a battle of two .45's

[Dr. Loomis]

I'm having a difficult time choosing a weapon for home defense and concealed carry. I want to know what YOU think because I am split between the HK USP .45 and the Sig Sauer P220 stainless. They are about the same price and size and neither their size nor price bother me. They seem to be even on reliability and accuracy from what I've heard. Please tell me what you think because I am going to buy one of these weapons and I need your opinions. Thanks fellow patriots!

 

[Rio Laxas]

Have you handled both of them? If not, then I would go see which one fits your hand better and make your choice based on that. I used to have a P220 and it was a nice firearm. I ended up being nice and selling it back to the guy who sold it to me in the first place. I also used to have a USP in .357 sig. I didn't care much for the USP. Nothing wrong with it, just not for me. I don't know if it has changed, but spare parts used to be a lot harder to come by with the USP.

 

[elrod]

If the price is not a bother, why not get both? I haven't had a H-K, but did like the Sig 220 very much. Another one of those "why did I trade that gun" stories.

 

[Youngster]

The SIG is the nicer of the two by far and has a deeper aftermarket but it's that much heavier if you're going to lug it around.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Id go for the Sig P220 (since I am more familiar with this platform). However, in doing this, I would check to see the current status on the extractor issues some have been having with this gun as of late.

But, the H&K would not be a bad choice either. Also, and I could be wrong here, but I believe it has a higher mag capacity vs. the Sig P220.

Essentially, it will boil down to features, fit and price given that they are both excellent weapons with a strong following.

 

[10-Ring]

I'd go HK every day of the week & twice on Sundays Great guns!!

 

[9mmepiphany]

i found the H&K .45 USP a bit thick for my taste. you might take a look at it's replacement...the HK45

the stainless Sig 220 has less felt recoil due to it's stainlessl frame. if you were looking for an alloy framed 220, i'd recommend an older folded slide model with the internal extractor. with the stainless frame, the external extractor models avoid any problems.

 

[DanielW]

I've tried both and went with the HK45.
Here's mine. I think you should try shooting one.

 

[hangovur]

I think the p220 is the best feeling gun I have ever held. SIG quality speaks for itself (that is unless you're talking about a .22) and I am sure the accuracy is great.

All that being said, it is 7+1 despite being a full size pistol compared to the 10+1 of the HK45 (I like this better than the USP). And I seriously doubt the SIG has the HK beat in any performance areas.

When I was looking at these two (oddly I went with a completely different gun in the end) I just couldn't justify buying the SIG over a good 1911.

If mag capacity means nothing to you than the SIG has top notch ergos IMO. If an extra 3 rounds is appealing, go with the HK.

 

[Maverick223]

I don't know if it has changed, but spare parts used to be a lot harder to come by with the USP.

Parts for an HK USP, who needs those? HK for utter reliablility, my HK USP .45 has seen thousands of rounds with no failures. I have heard that the Sig is more accurate, but the HK can outshoot me, so it's a moot point.

 

[benderx4]

HK45

IMHO, best 45 on the market!

 

[David E]

Either one of those, I suppose.

Me, I'd bring the 1911, M&P .45, XD-45 and Glock 21-SF into the mix.

.

 

[glocks rock]

I've had all of the guns mentioned . The HK45 and HK45 c are nice guns and feel good in the hand but the DA pull is horrible. The USP is ok but not for me. The 220 has a great feel and the DA trigger is much better than the HK. I find the 220 a little harder to hide than the HK45 but I like it better than any H&K I've ever owned. The newer 220's come with 8 round mags , so you have 8 rounds with one in the pipe.

 

[gbelleh]

Both are good, but I'd pick the HK for personal reasons. Having said that, my two most carried pistols are a USP .45 Compact and a Sig 239. Pick the one you like best, or better yet, just get both.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the HK45's grips may look funny...think spiderman...but they are very comfortable. they were designed by Nills

if you're set on polymer and not tied to DA/SA, i'd look at the Springfield XD before any other polymer .45

 

[Dobe]

I would go with the HK45 also. It may be a bit large for a CCW. I have one, and it shoots as well as many of my 1911's. The HK45 also has great ergonomics, and a pretty good trigger.

 

[Maverick223]

I would go with the HK45 also.

Why the HK45 over the HK USP .45 (with available 12rd mags)? Never fired an HK45, but I am sure it is just as reliable as the USP, but what makes it worth the premium with lower cap. mags available?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Why the HK45 over the HK USP .45

the HK45 is a product improved USP 45

they improved the ergonomics of it by incorporating the ergos of the HK P2000 while keeping the accuracy of the older USP. then they added the Nills designed adjustable grip panels.

a funny story about the birth of the HK45:

HK thought about getting into the 1911 market...right about the time they also did their version of the AR-15...and asked Vickers and Hackathorn to design it with all the features a combat 1911 needed. unfortunately the cost of a HK 1911 would have limited their market...i guess they were going to do it right...so they decided to update the USP instead. the HK45 is the result of their work

 

[Maverick223]

I have handled the HK45 and I can say I like the ergonomics of the HK45 a bit more than the USP, but I also like the USP and the extra two rounds. Thanks for the info...interesting. I think a P2000sk is in my future as a winter CCW (looking like a 9mm but still undecided, cause I like big boolits ).

 

[Dr. Loomis]

I really appreciate all your help. Do any of you know if the HK USP is reliable as far as getting dirty if it's dropped into the ground or whatever the situation may be?

 

[Maverick223]

Do any of you know if the HK USP is reliable as far as getting dirty if it's dropped into the ground or whatever the situation may be?

I think it can shoot underground...after being buried for a year. Mine has been utterly and completely reliable. I feel confident that despite ice, snow, mud, water, sand, or jello...it can handle anything. Research the torture tests done on these pistols (like lodging a bullet and firing one behind it, and still having a operational pistol) and I think you will find it to be very well constructed. They are as good as it gets IMO...but Sig isn't bad (in fact I think they make a fine pistol), just not as good as HK.

 

[graywolfls]

Tough Choice

Its a tough choice BUT I got a 220 the month they came out in this country and carried as a duty weapon for year.I ran about 3000 rounds a year through it and it never failed no matter what ammo i was feeding. When the USP came out it was only available in 9mm so I thought I would give it a try. Nice carry but almost lost a gun fight because of 9mm balistics. So it got put away. Than the USP came available in 45 and i thought i would give that a try. After so many years with the 220 the USP never felt right. Back to the 220 I added Lazergrips as well as tritium sights to keep my optios open. I keep a Surefire tactical on my belt and can mount it if I want. Never wanted the flash of stainless steel or the weight, satin black is fine. I also carry two extended magazines in a two pouch arrrier so i can bring lots of firepower if need be. I like to carry right side level 3 holster. If things really got hairy a Colt Officers Model goes in the small of my back. I trust it as much as i do the 220. All info is just IMHO Good luck with your choice

 

[TAB]

I'd give the edge to the sig, but you can't go wrong with either.