Cheaper alternative to USP9F ?

[Norton]

Took my dad out to the ranger today and let him take a wack at the Taurus 83 revolver and the USP9 full size.

Considering that he hasn't shot in 35 years, it was obvious that the quality of military training runs deep. He was more than competent out to about 25 feet and it was obvious that he had well-earned his pistol marksmanship citation in the Army.

He was obviously more comfortable with the USP9. Is it that the controls are somewhat like a 1911 minus the grip safety? This is what they qualified on back in the day (....pleading ignorance here as I've never messed with the 1911).....but as we browsed the shop afterwards, it became apparent that the price tag of the USP may be a bit more than he's willing to commit to right now.

So the question is: If you wanted gun that was as close to a USP9 in operation and quality (relative of course) without being an actual USP...what would you suggest?

For those less familiar with the HK....it has a safety/decocker lever...

 

[Handy]

A Taurus PT92 is cheap, as reliable as a Beretta 92, and has the same up for safe, down for decock frame lever of the USP series. Right off, I can't think of any other really decent autos with this setup.

A new Taurus 92 goes for less than $400 new and maybe found lightly used for $300. Hicap mags are relatively easy to find at a decent price, as well.

If you just want a manual safety, but decock not important, the CZ-75 is a great all steel 9mm for a low price.

 

[BerettaNut92]

I dunno, a CZ or Browning? Not sure how the Brownings run, but I hear they're sweeeet....

 

[Ian11]

My first choice in a DA/SA 9mm auto is the SIG P226 regardless of price. The P226 is usually slightly cheaper to buy than a USP.

If you really want something cocked and locked you can't do any better than the Browning High Power or CZ-75B.

 

[10-Ring]

How about a used USP 9? Less expense & the gun you're after

 

[Norton]

You have to love this forum....post a question and have such quick access to great suggestions! Thanks to all who responded so quickly...


Handy: Do you know how the Taurus semi-autos perform over the long haul? My thought has been that the Taurus revolvers were pretty good but that the semi-autos were questionable. No direct knowledge....just second hand though.

Ian: Here in the great state of MD the Sigs I've priced have been consistently $80 more than the HK......but no doubt that they are indeed FINE guns. In fact, I may be getting a 239 for my wife since the USP is way too big for her to reach the controls. Course, I'd have to break it in for her

Personally, I'd just as soon see my dad save up the $$ and buy the gun he wants vs. buying what he can afford in the short term. For istance, if he wanted to bring back a little of the old days, the shop has a Kimber (sorry don't know the model) in the case for less than $700.

 

[Norton]

10 ring: You read my mind to some degree.....I just got the CDNN print catalog and they had new (I think) USP9's in there for around $630. Even with the transfer fee and shipping that should still be less than the $750 the shop is asking here.

 

[10-Ring]

Get the HK USP! NO Compromise

He is your dad, why not kick in a little $$ to help out a bit

 

[Handy]

The Taurus 92 is built on Beretta contract machinery. It is the only Taurus centerfire auto I would buy. Their in house designs are definitely more questionable. I have never heard evidense of a huge difference between the Beretta and Taurus 92s over the long haul.

 

[Jim Watson]

Norton, you do what 10-ring tells you. Put Dad into the USP he likes.

I have several mismatched pairs of guns... the one that was "nearly the same" but less expensive, and the one I really wanted in the first place and bought later when I realized what was important to me.

 

[Al Thompson]

Norton, if you can swing it, get your Dad to try a CZ-75. Super handguns and very user friendly.

Not sure how the gun laws in MD effect you, but I was able to put an M1 Garand in my Dad's hands by purchasing it, then getting him to part with the cash. It was important to him to pay for something, it was important for me to get him the Garand. I told him it was "used" - made the difference up to get him what he wanted.

 

[firestar]

Have him try a Ruger P95. Very similar gun in a lot of ways. The controls may be different but grip feel is close and they are cheap but well made. No plastic trigger either.

 

[New_comer]

The presence of a barrel, slide, polymer frame and hammer is just about it in similarities a P95 has with the USP.

The P95 I held at the last gunshow rattled like a snake, it's safety is slide-mounted, a very long trigger takeup at SA, and with that simplistic groove and bands as its grip, and a loud "Ruger" stamped at the side.

The USP reeks of quality in both fit and finish, the fastest mag release there is of any, and I mean ANY semi I tried. The grip is well thought out that the serrations are meant to be grippable even if it's wrapped in muck, with a 1911-style safety plus decocker combo, and convertible to eight (?) other safety/trigger options which includes DAO and possibly, an LEM.

For a less expensive alternative, my vote goes with the CZ75.

 

[spudspank]

"He's your father"

That clears everything up.

Splurge on your dad, I'm sure he would do the same for you.
Why not just give him your USP, you could get another later down the line.

I guess the best thing to do is have him try out a few other ones like Sigs and Glocks. I gun is an investment and it only gets better if you really like your guns.