Thinking about getting a new handgun

[Left Coast DJ]

I've had a CZ 75B in .40 for about 5 months now and have put about 250 rounds through. I like the ambi safety on it (I'm left handed), but it's heft and lack of a decocker is making me think about a HK USP. Anyone with a USP please tell me how you like it and what you don't like? 9mm or .40? This will be strictly for home defense and range trigger time.

I've considered a Sig 226. But being a lefty, I really need an extended slide release that I can comfortably operate with my left index finger. The Sig has one of those rectangular button releases that I have a hard time pressing while gripping the gun with one hand.

DJ

[donger]

The USP is a great choice for a home defense handgun. Although I'm not a big fan of the trigger on the USP, they are extremely reliable and available in different variants. Although I'm not totally sure if the V2 (safety/decocker on the right side of the frame for lefties) is Kali legal you may want to check the DOJ list. If it isn't on the list, purchase the standard V1 and swap out the parts (you can do it yourself or send it to Hk).

Check out the P2000, it's an updated version of the USP compact with an ambidextrous slide release and rear mounted decocker. In addition, it has a much improved trigger. I have the V3 (standard DA/SA with rear mounted decocker) and think it's a vast improvement over the standard USP trigger.

9 mm or the .40? Which ever one YOU prefer. I find both cartridges accurate and manageable in terms of recoil.

[icormba]

I'd love a USP in .45, but that's not one of your options.

[scott]

If you don't end up liking the trigger of the standard USP, the USP Expert has been going relatively cheaply at Turner's (around $1,100). It has a great trigger, but a little different than American guns because there's a bit of take-up from the "at rest" position to where the tigger's resting on the sear. But it breaks very cleanly and the gun is very accurate. And the .40 cal version is Cali-legal, but imho the .45 is a lot easier to shoot.

[Gnote]

Just to give you another angle to look at the 226 with. My boyfriend has a 226ST and he is left handed. He doesn't use the slide release but instead pulls the slide back with his right hand. I think he calls it the sling shot method. Not sure if it is his terminology or industry. Anyway, he's got me doing it as well. The rational is that different guns have the release in slightly (or grossly) different locations. Under stressful conditions with a gun that we may not be familiar with, we don't go fumbling around.

I notice that his grip slightly changes when he activates the decocker but that is okay because he only deactivates when he KNOWS he does not need the gun.