I'm very interested in the appeal of the HK USP 45 Compact. My local shop just got a few of these in and I'm curious what people think of them. They are quite expensive at almost 2x the cost of a Glock 30 so I'm assuming there is something about the way they shoot or hold up to abuse long-term that really stands out. Please fill me in on your impressions of the HK USP.
Why would you choose the HK USP 45 Compact?
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oldandslow
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ctg, 9/1/12
I have several thousand rounds through my HK-USP-compact .45 and a number of other pistols to compare it with (Sigs, SW 3rd gens, SW 2nd gen, CZ, Beretta). The HK has the worst double action trigger pull of any of my pistols- long, heavy and severely stacks before the hammer drops. Aftermarket parts are often difficult to obtain. Mags are usually over $50 each. Reliability is great, accuracy is good and SA trigger pull is average. I usually use it as my woods gun as it is always getting wet and the polymer frame is easier to clean than my metal framed pistols. If for some reason I lost the HK I would not replace it but look for another polymer framed pistol (many quality options available at hundreds of dollars cheaper) and use the difference for ammo. Good luck.
best wishes- oldandslow
I have several thousand rounds through my HK-USP-compact .45 and a number of other pistols to compare it with (Sigs, SW 3rd gens, SW 2nd gen, CZ, Beretta). The HK has the worst double action trigger pull of any of my pistols- long, heavy and severely stacks before the hammer drops. Aftermarket parts are often difficult to obtain. Mags are usually over $50 each. Reliability is great, accuracy is good and SA trigger pull is average. I usually use it as my woods gun as it is always getting wet and the polymer frame is easier to clean than my metal framed pistols. If for some reason I lost the HK I would not replace it but look for another polymer framed pistol (many quality options available at hundreds of dollars cheaper) and use the difference for ammo. Good luck.
best wishes- oldandslow
I have one and it is ok, but I don't think it is worth the price difference just to say you have an HK. The ability to carry cocked and locked is an interesting feature, but again how much money is it worth?
It'll probably hank around because I generally regret every gun I get rid of and I got it as a magazine subscription premium which makes a good story. In comparably priced guns I greatly prefer my Sig P220.
It'll probably hank around because I generally regret every gun I get rid of and I got it as a magazine subscription premium which makes a good story. In comparably priced guns I greatly prefer my Sig P220.
Comedian
Member
I've got the .40 S&W version, and it's a solid pistol. Accurate, reliable, and low maintenance. Mine's never jammed despite the abuse it's been through. That said, if I were you I wouldn't pick one up unless it was a screaming deal or you plan on collecting HK's or something. I'd opt for one of the newer models, which have fewer sharp edges and a standard rail (if that sort of thing matters to you).
Not really. I prefer the ergonomics and the controls of the HK to the Glock, and the single action trigger pull is better than the stock Glock trigger, but neither is substantially more durable or accurate than the other.
Coltdriver
Member
I had one in .45 but have since sold it.
It is hardly compact although it is smaller than the H&K full size.
Mine was incredibly accurate. I was shooting a full size Colt .45 and a Kimber Classic every week when I had the H&K. It was easily more accurate than either of my other .45's.
I have always thought the H&K line was overpriced but for the few dollars difference in the end of it all you will not find a better pistol.
It was one of the early pistols to have the modern battery of arms with a de cocker. Plus you probably know there are about 9 ways to configure it, ie da, sa, dao etc....
So if you want top quality and utter reliability it is a great pistol. A lot has been introduced to the market since I had mine in the 90's and I don't think H&K has changed anything. Not a bad thing, just leaves them a bit static for their competition which has largely evolved to what the H&K was to begin with.
It is hardly compact although it is smaller than the H&K full size.
Mine was incredibly accurate. I was shooting a full size Colt .45 and a Kimber Classic every week when I had the H&K. It was easily more accurate than either of my other .45's.
I have always thought the H&K line was overpriced but for the few dollars difference in the end of it all you will not find a better pistol.
It was one of the early pistols to have the modern battery of arms with a de cocker. Plus you probably know there are about 9 ways to configure it, ie da, sa, dao etc....
So if you want top quality and utter reliability it is a great pistol. A lot has been introduced to the market since I had mine in the 90's and I don't think H&K has changed anything. Not a bad thing, just leaves them a bit static for their competition which has largely evolved to what the H&K was to begin with.
Expensive gun. Expensive mags. Everything HK is plain more expensive. Limited accessories. I owned the HK45c. Nice gun. Huge for an 8+1 .45acp. DA trigger is terrible. SA is okay at best. Decock and manual safety option was nice. But, the lever did not jive so well with my thumbs forward grip. Sold that gun. Happier with the Glock 30.
I have 2 USPc's one in 45 and one in 357 sig and IMHO they are worth every penny. First I am not a fan of striker fired handguns (my opinion). I like the controls on the HKs and find they are the best fit for my hands. I also like they come in so many variants you can pick the right one for you. I prefer the variant with the safety/decock and SA/DA. The HKs have been put throught the toughest tests by many professionals and come out shooting. Can other handguns be as reliable and accurate? Yes but they do not fit me and do not offer the same features I expect in a fighting pistol.
Archie
Member
Not the exact gun in question, but...
I have and carry a USP40(c). (That's nearly as long as most gun 'names'.) I have the variant one, which allows conventional DA/SA mode or a cocked and locked over-ride.
The controls are where I like them and work like I like them. The grip size is small enough for me to handle with confidence. The sights are excellent from the factory, the trigger pull is adequate and over all, it works. I have no problem with maintenance.
Yes, it's a bit spendy, but I value my life and limbs. And the life and limbs of those with whom I associate.
I have and carry a USP40(c). (That's nearly as long as most gun 'names'.) I have the variant one, which allows conventional DA/SA mode or a cocked and locked over-ride.
The controls are where I like them and work like I like them. The grip size is small enough for me to handle with confidence. The sights are excellent from the factory, the trigger pull is adequate and over all, it works. I have no problem with maintenance.
Yes, it's a bit spendy, but I value my life and limbs. And the life and limbs of those with whom I associate.
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