HK Owners - What About The Pistols Do You Like?

[Cards81fan]

Okay, I know it may appear to be inflammatory, or provocative, but this post comes from my naivety of the HK pistols. Please don't consider it an affront.

I have read a lot about how they are overpriced, even to the point of attempting to be exclusive. I wouldn't say they are overpriced personally, as other pistols exist in that price range (from SIG to 1911s, even the XDm Compact approaches that).

And I have read owners vehemently defend the prices on them due to their superior design, engineering, and ergonomics. What I haven't read is what makes them better? Is it chamber support? The fit and finish tolerances? The textures or such used on the controls? For example, I can say I like my XD over a Glock or M&P as I prefer the grip angle, trigger, grip safety over the other others. The Glock is a fine weapon, but stock sights and grip angle do not work for me.

Again, I am just curious what specifically and tangibly you like in your weapon that caused you to pick the HK. I appreciate your perspective.

 

[JustinJ]

I think part of the reason for the cost of HK guns is the fact that they do so much research and development. They are an extremely innovative company and even when they release new designs they do such a great job of testing before hand that you rarely see issues even with new models. How much did it really cost for Glock to change from Gen 3 to Gen 4? Or FNX to FNP?

Personally I feel HK makes the highest quality weapons in the world and their use by militaries and spec ops all over the world are evidence of this. They are both extremely reliable and extremely durable. Their finish is nearly indestructible on top of extremely high quality metals. Glocks have great finishes on top of poor metal. Compare an HK MR556 or 416 to a colt and you can see the difference in quality and detail. Not to knock Colt but they are no HK. Is the extra cost worth it when other extremely good guns can be had for significantly cheaper that are "good enough" for most appliations? Thats a call for each individual to make himself.

Much of the bad rep of HK is do to the fact that they don't cater to the civilian market, ecspecially with rifles, but this has more to do with American import laws and German export laws. They are now making a few firearms in the US so hopefully more of their line will become available without a Sig like drop in quality.

 

[HK Jake]

That's an excellent question!

Honestly, I was a S&W guy until the first time I handled a P30; the ergonomics of the P30/HK45 are vastly superior (in my opinion, of course) to any other handgun on the market. I didn't come to this conclusion lightly, either; I handled and fired ~40 handguns to get here. The gun feels like it was made for my hand, and if it seems a bit to small or a bit too large, the back and side straps can be swapped. (There are 3 different sizes). I liken it to a glove that fits perfectly; it just feels right, ya know? Not to mention that it's the only handgun that after picking it up and pointing it straight to check the sight picture, I align perfectly without making any adjustments!

After falling in love with the ergonomics, I decided to a good bit of research on HK and the P30. It's very difficult to find anything bad to say about them, the lone exception always being the price. They are reliable, they are durable, they shoot great, they handle recoil better than any comparable handgun on the market (which is probably the greatest thing about them), they will eat pretty much anything you throw at them, etc., not to mention it's also a beautiful firearm. I have yet to find anything I don't like about it, and I'm actually about to buy a second P30 chambered in .40 S&W.

On to the price... Yes, they are expensive, but they aren't deliberately overpriced; a small portion of it has to do with how weak the Dollar is against the Euro. You get what you pay for in this case, though.

My family has been in the car business for over 60 years, so I liken most everything to cars. I look at HK as I look at BMW or Mercedes-Benz; anything less than excellence and near perfect precision is unacceptable. (It just so happens BMW vehicles tend to have less issues than any make of car).

If you have any other questions for me, or anything you'd like me to go into more detail on, just let me know! I hope this helps.

 

[Benzene]

I like mine

...an HK45. I would have preferred real night sights, though. I found mine to be accurate, reliable, enjoyable to shoot (recoil-wise), fit in the hand...

 

[balance 740]

The main reason for me, is that I shoot it better than most other pistols I have tried. But I've noticed lots of small things on the design of my P30 that make me get the impression that quality was their main focus.

I think they do a better job of testing their firearms before releasing them into the market too. Consider how many models of pistols, and variations of those models H&K is currently producing right now (USP, USPc, P30, P2000, P2000sk, HK45, HK45c, and variants 1 through 9 on each of those models, as well as the option of a manual safety on some models), and all of these different models/variants seem to work just as well as each other. Then consider how some gun companies only make one new design every few years, and then have multiple design issues with those pistols that lead to design flaws and recalls by using people as their testers.

