HK USP vs XD

[cskelly]

I am about to purchase my first handgun (but have been shooting for many years). With that said, I have basically narrowed it down to either XD or USP. Both will most likely be full size and in the .40.

Besides price, is there anything I should really consider before purchasing. I notice the XD is a striker and the HK is SA/DA depending on the varient.

This handgun will be used for my CCW.

 

[Clint Westwood]

All I know is that my XD-40 increased in value over the last 3 years. I never liked it much, but it is very popular, and very reliable. The only problem I had with mine was I could never hit a bullseye. I would put down the XD, and move to my Glock 27, which doesn't fit my hand very well, and I would hit an eight shot group right through the middle. I have never had, or shot an HK USP, but I have held one, and it was one of the more comfortable guns for me to hold. That probably doesn't help, so I hope someone will really chime in with something use full.

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer the USP over the XD for the variety in trigger modes from cocked & locked to DA/SA and that the USPs come rated to shoot +P or +P+ from the factory.

 

[daysleeprx]

Both guns are pretty bulky...are you certain you want to use them for CC?

 

[cskelly]

Both offer compacts that I have been considering. As for the bulky size, that wont bother me as I won't be CC for more than a few hours a day.

Anyone familiar with the compacts for the USP or XD? Is much lost in the size reduction (accuracy or recoil?)

 

[Clint Westwood]

I have shot the XD-9 sub, and again, I couldn't find the target. It is probably just me though.

 

[PPGMD]

I've shot all the full sizes USPs (except the 357) and the USP 45 Tactical, all are excellent handguns, that though you can't change the grip behind the 1911 it's probably the most customizable pistol that you can get. Accurate as heck too.

I have also shot most of the non-subcompact XD models, it's an excellent gun, I like the compact idea, full length barrel with a shortened grip. Very accurate, IMO it's the better Glock.

If I were to pick just one pistol I would go with the USP, but I am a huge fan of the USP series.

 

[BADUNAME13]

From my observations, the USP is MUCH MUCH more reliable than the XD's...

I would however look into the compact version.

 

[cskelly]

Great Advice thus far.

I am hoping to hear from those who have shot the USP compact as well as the USP. I have had an experiance with the USP a long time ago (before deciding on purchasing a handgun) and I liked it when compared to the Sig and Glock. I have also shot the XD on a seperate occasion more recently and enjoyed that as well. I have not had the oppertunity to test the compact.

 

[gudel]

so is price your considering factor?

 

[STAGE 2]

USP is THE standard for doublestack .45's. In my opinion, it also THE standard for tupperware guns. If the pistol fits you comfortably, I don't see any drawbacks. The USP will be the one to beat in terms of reliability and accuracy and it is a sturdier gun. Drop the mag out of the XD and then squeeze where the grip panels would be near the magwell. Do this with the USP and see the difference. No doubt some people will tell you that this makes no difference because its not a stress point or has no effect on functionality, but I like my guns over built. "Just enough" doesnt cut it for me.

The only complaint that people usually have about the USP is what they have about all HK's, namely customer service. Of course most of us who own them have never had to deal with CS so that too should tell you something.

My father was a federal LEO and when department regs prevented agents from carrying SA autos, he carried a P9S. After several decades of flawless service he retired this pistol in favor of the USP, and once he himself retired the USP became his CCW and remains to this day. After thousands and thousands of rounds its still his go to pistol.

 

[aubie515]

I've owned the HK USP45c and the XD45 Service model. I had the HK before I purchased the XD45. The USPc shot well, but it was very bulky to carry. You may have a different build than I do, so keep that in mind. The full size HKs are way too large to fit my body for carry purposes.

While I liked my USPc, I quickly sold it once I bought the XD45. The XD shot as well or better than the HK. I liked how the XD fit my hands and how could I pass up 13 +1 versus the 8 +1 of the HK?

I don't mind carrying the XD in my Don Hume IWB holster. It will all boil down to what feels better on your hands. I'm not sure where Nomad gets his information about the HK being more reliable compared to the XD. Both will serve your needs, so get what you want. Just keep in mind that HK mags will run you $40 per mag versus low $20s for the XD mags.

 

[tbtrout]

I have both pistols in full size. I prefer the XD to the USP, it has a more comfortable fieel in my hand. As for function, both have proven to be reliable. It is going to boil down to which one you are more comfortable with.

 

[possum]

welcome to THR.
i have two xd's the sc model which i carry, and the service model which is on the night stand. both are great handguns and i love em. i actaully prefer the sc model, it is quick on target and points more naturally for me than any other handgun i have ever used.

i recomend the sc .40 for carry and the service for duty, hd, car gun etc.

magazines are cheaper for the xd, also sa has a great customer service which i know from experience.

i also prefer striker fired dao type guns to the da/sa but that is a personal preference, i like to point and shoot and not have to worry about external safeties ie manual safeties and decokers and all that jazz.

