Need some advice on a .45

[Zaydok Allen]

A huge part of it is that in general, hammer fired guns cost more to build than striker fired guns. That's part of why the VP9 is cheaper too.

Without knowing more of the specifics on the glock you're looking at its a little hard for me to say. Of hand, I like the luminous sights on the HK, the sold feel, the finish, the vastly improved ergos on the HK, and the ZhK customer service reputation.

Some of that is subjective. The Glovk may suit you just fine and serve just as well. If that sounds good, go for it. Personally I prefer HKs and dislike Glocks. That's just me though.

 

[Cee Zee]

Those HK pistols you're shooting are supposed to be combat type pistols which means they should run on almost anything. That said you picked one of the worst brands of ammo you're likely to find. I would be hesitant to condemn any gun for failing to fire that particular brand of ammo. I have never actually had any problems with it but I have certainly had issues getting it to hit what I'm aiming at. But I haven't really tried any of it for quite a while because I just don't like it one bit. It's your basic shoot for fun ammo IMO. It's really not good for practicing or heaven forbid SD. Some may like the stuff. I don't. I would try a bunch of other brands of ammo through that pistol to see if any other has problems. If not then it's obviously the ammo. That's the only way you're going to narrow down the problem anyway.

 

[AR15activist]

Side note: SKS legal in NY state?

 

[george burns]

I think you are trolling here personally, first you said that this was your first gun, now you have several other guns, which is it. After years on forums you start to pick up on people who are either bored or just like to carry on endless conversations.
That's fine by me but people have extended themselves to give you honest answers to your unanswerable question, and you seem to have a reason why no one can give you an acceptable answer, from the design of the pistol to just about any nonsensical thing you can come up with.
Yes Tula is cheap ammo, if as you yourself mentioned, 45 is too expensive for you to shoot, "assuming you actually shoot", then 9mm or 22 is that likely progression, weather you like it or not.
So since no one can give you an answer to your question, in 54 posts. maybe it's time to stop asking for more help. And since you know your needs better than anyone else, you should have no problem, finding which pistol suits them. You are talking about guns that are all within 100 dollars of each other, "other than the H&K 45", perhaps your expectations are too high.
A person who can't decide between a Glock and an XD, "which is a relatively easy decision once you spend 10 minutes with both", is obviously being influenced by outside sources, like too many gun magazines or too high an expectation.
You can go right down the line of 2 dozen guns , there has to be something in your price range that stands out, otherwise don't buy anything.
If you don't reload be prepared to spend 100 dollars every time you go shoot with a 45, that's for around 30-45 minutes, Time was you could shoot for 2 hours and spend 50 bucks, that's over. So if costs are problematic, then shoot 22, because unless you buy cases or reload, you are going to spend 4-500 a month on ammo.
Another thing you should have already known, I think you mentioned or eluded to the fact that you had an AR, if so you would know that you need a permit to own a rile or shotgun in the 5 borough's of NY, and have for about 35 years.
Even a pistol permit does not give you the right to have a rifle or shotgun in NYC. You can't buy one of sell one either, without a license.
And you would need to go t Nassau County, or up north of NYC to shoot it.

 

[Spta97]

George,

I think you need to brush up on your reading skills before calling me a troll:

I think you are trolling here personally, first you said that this was your first gun, now you have several other guns, which is it.

I recently got my pistol permit after waiting 18 months (thanks New York!). For my first pistol I got a HK VP9 as it fit well in my hand. I've got more practice to do but find shooting it a lot of fun.

Now I'm looking to get a .45 primarily for home self defense

Another thing you should have already known, I think you mentioned or eluded to the fact that you had an AR, if so you would know that you need a permit to own a rile or shotgun in the 5 borough's of NY, and have for about 35 years.

Please tell me where I ever said I was located in NYC? For someone with such deep NY knowledge, I’m surprised that you are making the assumption I am in NYC because I said New York. Perhaps it is because you a drawing conclusions upon your own experience and filling in blanks?

In any case, I am not trolling – just looking for info. Feel free to no longer post to this thread. I’m surprised about the attitude as I have lurked for years on this forum and found most people to be nice and helpful. Then again I have to remember you are from New York so that could explain it.

For the record, I ended up changing my HK45 order to a XDM 45 3.8”. That’s the one I originally wanted so hoping I’ll be happy with it.

 

[Spta97]

A huge part of it is that in general, hammer fired guns cost more to build than striker fired guns. That's part of why the VP9 is cheaper too.

Without knowing more of the specifics on the glock you're looking at its a little hard for me to say. Of hand, I like the luminous sights on the HK, the sold feel, the finish, the vastly improved ergos on the HK, and the ZhK customer service reputation.

Some of that is subjective. The Glovk may suit you just fine and serve just as well. If that sounds good, go for it. Personally I prefer HKs and dislike Glocks. That's just me though.

That makes sense. I need to educate myself on the striker vs hammer as I am new to pistols.

