Sig/HK Debate and Price Question

[au1776]

I'm about to buy my first handgun (first one I'll have purchased, that is) and I think I have it down to Sig 226/229 and USP/USPc in .40. I've shot all 4, and all feel equally suitable for my hands. I don't mind the manual safety on most of the USP's I've come across, but I do prefer the decocker of the Sig.

At a local place today, the owner first seemed to be pushing the HK's, but ended up recommending the 229 after I told him my primary focus was recreation. I'm not sure what his reasoning was for that, but I found the shift in attitude interesting. I know this is a commonly debated subject, but is there anything I'm missing? If not, its looking more and more like I might go for whatever the best deal is I can find in the near future. I'm also going to try and some more rounds through all of them, but neither has really separated itself at this point.

As for pricing, the store I was at today (I'm in Athens, GA, and I think this store is the more preferable one in town) said they thought they could get me a USPc .40 for 719. Is that reasonable? I'm leaning toward the USPc or 229, but I'm not really opposed to the full size. A buddy of mine got a NIB USP full size .40 from the same place for under 600 a year ago, so if that situation presented itself I'd jump on it. I won't be carrying in the near future, but certainly wouldn't mind the option.

They didn't have a 229 in .40SW but the 9 was 689 and the owner seemed to indicate he thought he could get me a LNIB for about that price in .40. That struck me as a pretty reasonable price from what I've seen, depending on how the actual condition turned up of course.

Any general advice? I'm enjoying reading this forum, just looking for any directions I should check out before making a decision. Thanks all.

 

[12131]

The HK USP compact is one of my favorite pistol. But, $719 is a little bit much. You can find one NIB w/ NS at shows for $640.
Not a Sig fan, except for the P225.

 

[n00bdave]

You can't go wrong with either, but the Sig gets the nod for having a somewhat better trigger (in the opinion of most people). The pricing seems reasonable to me. USP's and Sigs go for about $739 at my local dealer-with no night sights. There are some members up here that might be able to get you a Sig for less if you're willing to go the mail-order-FFL-transfer route.

All in all, it sounds like you're leaning towards the Sig, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if that's what I wanted.

 

[Atticus]

Everyone is going to have their own opinion on this one. Those are all great choices and ultimately, it will just come down to your gut feeling. If you're wrong trade it off. I've owned the USPc and a Sig 220. I greatly prefer the P220...but thats' just me. Unless you're dead set on a new gun, I'd check out the SIG refurbs or LE trades. I passed on my choice of a dozen LE trade-ins a few days ago...and that was at $399.

 

[jmr40]

Another satisfied Sig customer here. I bought one of the 226 refurb models and cannot tell it from new. Paid $550 + tax I think, for one of the Certified pre Owned models.

 

[10-Ring]

I'd go w/ the HKs anyday of the week & twice on Sundays Pricing is a bit of an issue as both can be very spendy if new, but well worth the quality you end up with

Welcome to THR

 

[Muddflap]

I have 2, 229's. One in 9mm, and one in .40. Both have been perfect.
I think I like the 9mm best, but the 229 handles the .40 very well. I have never got to shoot an HK, so I don't really have any opinions about them. The SIG just won on looks.

 

[biscuitninja]

Have both. I say get a 225 as a starter Sig. I also have the H&K USPc in 9mm also. They handle great, but as mentioned are a bit stiff in cost. Mine was a tad over 600.
good luck
-bix

 

[S&W620]

I'm a huge fan of USP's.

You won't be disappointed.

 

[Shadow1198]

They're both excellent brands. One gripe I have though is with new/newer Sigs. I feel some of the models have some stupidly ridiculous prices. Take any of the elite models for example, throw on some night sights, wood grips, an extended beaver tail, and a short reset trigger to try and justify a $950-1000 price. Just seems excessive to me.

 

[xx7grant7x]

but I do prefer the decocker of the Sig.

does this mean the hk's you shot don't have decockers? because my USP .40 full size and my brother n laws compact both have decockers, just trying to clarify

 

[au1776]

Thanks for the replys, all. I'm not overly worried about the choice, even if I determined I'd rather have the other...this won't be the last pistol I buy.

Any tips on where to look for the best prices? Shops and shows, and I'm browsing the online auctions as well. Buying online is somewhat disconcerting, but it seems to be a pretty commonly used method. As I calculate cost, is there anything I need to factor in other than the transfer fee and shipping?

Thanks again.

 

[au1776]

The HK's I've shot all had decockers, I just prefer the Sig version. That was the one I was first comfortable with, so the HK one was just a little disconcerting at first. I'll get over it, certainly not a dealbreaker.

 

[basicblur]

Not that you'd be interested...?

I've got a P229R (357 SIG) and USPc (40 S&W) and it's pretty much a toss up AFA which one I like best.
I do tend to lean towards the SIG for defense as it has a LaserMax, but you can't get one for the USPc.

Just something to think about?

