[Eric2340]

Considering an HK in .45 -

HK45C or USP compact in .45 ? Anyone had both / shot both?

Thanks -

Eric

 

[josey]

I have the HK45C that for me is the top dog in .45 ACP .
I replaced and added the ambi safety/decocker lever and the Talon grips .
I prefer a pistol with the hammer , so there you go .

 

[Eric2340]

I have heard some some the controls on the HK45C get in the way / are less comfortable for shooting? I've also heard a lot prefer the grip on USP compact ?

 

[josey]

I have heard some some the controls on the HK45C get in the way / are less comfortable for shooting? I've also heard a lot prefer the grip on USP compact ?

My HK45C fit in my hand like it was made for me . It is a superbly comfortable pistol and the safety lever is as intuitive as the 1911 safety .
I think the HK45C is more refined pistol in some ways , with the slide being less "blocky" than the USP , but that is me .
They are both hi- quality guns and you would not be disappointed on either .

 

[jr24]

I like the HK45c. I've tried to like the USP and specifically the USP 45 quite a few times in my lifetime (I'm a 80-90s kid, played Rainbow Six, USP WAS THE BOMB) and just never "got it". And I love Glocks, and the Glock 21 is one of my favorites.

But, the HK45C feels like it was designed for my hand, I love it. Controls don't get in my way, and I'd they did, I believe they would with the USP too (I'm guessing that's from 1911 guys accidentally engaging the decocker while cranking down under recoil, simulating riding a 1911 safety, I did that once or twice starting out but was able to adjust my grip easily enough with dry and live fire.) If they do, LEM is an option, as is safety only or decocker only with a few swappable parts.

But, both are quality guns so there really isn't a bad answer.

Oh, generally it seems you can find ab HK45C for a good bit cheaper these days, though it's certainly a poor time to be looking for either model.

 

[jr24]

Oh, obligatory pic. Only changes I made were Trijicon Sights and a V3 (decocker only) detent plate.

 

[Guyanaman1963]

You should find a LGS and feel the way both fits.
Personally, I prefer the USPc but the 45c has better Ergo’s and fits your hand like a glove. The USPc has an aggressive grip and feels bulkier.
No matter which you choose, I dont think you will be disappointed.
M.

 

[Eric2340]

You should find a LGS and feel the way both fits.
Personally, I prefer the USPc but the 45c has better Ergo’s and fits your hand like a glove. The USPc has an aggressive grip and feels bulkier.
No matter which you choose, I dont think you will be disappointed.
M.

What do you prefer about the USP C .45???

Thanks

 

[Guyanaman1963]

What do you prefer about the USP C .45???

Thanks

Built like a tank, Its all German made, the aggressive grips Plus I have big hands, so the beefier gun feels better in my hand, and I also think it has a better trigger. I’m 57 years old and pretty old school, so I like the feel of steel in my hands.
The HK45c is supposed to be the upgrade to the USPc 45. Better ergos, slimmer, more user friendly. Its an amazing weapon and just as reliable, may be a bit lighter... dont quite remember. Its also built in the USA.

I have zero issues with the USPc. Plus... I like the Stainless Slide.
M.

 

[Deputydave]

Considering an HK in .45 -

HK45C or USP compact in .45 ? Anyone had both / shot both?

View attachment 939924

View attachment 939926

Thanks -

Eric

Very tough choice. Both are quality pistols so either way you can't go wrong from a functional/reliability perspective. Some observations:

• I have both a USPc (in 9mm, 40S&W and 357sig) and a P2000 (40S&W and 357sig). I really like both. I prefer the manual safety & de-cocker to be on the same lever like the USPc. However, it is by no means a deal breaker and I'd be perfectly fine with the de-cocker being the tab on the back and separate from the manual safety. Just something to consider.
• The grip on the P2000 does not look like it would be as comfortable as it actually is. It is extremely comfortable and ergonomic. This looks to be the same grip as what is on the HK45c. I actually prefer the grip on the P2000 over that of the USPc. Like both but the P2000 simply is a better feeling/fitting grip. I'd suspect it would be the same between the two 45's.
• The rail on the USPc is proprietary and it looks like the rail is also on the USP 45 compact. This may make a difference to you if you ever wanted to mount something. The HK45c looks to be the type rail that will accept far more lights/lasers.
• The rear sight of the USP 45 compact would be a little more conducive to charging the slide with a one-handed method. While not something that usually would come up it's worth noting.
• The HK45c will have an removable back strap to even augment the feel of the pistol.