I like my P30 because it works, it shoots good in my hands, and it is a quality pistol. The same reason I would have liked the cheaper brands if they worked as well in my hands. I'm no fanboy either, I happen to like other brands as well, but this one pistol had all of the features I was looking for at the time. I could care less what is written on the slide.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I liked the way mine (USP45C) felt so natural in my hand, picking it up and quickly pointing at a subject, the sights cleared NOW! By contrast, with the SIG P220C that was it's competition, I seemed to have to fiddle with it to clear the sights. At $759, it wasn't exactly a fortune, but wasn't a bargain either. As it is, it never seemed to please me the way it did before I shot it. Being a 1911 guy, I figured I wouldn't be truly happy without a perfect 3" 1911. The Kimber UCDP I bought a couple years later completely supplanted the HK, as it was far superior in every way; weight, size, recoil, accuracy, aesthetics, etc. I still regard the HK as a fine weapon; it's reliability and workmanship are pretty much flawless. But it's been relegated to the safe for about 8 years now. Silly me, I thought I needed a double-action auto. If I had it to do over again knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't own an HK. That is YET, as I'd still someday like to have a P7.

Moral of my story is always rent before you buy, if possible!

 

[BlackCoffee]

Tested, proven, quality, innovative.


One exaMple: the USP has had double spring recoil for decades prior to Glock. With HK no corner is cut to reduce price. I don't mind paying for it since my life may depend on it. Now bean counters who love glocks price won't show up to my funeral, will they.

Also like FN and Sigs. glock is a fine range weapon when nobody is shooting back.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

What's not to like?

 

[HK Jake]

...an HK45. I would have preferred real night sights, though. I found mine to be accurate, reliable, enjoyable to shoot (recoil-wise), fit in the hand...

Just want to point out that even though the sights on newer HKs are yellow, they aren't night sights. The point is to capture any light source available to brighten the sights; the sights do this remarkably. Living in a large city, I don't require night sights as there is always some ambient light which keeps the sights lit up, not to mention I'd always have my flashlight out if I had my gun out at night.

Edit: You can of course get night sights from HK.

 

[nwilliams]

HK's just work and work well. You get what you pay for when you buy an HK and you can rest assured that it's going to go bang when you pull the trigger.

I've owned dozens upon dozens of handguns over the years and out of all them the ones that I've been most impressed with every time have been the HK's.

My favorite 45ACP of all time (yes even more than the 1911) is my HK45C. In my collection 1911's come and go I just can't seem to settle on one but the HK45C will always have a permanent place in my collection.

 

[DammitBoy]

I like the quality and the durability. HK's are built like tanks. Really accurate tanks.

 

[usp9]

...what specifically and tangibly you like in your weapon that caused you to pick the HK.

My first HK was a KH dated stainless USPc that I bought primarily because it is absolutely beautiful, the price was good (relatively) and I wondered what the hype was all about. After the years of shooting this gun, I've come to really appreciate how it handles recoil. It is easy to shoot accurately. The controls feel just right, in just the right place, take the right amount of effort. If the gun has a flaw, I haven't found it yet.

My favorit HK is the P2000sk because it is so completely competent. It does every thing the bigger duty size guns do, but in a smaller, lighter package. Again, the controls, the ergonomics, the innovative adjustable grips all work together and meld into a flawless package. That is what seperate HKs from other guns... other guns that are excellent in almost every other way, but seem to have some factor that doesn't work (for me at least).

I've picked up several other HKs over the years and each one has delivered superb reliability. The pistols are robust, exhibit high quality throughout and seem very user friendly.

If I had to own only one gun, or were sent to war tomorrow, I'd want an HK. Other guns are very good, but my HKs have my confidence, fit and feel the best.

 

[marksman13]

I don't get the love affair with HKs. I've shot a few and passed up some great deals on HK pistols in the past. They just don't feel right, and though I know it is my purely subjective opinion, they are ugly as mud. The lone exception to that being the P7. They may be built like tanks, but they feel like them too. Again the exception being the P7, and also the P2000. I feel the same way about the new FN pistols. They just feel like big, clunky, top-heavy bricks. I'll take my Glocks any day of the week.

 

[doc540]

I practice and shoot matches with a 1911.

The HK controls are intuitive.

It's dependable, accurate, and high cap.

And it conceals well.

 

[nwilliams]

they are ugly as mud. The lone exception to that being the P7. They may be built like tanks, but they feel like them too. Again the exception being the P7

I feel just the opposite, the P7 to me is the ugly duckling of the HK world, although I do think it's a marvel of engineering and one hell of a nice gun. I will admit that I think the more recent HK handguns (P30, P2000, HK45/C) are lot more attractive than the USP.

