have a usp 45 full size and compact. i just bought an xd 45 compact about a month ago. i have long fingers, and the uspf 45 still feels large and blocky. i love da/sa with a manual safety, but the xd feels waaaaay better to me.

try to handle them both, or better yet...rent them both at a range.
 
I currently own the 4'' XD in .45. I love it. It shoots great and is VERY accurate. The only small problem I have found is the recoil. Compared to the full size USP with it's recoil reduction system the XD has a bit more "muzzle flip" than the USP. Other than that the XD's grip is very comfortable and even my 14 yr old son can handle it with his small hands.
 
gudel, I know. Like I said in the first post:

"I'll find a USP to try somewhere before buying anything, but I'm curious now."

Thanks for the tips everyone.
 
It REALLY sounds to me like you're describing an XD 45. I have the 5" Tactical model, and it's a tack driver. The grip feels much slimmer than HK USP's and G21's (even the SF's). Also, the grip angle is probably more what you're used to as compared to the Glock. Only thing I didn't like about my XD was the trigger pull, so I sent it out for a trigger job.

You'd be doing yourself a HUGE favor by checking out an XD 45 before you buy. ;)
 
As much as I like my USP 45, you really have to go w/ what works best for you. I evolved into the USP when I was trying out a bunch of diff't 45s and found this one worked really well for me...and believe me, I had tried a few before I got to the USP -- P220, Glock 21, Baby Eagle and a S&W wheelgun -- and a few thousand rounds along the way too.
 
When you go out and shoot to decide what it is that you want I have a suggestion. Go out 2-3 times. There is a curve to any learning experience and first impressions are not always correct. Take the XD and the USPf out and shoot them both, then go home and think about it.

Next time do the same thing. This will help crystallize what your impression was the first time. I know I have gone 180 degrees on some guns when I was more familiar with them.
 
I had a 9MM XD and now own a fullsize USP45. The USP is freaking HUGE but I love it.

If it were a carry gun, I'd probably choose the XD is you are only open to the 2 choices you gave.
 
I have a USP45 Expert and a XD-45 Tactical. The USP45 is scary accurate and has a very aggressive checkered grip. The XD-45 has a very comfy grip angle and is perfectly reliable for nearly all ammo. I had some trouble feeding plated SWC with the XD. The USP45 is much more accurate than the XD-45. But it has a more comfortable grip than the USP45. I try not to pick one over the other. Both are a hoot at the range.
 
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