S&W M&P or H&K USP 40?

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

sam700

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2007
Messages
225
I was thinking it's about time I picked up my first autoloader. I'm looking for something mainly for target shooting and plinking but also plan to use it for home protection. Because I plan to do a lot of plinking, I'm leaning toward a 9mm.

Right now I'm trying to decide between two guns
S&W M&P 9mm.
or
H&K USP 40 compact

I am also considering an XD-9, but I'll most likely go with one of the above two.


I can get a killer deal on the USP so it would be approx the same price as the S&W so the higher price of the USP is not an issue. On the other hand, I can only get the compact 40 for this price which would be less than ideal for target shooting as it would be more expensive to shoot and presumably less accurate as the barrel and sight radius are roughly 1 inch shorter on the compact. On the other hand, I hear the H&K's are known for their accuracy which may offset this to a degree.

For those of you who own one, which one would give me the better accuracy for target shooting?

Which one is the overall better gun assuming that the price is equal?
 
9 and 40 are very different feeling calibers. 9 is cheaper and easier to shoot. The HKs are built around the .40 so you can't go wrong with the HK if you like 40. Ask yourself how much are you going to shoot lots vs. little? If it's for HD or SD the balistics are very different between the 2. I'm an HK guy but I hear good things about the M&Ps. I say HK is the better gun, price notwithstanding
 
I have owned/own both of these guns and for me it isn't even close. HK all the way.

IMO anyway it's like comparing an Chevy to a Cadillac. Both will get you where you want to go, but one will get you there in style and perform a bit better.

YMMV.
 
If you're looking for an accurate target gun you can't go wrong with an M&P in 9mm. I have an M&P in 40 and its extremely accurate. Great ergonomics, very little muzzle flip, interchangeable backstraps and just feels great in the hand. You also get a lifetime warranty with the M&P and I'd rather deal with S&W than H&K if there were ever a problem with the gun. Also if you buy a new M&P before the end of the month you can get a $50 rebate and 2 free mags!
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=47802&sectionId=10002

M&P in 9mm vs USP compact in .40 for a target gun, I would have to go with the M&P.

My 2¢
 
Sounds like you have a connection with HK that must be nice, the USP's are a nice line. However given your situation I would say M&P all the way.
 
I've owned both, currently I own neither having sold both of them. Both are good weapons. My agency issues the USP9c. We are finding that the average service life for the HK is about 20,000-30,000 rounds. Then, when they break, HK won't take care of us. The M&P is still unproven, but S&W customer service is second to none. They also listen to the end user and are constantly making improvements. S&W also has a life-time warranty. My vote goes to S&W.
 
For CC/protection; HK USPc LEM

For your uses, I'd go with a HK LEM(law enforcement modification). It would be best for a CC/protection pistol. It would be easy to carry and no one could say you shot by accident or were reckless if you need to hold a criminal(s) at gunpoint.
Many law enforcement agencies use HK/LEM pistols for these reasons.
The HK P-2000 LEM model is worth a look too ;).
Rusty S
 
I recommend GLOCK 34 for target shooting.
BUT if you are to chose from the list you provided, I vote HK USP.
 
About a year ago I was faced with the same decision you are trying to make. I was leaning heavily toward the USP but after doing my research and asking members on this forum for their opinions, I decided on the M&P 40c. I have not regretted it. It is an extremely accurate shooter for me and is my everyday concealed carry weapon. I spend a lot of time on large ranches and have actually hunted some with my M&P even though it's not really a hunting handgun. I have made some incredible shots with it on wild hogs.

You cannot beat Smith & Wesson's customer service. I do not personally know about H&K's customer service but I have heard several stories about their service and it doesn't sound very good.

Another thing to consider is that the M&P is American made.

Why not rent and shoot them at your local gun range and then decide for yourself which one works best for you?
 
I've had three HK USP's and still have one.

The M&P is not in the same league as the HK.

The M&P's I've shot, and those I've seen shot, could charitably be called combat accurate. The USP's shoot like a laser.

I've yet to experience a malfunction with my HK's, and although I don't, and won't own an M&P, I've witnessed plenty of M&P malfunctions at my local range, and during IDPA matches.

Buy the HK USP, you will be glad you did. Oh, for all the negative comments you will read about HK's customer service, the good news is in 13 years of owning and shooting HK pistols, I've yet to need HK's customer service. ;)

I wonder how S&W's customer service got so good? :rolleyes:
 
Thanks. I'm hoping to get my hands on each in a few days or so. In the long run, I'll probably end up getting both!!
 
if i had the money then i would go with the h&k too, and 9mm is a great choice with the rising prices of ammo.

do give the xd line a good hard look though. don't cout it out yet without trying one out.
 
HK... you won't be sorry.

HK all the way. I own two, one in 9, the other in 40... I bought them both used (read "experienced"). the only problem I ever had was due to a bad magazine in the 40 - threw the bad mag out and it has functioned flawlessly ever since. I've never had a malfunction with the 9.

I haven't had the opportunity to shoot the m&p - I have to second what was said above though... HK doesn't need a customer service department, whereas S&W's has had lots of practice lately. (anyone here own a sigma? They're now priced competitively with hi-point)
 
I have (had) both. The M&P is now for sale or bought by someone else at the local gun shop. HK is all I own at the moment.
 
Be sure how much you want to sepnd there is a BIG price difference between the two. I love H&K and it is an awsome pistol. Some of the worlds best there. The M&P is good enough to be considered very good. For me it would be a cost thing.
good luck
-bix
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

range_rider13
  • Locked
H&K USP 40 Compact or S&W M&P 40 compact?
Replies
21
Views
2K
FieroCDSP
F
J
  • Locked
H&K USP Compact
Replies
21
Views
983
RainDodger
RainDodger
T
  • Locked
Opinions on H&K's USP Compact
Replies
16
Views
777
Edmond
E
D
  • Locked
H&K USP/SD 9mm
Replies
3
Views
585
gudel
G
Devonai
  • Locked
H&K USP .40 Steel Mags On The Way?
Replies
2
Views
501
Devonai
Devonai
Back
Top