Between the Sig Sauer P228 (9mm) and the HK USP Compact (.45 acp or 9mm) which would you prefer and why? I am looking to buy a semi auto for my first pistol and wondered what you guys thought. Im also open to suggestions! Any information would help me, please.
Sig Sauer P228 or HK USP Compact?
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shooter503
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I would suggest you get the HK.
Why? Because I am always looking for P228s and I want to keep the price down.
(The HK is a Mercedes, the Sig is a Jaguar)
Why? Because I am always looking for P228s and I want to keep the price down.
(The HK is a Mercedes, the Sig is a Jaguar)
shooter503
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See what you can do on Gunbrocker.com. Watch a few auctions. The P228 is more difficult to find.
I have owned both HK USP (sold) and (now) a P228. The HK is a less well-balanced gun than the P228 and the LE trigger takes some getting used to. The HK certainly has a reputation for long-life and reliability but so does the P228. The Sig P239 is the same as the 228 but it has a solid machined slide instead of a folded steel one. Most people prefer the balance of the 228.
Features (IMHO):
The P228 has the best DA/SA trigger I have ever used.
The P228 grip is better for small hands.
The P228 balance is better.
For me, the P228 is the maximum size pistol for real life CCW.
The P228 decocker is excellent.
Accuracy is superb.
The P228 even piles your fired brass about two feet to your right for easy pick up and reloading !!!!
What more could you want?
I have owned both HK USP (sold) and (now) a P228. The HK is a less well-balanced gun than the P228 and the LE trigger takes some getting used to. The HK certainly has a reputation for long-life and reliability but so does the P228. The Sig P239 is the same as the 228 but it has a solid machined slide instead of a folded steel one. Most people prefer the balance of the 228.
Features (IMHO):
The P228 has the best DA/SA trigger I have ever used.
The P228 grip is better for small hands.
The P228 balance is better.
For me, the P228 is the maximum size pistol for real life CCW.
The P228 decocker is excellent.
Accuracy is superb.
The P228 even piles your fired brass about two feet to your right for easy pick up and reloading !!!!
What more could you want?
Dannyboy
Member
I've got one of each and I love them both. My only problem with the 228 is that I got it after my HK and my 1911. I got used to shooting with my thumb over the safety and I haven't been able to break the habit. So, when I shoot my 228, my thumb gets too close to the slide stop and usually keeps the slide from locking back.
You can't go wrong with either of them. Try them both and see what fits. The HK fits my hand better than any other pistol I've ever held.
You can't go wrong with either of them. Try them both and see what fits. The HK fits my hand better than any other pistol I've ever held.
I'll just let you know that the HK DA trigger is bad at best while the Sig DA is long but it's actually quite smooth.
SA, I still give the Sig the trigger advantage. HK SA isn't bad but I don't think it's as good as the Sig SA.
You'll have to shoot each and see how they sit in your hand.
Have you considered the P2000? I think it's an ergonomic and trigger improvement over the USPc.
SA, I still give the Sig the trigger advantage. HK SA isn't bad but I don't think it's as good as the Sig SA.
You'll have to shoot each and see how they sit in your hand.
Have you considered the P2000? I think it's an ergonomic and trigger improvement over the USPc.
1BLINDREF
Member
+1 shooter503
I have both, P228 (my first auto, purchased new in 1995) and an Hk USP compact in .40 s&w. I like the Sig much better for most of the same reasons as shooter. I'll add that you can get a nice set of Hogues or different grips for the Sig. The Hk grips are not changable. You can't go wrong with either as far as reliability and quality goes.
Correction on shooters post - the P229 is the same size as the P228. The P239 in a bit smaller.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
I have both, P228 (my first auto, purchased new in 1995) and an Hk USP compact in .40 s&w. I like the Sig much better for most of the same reasons as shooter. I'll add that you can get a nice set of Hogues or different grips for the Sig. The Hk grips are not changable. You can't go wrong with either as far as reliability and quality goes.
I would first decide which caliber, and then make a decision on which gun. As far as availability and price, you can get an Hk more easily than a P228 and it will probably cost you a little more. You can find P228s here and there if you look and are patient. I just found a nice one at the place I shoot for $500. I bought it for my son for his 21st birthday
Correction on shooters post - the P229 is the same size as the P228. The P239 in a bit smaller.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
P228~!
Very difficult too find, as this weapon as long since been discontinued for
civilian sales.
Very difficult too find, as this weapon as long since been discontinued for
civilian sales.
Autolycus
Member
Look at an HK P2000. I believe they improved the DA/SA trigger. It is a little nicer than the HK USPc triggers from what I hear.
10-Ring
Member
I would go w/ the USPc 45 - I prefer the caliber, size & platform. The HK can be carried C&L if you're so inclined, the HK fits my hands better & is more lefty friendly.
Thanks for all the great info guys.