 

[Leitmotif]

There's no beating a .40 USPc. Love the way this gun shoots.

 

[PPGMD]

The only complaint that people usually have about the USP is what they have about all HK's, namely customer service. Of course most of us who own them have never had to deal with CS so that too should tell you something.

It's improved drastically since they moved to Alabama, turn around time for service is 1-2 days in many cases and they will generally get back to you within 24 hours.

i also prefer striker fired dao type guns to the da/sa but that is a personal preference, i like to point and shoot and not have to worry about external safeties ie manual safeties and decokers and all that jazz.

You can change the USP into a improved Glock type trigger and into a DAO gun.

 

[GARY1911A1]

I own both and recommend the HK for CCW. It will cost you more, but I believe it to be better in reliability, accuracy and the HK to be more shooter friendly in my hands. Also the HK allows for "cocked and locked" in many versions.

 

[DogBonz]

Choose wisely

The differences are many between these two pistols. While I think that the XD is a very good gun, and a good value at its current price, I would rather have the USP. I feel that the USP is the superior pistol. IMHO, they are more reliable and more accurate. The USP line of pistols are unlike any others. They are polymer framed guns that are DA/ SA with a manual safety and a decocker (V1). Also, I don’t know about the XD, but the USP’s barrels use polygonal rifling. This allows the same accuracy as conventionally rifled barrels while allowing the same load to attain a higher velocity due to a better gas seal.

I’m not knocking the XD’s, they are good pistols at a fair price, but I feel that the HK is the better pistol. I have shot USP’s for almost ten years now and I can attest to HK’s reliability, accuracy, and durability, which is why I might be a little biased. For those who call the USP bulky… Well, they are. But so are the XD’s and Glocks. Don’t believe me? Brake out your tape measure. They are “duty” autos and were never really meant to be concealed.

I like the ability to chamber a round and then have the choice to either carry the gun “cocked and locked” or use the decocker and carry it so the first shot is DA, like a revolver, or like a SIG. In the end, you should shoot both if you can and choose the one that suits you and your needs best. I don’t think that you can go wrong with either one, but I feel that the USP is the superior weapon. Of all of my guns, when something goes bump in the night, I reach for my USP45. It has proven its self flawless in almost 10k rounds and in two classes.

 

[SkiLune]

Both offer compacts that I have been considering. As for the bulky size, that wont bother me as I won't be CC for more than a few hours a day.

Anyone familiar with the compacts for the USP or XD? Is much lost in the size reduction (accuracy or recoil?)

I have an HK USP Comp in .40 and like it alot. Ultra reliable -- never a single failure, through about 1000 rounds right now. I shot +P Cor Bons, 180 gr. Winchester cheapy FMJ stuff, some Remington Golden Spear, and some Fiocchi.

I have not shot the full sized USP comp, and can only compare it to my full sized Glock 22 (also .40). I find the USP comp to be very snappy compared to the full size Glock which makes target reacquistion a little longer than with the Glock. I did have ALOT of accuracy trouble with the lighter grained (135??) high velocity ammo. -- too hot for the USP, but no trouble in the Glock.

My accuracy with the Glock is better, but it is pretty good with the HK also. Just much snappier, so I am still experimenting with the optimal defensive ammo to put in that gun. Right now, its holding the Remington Golden Spears.

Not sure if this was helpful, but the HK USP Comp is a very capable gun for carry needs, IMO.

 

[BBsteel]

I was in the same situation as you about 2 months ago. I was contemplating HK vs. Glock/XD. It came down to many hours at the gun range as well as renting all the guns I wanted to shoot. Based on feel, shooting accuracy, triggers that I wanted (I like DA/SA), solid engineering/design and take down I now own 3 HKs. I have the USPf 9mm, USPc .40 and a new P2000SK I haven't even shot yet (shot a rental though). I plan to carry the P2KSK in the summer and maybe the .40 in the winter or in the woods.

I just didn't go with the glock or XD due to my comfort level of pistols. I like having a good safety or at least the ability to carry in DA by using a decocker. The XD has the grip safety and I could possibly own one some day.

 

[BADUNAME13]

I'm not sure where Nomad gets his information about the HK being more reliable compared to the XD. Both will serve your needs, so get what you want. Just keep in mind that HK mags will run you $40 per mag versus low $20s for the XD mags.

