[Jade Falcon]

I've never owned an H&K before, my experience has been mostly Glock when it comes to semi-auto guns, with a Springfield XD and CZ P10F thrown in. But I've been bitten by the H&K bug lately.

I want a .45 ACP.....I'm considering a new Colt MKIV Series 70, but then I also started thinking about the HK45 and how much use I could get out of it. The only other hammer-fired gun I've ever had was a Ruger P89. The Walther PPQ in .45 looks nice too.

Why would I want an LEM trigger over a DA/SA + Safety, or vise-versa? Tell me the pros and cons. If I got the DA/SA + Safety, that would take a learning curve for me to master, or at least become proficient at. I feel like I could adapt more easily to the LEM.

I'm also looking at the VP9, because I'm used to striker-fired guns. But damn that HK45 is nice too. These pistols would be for home defense and duty use (I'm going back into Security work as an independent contractor).

Also, how are both of these guns in regards to hand size? I have small hands, so trigger reach is a big factor for me. Also, is there another model that I should consider as well?

Thanks!

 

[Aceman]

I've never owned an H&K before, my experience has been mostly Glock when it comes to semi-auto guns, with a Springfield XD and CZ P10F thrown in. But I've been bitten by the H&K bug lately.

Everyone wants an HK. They just don't all know it. Or they know but can't afford one. Or HK simply won't allow them.

I want a .45 ACP.....I'm considering a new Colt MKIV Series 70, but then I also started thinking about the HK45 and how much use I could get out of it. The only other hammer-fired gun I've ever had was a Ruger P89. The Walther PPQ in .45 looks nice too.

Use for what? The bottom line is you will not live long enough to shoot it into oblivion, even if you got it for Christmas on your 6th birthday. The thing will be so over engineered for your non-Teutonic operator lifestyle, you could use it to mine diamonds for De Biers if you wanted to get every day use out of it I suppose. Also, while the Walther is at least Uber-German engineering, even mentioning the Ruger in the same post as the HK is gonna put you on a naughty list that will make purchasing one ven harder (see HK won;t let you above)

Why would I want an LEM trigger over a DA/SA + Safety, or vise-versa? Tell me the pros and cons.

Because the LEM trigger is cool if you don't want DA/SA

If I got the DA/SA + Safety, that would take a learning curve for me to master, or at least become proficient at. I feel like I could adapt more easily to the LEM.

How old are you? Were you raised entirely on Glocks? My god kids are so soft today...Beretta 92? Browning HP? 1911?

DA/SA is options. Striker fire is for people who are - how shall we say....not capable.

DA = Round in chamber, hammer down. Pull trigger go bang. Just like a Glock. You don't ever have to use the safety if you don't want to. But in that case why not get a Glock?
SA = Rack it, round in chamber, and the crisp, clean, beautiful pull of single action. Also every round after a DA trigger pull. Because that's how guns work.
Safety = You guessed it, for safety. You can have a round in the chamber, with the safety on. Drop the safety and there is that wonderful single action trigger pull. Have you never heard "Cocked & locked" ????

You can carry it anyway you want, and the learning curve depends on how fast you learn. It's like driving Stick vs Automatic in a car (which I suspect you have also never done). Yeah, there is more to it, but it also allows you to do what you want, when you want.

I'm also looking at the VP9, because I'm used to striker-fired guns. But damn that HK45 is nice too. These pistols would be for home defense and duty use (I'm going back into Security work as an independent contractor).

Have you been to a gun store and actually held either of these? Get off the keyboard and go to a gun store.

Also, how are both of these guns in regards to hand size? I have small hands, so trigger reach is a big factor for me. Also, is there another model that I should consider as well?

Well, that means the MK23 is out. The VP9 has the more ergonomic grip. Honestly, the HK45, or most serious HK's are not meant for little delicate hands. Or .45 caliber for that matter. The VP is the HK "people's gun" designed for civilian non-combatant types. That sounds like you.

