Opinion on HK compact .45

[boomstik45]

Does anybody here have any experience with the HK compact .45? I am considering getting one and would like some input on it. I like the Springfield XD .45 acp, having shot it. More accurate than I thought it would be. However, I have an opportunity for a nice trade deal on the HK and wondered how it handles, seeing as how I've never shot one. One thing is for certain, the XD has a nicer trigger. But then, it's technically single action while the HK is DA/SA. And the HK is more concealable (not that it really is a problem on my 300lb frame ). So far, the HK seems to be a more comfortable compact than most I've put my hands on. I can actually get a full grip on it, not just a thumb and three fingers with the pinky trying to find a place to sit. I hate wrapping it underneath like I have to with most glock compacts. Much as I love the glock 30, I still end up with the pinky finger on the bottom of the mag most of the time. The finger extension just isn't quite enough. At any rate, was wondering how the HK compact handled. Does it jump a lot? I notice it doesn't have the same guide rod/spring system the full-sized one does. And that one has a bit of muzzle flip. I appreciate any observations.

 

[knoxx45]

I like them.

The fact that you have the option of carrying cocked & locked is a big plus in my mind. I know that a lot of people just adore the XD, but I'm not one of them. I think that the HK is a much higher quality gun, that gives you more options, and yes you are going to pay for that quality the options. I am personally biased, i will admit, but you will find that you are not basing your choice on price, the HK is better. I have the compact in the 9mm and .45, and neither has ever let me down. Call me crazy, prefer my guns to have a hammer and a manual saftey.

Just my thoughts

Knoxx

 

[bonesaw]

If you really like the XDs trigger better, maybe you ought to stick with what you know and like. If not Springfield, how about a Glock or a Steyr?

I am an HK fan, and I have a personal dislike of those SA triggers with the tab in the middle. Seems to me, if that style of action works for you and you are comfortable with it, there are a few viable compact .45 options up your alley.

 

[Nio]

I have one.

I carried it as my CCW weapon for many years and generally liked it. I had to do a lot of work on the trigger, though, and it still has the worst trigger of any handgun I have ever fired. It's a good gun, eats anything I feed it, and never has had a failure of any kind. My major problem is that parts are nearly impossible to come by. If you need a replacement part, you have to hunt around and then wait for it. On the other side of the coin, it's one of the few factory guns that points perfectly for me and fits my hand just right. Still, knowing then what I know now, I woudln't have bought it. What I finally did was buy a Glock 19 and did a custom grip reduction myself so that the gun fits me perfectly. It has never failed either, and it shoots better, is more accurate, and there are more available parts (and upgrades) for it than for anything HK.

Nio

 

[10-Ring]

Do you mean the USPc 45 or the new 45 under development? If it's the USPc, it's a great gun...no other way to describe it!

 

[boomstik45]

Yeah, 10-ring, it's the USPc, not the newer one under development. I wouldn't say I'm used to the XD, I just have some experience with it. I have shot and carried Steyr, Glock, HK (full-sized), Sig, Smith and Wesson, Browning HP, Ruger, Springfield, and many more, but not quite every model of each. To me, the conventional triggers of Sigs are nicer than the HK's. But, as some have pointed out, the hammer and manual safety are nice and not available on some of the other typical combat-type semi-autos. I can live with or without the manual safety, but HK does provide one of the few cocked and locked options outside of the 1911 styles. Although I think Sig matches them better than most anybody else, I like HK's quality. I have never had a problem with the full size models I've had, which is good because I've heard about HK service being just awful. Sig's service is outstanding. So is Springfield's. I think I'll go for the HK. Perhaps I can have the trigger worked on to lighten it a bit or maybe have the LEM trigger installed. Even if I don't, as long as the gun is accurate and reliable I'll be fine. I've used so many guns that it's just a matter of getting used to a new one each time. Glock is the easiest to work on and use, but I don't feel that it is the absolute best out there. As far as the XD goes, the trigger reset leaves something to be desired, sort of....mostly if you're used to the glock trigger reset or a good 1911. Thanks for the info fellas.

 

[Hoploholic]

The only think I don't like about the USPc's is the delrin plug they have sliding around on the guide rod. It can make significant noise under certain circumstances. Other than that, I love them. The XD's get a slight nod in their favor, so that is what I currently use. If not for the XD's, though, the USPc would be my go to gun.

 

[XLMiguel]

Love mine. Mostly used as a car gun. Out of the box I put all 8 in a 2" hole, 1/2" low at 25'. DA trigger has smoothed out nicely, SA is crisp and maybe a little light, what's not to like? Seems to like 185 gr +P best for POA/POA accuracy. YMMV

 

[JCB1911]

HKc .45

HKs are top of the line firearms.(HK,SIG) CANT be beat IMO. they are the cream of the crop. I found one for my brother when he was of legal age at a HECK of a good deal. It was used and had about 500 rds. through it at the time.It now has had about 10,000 rounds of EVERY kind of ammo you can think of, and has NEVER failed. He shoots it Very good were as Me im used to 1911s and once you go to that Sweet trigger pull of a 1911 its hard to get usede to anything else. Its a little top heavy and has a little more muzzle flip than im used to(mainly because of its high bore axis so ive been told) but its a self defense firearm and I would bet my life on it ANYTIME. Cause it WILL work Everytime no questions asked, in fact it BEGS for punishment i think. I hope this helps. P.S. he also has bought a fullsize configuration of the same flavor also at a Great deal, sort of a test gun to torture so to speak and hasnt cleaned it in about 15,000 rds.and it has to YET to malfunction.And I dont expect it to but we will see. good luck

 

[pablo45]

xd is a double action only just like glock. I would say go with the hk it is a much more better gun and is way better quality.

