Sig sauer P226 vs. H&K USP 9mm

[Dan-E-Boy]

I am interested in a full sized 9mm auto loader for defense and target shooting. Can I get some comparative opinions on these in terms of accuracy, recoil, reliability, quality, etc.?

 

[GreenFurniture]

They are so close to being the same exact gun it comes down to which one you want more.

 

[Heavy Metal Hero]

Jack Bauer uses both a Sig and a USP. That is good enough for me!

 

[DogBonz]

tough call

i guess it comes down to if you want a manual safety or not, or if you want a polymer frame or not. both are rugged, accurate, and super reliable. I have shot both and I shot the 226 slightly more accurately, but follow up shots were faster on the usp.

 

[ugaarguy]

They are so close to being the same exact gun it comes down to which one you want more.

I agree, with a change from which one you want more to which one fits your hand best. Both are fine pistols, but the one that fits you best will be more comfortable to shoot, and easier to shoot accurately. More info gun fit here http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/TryOnGun.htm courtesy of THR Moderator Pax' excellent website.

 

[Dan-E-Boy]

Thanks to all for the fine input!

 

[GreenFurniture]

I have both that's why I made the comment. The Sig fits my hand better, but the H&K has better felt recoil. Both will make small groups at 25 yards and both are dead reliable.

Why do I have both? Because I couldn't make up my mind as to which was a better choice.

 

[ugaarguy]

GreenFurniture I know the feeling. My 1911 fits my hand best, and I love it's smoth trigger & crisp thumb safety. On the other my BHP doesn't have as nice a trigger, nor as nice a feel to the thumb safety as the 1911; but with it's 9mm chambering (softer shooting), and higher capacity magazines (more time between reloads) it has attributes that keep me coming back. So many good handguns out there, so little time.

 

[10-Ring]

sorry - double tap

 

[10-Ring]

I bought it used but it's been awesome....my preference is w/ the HK USP 9 -

 

[Old Dog]

Close to being the exact same gun? I think not. The ergonomics of the SIG are ever so much superior. The SIG has a much more comfortable grip, far better balance and pointability. Felt recoil? Well, the USP is a bit heavier, especially in the frame and barrel, so what? USP has the cheese-grater frontstrap, just a weirder overall feeling in the hand ...

Is this all subjective? Yeah, probably ... my department's issue pistol is the USP-9 and I can live with it ... but off-duty, if I'm not carrying some type of 1911, I carry a SIG 228 and sometimes my 226 (in .40).

Personally, I feel the 226 is about the best DA/SA (TDA) semiauto in 9mm and .40 S&W out there ... I do give the H&K high marks for durability, reliability (not at all in question) and acccuracy, though in my experience, I'd give the slight nod in accuracy to the SIGs.

 

[hksw]

They are the two centerfire handguns guns I shoot the most.

For me, the P226 has the slight edge as it fits my hand a bit better than the USPf9.

 

[DirksterG30]

I find the 226 fits my hand much better than the USP. And the Sig gives you the option of changing out the grips to wood or rubber if you prefer.

 

[1BLINDREF]

Both are excellent quality guns. You won't go wrong with which ever one you end up getting. Personally, I like the feel of the Sigs much better. You can also change the grips on the Sig if you don't like the factory ones. Shoot them both, then decide. Good luck!

 

[HorseSoldier]

I've gotten to where I pretty much prefer metal to polymer, so I'd pick the 226. On the other hand, I've owned both a USP 9 and 226 in the past, sold both of them along the way, both were excellent and reliable pistols, but neither fit my hand as well as other options (CZs, 1911s, High Powers).

 

[GunNut]

Like the others have said they are both top tier guns, equally accurate and reliable.

You'll have to hold both and see if one calls out to you more so than the other.

 

[treebeard]

my preference is w/ the HK USP 9

I agree, but that's just my 3 cents.

 

[tbreed725]

ive owned both it boils down to what you like best imho theyr both as reliable as the other , you might also check out the mag releases the hk can take a little getting used to

 

[PILMAN]

I shot a P226 and it seemed like a pretty nice gun. I can't comment on it as I don't own one but the one thing I disliked was the way the P226 felt in my hand, just felt very bulky to me for some reason, maybe it was the grips. Maybe i'm just weak but I got a little fatigued holding it in the same position for a long time. I own a USP .45 and it's very light to me, fits in my hand like a glove and very nice recoil for a .45. I don't think you could go wrong with either or, never shot a 9mm USP but i'm sure the recoils even better on it than the .45

 

[tbtrout]

Both great guns

which ever you choose will be a solid choice.

 

[357SIG]

I prefer the HK platform to the SIG, but that's just my opinion. Can't go wrong with either, IMO.

 

[Mayo]

Owned both-----still have the P226. SIG is a clear choice for me.