Hi all! I'm now looking at a Sig 226R and an HK USP. Both in .40. I'd like to see some opinions on these guns and which you prefer. Also, is there a good online store that has used USP's? Another question is if you can change barrels (caliber) on the USP? I've been seeing some good prices on Gun Broker and Guns America. Thanks!
HK USP vs. Sig 226R
- Thread starter Shrike360
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10-Ring
Member
Personally, I prefer the USP 40 over most others out there. The only one I've shot that I would rank higher would be Beretta 96...That gun was just so flat & the trigger so nice that I hated togive it up when I did.
Chupacabra
Member
I'd get the Sig. Better trigger, better ergonomics.
The USP is still a really good gun though. You can't go wrong with either.
CDNN has a pretty good selection of USPs.
As for changing barrels on the USP...I believe you can get a 357sig barrel and just drop it in. No need to replace any other parts and you can use the 40S&W magazines.
The USP is still a really good gun though. You can't go wrong with either.
CDNN has a pretty good selection of USPs.
As for changing barrels on the USP...I believe you can get a 357sig barrel and just drop it in. No need to replace any other parts and you can use the 40S&W magazines.
-I owned a USP in .40. Great guns. I like the way they're built. I could never get it to shoot really well for me. USP 9mms and .45s shoot well, just not the .40. Maybe the .40 doesn't do well with polygonal rifling, because the .40 Glocks wouldn't shoot well for me either.
-Now I own a P226ST stainless .40 and it shoots really well for me. Very accurate at 25 yards and better ergonomics (for me). It's actually my best target gun beating my Glock 17L and equaling my P226R 9mm (alloy). The extra weight of the stainless gun is nice at the range, steadying my too-much-coffee jitters.
-Now I own a P226ST stainless .40 and it shoots really well for me. Very accurate at 25 yards and better ergonomics (for me). It's actually my best target gun beating my Glock 17L and equaling my P226R 9mm (alloy). The extra weight of the stainless gun is nice at the range, steadying my too-much-coffee jitters.
gudel
Member
don't let the overpriced overhyped rust bucket sig fan boys bully you. make a wise choice 
I prefer HK, better quality, workmanship and performance out of the box.
I prefer HK, better quality, workmanship and performance out of the box.
SigfanUSAF
Member
How do you justify an Hk as being better quality and workmanship than a Sig?As I've owned a USP fullsize .40, USP compact 9mm, a KA code 226 9mm, and currently the other Sigs in my SIGnature. Any evidence to back this up?
SAG0282
Member
LMFAO @ Gudel
You wont find better workmanship then on a SIG, and particularly the 226. I've owned and carried both (3 226s and one USPf9) and while both are first-rate and would serve a lifetime VERY well, I MUCH prefer the 226. It is and likely always will be my favorite combat/defensive handgun.
You wont find better workmanship then on a SIG, and particularly the 226. I've owned and carried both (3 226s and one USPf9) and while both are first-rate and would serve a lifetime VERY well, I MUCH prefer the 226. It is and likely always will be my favorite combat/defensive handgun.
Cousin Mike
Member
Gotta chime in with the overpriced overhyped rust bucket sig fan boys. 
FWIW, gudel, I feel the same way about your combat tupper-pistol.
Just kiddin'... One of the carry guns the girlfriend and I are considering (yeah, we're going with twins) is the P2000sk.
Seriously though, if I had my choice, we'd be getting twin Sigs. And as the owner of several Sig pistols, I'd be hard pressed to recommend anything else. I think even gudel might sell his H&K's if he got to spend the day with a nice Sig.
But if you go with the USP, I doubt you'd be disappointed..
Until the first time you shoot a Sig, that is...
FWIW, gudel, I feel the same way about your combat tupper-pistol.
Just kiddin'... One of the carry guns the girlfriend and I are considering (yeah, we're going with twins) is the P2000sk.
Seriously though, if I had my choice, we'd be getting twin Sigs. And as the owner of several Sig pistols, I'd be hard pressed to recommend anything else. I think even gudel might sell his H&K's if he got to spend the day with a nice Sig.
But if you go with the USP, I doubt you'd be disappointed..
Until the first time you shoot a Sig, that is...
Black Majik
Member
I just ran a pistol course this weekend with Bruce Gray of SIGarms. I shot some amazing SIGs worked over by Bruce.
So, my vote might be a little biased towards the P226R. Great pistols in general, even smoother after some work done.
So, my vote might be a little biased towards the P226R. Great pistols in general, even smoother after some work done.