 

[psyopspec]

I loved mine - had it for about 2 years then sold it when money got extremely tight. I had a collection of 4 guns at the time. I kept my USP 9mm full size for self defense only because the ammo was cheaper. If I could have afforded to maintain an ammo budget with it, the USPc .45 would have filled that role.

 

[boomstik45]

Thanks for the advice guys, all advice helps. Well, I went for the HK. I shot that thing, and man let me tell you...just as accurate as the full size version. Had LESS recoil than the XD, imagine that! The double action trigger is still a little heavy, but practice will get me used to it, I know. No failures, although I don't expect any from HK as it is. Did I mention accurate? Up until now, the most accurate compact I'd shot was the Glock 30. Even though the glock holds two more rounds, it doesn't fit my big paws as well. The HK FITS and fires so nicely. Recoil is quick almost like a .40 but without the distinct snap. Even though it's a bit longer than most handgun encounters, I like to test pistols I intend to carry at about 20 yds. I often shoot further than that, up to 100 yds, but mostly for fun and to see what I'm capable of with the weapon. At 20 yds, I was able to tear out the red center and make several clusters around it. When doing my part and not getting too excited, the HK made great groups. This is definitely a keeper.

 

[Autolycus]

I have heard that the HK customer service has gone up due to an outside company handling it now. Its been said a lot on HKPro.com

Personally I love HKs a lot. The only non HK manufacturer I like is Sig. 1911s are of course alright in different flavors but my 2 favorites are Sig and HK. I might suggest the P2000 unless it has to be a .45

 

[bj426]

I love mine.. 100% reliable. Greatness....

If it disappeared, I'd buy another.

 

[HiVelocity]

45ACP USP Compact

Boomstick-

As a police officer, I have 3 handguns in 45ACP. One Kimber, One Springfield, and the Compact USP H-K. Want to guess which I carry off duty?

As much as I love shooting a 1911, there's something about these H-K's that hold my attention. I recently qualified with my USP compact for off-duty use. At close combat range [inside 12 yards] I was tearing one ragged hole with hardball ammo. I also like the idea that I can carry in any conceivable option. I carry "double action only" normally.

The only couple drawbacks I have regarding the 45 USP Compacts is the price of spare magazines. They're terribly expensive when you can find them..........and they're necessary. The other is that there is only one company that make aftermarket night sights for the Compact. Not that I would want them, muzzle flash lights up a target much better.........lol!

All of us that use and/or carry a USP can't go wrong.......they work, they're reliable. Just be sure and get a decent holster to carry it in. And, train, train, train. Just "Food for Thought".

Stay safe, shoot often,

HiVelocity

 

[boomstik45]

Tecumseh, that's good to hear. Always good to know that a company's service is getting better, especially since HK doesn't sell the spare parts (that I know of) and I don't know many that are HK armorers. Glock armorers are everywhere, it seems. Hell, I'm about to become one myself. My department is transitioning to glock 22s in less than a month.

HiVelocity, thanks for the info. I ended up buying the HK in a trade. I've got Trijicon night sights for it that I bought separately and will have installed by an acquaintance from another department. He's the guy I traded with to get the gun. I've also got 4 mags to go with it (two I ordered), and you're right, they ain't cheap: about $43-44 apiece. Yeesh, they only hold 8 rounds, not a a capacity gripe, just a price gripe. Hey, I love the Sig 220, but it holds the same amount and is bigger, plus the mags are nearly as expensive. I really like the way this gun handles. I wouldn't mind getting the .40 version either sometime, but I can't help it: I'm a .45 lover. I like the .40, it's just that the .45 is my first love and likely will always be. Even if the 10mm is sexier sometimes (but I don't tell my .45 that...hee hee). Hey brother, training is everything. We don't carry guns on duty we don't train with, and I certainly wouldn't carry one off-duty I don't train with. Too bad not all officers see it this way. Too many of them pick something for off duty, usually a wheel gun or subcompact auto and then don't shoot it much, figuring it'll be simple. Then find they can't qualify with them on the range....stupid. This HK compact .45 is going to be my off-duty personal weapon.

 

[boomstik45]

I also agree with the comments on Sig. Awesome guns. Hate to split hairs, as it might seem to some, but I think overall, Sigs have smoother triggers when it comes to DA/SA configurations. However, I like the HK LEM trigger better than Sig's DAK. Just seems a big long to me. But, that's just my half-cent opinion.