First hand observation through:

Fighting Pistol
Fighting Rifle
HRCC Shooting package
HRCC Driving package
HRCC Medical package

Fighting pistol only had a XD, no HK... it jammed repeadily
All the others had USP's and (Different)XD's.

XD's bit the dust repeadly.
-More than any other pistol, Glock, HK, 1911, Beretta...

I used to like XD's.

As to price, if you can afford something... by missing meals or whatever, price should be the LAST thing you look at.
QUALITY COSTS.

-For the record, I do not own an HK... although I have.

 

[W Turner]

Nomad is the first I have heard knock the durability of the XD. Then again, he also has been involved in more hard core, mud-in-the-teeth training over the past few months than 90% of the people on this board so I would not discount his opinion.

If you reload, you are limited to FMJ bullets only if you get the HK. It has the same style rifling as a Glock so lead bullets are a no no.

For my money, I would go with the XD. I don't spend time on a battlefield, I am not a grunt, supersoldiercontractorguy, or a navspecopsrangerdeltaforcerecon operator. I am closer to a member of the 1st recliner battalion of the chairborne rangers.

If I had to pick a non-1911 .45 it would be the Glock 21. It does it all and if the grip doesn't fit your hands, you could get a grip reduction and not have spent any more money than the HK.

W

 

[cskelly]

It is always interesting to hear different opinions on two seperate handguns. Its never a 100% towards one, but that allows me, the casual reader to figure out the pros and cons without investing $700 and finding the problems on my own. As of right now, I am leaning towards the HK because it has best of both worlds. The accuracy and durability that I am looking for. Cost is not an option as I dont want to cheap out on the firearm that fits me better and appeals to me more just because of a couple bucks.

Thanks again for the feedback. It was very helpful.

 

[atomd]

Ok, here goes another long winded reply. I apologize in advance. They are both great and very reliable. I don't think Nomad's experience is the norm at all. I would question many variables that would make ANY modern handgun from ANY of those manufacturers he listed fail repeatedly. With the high number of sales that the XD has, I see very few reliability complaints.

Something to consider is that the USP is DA/SA or can be changed to be carried cocked and locked like a 1911 whereas the XD is closer to a Glock style trigger (not exactly but sort of similar). Some people think it is easier for a new shooter to master a singular trigger pull. Some feel safer carrying with the DA. The positives for either FAR outweigh the negatives but I'll share some of the things that bug me about them.

Things I don't like about the XD: The trigger leaves something to be desired (creep and the weight seems to vary too much from one to another). Inserting and releasing full magazines isn't as smooth as it should be even after being used for a while. The finish on the older models is horrible. Make sure you get one with a newer manufacturing date. You can fire lead but I can't get them to feed any SWC bullets reliably. They don't sell replacement parts for them. There are very few replacement parts that they will mail you. They do have a lifetime warranty but chances are you will have to send it to them to be fixed if anything goes wrong (they will pay shipping at least).

Things I don't like about the USP: Their rail system is proprietary (why?!?!). If you decide to add an accessory that isn't made by HK, you have to buy an adapter which is ridiculous. The trigger is not as nice as it should be for a pistol costing that much money (gritty on the DA). Their rifling won't allow you to shoot lead so if you reload that limits things a bit. Some people think their grips are a little too rough (that's good and bad imo) but I don't mind them. Their customer service has a long history of being sub-par but I hear they are getting somewhat better lately.

I hate to say it because I honestly do like HK....but the materials and even the nice fit+finish aren't really worth what they are charging when compared to other manufacturers. I'd also like to know what makes a magazine cost almost twice as much as another well made magazine of the same material. I can buy a brand new SIG or well made 1911 for less money and the material cost is higher with comparable fit+finish/overall quality.

Price shouldn't be a factor to the extent that someone should choose a poor quality and unreliable item just because of the cost...but it certainly does not dictate quality or reliability 100% of the time. I would feel much safer by spending my $800 on a Glock or XD and a training class + more practice ammo than $800 for an HK. The whole statement "Is your life worth $800" or similar is just a bunch of hogwash. All that being said, I still must admit that if I saw one at a FAIR price I would most likely buy it over just about any other polymer pistol. It's a real love/hate relationship for me that comes up whenever I consider buying a new handgun.

 

[PPGMD]

Things I don't like about the USP: Their rail system is proprietary (why?!?!). If you decide to add an accessory that isn't made by HK, you have to buy an adapter which is ridiculous.

The USP was one of the first production pistols with a rail, Hk's rail just didn't catch on for some reason. All the newer Hk designs come with a 1913 rail instead of the USP rail.

Anyways the adapters aren't that expensive, and they are available in lower profile configuration then the earlier adapters.