Are you sure you want to go into security? I am simply not feeling than an HK45 is your thing. Or any HK for that matter. But Mr's Heckler and Koch will make that decision regarding your worthiness to own one of thewir fine Uber-guns at the time of purchase. It isn't a matter of just having the money.

 

[Jade Falcon]

Everyone wants an HK. They just don't all know it. Or they know but can't afford one. Or HK simply won't allow them.



Use for what? The bottom line is you will not live long enough to shoot it into oblivion, even if you got it for Christmas on your 6th birthday. The thing will be so over engineered for your non-Teutonic operator lifestyle, you could use it to mine diamonds for De Biers if you wanted to get every day use out of it I suppose. Also, while the Walther is at least Uber-German engineering, even mentioning the Ruger in the same post as the HK is gonna put you on a naughty list that will make purchasing one ven harder (see HK won;t let you above)



Because the LEM trigger is cool if you don't want DA/SA



How old are you? Were you raised entirely on Glocks? My god kids are so soft today...Beretta 92? Browning HP? 1911?

DA/SA is options. Striker fire is for people who are - how shall we say....not capable.

DA = Round in chamber, hammer down. Pull trigger go bang. Just like a Glock. You don't ever have to use the safety if you don't want to. But in that case why not get a Glock?
SA = Rack it, round in chamber, and the crisp, clean, beautiful pull of single action. Also every round after a DA trigger pull. Because that's how guns work.
Safety = You guessed it, for safety. You can have a round in the chamber, with the safety on. Drop the safety and there is that wonderful single action trigger pull. Have you never heard "Cocked & locked" ????

You can carry it anyway you want, and the learning curve depends on how fast you learn. It's like driving Stick vs Automatic in a car (which I suspect you have also never done). Yeah, there is more to it, but it also allows you to do what you want, when you want.



Have you been to a gun store and actually held either of these? Get off the keyboard and go to a gun store.



Well, that means the MK23 is out. The VP9 has the more ergonomic grip. Honestly, the HK45, or most serious HK's are not meant for little delicate hands. Or .45 caliber for that matter. The VP is the HK "people's gun" designed for civilian non-combatant types. That sounds like you.

Are you sure you want to go into security? I am simply not feeling than an HK45 is your thing. Or any HK for that matter. But Mr's Heckler and Koch will make that decision regarding your worthiness to own one of thewir fine Uber-guns at the time of purchase. It isn't a matter of just having the money.

.....well, I'm glad you got that out of your system. 🤣

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

It's not what you asked about, but I have a USPc in 9mm and love it. It shoots great and is of excellent quality.

 

[bac1023]

Both great guns

I prefer the USP though. HK’s flagship

 

[Jslow]

HK45C for the win if it’s your first HK .45
Most versatile offering in .45 HK produces.
I’m personally a fan of the V7 LEM.

 

[benben]

If you want an HK, and a .45 ACP, just jump straight to the front of the line and grab a USP Expert, there’s some great deals out there right now, saw one for $899 the other day.

Wouldn’t say it’ll make a good security weapon, but that’s your call….

 

[bac1023]

If you want an HK, and a .45 ACP, just jump straight to the front of the line and grab a USP Expert, there’s some great deals out there right now, saw one for $899 the other day.

Wouldn’t say it’ll make a good security weapon, but that’s your call….

Yes great gun

For whatever reason, the 45ACP Expert is significantly less than the 9mm version

 

[Jade Falcon]

I'm learning now as well that apparently there are at least two or three versions of the LEM trigger. How the hell do people keep up with this?

 

[Jslow]

I'm learning now as well that apparently there are at least two or three versions of the LEM trigger. How the hell do people keep up with this?

We’re addicted to HK. That’s how! 😁😁😁

 

[pgg00]

I'd go with the USP series as well (i have 4 of them). Great guns. I prefer their DA/SA. I don't like the LEM

 

[jim c]

The wife went fron her daily carry 26 (gen 3) to the VP9 full size, with no issue. Actually fits her hand better (different backstraps) and with a slightly better POA.

