1911 or USP - my first .45

[kAnJii]

Hey all,

Looking for my first .45 for the 2007. Either Springfield or HK USP Compact .45.

How is reliability on either? Both have great warranties and though I have short fingers, the USPC doesn't feel too bad. Love the style too.

Anything to watch out for?


Thanks.

[mike100]

1911's are finicky. once you get one tuned and reliable, it's great, but the USP compact out of the box is an excellent pistol. well worth the 800 or so bucks for one. The regular USP is a bit large and I think the compact one is one of the best models.

I'd plan on buying both, eventually.

[markymark]

Save up and buy a nice semi-custom 1911. I like my USP compacts but I prefer my Wilson 1911 over both of them.

[wickedpsi]

you cant beat the single action triggers of a decent 1911 out of the box. id recommend a springfield milspec or loaded model.

[hallce]

I would start with a HK USPC. It's a great gun. Then start looking for stock Colt Combat Commander 70 Series. You can only get one FTF. But if you are not in a hurry one will come along. You have to ask friends, keep a eye one this and other CA boards. I have found 2 of them that way. Good luck!

[naimad]

You should buy both you can never have to many. The h&k will eat anything you feed it ,a 1911 sometimes needs a little work to be reliable

[brando]

Out of the box you're probably better off with a USP. 1911s are fantastic, but they also require more maintenance to keep them running smoothly than the average modern .45 (USP, Glock, etc).

[The_Fonz]

I bought a USP45 fullsize few months ago, about 1k down the pipe. Never choked, not once, wouldn't trade it for anything, would deffinately buy it again, blah, blah, blah. Cant speak for 1911's though. I'm sure they are good guns, but im plenty happy with the Hk. Out of the box accuracy is great. Certainly worth the money.

[Cpl_Peters]

every gun owner should own a 1911.

[kAnJii]

every gun owner should own a 1911.

I also own a Browning HP in 9mm...does that count?

[jojosdad]

I don't have any experience with the USP, but have owned 1911s of many different makes for the last ten years, and all I can say is that IMO there is nothing better than the feel of a good 1911 trigger.
I think you can't really go wrong with either of them - shoot em both and then decide.

[brando]

every gun owner should own a 1911.

Correction. "Every serious American pistol enthusiast should own a 1911 at some point in their lives."

I also live be another moto: "Every American warrior should pass down a quality 1911 to their kin."

[Japsican]

Imo...

1911's feel a lot better in my hand, very well balanced and just feel really natural...My buddy has a USP Expert, its a nice pistol and all, but I really dont care for it. To me, the grip seems too long from the front strap to the back strap, and too thin from left to right (Just my opinion). I have a Springfield Milspec and a Springfield Loaded both SS. Have no regrets with purchasing either, and I have yet to have any problems with either of them. I love 'em!

[slowjonn]

I have both 1911's and a USP45 (fullsize). MY USP is basically a safe queen now. I go 1911's only now for my shooter/ carry guns. Maybe I'm lucky, but I have never had a 1911 that "required more maintainence" than any other gun. Keep them clean, like anything else, and they will run just fine. But ultimately it will depend on what feels/ shoots the best FOR YOU. Go to a range and rent both to see where your hard earned money will go. At some point though...you will end up with a 1911 of some sort.

[elmo]

if you are considering a first .45, consider the XD45 as well.

between the usp and 1911, i'd go for a 1911