A friend of mine bought both because he couldn't decide. We put a lot of rounds through them.
Overall, the USP is just a bit more accurate. I think it is the recoil-reduction system. The Sig, however, is more comfortable to hold, the trigger is nicer, and just feels more quality in some undefinable way. When I've shot my friends guns in the same session, I got tighter groups with the USP, but I prefered shooting the Sig.
I think you ought to buy the full-sized USP and then get yourself a P229 in .40 sometime too.
Overall, the USP is just a bit more accurate. I think it is the recoil-reduction system. The Sig, however, is more comfortable to hold, the trigger is nicer, and just feels more quality in some undefinable way. When I've shot my friends guns in the same session, I got tighter groups with the USP, but I prefered shooting the Sig.
I think you ought to buy the full-sized USP and then get yourself a P229 in .40 sometime too.
hankdatank1362
Member
I've never shot a SIG and my range doesn't have any for rent. What is so special about them? Unless you go with the DAK, they have all the damn same looking levers on the side, and frankly, I think they're kinda ugly. the USP just always kida gave off the impression that it was there for serious business, but I've never heard anyhitng but good thingd about sigs, so I guess there's someting to them.
Cousin Mike
Member
Hank... I feel a warning is in order. Sigs are addicting.
I thought they were ugly too at one point in time, but that was before I actually saw one in person... I didn't like the way they looked on a computer, but there's a big difference between looking at something on a screen, and holding it in your hand. I'll never admit that again, by the way, so you might as well just forget I said that... They grow on you fast. Once you hold one in your hand, that all changes.. And when you shoot one, just forget it... Its over. you're hooked. I highly suggest you try to get your hands on one to shoot. If you're ever near central Ohio, I'll let you shoot mine. Bring some money, because you're going to want one of your own by the time it's all said & done!
That funny looking lever is the decocker, by the way. Another little feature you'll come to love.
I thought they were ugly too at one point in time, but that was before I actually saw one in person... I didn't like the way they looked on a computer, but there's a big difference between looking at something on a screen, and holding it in your hand. I'll never admit that again, by the way, so you might as well just forget I said that...
They grow on you fast. Once you hold one in your hand, that all changes.. And when you shoot one, just forget it... Its over. you're hooked. I highly suggest you try to get your hands on one to shoot. If you're ever near central Ohio, I'll let you shoot mine. Bring some money, because you're going to want one of your own by the time it's all said & done! That funny looking lever is the decocker, by the way. Another little feature you'll come to love.
Old Dog
Member
Whoa there, hoss. Not my experience at all ... I believe I've shot a ton of USPs (happens my department issues 'em) and, while most demonstrate quite acceptable accuracy, not a one can match the accuracy of my two box-stock SIG 226s (one .40, one 9mm).
I would expect that most who compare the SIG 226 side-by-side with the USP would be struck by the clear edge in ergonomics the 226 displays. The stock 226 grip is perhaps one of the best-fitting, best-feeling grips out there. In comparison, the USP's cheese-grater frontstrap, awkward flat stock sides and long, sharp control levers just don't measure up.
Granted, the USP is exceedingly reliable and very well made. Granted, the SIGs are probably over-priced. But then, so are the HKs. Although I happily carry an HK USP on duty, I carry a SIG off-duty when not sporting a 1911 ...
Personally, I believe the 226 to be the best .40 S&W platform out there.
rellascout
member
I voted Sig P226R.
The USP feels like a 2 by 4 in my hand. I had one for about a month. It was a nice gun with a nice fit and finish and it shot well. It was more accurate then I was but in the end it just felt blocky in my hand.
Rellascout
The USP feels like a 2 by 4 in my hand. I had one for about a month. It was a nice gun with a nice fit and finish and it shot well. It was more accurate then I was but in the end it just felt blocky in my hand.
Rellascout
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md7
Member
Shot em both and chose to buy the Sig 226R. My vote goes to the Sig, but HK makes a fine pistol too. It really boiled down to my personal preference. I shot better with the Sig, and it fit my hand better.
Been there, done that
Shrike,
I have been in your shoes before. For my first handgun, I was debating between a Sig and an HK. I rented 229s, 226s and the full size and compact USPs from my range multiple times. In the end I got a P229. Love that gun!
I would consider the two brands to be equals as far as accuracy and reliability are concerned. I think that their prices are also fairly comparable.
The Sig really shines with its smooth trigger and more rounded lines. It is more comfortable to shoot. And the decocker is great - it turns the gun from a sweet shooting single action (like a 1911) to carry safe double action (like a Glock).