 

[gunsmoke92]

Not to dampen the mood, but the USP, HK45, and Mk23 are your only real options. The VP series guns are only available in 9mm (VP9) and .40 (VP40). None of the .45 options have the ability to set up the ergonomics that the VP guns have which limits you if you have smaller hands.

 

[Jade Falcon]

Not to dampen the mood, but the USP, HK45, and Mk23 are your only real options. The VP series guns are only available in 9mm (VP9) and .40 (VP40). None of the .45 options have the ability to set up the ergonomics that the VP guns have which limits you if you have smaller hands.

Yeah, I knew the VP9 was 9mm only, I just liked the idea of having a .45. I've already got three 9mm polymer pistols and I kinda wanted something different. I'm not opposed to either caliber.

 

[Bullwinkle J Moose]

Great firearms, but they must be made of unobtainium, because they are unaffordable.

 

[Jakeintexas]

I’d stay away from the LEM trigger — unless they’ve fixed it. Or at least shoot the gun before you buy it. I had a .40 USP (hammer fired) which was a good gun but never got used to the LEM mod. The trigger was excellent right up to the end where it staged sharply and I never could get used to it and shoot it well.

The VP-9 is an excellent ergonomic design. I’ve a VP-40 and it’s got an excellent feel and trigger — especially for a striker fired pistol. Very reliable. Only drawback is that it’s a full size gun and too big for most of my CCW. I’ve used it as a trail gun and it shoots well.

Like any gun, I’d suggest shooting the particular model you’re looking at to find out if it ‘fits’ you. Guns are a bit like shoes — gotta see if they fit. And the only way to do that is shoot it enough to tell.

If you’re looking at a .45 the venerable 1911 is well worth a look and there are ALOT of choices. I like the shorter commander size but you can see what you like. JMs genius is that it fits most hands well, and is surprisingly concealable due to its flatness. It just feels good — like a CZ or hi-power. The downside is you need to train to it in that it’s properly carried cocked and locked and manipulating the manual safety needs to become part of muscle memory. It’s not hard to master but can become problematic if you switch between it and Glocks or other guns without external manual safety.

Other options are the excellent Sig 220 series — I’ve a carry elite and it fits great. The downside is that it is a standard Sig De-cocker setup so it’s got a long DA trigger arc for the first round. DA/SAs for me have always been a challenge to master due to the change in trigger press.

 

[highpower3006]

I love my USP 45. It's a big hunk of gun, soft shooting and very accurate. As an old 1911 guy, I see zero (0) issues with a hammer fired pistol. I got it used off of Gunbroker for $399, so a rather cheap buy-in.

In the sprit of thread drift, which always seems to happen, something else you might consider is a Sig P220 in .45acp. Like the HK, mine is an excellent shooter and very accurate. This one was bought used from a LGS for $359, another inexpensive quality .45acp.

 

[rustygun]

I love my USP 45. It's a big hunk of gun, soft shooting and very accurate. As an old 1911 guy, I see zero (0) issues with a hammer fired pistol. I got it used off of Gunbroker for $399, so a rather cheap buy-in.

In the sprit of thread drift, which always seems to happen, something else you might consider is a Sig P220 in .45acp. Like the HK, mine is an excellent shooter and very accurate. This one was bought used from a LGS for $359, another inexpensive quality .45acp.

If you have small hands or short fingers the p220 might be a solid pass as the reach is farther then most.

If you can get your hands on a 45c might be what you are looking for. I run mine da/sa. Cocked and locked is also an option if you don't care for the first da pull.

The lem trigger is something I have zero experience with and my 45c is my only HK offering.

 

[bac1023]

Great firearms, but they must be made of unobtainium, because they are unaffordable.

Really?

The USP line isn’t cheap, but pricing on the HK45 and VP9 is very reasonable. Are they as cheap as a CZ P10 or S&W M&P? No they aren’t, but you also get a higher quality pistol.

 

[rustygun]

My model is the third described in this short video.