HK USP Frame difference 9mm/40 VS 45

[Cypriss32]

I picked up a HK usp 45. I took it out and shot it last weekend. I noticed that the gun is super big (so is G21 series too, had 1). Is the 9mm/40 frame narrower then the 45 one? I really like the gun, buts its too big for me period.

[UserM4]

No they are exactly the same except the 45 grip is longer. I've taken calipers to my 9 and 45 and took precise measurements in circumference. Also, the slide is taller if that matters.

[UserM4]

edit double post

[Roland Deschain]

I picked up a HK usp 45. I took it out and shot it last weekend. I noticed that the gun is super big (so is G21 series too, had 1). Is the 9mm/40 frame narrower then the 45 one? I really like the gun, buts its too big for me period.

Doesn't look so on the USP: http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/usp_specs.asp

On the Glocks the 9mm/.40 do appear to be thinner.

In both cases this doesn't necessarily seem to be the width of the grip.

[echopapa]

I had the same thoughts too about the size. I shot the USP 9 full-size - loved the feel and trigger, but it just felt so big in my hands. I wonder if the USP Compact would be a better fit..

[Evo]

The HK45 is thinner, my favorite pistol hands down!

[Ubermcoupe]

I’m with you OP.

My .45F does seem thicker than my .40F but i am not sure it actually is.

I don’t have a caliper in front of me to compare them so I can’t say for certain that one is larger than the other but I do know that you cannot mate a .45f slide/upper on a .40/9mm lower and have them work together.

[Cypriss32]

Dang....... I kinda guessed they were same size. I have a XDM, and Sig p226 both fit awesome. Guess its back to a 1911 for me. Sucks I like it. It just doesn't work for me. Its WAYYYY too big. Its the ONLY pistol (except the OLD G21) I cant hold one handed Period.

[thai562]

I am almost certain they are different.

[Bask]

Hks are nice guns, thick or thin period.

[kielbasavw]

hk usp was originally built for .40, the .45 is the same size frame. 9mm and .357sig are thinner

[drunktank]

The .45 has a bigger grip that the 9mm. Also, the checkering on the front strap is more aggresive (sharper) on the 9mm compared to the .45.

[huckberry668]

I have both calibers in Expert model. Frame are different in magazine well sizes, ejector placement. 40 mag fits too loose in 45 frame and 45 mag won't even go in the 40 frame. Slides/frames will interchange and probably shoot single shot but ejection may be screwy.

Barrels, recoil spring/guide assemblies won't interchange in the slides. Slide stop is the same for both calibers. Grip circumference is exactly the same, just shy of 5.75".

[G-Solutions]

I had the same thoughts too about the size. I shot the USP 9 full-size - loved the feel and trigger, but it just felt so big in my hands. I wonder if the USP Compact would be a better fit..

The grip on the compact is significantly smaller... it uses metal magazines. The reduced mag size allowed for an overall smaller grip.

I do not know of any other pistols where full size and compact versions use different mags... one of the reasons I ended up selling my USP 40 full-size.

[Cypriss32]

So the 9mm and 40 is a smaller frame then the 45?