H&K USP 40 compact vs S&W M&P 40 compact

[LoneStarWings]

Hi,

I currently have an M&P 40 full size and am looking for a little smaller weapon that is easier to conceal in the summer. the M&P 40 full is great in winter when I can wear a jacket, but prints a little excessively IWB with just a shirt.

I have never shot the M&P 40 compact, but really really like the 40 full and its ergonomics. In addition the IWB & OWB holsters and 10 magazines I have for the 40 full will work with the 40 compact. I can get the M&P 40c for about $450. It has a short but relatively fat grip and holds 10+1.

I just had the opportunity to shoot the USP 40 compact LEM for about 850 rounds last week. I found it to be a reliable and accurate weapon, but the grip was a little bit too small for my hands. This is not a big problem unless I'm firing 100+ rounds at a time. The grip is thin, but still pretty long so I'm not sure how well it would work for IWB concealed carry, holding 12+1. I can get the USP 40 compact LEM for about $600, plus I'd need to buy some extra magazines and holsters since I have nothing for it. This is also the gun I'm issued at work, so it might be nice to have a personal one to shoot outside the places I'm allowed to shoot the issued gun.

Thoughts? Recommendations? Thanks!

 

[futureranger]

personally i think its all about comfort. As long as both weapons are reliable, having one that fits your hand well and can get you to your natural point of aim (when the sights line up) fastest would be the best choice for a carry gun.
My uncle carries a M&P 40c and he loves it, i am thinking about buying one for myself here in the next few months, but i have never shot a usp, great looking pistol though

 

[Hokkmike]

Just for the heck of it, I know I am digressing from your question, try on a Walther PPS in .40 with light summer clothing. It is the slim and trim pistol for exactly that kind of situation.

 

[Manco]

Be sure to try a few others if you can, but the M&P40c would be a terrific choice, in my opinion. I might have suggested something slimmer, but that may be a comfort issue for you, so....

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Having a compact counterpart that operates the same way is never a bad thing.

 

[Zerodefect]

Glock 23!

err, ok of those two, get the M&P

 

[Hk Dan]

I'd look at a P-30 before the USP compact (IMHO). The ergonomics are better, it has the HK mag release (best in the business), and it'll shoot softer than the compact USP, owing to the cheap recoil system on that gun. It has a better trigger out of the box, too.

Now, compared to an M&P compact? It's more money, it won't do anything that the M&P won't do, mags are more expensive, and accessories aren't as readily available.

My order would be P-30, M&P, USP Compact.

Dan

Ps--Just for giggles? I carry a GLOCK 23.

 

[Kangspec]

HK is better gun

only down side will be the grip....if you like holding a brick

 

[Nail Shooter]

I own an M&P40C but carry a Glock 27. If you want easy to conceal, that's the one. Regards,


Nail

 

[19-3Ben]

I would go with the M&P if I were you. I had the M&P9c, and it felt very similar to the full sized M&P9. Shot just as accurately, and recoil was surprisingly mild for a compact gun. You'd really never know you were shooting a compact!

All that being said, if you need something small to conceal under light summer clothing, have you considered the Kahr CW40 or P40? Thinner than either of the guns you were looking at, and certainly very concealable and high quality guns.

 

[benderx4]

If the USP40c is what you're issued at work, I would assume you're comfortable and proficient with it. In this case, I think the HK would be the obvious choice, good luck!