Although to be fair, some people do like the manual safety on the HKs and the ability to be "locked and cocked".
It would be hard to go wrong either way, but I am partial to the Sigs.
Shrike,
I have been in your shoes before. For my first handgun, I was debating between a Sig and an HK. I rented 229s, 226s and the full size and compact USPs from my range multiple times. In the end I got a P229. Love that gun!
I would consider the two brands to be equals as far as accuracy and reliability are concerned. I think that their prices are also fairly comparable.
The Sig really shines with its smooth trigger and more rounded lines. It is more comfortable to shoot. And the decocker is great - it turns the gun from a sweet shooting single action (like a 1911) to carry safe double action (like a Glock).
Although to be fair, some people do like the manual safety on the HKs and the ability to be "locked and cocked".
It would be hard to go wrong either way, but I am partial to the Sigs.
Black Majik
Member
Hey guys,
regarding accuracy... remember, part of accuracy plays in whether one gun fits better than the other gun. I shoot the SIG better and am more accurate because the gun fits me better than the USP. Others might find the USP more accurate because the USP fits them like a glove while the SIG fits them like a 2x4.
Its all relative when the accuracy is so similar between the two platforms.
Just my $0.02
regarding accuracy... remember, part of accuracy plays in whether one gun fits better than the other gun. I shoot the SIG better and am more accurate because the gun fits me better than the USP. Others might find the USP more accurate because the USP fits them like a glove while the SIG fits them like a 2x4.
Its all relative when the accuracy is so similar between the two platforms.
Just my $0.02
BrennanKG
Member
Well said, Black Majik.
Folks tend to take their personal shooting experience with a given pistol and turn that experience into a world view. It's an easy mistake to make, but a mistake none the less.
For example, I was never capable of any sort of follow-up shot accuracy with my old Glock17. That doesn't mean other folks can't do better with Glocks.
B.
Folks tend to take their personal shooting experience with a given pistol and turn that experience into a world view. It's an easy mistake to make, but a mistake none the less.
For example, I was never capable of any sort of follow-up shot accuracy with my old Glock17. That doesn't mean other folks can't do better with Glocks.
B.
My vote is for the USP. Although the Sig is a very good gun, the controls are placed precisely in the wrong places, especially the slide release. I think the controls are a little small, as well...except for the decocker. I like having a decocker, but I don't like its position on the Sig.
The HK is more versatile. The USP can be carried cocked and locked-and if you don't like carrying cocked and locked, you can change to just about any other method of carry without buying a new gun. I carry my guns all the time, even in the winter when I wear gloves. The HK's "winter" trigger guard and generous controls make the gun very easy to operate with anything smaller than mittens. Try shooting with something other than shooting gloves, or try removing snow from your truck without gloves. I'm sticking with HK and Columbias.
The HK is more versatile. The USP can be carried cocked and locked-and if you don't like carrying cocked and locked, you can change to just about any other method of carry without buying a new gun. I carry my guns all the time, even in the winter when I wear gloves. The HK's "winter" trigger guard and generous controls make the gun very easy to operate with anything smaller than mittens. Try shooting with something other than shooting gloves, or try removing snow from your truck without gloves. I'm sticking with HK and Columbias.
Honestly you cannot go wrong with either gun. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
I would have to get the Sig with the DAK trigger as I have no use for DA/SA guns. The HK can be carried cocked & locked (how I carry mine) so that is good to go.
I prefer a manual safety (as long as it is in the same place as the 1911, USP, Hi Power). So the Sig would lose that category.
Reliability and accuracy are common to both weapons, as is a durable finish.
Now the Sig has a universal rail for mounting X200s, M3s, etc. The HK rail is proprietary and you can buy the HK UTL or get an adapter.
Fit of the hand... that is purely subjective and only you can answer. But either weapon will serve you well. Not to chicken out, but it really comes down to your personal fit/preference.
I would have to get the Sig with the DAK trigger as I have no use for DA/SA guns. The HK can be carried cocked & locked (how I carry mine) so that is good to go.
I prefer a manual safety (as long as it is in the same place as the 1911, USP, Hi Power). So the Sig would lose that category.
Reliability and accuracy are common to both weapons, as is a durable finish.
Now the Sig has a universal rail for mounting X200s, M3s, etc. The HK rail is proprietary and you can buy the HK UTL or get an adapter.
Fit of the hand... that is purely subjective and only you can answer. But either weapon will serve you well. Not to chicken out, but it really comes down to your personal fit/preference.
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