First new Handgun

[CrashMan]

I cant decide between the Kimber custom Crimson Carry II or an HK USP 45. What would be recomended for my first new gun? They're both good, but what about long term also?

[DasBoost]

Ergonomics were one of the main factors for me, so how does each feel to you? What one is most comfortable? Both have roughly the same capacity, both are .45, both are well-proven designs; ergonomics seems to be the only variable that could provide a difference between the two.

[CrashMan]

Thanks for the help. I'll go back to the range and try each out again.

[drunktank]

I vote for the USP45. i had a similar choice to make when i made my first purchase. the ergos of the USP were better to me but deciding factor is that ive yet to have a jam on an HK with factory ammo. Can't say the same about the custom kimbers i use to shoot regularly. they are both nice and i wont venture out to say 1911s are bad. just my personal experience.

[damndave]

I have smaller hands so the single stack 1911 fits me way better. the USP45 has a pretty fat grip. They are 2 totally different guns, so go fire them a few times and decide on what style handgun you want. Both are great guns.

[Rover]

By "first new gun" can we assume you've bought/shot several used pistols before? If so, shoot both, buy the one you like most, neither one is going to give you issues. However, the Kimber being a 1911, you have a million options that will handle similarly, so if you choose to go that route, try to look at every 1911 you can to make sure that's not another one you'd rather have, be it a different brand or another Kimber.

However, if it will be your first pistol, I'd look at the HK, but also Glocks, Sigs, and XDs before the 1911. IMHO 1911s are a great 3rd handgun, and a poor first one, the seccond one you should buy is anything in .22lr.

[CrashMan]

By "first new gun" can we assume you've bought/shot several used pistols before? If so, shoot both, buy the one you like most, neither one is going to give you issues. However, the Kimber being a 1911, you have a million options that will handle similarly, so if you choose to go that route, try to look at every 1911 you can to make sure that's not another one you'd rather have, be it a different brand or another Kimber.

However, if it will be your first pistol, I'd look at the HK, but also Glocks, Sigs, and XDs before the 1911. IMHO 1911s are a great 3rd handgun, and a poor first one, the seccond one you should buy is anything in .22lr.

It will be the first brand new pistol I buy. I have a .22lr ruger I got from my grandpa, but it was his before that. I looked a glocks, but my hands are big, so slide bite is an issue for me(why I like the USP.45). If I were to change the slide, which model glock would you recommend so I can try to test it before making my decision?

[Swoop]

First pick if you want a 1911 or not and if you do, look into other options before sticking with Kimber... Took me 3 Kimber's to detour, now I own a Nighthawk and well, there is no comparing.... Even for the Kimber price range you could probably pick up a SA loaded or spend a few hundred more and get a TRP and once again, in my opinion it's no comparison.

[CrashMan]

First pick if you want a 1911 or not and if you do, look into other options before sticking with Kimber... Took me 3 Kimber's to detour, now I own a Nighthawk and well, there is no comparing.... Even for the Kimber price range you could probably pick up a SA loaded or spend a few hundred more and get a TRP and once again, in my opinion it's no comparison.

I was looking at kimbers b/c of recommendations by friends, thanks for the suggestions. And sorry you had to go thru three of 'em...

[L-2]

If I were to change the slide, which model glock would you recommend so I can try to test it before making my decision?

"(C)hange the slide"????
Big hands; slide bite; and changing the slide; doesn't compute in my head. Have someone check your grip before firing to avoid the slide biting your hand; an aftermarket slide would not cure a slide-bite problem as the slide will still be recoiling in the same plane.

OTOH, try the Glock 21. I haven't come across somebody with hands so big where they found the Glock 21's grip too small. Now if the Glock 21's grip is too large, there's the smaller Glock 21SF.

A smaller version (shorter height and barrel length) is the Glock 30. These models are all .45ACP guns.

http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols.htm

HKs and 1911s can be good, too.

[BUCDOUT57]

"(C)hange the slide"????
Big hands; slide bite; and changing the slide; doesn't compute in my head. Have someone check your grip before firing to avoid the slide biting your hand; an aftermarket slide would not cure a slide-bite problem as the slide will still be recoiling in the same plane.

OTOH, try the Glock 21. I haven't come across somebody with hands so big where they found the Glock 21's grip too small. Now if the Glock 21's grip is too large, there's the smaller Glock 21SF.

A smaller version (shorter height and barrel length) is the Glock 30. These models are all .45ACP guns.

http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols.htm

HKs and 1911s can be good, too.

I agree.

[CrashMan]

[QUOTE=L-2;3954610]"(C)hange the slide"????
Big hands; slide bite; and changing the slide; doesn't compute in my head. Have someone check your grip before firing to avoid the slide biting your hand; an aftermarket slide would not cure a slide-bite problem as the slide will still be recoiling in the same plane.

I have found some after market beaver-tail slide combos for the glocks, several models, and have heard good reviews. I'll check the 21 at the range I go to and see how it fits. Thanks for the advice everyone.