 

[HK Jake]

I feel just the opposite, the P7 to me is the ugly duckling of the HK world, although I do think it's a marvel of engineering and one hell of a nice gun. I will admit that I think the more recent HK handguns (P30, P2000, HK45/C) are lot more attractive than the USP.

Haha, I feel the same way. The P7 looks a bit too much like a Glock for my tastes!

 

[marksman13]

Different strokes for different folks. I will say if I find a P2000 at a good price I'll probably add one to the collection one day.

 

[helitack32f1]

That's an excellent question!

Honestly, I was a S&W guy until the first time I handled a P30; the ergonomics of the P30/HK45 are vastly superior (in my opinion, of course) to any other handgun on the market. I didn't come to this conclusion lightly, either; I handled and fired ~40 handguns to get here. The gun feels like it was made for my hand, and if it seems a bit to small or a bit too large, the back and side straps can be swapped. (There are 3 different sizes). I liken it to a glove that fits perfectly; it just feels right, ya know? Not to mention that it's the only handgun that after picking it up and pointing it straight to check the sight picture, I align perfectly without making any adjustments!

After falling in love with the ergonomics, I decided to a good bit of research on HK and the P30. It's very difficult to find anything bad to say about them, the lone exception always being the price. They are reliable, they are durable, they shoot great, they handle recoil better than any comparable handgun on the market (which is probably the greatest thing about them), they will eat pretty much anything you throw at them, etc., not to mention it's also a beautiful firearm. I have yet to find anything I don't like about it, and I'm actually about to buy a second P30 chambered in .40 S&W.

On to the price... Yes, they are expensive, but they aren't deliberately overpriced; a small portion of it has to do with how weak the Dollar is against the Euro. You get what you pay for in this case, though.

My family has been in the car business for over 60 years, so I liken most everything to cars. I look at HK as I look at BMW or Mercedes-Benz; anything less than excellence and near perfect precision is unacceptable. (It just so happens BMW vehicles tend to have less issues than any make of car).

If you have any other questions for me, or anything you'd like me to go into more detail on, just let me know! I hope this helps.

I really wish people would quit using cars as analogies for guns. You seem to imply that HK's are equivalent to BMW's. In that case I would have to say that Glocks must be equivalent to Hyundais because for the money you get as good or better gun with much better reliability and they are far less expensive. Your assertion that BMW's have less problems than any other cars seems to overlook Hyundai, Toyota, Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln, Porsche, Buick and Acura.

 

[HK Jake]

I really wish people would quit using cars as analogies for guns. You seem to imply that HK's are equivalent to BMW's. In that case I would have to say that Glocks must be equivalent to Hyundais because for the money you get as good or better gun with much better reliability and they are far less expensive. Your assertion that BMW's have less problems than any other cars seems to overlook Hyundai, Toyota, Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln, Porsche, Buick and Acura.

Hmm, I could go with, "Opinions are like...," or "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."

Can you prove to me that Glocks are more reliable than HKs? [No.]

You can make whatever assertions you like; you are entitled to your opinion as we all are.

Wait, are you saying Hyundais are as good as or better than BMWs? Sure, they are decent cars, but really? I've driven and tested at least one model of nearly every make of car (for this example, I've driven every Hyundai model made since 2004 and most BMW models), and I can say with certainty that there is no Hyundai that stacks up to any BMW. (Speaking of Hyundai, I learned to drive stick on a Tiburon back when I was 12 or 13! )

 

[SIGLBER]

Total reliability, target grade accuracy, built like freakin M1 tanks, actually like the mag release, a choice of several different trigger types, on my HK USP .45c great grip ergo's. Dislikes? Price of mags. Bit expensive for a polymer gun. But only you can decide if that is an issue. Mostly positives. Have heard bad things about their customer service. Mine have never broken so can't comment on that. Actually lately I've been able to find them cheaper than SIG's if I look around a bit.

 

[nwilliams]

In that case I would have to say that Glocks must be equivalent to Hyundais because for the money you get as good or better gun with much better reliability and they are far less expensive.

Apples to oranges. The Glock (any Glock) and the HK (any HK) are two completely different animals in every way other than the fact that the both have polymer frames. If you are comparing Glocks to HK's then you might as well compare 1911's to Beretta 92's.

