H&K USP vs. P2000

[Revolverhawk]

Which should I get? I have never owned a semi automatic before. I want a S&W .40 cal, I heard the recoil on the .40 is uncomfortable. I heard the USP is more comfortable(greater wieght and possibly better recoil absorbing features), but the P2000 has more reliable mags and accepts more accessories. Which would have less maintenance? Thoughts?

EDIT: I also heard about the P30L. Any thoughts on that either?

[DTS]

They both recoil like crazy but practice will help you adapt that.

USP is heavier vs the P2000 but you have a more solid feel.

Equal on maintenance, because they are identical, P2000 is the new model thou!

[Revolverhawk]

They both recoil like crazy but practice will help you adapt that.

USP is heavier vs the P2000 but you have a more solid feel.

Equal on maintenance, because they are identical, P2000 is the new model thou!

Okay, thanks very much! I heard the .40 S&W had crazy recoil, I was hoping to start with a semi auto with good recoil control, the USP looked like a good option. Thanks!

EDIT: you mean the USP has a more solid feel?

[HkFan416]

Which should I get? I have never owned a semi automatic before. I want a S&W .40 cal, I heard the recoil on the .40 is uncomfortable. I heard the USP is more comfortable(greater wieght and possibly better recoil absorbing features), but the P2000 has more reliable mags and accepts more accessories. Which would have less maintenance? Thoughts?

EDIT: I also heard about the P30L. Any thoughts on that either?

Well you can't really compare the USP fullsize (I'm assuming this is what you're talking about) to the P2000 as it's a bit of a bigger gun. The P2000 is great since its sort of compact, totally ambidextrous (magazine release, slide release, and decocker), and has interchangeable backstraps.

As far as the P2000 magazines being more reliable than USP mags, is not true. P2000's share the same magazines as USP compacts (in its respected calibers). Fullsize USP magazines are just as reliable as any other HK's magazines. Just please don't by PROMAG's (aftermarket), they're garbage.

Maintenance wise, they're the same, and run like champs when dirty.

Accessories, they are equal and have the same support.

The best advise I can give you is feel in your hand to see which one fits best. In the end, it doesn't matter since I'm sure you'll end up with both.

-Cheers

[RT13]

I prefer the P2000 and think it is still their best USP version b/ the original USP, and P30. However, the P2000 is more of a compact gun. If you want a fullsize in .40, the USP40 is very nice and smooth. I have shot it many times and like it. The P2000 is .40 is very snappy and I don't like it.

[HkFan416]

Okay, thanks very much! I heard the .40 S&W had crazy recoil, I was hoping to start with a semi auto with good recoil control, the USP looked like a good option. Thanks!

I think you're better off starting out with a 9mm handgun. Its just my opinion of course, but I've noticed some new shooters have problems with the .40S&W round and complain about its "snappyness">.

[Revolverhawk]

Well you can't really compare the USP fullsize (I'm assuming this is what you're talking about) to the P2000 as it's a bit of a bigger gun. The P2000 is great since its sort of compact, totally ambidextrous (magazine release, slide release, and decocker), and has interchangeable backstraps.

As far as the P2000 magazines being more reliable than USP mags, is not true. P2000's share the same magazines as USP compacts (in its respected calibers). Fullsize USP magazines are just as reliable as any other HK's magazines. Just please don't by PROMAG's (aftermarket), they're garbage.

Maintenance wise, they're the same, and run like champs when dirty.

Accessories, they are equal and have the same support.

The best advise I can give you is feel in your hand to see which one fits best. In the end, it doesn't matter since I'm sure you'll end up with both.

-Cheers

Actually, I was talking about the compact. I simply like the look of it more, though I realize the full size would offer more recoil control. And I got the info that the mags were more reliable, and the P2000 add more accessory options, from this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvJoxXxwnXo&feature=related

That said, thanks for your input.

[Cyc Wid It]

P2000 has the universal rail too, as opposed to the USP's proprietary system.

[Nerfherder]

It sounds like you've narrowed down your choices of what semi .40 you want. At this point, I would highly suggest renting both at a range to judge the differences between these two pistols. Making this decision will be easier when you have the firsthand knowledge rather then relying what other people are posting/saying. You will also find that what one person says will be true for them , may not be true for you.

I'm not sure what you guys are implying that the P2000 has a more "solid" feel than the USP? They are both well extremely well build, but the ergonomics are different. Again, this can be a subjective thing, but a lot of people like the rounded grips of the P2000 more. To some people, the squarish grip on a USP is a non-issue. The USP compacts fit most people's hands a lot better than their full sized counterparts. Some people hate the rough texture on USP grips, but I love them.

One thing that no one has mentioned is the trigger reset of the P2000, its a half mile long. I much prefer the reset of a USP trigger. Also, if you are getting one of these HK's with a decocker, they are located in different places on the pistol. This may or may not affect your decision. If you are getting a double action only variant, then this is a non-issue. If recoil is a concern, don't rule out 9mm, and once again try before you buy. Shoot a .40 cal yourself instead of relying on what you've read or heard.

[taguin]

THE USP is a robust design.

The P2000 is an upgrade of that design.

Basically, HK took away some of the "clunk"

I personally prefer the P2000.

[Nerfherder]

P2000 has the universal rail too, as opposed to the USP's proprietary system.

You can buy this for the USP http://www.botachtactical.com/ggm3adforhku.html

[Nerfherder]

The P2000 is an upgrade of that design.

The trigger reset would be the one "downgrade".

[aca72]

My vote: HK P2000 V3

[Caseless]

They both recoil like crazy but practice will help you adapt that.

40 S&W has a sharper recoil impulse (+muzzle rise) than the bigger .45ACP. But it recoils less than the 45ACP. Bigger bullets = higher recoil.

The USP/P2000/P30 series actually generate much less recoil than a conventional design such as the Beretta 96 series, due to the HK's proprietary recoil reduction system.

[drunktank]

just to add, the streamlight tlr3 fits fine on usp's. the grip options on a p2000 dont matter if the usp fits your hand well already (and vise versa). both are great pistols. good luck with your choice and as mentioned, try both before buying. i was set on a 2000 for a while until i shot the usp for what its worth.