 

[bearmgc]

I got a CPO grade 1 Sig 229 short trigger 40sw for $480 shipped from a seller on Sigforum, and it is fantastic. I can get great groups from this gun, so much better than my HK USPc .357, such that I sold the HK and bought a factory .357Sig barrel for the Sig. I had paid $500 for the gently used HK, and don't get me wrong, it was a very good rig. But the Sig handles better and is more accurate for me. There are good deals out there, just gotta hunt them down. I really can't see paying the prices for new, though. The guy that bought my HK on the HK Forum is just tickled with it, and thinks it is the best gun he has ever owned or fired.

 

[Rexster]

While it is strictly personal, I like the feel of the P229 in my hands better, and like the DAK trigger system. For reasons not known to me, my agency, a big-city PD, authorizes the SIG P229 and P226 as personally-owned duty pistols, along with certain models from Beretta, S&W, Glock, Springfield, and perhaps another one or two, but not HK. (We buy all our own firearms, except for certain less-lethal firearms and specialized stuff used by SWAT and SRG.) I don't think it's a brand prejudice, because the Benelli shotgun was an HK-branded product at the time it was added to the authorized shotgun list.

 

[prolanman]

Don't count out the P226. If your looking for a recreational gun the P226 is an excellent gun. The Sig triggers are definately better than the HK. Both are excellent guns and very reliable. On that note I usually carry my P2000 as I find it easier to carry all day long due to it being lighter and being easier to conceal than my Sigs.

 

[Lonestar49]

Couple of thoughts for Sig

Quote: I don't mind the manual safety on most of the USP's I've come across, but I do prefer the decocker of the Sig.
-----------
...

I'm not sure where the safety is on the USP's, and is it a safety-decocker in one? IF it is, then that means you have to "push it back up.."

But, with the Sigs decocker-only, and where it is located, is a big Plus in my book, as one does not have to sacrifice a proper 2-hand grip to activate it.

Also, not knowing about USP's, but I can tell you that the Sig P226 or P229 are one of, if not, the easiest guns to field strip/disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble out there, bar none.. KEY

Best of luck with your choice,


Ls

 

[SeanMTX]

My brother in law has the Sig and it's great, but I absolutely LOVE my USPc .40. It's balanced well, shoots phenomally out of the box, carrys 12 in the magazine, has great sights...it's one of the best all around pistols I've ever had.

I got mine VERY lightly used for $599 and it's worth every penny.

 

[Autolycus]

Check out the HK P2000 if you want a nice gun. It can be purchased with a decocker, it is the variant 3.

I would recommend the HK or the Sig. I have an HK P2000, HK P2000sk, and a Sig 228. I personally would carry the HK if I could in this horrible state. The fact that it is lighter and holds the same amount of rounds is a huge bonus.

Check out www.policeguns.com for prices. Their guns come with 3 magazines and factory installed night sights.

 

[loki.fish]

I'm not sure where the safety is on the USP's, and is it a safety-decocker in one? IF it is, then that means you have to "push it back up.."

But, with the Sigs decocker-only, and where it is located, is a big Plus in my book, as one does not have to sacrifice a proper 2-hand grip to activate it.

Also, not knowing about USP's, but I can tell you that the Sig P226 or P229 are one of, if not, the easiest guns to field strip/disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble out there, bar none.. KEY

Best of luck with your choice,


Ls

The USP decocker is safety/decocker in one. So yes, you have to push it back up to the firing position after decocking it.

 

[XavierBreath]

Both pistols are great, reliable choices. My preference between the two is the USP, but that is all it is, preference. On either pistol, you take a bit of a hit on resale if you buy high. I'd recommend giving CDNN a call. Here are some of their prices. Consider shipping and FFL fees in your decision. Deduct taxes.
USPc 45 new.....$699
USPf 40 or 9 new........$644
USPc 40 or 9 new..........$659
Sig P226 two tone used........$429
Sig P226 used...........$419
Sig 229 night sights used ........$399
Sig 229 night sights used ..........$429
Sig 229 DAK 9mm new........$549
Sig 229 DAK 40S&W used......$449

 

[GTSteve03]

The USP decocker is safety/decocker in one. So yes, you have to push it back up to the firing position after decocking it.

You sure 'bout that?

I just walked into my bedroom, tested my USP Compact 9mm that has the safety/decocker combo, and when it decocks it springs back to the fire position automatically.

Seems like the best of both worlds to me, that's why I sold my SIG.

 

[Storm]

If you are around Athens you might try Clyde Armory. If that's where you were at, then try Bull's Eye Indoor Range in Lawrenceville. Their prices are hard to beat.

 

[1BLINDREF]

You can't/won't go wrong with either. Both will serve you well and will always be worth close to what you paid for it if you take care of it.
You've done the right thing by shooting all of the models that you are interested in before buying them.
I had an Hk USP Compact .40S&W. It was no doubt a great gun except for the trigger. Its a top quality weapon. I ended up selling it and bought a(another ) P226.
There is alot of good advice on this thread. I just want to add that you can change the grips on a Sig, but not an Hk.

For me, I like Sigs the best, so thats what I buy/collect/carry.

Good luck with your choice!