USP compact question

[extremefishin00]

I've been doing a bit of research the past couple of years, trying to decide which pistol I'm going to buy. It would sort of be an all around gun, with the primary use being concealed carry. The HK USP compact is one that caught my eye, but I seem to hear complaints about it's large size. Looking at the sizes of other "compact" handguns compared to the HK, I can't see much of a difference, and in some cases,the HK seems to be a bit smaller. In fact, in the recent issue of Combat Handguns, there is a pic of the P7 and P2000(which seems to be around the same size as the compact), and they appear to have nearly identical dimensions. Why are there so many complaints that it is too big?

Chris

 

[Siggyboy]

When it comes to concealabilty, thinness is the key. The USP compacts are fine handguns but rather bulky and fat for concealment IMO. A full sized 1911 will probably conceal better due to its thin profile. We are only talking millimeters here but they make a difference. Handle some and compare with thinner guns like 1911, Hi-Power, Kahr, P-7, etc and see what feels good for you.

 

[tetchaje1]

The USP Compact is about the same size as a SIG 239, though thicker through the grips if you leave the SIG grips stock (wood or rubber grips on the SIG make it considerably thicker than the HK). The slide is slightly thicker on the HK, and this where I think most of the complaints come from. With that said, though, it is no thicker than a SIG 229, and definitely thinner than many of the Berettas out there. I think its size is not really that big of a deal.

A P7, 1911, BHP, or similar think pistol will be easier on the belt for IWB, but then you have to deal with the full-length grip...

 

[10-Ring]

First off, welcome to THR!
The complaints re: the size of the USPc is just a part of the industry. Regardless of the manufacturer, regardless of the price & regardless of whatever the subject may be, you will always find people for or against something. The USPc is a fine pistol & will serve its owner well. It's all a matter of proper training & finding the right holster and mode of carry for you & your pistol.
Good luck

 

[extremefishin00]

Thanks for the welcome 10-ring. I've actally been on this site for quite a while, but I tend to do more lurking than posting, as I don't have nearly as much experience as many of the people here. Another question I had about the USPc was, what is the actual thickness? On the Hk website, and the HkPro website, the thickness is stated as 1.14". However, I seem to remember seeing 1.34" in a recent article.

Chris

 

[WT]

The slide width on my HK USP 45 Compact measures about 1-1/8 inches.
The slide + safety lever measures about 1-5/16 inches wide (1.34 inches).
The grip width measures 1-1/16 inches.


The slide width on my 1911 measures 7/8 inches.
The slide + safety measures about 1-1/8 inches wide.
The grip width on my 1911 measures 1-3/16 inches.


Results. HK slide is wider than a 1911 but the HK grip is narrower than a 1911.

 

[extremefishin00]

WT,

Thanks for the measurements, interesting stuff there..

Chris

 

[Siggyboy]

Well, I won't translate it into inches but on some brochures I have from HK they say the width of the USP compact in all calibers is 34 mm. The width of the USP full size is 37 mm. Other than that, the USP compact in 45 is slightly larger than the others.

 

[rick_reno]

USP compact

I've carried a USP compact in 45 acp for about four years. I don't have any complaints regarding this handgun. Prior to that I carried a Sig 220 and a Kimber 45 (full size 1911). The H&K carries better than either of those, regardless of what people say about the "thinness" of a full size 45.

 

[usp_fan]

You can't tell from my screen name what my oppinion will be... So let me relate my experiences with the uspc.

Carried outside the waistband with a good belt and holster, The grip tucks in nicely and the slide isn't an issue. Mine will conceal under a t-shirt fairly well. IWB carry is a little noticeable, but the short muzzel and compact grip make for a comfortable package for me. The slide width isn't and issue for my jeans (you've just got to buy the right size). holster material thickness will make a difference too. Kydex may be the best material for this pistol as it can be made less bulky than leather.

It is a great pistol and worth considering for CCW.

Now if Ohio would get it's CCW bill through confrence and if the Gov. would sign it... if, if, if...

--usp_fan

 

[Shake]

Most will tell you they are bigger than other compacts, however if you look at the actual numbers you will see they aren't. I think most judge by appearance rather than real world measurements. They appear to be thick and heavy, but they aren't any more so than others in that class.

Shake

 

[Mikul]

Everyone has their own definition of "too big" due to personal preferences and body types. If it feels like a good size to you, it probably is. A USPc was my first gun and I don't regret purchasing it.

 

[extremefishin00]

update to my quest...

I got a chance to really handle a USP compact today, and I must admit, it actually feels a lot smaller than I imagined it would, especially going from the complaints I've seen about its size. It's one of the few pistols that I've handled that I'm actually able to work all of the controls. Now if I can just scrape the money together....

Chris

 

[No4Mk1]

Look around for deals on good used ones. CDNN has some that I believe are police trade-ins for very good prices. Also the folks trading up to P2000's should eventually drive more of these onto the used market.

You should be able to find a good deal if you look around a bit.

 

[extremefishin00]

Does CDNN have the compacts? The only one's I've seen in their catalog are the full size. It would probably be a lot easier to find one if I wasn't on a college studnet budget. ack

Chris

 

[wardog]

KY Imports has them in .40 with night sights but no mag for $459.

http://www.kyimports.com/fmj.htm#HK

I saw one used at a show for $550. I'm guessing it was one of these. The night sights were weak, and gun had some holster wear, but was in good shape.

I wanted one in .357 Sig, so just ordered one new today. Should be here in two days. Can't wait.

 

[No4Mk1]

Hmmm... I guess I should have looked closer.... I'm pretty sure I've seen them around, but I guess it wasn't CDNN. I'll post back here if I can figure out where it was. Sorry about that. I still think you're likely to find a deal on one of these if you continue to be patient.

 

[extremefishin00]

No problem No4Mk1, the advice was still appreciated. Those USP's at CDNN sure are tempting though...

Oh, and thanks for the link wardog, I was on that site just yesterday and completely overlooked the Hk's.
Chris

 

[No4Mk1]

They sure are tempting at that price!

The first three guns I bought were brand new retail. I was so eager to get them that I had absolutely zero patience to look around and find a good deal. Probably ended up costing me over $300.

Since then I have yet to buy another new gun, and doubt I will again unless I just happen across a screaming deal. There are just too many good deals on high quality used items if you are willing to hunt just a little bit for them.

 

[Erik]

With the exception of barrel length, HK USP compacts are hardly compact.

The reason you hear so many comments about the entire USP line relative to their size is that they are just that, relatively large.

Have large hands? Not an ergonomic issue.

Into size efficiency? You might not care for them.

A stickler about having concealed mean just that? The additional bulk might turn you off depending on how you are built and what you prefer to wear.

Erik - Who totes an issue HK USPc often as work demands and mood strikes while away from work.