As stated I went with the Springfield, but not to say I am going to rule out HK in the future.

The glocks I was looking at were the 21 and 41 - the latter being somewhat larger but fitting better in my hand (my middle finger was not rubbing the trigger guard). In comparing the brands Glock just seemed so clunky and utilitarian but people seem to love them. I will own a Glock one day but not today.

 

[Spta97]

Those HK pistols you're shooting are supposed to be combat type pistols which means they should run on almost anything. That said you picked one of the worst brands of ammo you're likely to find. I would be hesitant to condemn any gun for failing to fire that particular brand of ammo. I have never actually had any problems with it but I have certainly had issues getting it to hit what I'm aiming at. But I haven't really tried any of it for quite a while because I just don't like it one bit. It's your basic shoot for fun ammo IMO. It's really not good for practicing or heaven forbid SD. Some may like the stuff. I don't. I would try a bunch of other brands of ammo through that pistol to see if any other has problems. If not then it's obviously the ammo. That's the only way you're going to narrow down the problem anyway.

I typically stay away from the black box steel case, but this stuff was reviewed better. Here is a pic:



And is says "High Quality" on the box

People said that it is actually +p (which is the NATO standard). I'm not married to it though but I do have quite a few boxes to burn through.

The other stuff I have is the Winchester White Box - not sure if you have an opinion on that. But if the ZQ1 is no good I will leave it alone.

I cleaned my VP9 before my last outing and went though several hundred rounds of the ZQ1 without issue. Not sure if the cleaning had something to do with it or if it is hit or miss with the ammo. Next trip I will try the white box and ZQ1 to test for accuracy - hopefully that explains my poor marksmanship!

 

[george burns]

You gave that impression yourself when you said,
"Unfortunately carry permits are nearly impossible to get so I don't think I will have one as long as I reside in NY."
As Carry permits are not at all hard to get if you aren't in NYC.
and this,
Edit: I am unaware of any place that will rent guns in NY. I don't know if it is even legal. You cannot touch a pistol in NY without a permit. I guess it's better to make people wait and get their first pistol never having fired one.
And the other remark about the Rifle that I no longer see.

Hey if you just want to vent, go right ahead.

 

[Spta97]

You gave that impression yourself when you said,
"Unfortunately carry permits are nearly impossible to get so I don't think I will have one as long as I reside in NY."
As Carry permits are not at all hard to get if you aren't in NYC.
and this,
Edit: I am unaware of any place that will rent guns in NY. I don't know if it is even legal. You cannot touch a pistol in NY without a permit. I guess it's better to make people wait and get their first pistol never having fired one.
And the other remark about the Rifle that I no longer see.

Hey if you just want to vent, go right ahead.

Not sure about the AR disappearing but still have it and love it. Unfortunately, due to the NY SAFE act you can no longer get and AR in the standard configuration as it is considered an “Assault Weapon”. Cleaver manufacturers have gotten around it by offering a stock that does not have a “Protruding Pistol Grip”.

Now regarding the carry permit….George, if this is easy, I would hate to see your idea of hard!:

Civilian
Full Carry License
a.
Authorizes the licensee to carry a firearm at all times in New York State, except in all five boroughs of the City of New York, for the purpose of self protection.

Note: :
The licensee is directed to see “Traveling Through New York City
(Five Boroughs)” at Chapter 2, Section B of this Handbook.
Note
:
A Civilian Full Carry licensee who seeking permission to carry a
firearm within the five boroughs of NYC is directed to visit
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/permits/handgun_licensing_app
lication.shtml
.
b.
Pursuant to Section 400.00(2)(f) of the NYS PL, an applicant seeking a Civilian Full Carry License shall be required to demonstrate “
proper cause ” (see below) prior to the issuance of such license.

Proper cause is demonstrated by proof of an actual and articulable
special need for self -protection distinguishable from that of the general community or of persons engaged in the same conduct, profession or business. Proper cause requires a showing that there exists an objective threat to the applicant’s safety. This showing
may include proof that the applicant is exposed to extraordinary personal danger, the documentation of a genuine threat to life or safety and/or other clear circumstances requiring the necessity
to carry a firearm. An example of acceptable proof may be in the form of police department records demonstrating that the life and well -
being of the applicant is endangered. It should be noted that the mere fact that an applicant has been the victim of a crime, or resides or is
employed in a “high crime area,” does not sufficiently establish
proper cause

15
Note :The existence of “proper cause” shall be determined by the NCPD Pistol License Section after reviewing any and all facts and
circumstances relevant to the applicant’s need for personal protection,
as set forth by the applicant in his or her “Supplement to Application for the Issuance of a ‘Civilian Full Carry’ Pistol License” available by contacting the NCPD Pistol License Section.

Let me know if there is anything else I need to clarify for you or educate you on.

Ok...back to trolling.

Edit: Shame on you for getting my hopes up thinking that I may have been mistaken on the difficulty in getting a carry permit!