After I posted this morning I went to buddy’s place out of town to look at some of his local pawn shops, and firearm shops. And got to hold the HK USP (not the compact), and the Sig P229, which as I knew was the same size as the P228, and then I got to hold the S&W MP and now I need some more know on the MP. But so far I like the way the HK feels in my hand, and I’m not saying I don’t like the feel of the P229 it is just that the HK feels better. I would like to get the chance to fire a few clips through both to make up my mind.
Do all the HK USP have the accessories rail?
As to the IL comment Edmond you live up by Chicago Heights right?
Maybe we could get something together…
After I posted this morning I went to buddy’s place out of town to look at some of his local pawn shops, and firearm shops. And got to hold the HK USP (not the compact), and the Sig P229, which as I knew was the same size as the P228, and then I got to hold the S&W MP and now I need some more know on the MP. But so far I like the way the HK feels in my hand, and I’m not saying I don’t like the feel of the P229 it is just that the HK feels better. I would like to get the chance to fire a few clips through both to make up my mind.
Do all the HK USP have the accessories rail?
As to the IL comment Edmond you live up by Chicago Heights right?
Maybe we could get something together…
SniperStraz
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P-228 hands down.
Autolycus
Member
I prefer the P2000 over the USP in grip. Most people seem to agree, or people that I have met. The Sig 228/229 does just melt in my hand though.
If I had a choice I would probably get the 228 over the 229 and an HK P2000 over both.
In fact I got the P2000 over both.
If I had a choice I would probably get the 228 over the 229 and an HK P2000 over both.
In fact I got the P2000 over both.
Todesengel
Member
both are great...tough joice.
Autolycus
Member
The new Smith and Wesson M&P is supposed to be an excellent gun. I have no experience with them but I have not read anything but positive things about them. Well a few things about their aestethics but other than that I think they are a winner for Smith and Wesson.
For me it is the HK P2000 all the way. I am an HK guy but I do want that Sig 228 really badly.
For me it is the HK P2000 all the way. I am an HK guy but I do want that Sig 228 really badly.
I've got a Sig 228, a USPc45 and a USPf45. I'm about to get a USPc9 if that tells you anything.
I love my 228, but I don't like DA triggers. The Sigs grip is bigger than the USPc, it weighs more, and I don't shoot it as well as my HKs. That being said, its getting harder to find them, at least around here.
They're both awesome. It really comes down to personal opinion, so get the one that fits your hand the best and go with it.
I love my 228, but I don't like DA triggers. The Sigs grip is bigger than the USPc, it weighs more, and I don't shoot it as well as my HKs. That being said, its getting harder to find them, at least around here.
They're both awesome. It really comes down to personal opinion, so get the one that fits your hand the best and go with it.
SGTYuengling
Member
A bit long, but here's my take on the 3...
I've shot the H&K USP in .40, Sig P228, and the S&W MP in 9mm.
I grew up on the USP and absolutely loved the pistol as a teenager. H&K is known for their reliability, and the USP functioned beautifully. I also loved the feel of it.
After I joined the Army, I began using training with the P228 more than I could have wished. At first, the P228 was "nice," but as I used it more and we did more training (threw more rounds down range in this last year than most of you would believe), I have really come to love this platform. I have never had a problem with it through all of the torture we have put them through.
Oddly enough, I just fired a box through a S&W MP 9mm this evening. I was not overly impressed with it, but I didn't have a problem with it either. Its kind of hard to pass judgment on a pistol after only 50 rounds, however. I will fall back on being taught that Smith is for revolvers, not auto's. There are too many other companies out there making quality auto's.
In all, I have gone back to shoot the H&K after training so extensively with the Sig, and it's just "off". I was so convinced that there was something wrong with the sights that it got sent to an armorer. After two armorers shot the pistol and confirmed that everything is fine on it, I am convinced that the problem is one of ergonomics. The P228 is so well balanced, and fills the hand so well, that it feels natural to shoot, where-as I have to adjust for the HK. I have to admit that the Smith & Wesson felt good in the hands as well, and my shot groups were fairly tight with it at 25m. While you may not be too worried about "hell and back" reliability (are you planning on dragging the pistol through swamps, deserts, or arctic glaciers?) the fact remains that both H&K and Sig make quality reliable firearms. As I said before, I never had a problem with the 228- even through all the rounds of straight up torture and abuse we put it through. If price is a factor, Smith & Wesson has it hands down. But I am a firm believer that you really get what you pay for with that.
