HK 45 vs HK USP 45

[daytodaze]

I'll start by saying that I'm a huge fan of the USP. It's my favorite DA/SA autoloader, goes on every range trip, my nightstand gun, and my backpacking weapon (unless I'm in bear country).

With that said, it's a fairly dated gun (mine was made in 94), and even though I'm fairly invested in the USP that I own, I'm considering an HK 45. I'd like to own a fullsize and a compact that have interchangable mags and operate the same, so before I go and buy a USPc 45 (will need new mags), I'd like to get some feedback on the HK 45 and HK 45c.

Durability? Trigger? I always thought the decocker and safety on the HK 45 looked pretty cheap/weak compared to the USP, but I've never actually used one.

 

[zhyla]

I'll start by saying that I'm a huge fan of the USP. ... With that said, it's a fairly dated gun

What the heck are you talking about buddy? I know yours isn't worn out. You may like the ergonomics of the HK45 better, or you may not, but your USP has not and will not get "stale".

 

[daytodaze]

I'm not having any issues with it, but there are some issues with the platform that you don't see with newer guns. Magazine compatibility, standard rails, etc. I'll expect my USP to reliably sling lead for as long as I shoot!

 

[el Godfather]

This is an interesting thread since even though H&K has introduced hk45 for quite some time now, the USP still takes big chunck of the sales.

I have usp in 9 and 45, and Mk23. I really like everything about these guns EXCEPT the damn H&K rail. I never understood the idea behind it, and then there is always magazine compatebility issues with H&K pistols. With alteration in base plate magazines are inter changeable in mk23 and usp45, but why the alteration? Why couldnt they make them interchangeable and make everyones life easier.

I am also considering H&K 45 full size with threaded barrel.

 

[daytodaze]

Amen, Godfather. Maybe if there was something like a Gen 2 USP...

Standard rail, maybe a better grip texture, etc.

 

[Old Dog]

Having been stuck with an issued USP for a few years, I learned to hate the thing. Horrible ergonomics, cheese-grater frontstrap, not spectacularly accurate, not enough magazine capacity considering the pistol's size, too high bore axis, etc., -- BUT -- I do like the USP's decocker/safety system, and I appreciated the reliability and durability.

That said, I've been intrigued by the H&K-45 for a while, especially since it was developed with input from the esteemed Larry Vickers, and for sure, the ergos are much improved. Price -- still overpriced -- H&Ks have always been. I've shot the H&K-45 a bit, and kinda like it ... Trigger was better than the USP and it pointed much better for me. If it sold for the same as a Glock 21, I'd snap one up just to have one.

Be aware that H&K's consumer customer service leaves much to be desired, and my department got rid of the USPs because we couldn't get spare parts fast enough and H&K's factory support dried up completely once H&K decided to shift their market away from U.S. law enforcement and didn't get new U.S. military contracts. We couldn't get squat out of the company, and I think that left a bad taste in the mouth as far as H&K has fared with the American consumer and LE. If you keep your USP, hope that it holds up for ya ...

 

[CPshooter]

My only H&K is up for sale right now, but I will be buying a USP.45 whenever funds permit. I love how it feels in my hand and you simply cannot question the reliability of the USP platform. I've held the HK45 as well, but the fancy ergonomics are not enough for me to give up 2 rounds in the magazine. Other than that and the HK45's uglier appearance (to me anyways), they are essentially the same gun on the inside. I'll take the classic USP every time.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I wouldn't be worried about the trigger on the HK45. A friend has one, loves it, and Todd Green put 50,000 rounds through one without any issues with the trigger.

Having owned a P30 for a while, I find the ergos of the HK45 to be better than the USP.