It looks like the USP 45 compact has the smaller paddle release. I'm not sure if the HK45c has the larger enhanced version or not? May not be that big of a deal but I add the enhanced paddle to all my HK's because it just makes dropping the mag that much easier.

As I said, very hard choice. Either will be an excellent pistol and give you a lifetime of service.

 

[Guyanaman1963]

Very tough choice. Both are quality pistols so either way you can't go wrong from a functional/reliability perspective. Some observations:

• I have both a USPc (in 9mm, 40S&W and 357sig) and a P2000 (40S&W and 357sig). I really like both. I prefer the manual safety & de-cocker to be on the same lever like the USPc. However, it is by no means a deal breaker and I'd be perfectly fine with the de-cocker being the tab on the back and separate from the manual safety. Just something to consider.
• The grip on the P2000 does not look like it would be as comfortable as it actually is. It is extremely comfortable and ergonomic. This looks to be the same grip as what is on the HK45c. I actually prefer the grip on the P2000 over that of the USPc. Like both but the P2000 simply is a better feeling/fitting grip. I'd suspect it would be the same between the two 45's.
• The rail on the USPc is proprietary and it looks like the rail is also on the USP 45 compact. This may make a difference to you if you ever wanted to mount something. The HK45c looks to be the type rail that will accept far more lights/lasers.
• The rear sight of the USP 45 compact would be a little more conducive to charging the slide with a one-handed method. While not something that usually would come up it's worth noting.
• The HK45c will have an removable back strap to even augment the feel of the pistol.

It looks like the USP 45 compact has the smaller paddle release. I'm not sure if the HK45c has the larger enhanced version or not? May not be that big of a deal but I add the enhanced paddle to all my HK's because it just makes dropping the mag that much easier.

As I said, very hard choice. Either will be an excellent pistol and give you a lifetime of service.

I agree with you 100%. The rails on the the entire USP line is proprietary while the HK45 is not.
The adjustable grips on the HK45 is an added plus.

You cant possibly go wrong with either!
M.

 

[cowboy1964]

The 45C is cool but I think the USP has a legendary record.

 

[Guyanaman1963]

The 45C is cool but I think the USP has a legendary record.

The USP is built like a tank… but the HK45c has a little bit better ergonomics and it fits a little bit better than the USP… but the differences never bothered me one way or the other. If it was a toss up of carrying one over the other… i would choose the USP/c… but thats just me… either model is Uber dependable.
M.

 

[bac1023]

I always preferred the USP, but I’m probably in the minority

 

[DrLogik]

I have the HK45C and love it! Add some skateboard tape to the sides and it's a pu55ycat to shoot even with +P loads. Fast reloads with the Euro-style mag release also.

+1 for the standard rails as previously mentioned.

 

[wiss87]

I have both— if I had to choose one it would be the USPc and I wouldn’t blink twice. I like the 45c, but I might put it on the chopping block because I don’t ever seem to grab for it.

 

[wiss87]

Of my sample size, the USPc has a slightly better trigger. The USPc also fits my hand better.

the USP may have a higher bore axis than a Glock, but the shape of the slide doesn’t make it feel too high (for me). The HK45c for some reason the slide feels more rectangular almost and feels like it sits really high. Might just be my mind playing tricks on me.

Both shoot great— no surprise there as they are HKs

Lastly, I’ve read SEAL team that took out bin laden had hk45c tactical as their side arms for that operation. If that means anything to you

 

[wiss87]

After reading what I posted, I felt I was confusing. The sights on the 45c are what makes it feel tall (tall being a better word)

 

[jr24]

After reading what I posted, I felt I was confusing. The sights on the 45c are what makes it feel tall (tall being a better word)

View attachment 953455

Trijicons?

If you had mentioned maybe moving the HK45c about a month ago I'd be asking you to take my money.

But I'm kinda enamored with a P2000 I just picked up right now.

 

[wiss87]

Trijicons?

If you had mentioned maybe moving the HK45c about a month ago I'd be asking you to take my money.

But I'm kinda enamored with a P2000 I just picked up right now.

Trijicon HD or HD XR on all my HKs

haha, sounds like you got the HK fever. Mine started with the P30... went to the LGS and walked out with the P30 and P30L. Bought a VP9 a week later