HK USP45 Elite anyone used one?

[socalbeachbum]

Has anyone out there used the HK USP45 Elite long enough to comment on it? Did you love it, hate it or ???
My local dealer has them for $899 and wondering if it would be a nice choice for plinking and use at my local indoor range. Rather than naming a bunch of alternatives I'll just keep my question simple, is it a good choice for target shooting, nice and accurate?

 

[usp9]

The USP Elite is the most accurate centerfire pistol I've ever used. That is an excellent price. The Elite has an wonderful match trigger, adjustable sights and overtravel adjustment.
On top of that it is HK reliable. For fun plinking or match competitions, there are few better. I bought one about 10 years ago.

 

[socalbeachbum]

so, for range use for target use, it would be a 'better' choice than a equivalent priced 1911, like a Springfield or Kimber Target model?

 

[John G C 1]

HI I can not speak to the H&K Elite in 45 but I do have the Expert in 9mm and it is a really wonderful gun. Very accurate. The trigger is nice but not really as nice as the trigger on my 1911. On the H&K I have (and it is the match trigger) there is some resistance that you have to pull through, whereas on the 1911 trigger you feel the resistance start and then the trigger breaks immediately.

But out of the box, the H&K trigger is pretty darn nice, certainly not the longer and heavier trigger I have felt on so many other guns people at the range have let me shoot.

I can not tell you if it is better than a 900 dollar 1911 but I can tell you the trigger on my STI Trojan that I paid 1,100 for is a lot lighter and crisper than the trigger on the HK Expert that I paid about the same for, but they are both very good guns.

The price you have been quoted on the Elite is excellent, from what I have seen. Good luck.

 

[d'zaster]

I just picked up one for $900. The trigger is really awesome and I am looking forward to take it out this weekend. Will report back.

 

[John G C 1]

Delete...sorry

 

[usp9]

so, for range use for target use, it would be a 'better' choice than a equivalent priced 1911, like a Springfield or Kimber Target model?

I have experience with both Springfield and Kimber 1911s. The HK is easily their equivalent or better in accuracy, If you want a 2# trigger, better get the Kimber. The HK trigger is very nice too, with a very short reset and very crisp let-off. Smooth and sudden. The best non 1911 trigger I've personally used.

I like being able to take down a the HK in about 10 seconds.

Boils down to personal preferences.

 

[FL-NC]

All of my experience had been with the USP 45 and the MK23. Both were excellent pistols, very reliable. I prefer striker pistols like the Glock and M&P, but the USP is my favorite DA.

 

[socalbeachbum]

I came across a lightly used HK USP45 Expert for $800 and am wondering if it is the 'better' choice compared to the Elite, as an all around pistol. I know I started this by saying 'for the range' for target use, but....

I did also look at a loaded Springfield 1911 9mm which felt good, then I started looking at the Sig and Kimber target 1911s. Wish I could have a chance to shoot them all first, to see which I like best but

unfortunately none of these are available locally as a rental. I do like the weight and feel of the Elite, felt good in my hand, and not overly heavy.

 

[John G C 1]

HI
You might want to check out this thread
http://www.hkpro.com/forum/hk-handgun-talk/141907-usp-expert-vs-elite-45-a.html

It looks like more people voted for the Expert than voted for the Elite. But some say the Elite is harder to come by and so should not be passed up on if you think you might want both.



Here is another one
http://www.hkpro.com/forum/hk-refer...ners-buyers-guide-hk-usp-series-handguns.html


USP Expert: Includes the same Match grade trigger and raised sights as the Tactical model, but has a lengthened slide and barrel (about 1 inch longer) and no barrel threads. An excellent competition gun. Typically priced close to $1000.

USP Elite: Includes the same Match grade trigger, tall sights, but has an even longer barrel at approx. 6 inches. Typically used as a target/competition gun. Typically priced above $1000.

Sounds like the difference is the tall sights and the longer barrel.



I do not know Springfield or Kimber Triggers but the Range Officer springfield in 45 that I tried did not have any great trigger to it. Seems I am not the only one who thinks that. but if you test it at the shop and it is good, well then......


Tough choices and none of them are really bad.

 

[d'zaster]

Took out the brand new HK 45 elite last weekend. Works great and is more accurate that I am. Will be bench testing several loads to see what it likes best. Trigger reset seems a bit long but this was my first time shooting the new gun.