H&K .45 v. S&W M&P .45

Price point may be the largest distinguishing factor on these two pistols. I own the M&P45, and I've fondled an HK45. The HK is a very nice gun. Both pistols have, IMO, advanced ergonomics. The HK has the added ability to actually change the side panels of the grip (in addition to the palm swell).

At my LGS, the HK45 was $950. Whereas I picked up my M&P45 (DBE w/safety) for $499 ($449 after rebate).

Sorry I can't add more. They both feel great in the hand. I'll add an HK to my selection at some time in the future.

Don't know whether it matters, but I like lots of mags. While the HK mags are available they're expensive IMO. Not sure about the Smith, but I think that they're a lot less but not nearly as available. Eitherway, I'm not sure that the HK brings another $400 to the table. Having taken an HK pistol class to tune-up my shooting, my G17 performed admirably in spite of the jokes.

The HK has the added ability to actually change the side panels of the grip (in addition to the palm swell)

Click to expand...

Not correct. The HK P30 has interchangeable side panels, in addition to the palm swell. The HK45 has only interchangeable palm swells. Its side panels are permanent.

My M&P 45 is a sweet shooter. With warm 900 fps 230 grainers copper plated RN it prints 3" 10 round groups at 25 yds all day. It does not outshoot my Wilson Bullseye but thats not it's purpose and its cost $1000 less.

12131 said:

Not correct. The HK P30 has interchangeable side panels, in addition to the palm swell. The HK45 has only interchangeable palm swells. Its side panels are permanent.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the correction. I wonder why HK would develop that on the P30 and then not utilize it on the 45?

^ My guess is that with the already larger grip size due to the .45 the P30's interchangeable side grip panels would not work.

I had waited for the HK45 to come out before making my .45 decision, and went with the M&P for the following reasons:

1) Cost - figure it's about $400 cheaper, and that's not including the $50 rebate.
2) Rebate gives you 2 free magazines, so you'd have a total of 4.
3) 14 Round magazines are said to come out at the Shot show.
4) The 'same' trigger pull each time. (I'd guess you can get LEM for the HK, but not sure if it's available now).
5) S&W Customer service (if needed) is great.

over at http://www.gun-tests.com/ they do a comparison of those two and a g21 sf the smith wins in their test.

Looks like that review compares the HK USP 45, not the HK45.

I dont own HK's. Not b/c I dont like them, but b/c they are too expensive for my budget. I own two M&P's though (.40 & .45) and I love 'em both. The HK .45 does have great ergonomics but the price is what keeps me away.

I've shot the HK45 a bit but I'll stick with the M&P for now. The M&P shoots just fine for me plus it's a lot less expensive than the HK.

But the HK45 is a sweet shooter.