Opinions wanted: H&K USP Compact LEM VS. Sig Saur P220 Equinox?

[worldishis]

Now this is going to be my CCW and I have been wanting and waiting to get an Equinox for a long while, but I must do the proper diligence and explore all options here so dont string me up just yet please.

The first question I have been asking myself when deciding what to get for a CCW was; would I bet my life on the dependency of the gun? I can answer yes with both of these guns just reading and hearing owners and their experiences. The reason I didnt say my personal experience is because honestly, I don't have ANY with the H&K at all. I dont recall ever holding one, although I very well could have a number of times.

So without too much babbling here, what are your thoughts on both of these weapons, right down to the finishes? Obviously, nobody can tell me with 100% accuracy which one is truly better. I realize when you get down to this kind of "caliber" of firearm it is all about personal preference. I mean, this is not Hi-Point and Sig here. :biggrin: The most I can wish for is honest, unbiased, educated, and informative opinions based on first hand experience.

So please help me find my CCW!

Thanks,
Robert

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Go to a store that sells both and heft them. Line up the sights quickly on something in the store. The H&K "pointed" better and far more naturally for me so I bought it. It was H&K or SiG for me also. I'm not familiar with the changes that have taken place over the last 5 or 6 years with either gun, but this method will give you a good idea nonetheless.

 

[762 shooter]

Have carried a H-K Compact 45ACP for quite a while in a Uncle Mikes sidekick.

Eats everything I feed it. Hammer drop, double action first round, single action after first, tritium sights, ambidextrious safety.

It's like the offspring of an unholy alliance of a 1911 and a Browning Hipower.

The finish seems indestructible.

My deax centavos.

 

[givo08]

I'd strongly consider the H&K 45c if I were you. Much improved ergonomics over the USPc. The LEM is not available yet for it but should be soon. I prefer to carry mine cocked & locked like a 1911 though. I think it is much more concealable than a 220 (we have a W. German 220). The grip length is about 1/2" - 3/4" shorter than the 220 with the flush floor plates on the mags. Width is about the same in the grip even though the 220 is single stack but the slide width is slightly thinner on the 220 than the 45c. The 45c is lighter weight, and a more durable finish than the equinox's since it's all black. I've seen pictures of equinoxes online that have most of the black finish scratched off from holster wear and carry and really isn't as pretty as it is NIB.

As far as reliability, sig's typically have a good reputation for it as well as H&K, but they are having a terrible time with their P220 extractors. Go to sigforum and you can't help but find post after post after post about extractor issues and customers who have to send their gun back 3-4 times before it's reliable. Now sig is just replacing all internal extractor 220's that have an issue with new external extractors. If you go for a new 220, just make sure you get the external extractor if you don't want to have an issue. My 45c feeds everything. It has fed empty brass cases, federal HST +P (which has a very wide hollow point opening and my buddy's XD45 and my colt XSE 1911 won't feed reliably), and several hundred rounds of WWB, remington UMC, and CCI Blazer brass.

I am not an H&K kool-aid drinker...I have only 1 and own guns from several other manufacturers like glock, colt, walther, springfield, S&W, and sig, but it is 100% reliable, soft recoiling, and the easiest mid size gun I have tried to conceal, and has passed my G19 for preferred carry gun.

 

[Caseless]

Both are good. Personal preference is HK over SIG for reliability reason. Having seen a few SIG 220 seize up at matches. Never seen any USP malfunction yet.

 

[Rinspeed]

If you do a search this is a weekly or biweekly topic.

 

[photoman12001]

Probably HK...

Unless you look at another model of P220. I own a P220 Equinox (visit www.digitalperspective.org to see my review) and have owned a HK USP full size in 9mm.

I love the Equinox but it would not be my first choice for concealed carry. My primary carry gun is a Sig P239 in 9mm and I love Sigs. The Equinox is a great gun (nice-looking, reliable, accurate). I think it's finish will hold up to carry. But its front sight seems like it may snag when pulling the gun out (see my review for specifics). You could replace the front sight to do away with this possibility.

The Equinox also has a very shiny finish on the slide. I personally like subdued finishes on a carry gun. Check out the P220 Elite. If it were between the Elite and the HK I would go Elite. I have no trouble concealing the P220 IWB (I'm 5"9'/155 pounds) if I'm wearing a button-up shirt untucked. I may try selling my Equinox to fund an Elite in SAO.

I could not shoot the HK well at all. But that's a personal issue. My buddy was great with it. I just shoot Sigs better. The HK finish seems super durable.

Either will serve you well. It just depends on which you shoot better. But you need rental guns or trial and error (which is costly) to be sure.

 

[Seminole]

I've carried a .40 USPc almost daily for about 9 years and would recommend it to anyone for its reliability. Mine is the standard DA/SA though, and I don't really care for the LEM trigger. Dependability is important, but be sure you have shot both the Equinox and the USP enough to get a good feel for how each of them handles.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Hk-lem

If I had to choose a carry/duty pistol, I'd pick the HK LEM format pistol. It's in use by many US LEOs/police for a good reason. In a CQB event, you may hold someone at gunpoint. If you are required to fire at a criminal, you want to explain later on that your actions were not by mistake or an AD. This can happen in today's lawsuit/court crazy world, . To show a judge and jury that you spent the time and $$$ on a proven high quality firearm like the HK LEM is a good idea .

RS