As for price. Some guns cost more to make than others, who would have guessed! Dare I say it, the same is true with cars.

I'm not saying that HK's aren't overpriced, I think they probably are. However if I were a betting man I would wager that HK's are also more expensive to manufacture than Glocks simply because of the difference in complexity between the two guns. The Glock is a pretty simple and not overly complicated design that hasn't really change in over thirty years. HK handguns have more parts, require more complex machining and probably more man hours to manufacture than a Glock. Also the companies are very different, HK seems to invest a lot into research and development, whereas Glock seems to just stick with what it knows best. Finally there is the simple fact that Glock sells a larger volume of handguns to the civilian market than HK does, I wouldn't be surprised if for every ten Glock owners there is one HK owner. However HK's primary market has never been the civilian one so I imagine that's probably why we suck and they hate us.

 

[Calistyle]

I chose hk because I'm not a tinkerer who wants to invest a lot of time into high end 1911s. God those are great guns and sexy to boot but I wanted a production pistol that was of high quality and low maintenance. After shooting glocks, smiths, cz, a ruger, and a couple others I don't remember I settled on the very comfortable-for-me hks, of which I have a few. I think all gun manufacturers produce some quality pistols. I just happen to like what I feel to be very precise machining on the hks. Also I happen to find them uber sexy. I mean uber. I will admit I liked the sig p229 I handled but the rear placement of the slide lock was a little weird for me in my admitted short time with it.

I also like kahrs. I have a pm9 but a small percentage of the time it will fail to feed properly if I slingshot it. Yes, I am aware that kahr recommends not doing that. I love it for the slim profile. In contrast I have never had an issue with the function of any of my hks. I realize that all pistols have the capacity to malfunction but I don't to worry about it too much with my hks.

 

[ugaarguy]

Observations From a non-HK Owner

Outside of four years in the USAF, and 6 months trying something else out, my work experience for the last 11 years has been in hunting & fishing retail; primarily dealing with the sale of handguns & EBRs. I don't own an HK myself, but I can't fault them (I can pick a few nits). I'd like to address a few issues / comments brought up in the thread.

Price - Yes, they're in the same price range as SIGs & 1911s, but you get forged steel or forged aluminum frames on those guns for the price of a polymer frame HK. Counter point that is that HK has the most nicely finished and fitted polymer frames I've seen in the industry. For many people that alone is worth the added price.

Reliability / Durability - HKs tend to be extremely reliable, and this is backed up by a good friend who manages a local range which rents a wide variety of firearms. I have another enthusiast friend who's put countless rounds of .45 Super through his unmodified HK .45.

Ergos / Options - The USPs don't fit my hand worth anything, but the HK .45 / P2000 / P30 are great - to each his own though. HK also offers a fire control group to fit almost anyone's preference. The various with or w/o thumb safety, with or w/o mag disconnect combos on the S&W M&Ps are the only thing that even comes close.

I shoot 1911s better than I shoot anything else. If I was forced to switch to another pistol I'd be torn between an M&P .45 and an HK .45. The M&P is an excellent pistol, but the little extras on the HK .45 might make it worth it to me to spend the extra money (if SIG put the X5 SAO thumb safety on a 229 E2 it would be a real contender, but that's only a dream). I would have to get used to the HK mag release though.

I'm an admitted 1911 enthusiast, but from an objective view point I think there's much to like with HK pistols, and very little not to like.

 

[RX-178]

I got my USP45 just as the HK45s were coming out.

I was pretty impressed by the HK45, but I was young(er), and the sting of the recently sunsetted AWB was still too fresh for me to want to put my money on anything that didn't hold more than 10 rounds.

I spent a full $1000 of my savings into a USP 45 Tactical, and that was the first handgun I ever purchased myself, and having just gotten my TX CHL at age 21. It's still the best handgun in my inventory today, and I carry it almost religiously.

 

[Dobe]

What I like about HKs?
When I purchase and HK, I generally know that I can pick up that handgun, go straight to the range, and it will perform the way it was intended to perform. Every part and plastic is of high grade with what appears to be no low-bids.

There are many handgun manufactures, which produce a series of handguns (Gen 4), only to beta test them on the shooting public. HK tends to spend a lot of time and effort on R&D and field testing. You really know that when you have an HK, that it is well thought out, and designed for the task.

I have found the eight HK handguns I own to be reliable (not totally, but nothing is), durable, accurate, and very easy to shoot. The HK45 and HK P30 are also among the most ergonomic handguns on the market.

Nice guns