• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

HK USP .45 vs. HK45

DonTreadOnMe

Regular Member
Joined
May 30, 2008
Messages
454
Location
Near The Beach, Virginia, USA
imported post

I shot a HK USP the other day and loved it! I think I have decided on getting an HK with my tax return.

Thing is, much as I loved the USP.....the HK45 very tempting as well. I would love advice from someone that owns and/or has fired both models to give me some good insight.

I have not had a chance to hold, let alone fire, the HK45. What differences should I expect between them? Do you see any pros or cons for one vs. the other I should know about?

Thanks for any information or experiences you can share to help me decide!
 

IanB

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
1,896
Location
Northern VA
imported post

*IF* you are looking for an HK pistol in 45, I'd go with the HK45, not the USP. Two reasons:

1: Picatiny rail is standard on HK45, proprietary on USP.

2: The backstrap on the USP grip will tear your hand up, even CUT your palm! The HK45 is comfy, ergonomic, and feels GREAT.

Now the con:

1: USP holds 12 in the mag, HK45 holds 10

If you're up in the NOVA area gimme a shout, you can shoot my HK45 if you're really interested.
 

shad0wfax

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2008
Messages
1,069
Location
Spokane, Washington, USA
imported post

As nakedshoplifterpointed out, the picatinny rail is standard on the HK45 which may be something you desire. Then again, if you're not putting a light or laser below your pistol, you may not care at all.

I actually prefer the grips on the USP over the HK45 grips. (I own a H&K Tactical 45 full-size) The adjustable backstrap feature on the HK45 is nice, but the USP fits me very well. The HK45 grip was a bit too slim for my taste. The USP grips do not cut me or hurt me at all, so I'm not sure what nakedshoplifterwas talking about. Both the USP and the HK45 shoot well, so that's not an issue.

The reason I chose the USP over the HK45 is because I wanted the threaded barrel and there is no HK45 Tactical version, just the USP Tactical 45 FS/Compact versions have the barrel threads.
 

IanB

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
1,896
Location
Northern VA
imported post

One more con: No serpa for the HK45 (the P30 fits however)

There are aftermarket threaded barrels for the HK45.

The image below shows the sharp edge that cut my hand (takes about 300 rounds, but a normal range trip for me is 400-500 rounds) That edge was kinda sharp on my USP, and the repetitive recoil is what does the damage to your palm. I had to shoot the damn thing with gloves on! Sure, I coulda sanded it and made it look like crap, but I was NOT going to do that to a USP. And I wanted the HK45 anyways so I traded up last year.
 

shad0wfax

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2008
Messages
1,069
Location
Spokane, Washington, USA
imported post

That's odd that it cut your hand. I've got over 1500 rounds through my USP Tactical. (500 rounds per day in 3 days) and I've never even had a sore spot. Maybe take a Dremel tool to it and buff it some?

I'm sure there will be a SERPA available for the HK45 eventually, as the sales on them increase. (There will probably never be one for my Tactical though.)
 

DonTreadOnMe

Regular Member
Joined
May 30, 2008
Messages
454
Location
Near The Beach, Virginia, USA
imported post

Thanks for all the comments.

...and shoplifter thanks for the offer, but I live in the Hampton roads area.

I will be getting the HK45, just hunting for the best price now.

:lol:
 
Top