USP Compact vs Cougar

[1900driver]

New guy here, finally registered after reading lots of good stuff on here.

I'm looking to buy a concealed carry gun. I'm new to carrying and would prefer to carry DA, safety on. Also, I'd like a good SA trigger for plinking and tight groups at the range.

The only guns I can find that meet these requirements and are sized about right are the HK USP Compact and the Stoeger Cougar. Both guns get good reviews on here and both fit my hand well. I'm leaning pretty heavily toward the Cougar only because it's literally half the price.

If I get the Cougar, will I forever be wishing I had spent the money on the HK? The Cougar has a heavier metal frame which makes range time more fun, but will a polymer frame be appreciated much more after 8-10 hours of carrying? Are there other "compact" guns that can be carried DA, safety on?

Thanks for any comments.

 

[jhco]

if you get the cougar spend an extra $100 and get the beretta cougar not the stoeger same gun but better resale value and its a beretta

 

[jhco]

sorry but i ment to add that beretta also makes a 9000s that has the same safety setup as the cougar

 

[Flopsy]

I respectfully disagree with jhco.

I recently bought the Stoeger Cougar and would not have spent another $200 (yes, $200 at the minimum - not $100) to get the Beretta version. The finish is a little cleaner on the Beretta, but it's not $200 (minimum) better. Good luck getting a new Beretta Cougar for less than about $600.

Between the USP and the Cougar, I think the Cougar is the better value for the money. It gets my vote.

 

[Jason_G]

I'm looking to buy a concealed carry gun. I'm new to carrying and would prefer to carry DA, safety on.

Not criticizing, and to each their own, but that seems a little redundant. Why not carry SA safety on or DA hot? As far as the gun choices go, I would opt for the H&K over the Cougar any day, but that's just me.

Jason

 

[DougDubya]

sorry but i ment to add that beretta also makes a 9000s that has the same safety setup as the cougar

No, the 9000s does NOT have the same safety setup as the Cougar. Vastly different, and far more difficult to manipulate controls. John Farnham has gone on the record stating that decocking a 9000s is nearly impossible utilizing the provided control levers.

If you want a compact polymer Beretta with the same control setup as the Cougar - try the Px4 Compact. The Px4 takes the lessons of the Cougar and applies them to a polymer frame setup. Same control functions, same rotating barrel.

The 9000s, meanwhile, is not meant to fit human hands. The Px4 Compact will.

 

[usp_fan]

I've been playing with my USP40c since they became available in the US. I admit the cougar is attractive for the price and I admit I've got no experience with it.

I will say the USP is one of the most reliable pistols I have ever owned or shot with friends. It tolerates ammo of all different power levels and quality, functions fine when dirty, is easy to manipulate the controls on, and is built solid. One thing I very much like is the safety works the "right" way. It is frame mounted and falls under the thumb for easy removal on the draw stroke.

You can find used examples for very reasonable prices. I beilieve topgunsupply.com had some used ones at a good price recently.

As always, I am a...

--usp_fan