All in all, I vote Sig hands down. The 228 is a little pricey, and hard to find, but well worth it ("I just found a nice one at the place I shoot for $500. I bought it for my son for his 21st birthday" -1BlindRef The bastard who got that 228 from his ole man is a lucky one indeed
- what kind of father actually gets his son a 228 for his 21st birthday? Lucky punk... ). It is a quality firearm that will last you a long time. It is well balanced, and the double stack mag fills med and large hands beautifully. Add Hogue finger-groove combat grips (which you can't do with the USP), and your talking about a firearm that truly feels like an natural extension of you. The 228 is big, but if you have a large frame (or a large jacket and the discipline to actually practice your draw), it works for concealed carry. Maintenance is incredibly easy for the 228, and Sig even has a program to inspect your used Sig. They will replace all the springs, look for maintenance issues, and slap new night sights on for about $100. You really can't beat it (I just sent mine ). The last point is the investment value. The 228 will at least hold its value if not go up. They are no longer in production for the civies, and there is a demand out there. It is a quality firearm, and if you do what little you need to do in order to take care of it, you'll be set.
The other two might fit some of these points as well, but the 228 is the whole package. I hope this helps. Let us know what you end up deciding and why! Good luck; Happy shooting.
I've shot the H&K USP in .40, Sig P228, and the S&W MP in 9mm.
I grew up on the USP and absolutely loved the pistol as a teenager. H&K is known for their reliability, and the USP functioned beautifully. I also loved the feel of it.
After I joined the Army, I began using training with the P228 more than I could have wished. At first, the P228 was "nice," but as I used it more and we did more training (threw more rounds down range in this last year than most of you would believe), I have really come to love this platform. I have never had a problem with it through all of the torture we have put them through.
Oddly enough, I just fired a box through a S&W MP 9mm this evening. I was not overly impressed with it, but I didn't have a problem with it either. Its kind of hard to pass judgment on a pistol after only 50 rounds, however. I will fall back on being taught that Smith is for revolvers, not auto's. There are too many other companies out there making quality auto's.
In all, I have gone back to shoot the H&K after training so extensively with the Sig, and it's just "off". I was so convinced that there was something wrong with the sights that it got sent to an armorer. After two armorers shot the pistol and confirmed that everything is fine on it, I am convinced that the problem is one of ergonomics. The P228 is so well balanced, and fills the hand so well, that it feels natural to shoot, where-as I have to adjust for the HK. I have to admit that the Smith & Wesson felt good in the hands as well, and my shot groups were fairly tight with it at 25m. While you may not be too worried about "hell and back" reliability (are you planning on dragging the pistol through swamps, deserts, or arctic glaciers?) the fact remains that both H&K and Sig make quality reliable firearms. As I said before, I never had a problem with the 228- even through all the rounds of straight up torture and abuse we put it through. If price is a factor, Smith & Wesson has it hands down. But I am a firm believer that you really get what you pay for with that.
All in all, I vote Sig hands down. The 228 is a little pricey, and hard to find, but well worth it ("I just found a nice one at the place I shoot for $500. I bought it for my son for his 21st birthday" -1BlindRef The bastard who got that 228 from his ole man is a lucky one indeed
- what kind of father actually gets his son a 228 for his 21st birthday? Lucky punk... ). It is a quality firearm that will last you a long time. It is well balanced, and the double stack mag fills med and large hands beautifully. Add Hogue finger-groove combat grips (which you can't do with the USP), and your talking about a firearm that truly feels like an natural extension of you. The 228 is big, but if you have a large frame (or a large jacket and the discipline to actually practice your draw), it works for concealed carry. Maintenance is incredibly easy for the 228, and Sig even has a program to inspect your used Sig. They will replace all the springs, look for maintenance issues, and slap new night sights on for about $100. You really can't beat it (I just sent mine ). The last point is the investment value. The 228 will at least hold its value if not go up. They are no longer in production for the civies, and there is a demand out there. It is a quality firearm, and if you do what little you need to do in order to take care of it, you'll be set.The other two might fit some of these points as well, but the 228 is the whole package. I hope this helps. Let us know what you end up deciding and why! Good luck; Happy shooting.
evan price
Member
If you are considering a .45 don't forget the Sig .45 pistols, too!
My personal favorite would be the Sig because I personally don't like the feel of the HK. Also, they are a little complicated to take apart, but a HK armorer can convert it to right or left handed, SA or DA, etc. with only small parts substitutions.
I carry a Sig daily. The gun points like I was using a finger. THe balance and feel are natural. The Hogue grip panels mold to my hand and it literally will drive nails PLUS I like the ability to CCW with a round chambered, decocked, and ready to fire without recocking or switching a safety. And SIG's internal safeties are such that even if you drop it on the hammer while chambered it won't fire.
My personal favorite would be the Sig because I personally don't like the feel of the HK. Also, they are a little complicated to take apart, but a HK armorer can convert it to right or left handed, SA or DA, etc. with only small parts substitutions.
I carry a Sig daily. The gun points like I was using a finger. THe balance and feel are natural. The Hogue grip panels mold to my hand and it literally will drive nails PLUS I like the ability to CCW with a round chambered, decocked, and ready to fire without recocking or switching a safety. And SIG's internal safeties are such that even if you drop it on the hammer while chambered it won't fire.
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