HK USP 45 Full Size vs. Tactical

[mmike87]

I held a full size USP 45 this weekend, and loved the feel of the gun. The trigger, however, left something to be desired - at least in comparison to every other gun I personally own. The double action trigger was horrible in comparison to my SIG P228.

I understand that the USP Tactical has a match trigger. Does anyone have experience with both? If so, my question is this - is the Tac's trigger worth the extra dollars? I don't so much care about the threaded barrel, and I am not sure what the "O-Ring" barrel means.

My other options was a SIG P220 ST - which is still on the table. Quality wise I know I am a winner with any of these, and both the HK and SIG feel good to me. The SIG is about $200 or so cheaper than the HK.

Is the Tactical worth the money? Thanks.

 

[SpikeEVO]

You can retrofit the match trigger to a standard USP.

http://www.calssportingarmory.com/HK Pistol Accessories.htm

about 3/4ths of the way down the page, it's $103 for parts, $20 for install if you don't want to do it yourself.

They also sell ambi safeties for the USP for about $60, plus $10 to install if you don't want to do it.

Owning both a standard USP and a P220, I will recommend the USP. Nothing wrong with the SIG, I love it too, but the USP is the better gun in my humble opinion, at least for my usage...

 

[boofus]

Hehe if you think the DA trigger on the USP is bad, wait til you try the one on the Mark 23. It's 12.5 lbs and has an extra long pull. H&K seems to favor the chunky, extra heavy with long trigger pull double actions for safety reasons rather than easy DA for accuracy.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I had the Tactical.
Very accurate, but then so is the regular model.
The 'match' trigger on the Tac isn't a whole lot better than the regular one.
They smooth out nicely after about 5-600 rounds.
Recoil with the USP series is softer than any other brand. That dual recoil spring along with a wide frame, really tame even +P loads.
Of course the SIG is no slouch, that's for sure. A freind has a standard P220 and it feels better in the hand and shoots just as well.
I can imagine how nice the S/S version would be.
Earnst Langdon has a business the specializes in tuning Sig's a Berettas.
It's harder to find a good 'smith and aftermarket parts for an HK.
It's a very close call.
Go with the one that fits your hand best, that one will probably shoot better for you.
P.S. I'll bet the Sig feels better in the hand.

 

[mmike87]

Both guns felt about equally well. I could not hold a 200ST which is what I would get as my dealer didn't have one in stock, nor a Tactical.

The lighter weight of the HK concerns me - I tend to shoot much better with heavier 1911's and could benefit from the 220ST's heavier weight.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Yeah , the HK's feel top heavy when just holding them, but I never noticed while shooting them.
My best off-hand shooting with an autopistol has been done with a Tactical and a HK USP Elite 9mm, FWIW.
Have you considered an HK USP Expert .45?
It's got a longer slide than the Tac which gives more sight radius, no ugly threaded barrel (unless you can get a silencer, they don't do you any good), and have the 'O ring' barrel also. A few more bucks I'm sure, but my 6" Elite is a real sharpshooter.

 

[Morgan]

Screw the DA pull, and use it as intended - cocked and locked, like a 1911. Unless you have a supressor, or just like the coolness, the Tac probably isn't worth it.

The HK is a unique beast with unique recoil characteristics (light felt recoil). The lighter weight is nice for carry, and not an issue for shooting.

If there's any chance you can shoot it first, do so. A large pistol, it may not be the best choice for persons with small hands.

 

[litework]

Where are you looking?

Not to change the subject, but are you looking at Woodbrook in Charlottesville? I know Manassass is a long trip for you, but I know of two places there that have Tacticals. Clark Brothers in Opal might have one as well.

I'm going through the same thing. I recently purchased a USP, chosen over the 220ST and the HK Tactical for "practical" reasons. I'm still pondering the idea of buying a Tactical.

 

[mmike87]

Actually, in this case I was at the new Gander Mountain store in Fredericksburg. Their selection of pistols was HUGE - far, far more than Woodbrook or Clark.

I have never purchased at Woodbrook, but they do my FFL transfers. I bought my GSR at Clark, and Woodbrook is handling receipt of the warranty replacement. Long story.

I have purchased three guns at Mountain River Outdoors in Charlottesville. Their stock is small, but if you already know what you want their distributor seems to be able to get anything in like two days.

I have never been too impressed with the selection of firearms in the Charlottesville area, and have driven far and wide in search of the opportunity to handle guns before purchasing.

It gets a tad frustrating at times.

 

[mmike87]

Morgan:
I'm OK with the large size of the USP - in fact I shoot better with large guns. I never though I had large hands but perhaps I do. Probably why I shot so well with my GSR, as it's pretty heavy, especially with the light.

PO2Hammer:
I checked out the Expert on Gunbroker - $1300 is a little more than I wanted to spend this Christmas, since I have to spend dollar for dollar with my wife (I want steel, she wants diamonds...) BUT - I really like the longslide and the larger size. Almost looks like a SOCOM a little bit. Nice.

 

[litework]

Went to Gander Mountain the weekend before last...they do have an incredible selection and the prices are fairly reasonable.

I live just down the road in Culpeper. I haven't been in the Charlottesville area to look at guns since JC's shop closed in Ruckersville.

If you ever do want to handle a Tactical, Bernie has one at Virginia Arms in Manassass. There's a new place near the airport, Guns and Ammo Warehouse (I think) that has one as well.

 

[mmike87]

I may just take a road trip and check it out. Thanks for the info.