HK .45 education please

[Brandon04GT]

I like how (IIRC) the HK45 uses "1.5" stack magazines like the USP45c instead of single or full double stack so you get that nice grip size. Something lefties with small hands like me really appreciate since there ain't that many or options when it comes to 45's.

Is it true that all HK45s are now made in the USA and no longer in Germany?

[LWCommander1911]

Won't be disappointed with the HK45. My HK45C finishes SSE on Monday and I can't wait. I have the light LEM kit ready to be installed on it as soon as I pick it up.

[Cyc Wid It]

I prefer the grip on the HK45C. If I owned one, I would send it to GGI for some work.

Frank, I would consider comparisons between squeeze cockers and the HK45 are a bit unfair as they are suited for different purposes IMO. Maybe it's time for me to own an HK again (my first gun was an HK).

[fennecfrank]

I do have to admit, I was being harsh on them. Besides 1911 manufacturers, HK is indeed one of my favorite companies.

Look at all their handguns, HK is pretty innovative: VP70, HK4, P7, and USP. HK was indeed the first company that used the polymer to make handguns (earlier by Glock 17 by 12 years, with VP70) in a short period of time. Look at other manufacturers, you only see 1 model, if not, 2 models at most. I'm talking about handguns with totally different mechanisms (not same design on different barrel length, frame, etc.)

Too bad they no longer manufacturer P7 series and the P9S. I love P7 very much. The trigger is very nice (just that HK45's are nicer) and the design makes you hold the gun really high (which reduce the recoil and enhance accuracy). I do have the following issue with them:

1. Overheat problem. I shot 3 magazines and the gun became too hot to handle. Although the P7M8 has plastic shield, however, it was still too hot.

2. It uses gas system. Some people claim that all gas systems are "self-cleaning", and one does not need to touch it at all. Not in my experience, I've went through quite a few guns with gas system, including Desert Eagles and shotguns and I had to clean the gas system really well in order for the gun to function right.

3. It will be nice if they have checkerings on the backstrap and front strap. The gun gets slippery if one has sweaty hands. However, it will be hard to do checkerings on the front strap.....


As for P9S, another favorite of mine, the design was very innovative, it uses a roller-delayed blow back action, which was based on HK G3 rifles. The gun is very nice, but it's too old and you'll need luck to find parts for it.........

Other than handguns, HK is also very innovative on other weapons. Just look at G3's, MP5's, UMP's. Who doesn't love HK?

[fennecfrank]

HK P7M8 in 9mm
NP3 by Robar




HK P9S in .45 ACP

[mavericksun]

I personally didn't feel the need to convert to LEM. All of my other guns are Sigs so I'm used to the DA/SA. I do have the option to have it cocked and locked also, the flexibility gives me very little reason for LEM. I took it to a 4 day handgun class at FS and it performed very well. Tactical reloads can be done without pulling your gun off target.

[mj1]

You would think for the money they could provide one good safe trigger that had some memory in it. I had a P9 .45 years ago that had a wonderful mechanism bot DA and SA. Miss that one.

..MJ..

[jyo]

Personally, I had a choice of either an HK45 or a 45C (both lightly used - similar price)---I picked the 45C as I am trending towards smaller, packable pistols at this time. I also have a USPf 45 and it shoots soooooo well I wouldn't sell it---people complain about the grip size of the USPf and the trigger (mine is DA/SA)---I have large hands and don't find the grip too large---as for the trigger system, no issues for me---it ain't a 1911---but I shoot it very well anyway...

[mrdd]

I personally didn't feel the need to convert to LEM. All of my other guns are Sigs so I'm used to the DA/SA. I do have the option to have it cocked and locked also, the flexibility gives me very little reason for LEM. I took it to a 4 day handgun class at FS and it performed very well. Tactical reloads can be done without pulling your gun off target.

There is a problem with the HK USP and related control lever. The fact that the safety is the same lever as the decocker is a serious issue IMO. It is very easy to inadvertently decock when releasing the safety. It would have been better if there was a separate lever, or for the design of the existing control lever to require two activations of the decocker for operation. The current design makes using cocked and locked problematic.

[jyo]

Regarding the above letter (#24)---I've been shooting my oldest USPf 9mm since 1994 with zero failures of any type---the combined safety/decocker has produced ZERO cases of applying decocker when taking off-safe. I own several HKs with the safety/decocking feature and again, ZERO problems with the system---no issues at all! A problem in theory only...

[mrdd]

Regarding the above letter (#24)---I've been shooting my oldest USPf 9mm since 1994 with zero failures of any type---the combined safety/decocker has produced ZERO cases of applying decocker when taking off-safe. I own several HKs with the safety/decocking feature and again, ZERO problems with the system---no issues at all! A problem in theory only...

I own various HKs also, so this is not purely theoretical to me. It may be ok at the range, but under stress I would not rely on this.

The other problem is that if you intend to keep it decocked, think about what happens if you pull the trigger and nothing happens. Why? Because the lever was bumped to the safety position. Not the best system, IMO.

[Edwood]

Unless you ride the safety while shooting, it is very very difficult to decock accidentally while shooting a USP.

The decock requires quite a range of movement, and has a good deal of stiffness / resistance.

Of course, you can easily buy and swap out the detent piece and have safety only, no decock if you like to ride the safety when shooting.

The USP 45 is a battle proven pistol built like a tank (well, except for the neutered 10 round mag's floor plates). It would be my SHTF gun of choice.

I'll likely get an HK45c, but probably not the full size. I tried shooting the smallest H&K, the P2000SK in 9mm, and it wasn't really my cup of tea, even though it fit my hand fine. I guess I really just like .45 ACP.

[xxxx]

HK USP was built for the .40S&W round, the .45ACP version is just too big and thick for me and I have large hands. I don't believe that the .45ACP was ever meant to be double stacked (especially in CA). The HK45 is a DIFFERENT GUN than the USP .45ACP - the HK45 is quite nice, and quite expensive.

[mavericksun]

... the HK45 is quite nice, and quite expensive.

I believe the price difference between HK45 and USP45 is not that much. HK45 is just more expensive in Kalifornia due to not being on the "safe" list and SSE has to be done. It's a supply and demand adjustment to price.

[xxxx]

I believe the price difference between HK45 and USP45 is not that much. HK45 is just more expensive in Kalifornia due to not being on the "safe" list and SSE has to be done. It's a supply and demand adjustment to price.

You believe wrong, an HK45 in a free state is around the price of an HK USP .45 Tactical. There is a price difference of a couple hundred bucks.