HK USP 9 Compact vs. Sig P228

[Go Navy]

This is not a "which is better" post, because I own them both and like them both. They're both 9mm. It's really just a picture comparing size and ergos, for the general interest. Note that the sizes are remarkable similar. The HK appears just slightly larger only because the iPhone 8 camera was hovering more over the HK.

These are, to me, among the best production compact, or semi-compact, 9mms out there. I'm not sure the HK USP models are still in production, but someone here will know. That pistol is really accurate, and the P228 is no slouch either. I don't have a rig to do a real benchrest comparison on accuracy, though. Do not use Russian ammo in the HK; its tolerances are too tight. You'll get a jam....I did once. Gave away the ammo.

[teflondog]

If the USP didn't have such a terrible trigger, I would say that it's a clear winner against the Sig. I prefer the USP's lighter weight and mag release, but I prefer the Sig's trigger.

[Go Navy]

If the USP didn't have such a terrible trigger, I would say that it's a clear winner against the Sig. I prefer the USP's lighter weight and mag release, but I prefer the Sig's trigger.

Agree with your observations, although I'd say the USP trigger is not "terrible" but agree the Sig trigger is better. I replaced the HK mag release triangular button with a larger one from the factory. Makes a big difference; an inexpensive upgrade.

Grips on the Sig are from Hogue; not the best for accuracy, but I like the looks!

[jeffrice6]

Big fan of the 228!

[9mmContagion]

I own both sister pistols (P2K and the 239), and they are a couple of my favorite pistols. But honestly, the 239 blows the P2K out of the water

[jyo]

I've owned a few pistols over the decades---the USPc is one of my favorites---I don't consider the USPc's trigger to be "terrible" at all---it was designed to have a heavy DA pulled for safe carry of a fully loaded (round in chamber) pistol (see "Glock leg")---the SA is just fine!

[Go Navy]

I've owned a few pistols over the decades---the USPc is one of my favorites---I don't consider the USPc's trigger to be "terrible" at all---it was designed to have a heavy DA pulled for safe carry of a fully loaded (round in chamber) pistol (see "Glock leg")---the SA is just fine!

Same here, jyo. And that DA pull goes together with its decocker feature, which I favor.

[supermario]

My USP Compact feeds steel and aluminum cased ammo perfect.
Maybe its just your USP. Ived owned 4 USPs. 2 fullsize and 2 compact. All of them ate steel case tula ammo and cheap aluminum cased as well.

[101st Airborne]

I like the P226 9mm and the USPc 9mm. I had a P229 9mm, it was so similar to my P226 I sold it. I almost regret it.

P226 is my #1, but I do love that USPc 9mm. I am far less enamored with the USP full size.

[timeexposure]

Convert your USP to a LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) and you might like the trigger. It travels a mile before breaking, but the break is crisp and the reset very short.

Geez, I just wrote this somewhere else where the DA/SA trigger on an HK was being bashed (P2000, but best to get that one as a LEM from the factory since a conversion will void the warranty).

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Or do what I just did and order an 11 lb. hammer spring from HK Parts. Shot it today, it makes quite a difference. It's not as light as the LEM, but it's also a lot cheaper!

[Go Navy]

My USP Compact feeds steel and aluminum cased ammo perfect.
Maybe its just your USP. Ived owned 4 USPs. 2 fullsize and 2 compact. All of them ate steel case tula ammo and cheap aluminum cased as well.

I put a micrometer on the offending Russian Bear ammo and it was out of spec. No problems with other brands, regardless of the case material.

[Go Navy]

I like the P226 9mm and the USPc 9mm. I had a P229 9mm, it was so similar to my P226 I sold it. I almost regret it.

P226 is my #1, but I do love that USPc 9mm. I am far less enamored with the USP full size.

Completely agree with you on the P226...I own two of them, and one of them would be my SHTF handgun if it came to that.

[CJJohn]

Convert your USP to a LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) and you might like the trigger. It travels a mile before breaking, but the break is crisp and the reset very short.

Geez, I just wrote this somewhere else where the DA/SA trigger on an HK was being bashed (P2000, but best to get that one as a LEM from the factory since a conversion will void the warranty).

I was going to write this very thing. I have a P2K with LEM trigger and I love it.
ETA: Nice pic OP, thanks for sharing. I like those grips on the Sig. Makes me think about some for a 226....

[OCEquestrian]

I have carried a P228 for years...