USP 45, Glock 21SF, or?

[norcal_patriot]

OK fellow CGers. So I'm looking to get a full-size .45 ACP handgun.. I've had a SIG 1911 and didn't like it so i'm ruling out 1911s. My main two contenders are the USP 45 or the Glock 21SF. I'm torn.. I love Glocks, but don't shoot extremely well with them, though I haven't shot a 21 but I've held one. I have medium-small hands so some of the 45 full-sizers are too big for me.

The USP is just appealing because of the reputation behind HK, plus I really like the feel and look of the USP. But I'm concerned about the size..

Besides these two, are there any other guns I should be looking at before I pull the trigger?(no pun intended) Thanks in advanced

[Xscmurcielago]

I've owned both and put many many rounds through each. The glock had issues. The usp has not. I've shot everything from Tula to Hornady through the usp without a single hiccup, almost boringly reliable. I have a higher tendency to grab the usp than any other firearm I own (which is a large list) when things go bump in the night, simply because I am 100% positive that it will do what I need it to do. On the other hand the glock had relatively large amount of stovepipes, wouldn't seat the mags without a hard slap and when it cycled enjoyed spitting brass in my face amongst random other issues with feeding and some random things. I still liked the glock, (honestly preferred its trigger) and would have not hesitated on using it to defend myself. But when it was stolen I never bothered replacing it. If you have any more Q's let em fly and I'll try my best to answer. The glock was a mid 90's gen 2 with original pre ban mags, and the usp is an 04 model with 10rd mags (even ran flawlessly with the damned promag 20 rounder).
-Gabe

[DT556]

HK USP Expert. It's much better than a standard HK USP.

[DT556]

No idea why the picture is so big. Sorry.

[epilepticninja]

I've got a USP 45 and a G21. I like them both. However, prefer the Glock because under stress shooting, I don't have to dick around with a manual safety lever/decock lever. During a qualification course once, I accidentally put the damn thing on "safe." Screwed up my whole qual. The glock, no issues like that. Just draw, aim, shoot. Nothing to manipulate but the trigger.

[tbc]

Have you shot the USP 45 yet? If not, you should try it first before making your final decision. My other suggestions are:

HK45
Sig P220

[norcal_patriot]

I've owned both and put many many rounds through each. The glock had issues. The usp has not. I've shot everything from Tula to Hornady through the usp without a single hiccup, almost boringly reliable. I have a higher tendency to grab the usp than any other firearm I own (which is a large list) when things go bump in the night, simply because I am 100% positive that it will do what I need it to do. On the other hand the glock had relatively large amount of stovepipes, wouldn't seat the mags without a hard slap and when it cycled enjoyed spitting brass in my face amongst random other issues with feeding and some random things. I still liked the glock, (honestly preferred its trigger) and would have not hesitated on using it to defend myself. But when it was stolen I never bothered replacing it. If you have any more Q's let em fly and I'll try my best to answer. The glock was a mid 90's gen 2 with original pre ban mags, and the usp is an 04 model with 10rd mags (even ran flawlessly with the damned promag 20 rounder).
-Gabe

Good to know about the Glock issues.. I have a 19 and have yet to have a stovepipe or any FTF/FTEs after 600 or so rounds. It's spit brass at my head before but no face!

The main thing with the USP I want to know is: Will it fit my medium hands? Is it worth $899 plus tax and DROS?

[missiontrails]

I like HK's.... I bought a USP40 when they first came out in 1994. But........I've owned a standard G21, thought it shot really good.... sold it, and then have owned a BUNCH of 9mm's, including a G17 Gen 3, CZ, FN, Beretta..... Now, I have a G21 Gen 4, and could not be more satisfied. The Gen 4 w/out added back strap and SF have the same size grip, and its good. The cost effectiveness of the Glock is just great, and the abundance of custom DIY parts just eclipses the HK. I was at Iron Sights in OC today, and they have a G21 SF in stock for $579........ You mentioned "reputation" of HK.....well Glock has just as much reputation, if not more for their safe action pistol, especially considering its design has been out way longer than the USP. The HK costs almost twice as much as the Glock, but it's sure not going to outlast the Glock.

[SoulStealer]

I like HK's.... I bought a USP40 when they first came out in 1994. But........I've owned a standard G21, thought it shot really good.... sold it, and then have owned a BUNCH of 9mm's, including a G17 Gen 3, CZ, FN, Beretta..... Now, I have a G21 Gen 4, and could not be more satisfied. The Gen 4 w/out added back strap and SF have the same size grip, and its good. The cost effectiveness of the Glock is just great, and the abundance of custom DIY parts just eclipses the HK. I was at Iron Sights in OC today, and they have a G21 SF in stock for $579........ You mentioned "reputation" of HK.....well Glock has just as much reputation, if not more for their safe action pistol, especially considering its design has been out way longer than the USP.

Glock 21 Gen 4

[a66]

I have a USP 45 and can be considered a Hk fan with a couple other of their guns. I have always shot the USP better than the Glocks (more accurately) and I love the feel of the USP. The reputation is great and so is their customer service now. I have had an urge to get glock in 9mm just because there are so many Glock shooting competitions, and also their short reset trigger is amazingly short. Even with Hk match trigger and LEM mods, you can't get a reset as short as the Glocks. Glocks are super reliable, I wouldn't doubt them at all, but given the choice, I'd trust an Hk over any other gun any day of the week. I'd like to believe that Hk's are built to withstand more harsh conditions and environments, whether it'd be having your gun in mud, water, using higher pressure rounds like the Super 45, or just having longer lifetimes.

[grommit666]

Have you considered the XD45?

[G21Shooter]

I've got a USP 45 and a G21. I like them both. However, prefer the Glock because under stress shooting, I don't have to dick around with a manual safety lever/decock lever. During a qualification course once, I accidentally put the damn thing on "safe." Screwed up my whole qual. The glock, no issues like that. Just draw, aim, shoot. Nothing to manipulate but the trigger.

Ding! Both are without a question outstanding handguns, but I prefer the Glock 21.

Great shooter, light recoil for a .45 and very accurate and easy to shoot well. I've never had a issue with mine even with cheap ammo like Tula and Blazer.

[SILENT GUNMAN]

Go with the Glock and use the money you saved on ammo. The sf models have a slightly better grip angle on them compared to the smaller framed ones. I just got a 20sf and absolutely love it. And the great thing with the 21sf is it can be converted to 10mm or 9x25 Dillon if you really want to get some power out of it. Honestly the recoil of the 10mm out of a Glock 20 is similar to shooting a Glock 23. Its quite controllable. You can convert to either caliber with just a barrel and magazine so the cost to convert is small compared to the conversions of some other guns on the market.

[Ricky-Ray]

Take a look at the Sig P220 or the S&W M&P45. The S&W have interchangeable backstraps so you can fit it to you hand better.

I have the P220 and shoot's great. I have the M&P on layway right now. I have to wait till my 30 day's or up before I can DROS it.

[Bodh1]

Am I the only one who has trouble gripping my support hand on a full sized USP?

My left thumb, when doing thumbs forwards, is placed right by the rail, just forward of the trigger guard, and every shot I take I have to re-adjust my left thumb due to lack of grip.

With my glock, I can leave my thumb on the little area that people sometimes stipple/grip tape, just forward of the trigger guard, and grip adequately enough that I don't have to re-adjust