Full size or compact?

[el.dustino]

Hi all,

I've just made my gun decision (HK USP .40 Stainless), but am still somewhat up in the air regarding full size vs. compact. I'm leaning towards full since I'm primarily interested in target practice, but am wondering if I should take a deeper look at a compact.

Note that I've decided on the .40 over the 9mm since it strikes a good balance between the 9mm and the .45. Also due to the fact that I just plain like the larger caliber, and potential stopping power in the rare case its used for defense purposes.

I don't plan to conceal/carry, but would the smaller size ever come in handy? Does the shorter barrel of a compact take it out of the running if most of my time w/ it will be at the range? Isn't much of the point of a polymer the reduced weight, therefore allowing you to carry a full size?

TIA!

[USN CHIEF]

Get the full size if you will use it for target practice. Not much difference in both of them. One is about an inch longer than the other, that's it.

[Casual Observer]

what the chief said.

The Compact has a slightly smaller grip, so if you have smallish hands, I'd look into it as well. Other than that, the only main difference is about .75" overall length.

[aplinker]

The only real reason to go compact is for carry. I'm in complete agreement.

If you're going to shoot a lot, the price of ammo for 9mm vs. 40S&W is pretty different. You could shoot about 30-40% more/yr of 9mm at the same cost. Shot placement is way more important than any concept of better round (and arguably, modern expanding 9mm and 40 are very similar). Just something to think about. A lot of people I think buy based on a false sense they're getting something much more powerful. .45acp is a step up from both, but both 9mm and 40 are a wash.

[dexter9659]

My first handgun was a USP .40 full-sized in blue. Awesome piece! My second gun was a USP 45 compact. Another awesome piece. The full sized pistol I feel was a great idea for my first handgun as it is a great general purpose target/defense gun. A compact pistol limits you as far as range and speed; at least until you get those practice rounds down range.


To summarize: Get the fullsize .40 S+W. It is a super nice piece. In fact 4 of my friends have it!

[Creampuff]

I have both the USP compact and fullsize. I do like the compact in how it feels in my hands (the double action pull on the full size, is just a bit too long at times). The full size at time feels clumsy and large in my hands.

However, once you put cosmetics and ergonomics aside, when I start shooting, the USP full size wins hands down. The recoil management on the full size frame is much better for me to get my sights back on target after squeezing off a shot. YMMV, I find I am more accurate with my full size. I get much more of a snappy muzzle lift on my compact versus my full size.

If this were a concealed carry state, I would have no problems at all feeling safe carrying the USP compact, because even though I am less accurate with it relative to the full size, I know I will be accurate enough to hit a man size target 7yrds away. The compact feels amazingly comfortable in my hand, and still very accurate for a handgun of its size. However, for target, the full size wins each time.

[Miltiades]

Full size for range

I have both a compact USP (.40 caliber) and a full size USP (.45 caliber), and would agree with those who say you should probably go with the full size version if you will only use the gun for range and home defense. Both guns are reliable and accurate, but the full size handles recoil slightly better and gives you a longer sight radius. The compact is well suited to concealed carry, but you said you wouldn't be doing that.

As for the value of .40 in stopping an attack, I have seen gelatin test data that indicates 180 grain .40 will penetrate deeper and expand larger than 147 grain 9mm, in a particular bullet design such as Federal HST:

Federal HST gelatin test data

But I believe that 9mm is more than adequate for defensive use if the shooter is proficient with his gun. Here is a photo of my full size USP with stainless slide (.45 caliber):

[BHPFan]

Full Size.

Best for range and HD.

[norcal-ar]

full size!! and double check but i know on some other pistols if u buy them in 40 cal you can buy the 9mm barrel and swap them out. ammo is not going to get any cheaper and slaping a 9mm barrel in their for a long day at the range wouldnt be too bad!

[naimad]

Full size

[Black Majik]

If it's for range duty and home defense, I'll echo everyone else towards the fullsize USP. I'm a huge cocked and locked fan, even then if you're gonna carry a compact HK, look into the P2000 over the USP compact. It'll have a smoother trigger both in SA and DA, more ergonomic, ambidexterous, adjustable backstrap, and shares USPc magazines and holsters. The only downside is that it's offered in either DA/SA or HK's LEM trigger.

As for 9mm and .40. I prefer 9mm since it's easier to control and shoot. I'd rather have a hit with a 9mm than a miss with a .40.

P.S. Unless you buy used, you probably won't find a new USP40 in stainless.

P.P.S. Since you prefer the bigger bullet in the .40, may i suggest .45?

[megavolt121]

Do you have small, medium, or large hands? The USP isn't the most comfortable gun to shoot if you have medium hands or small hands. If you fall into the latter catagory, look into the HK P2000s.

The full size will give you a longer barrel which will give you a better sight picture therefore helping you in target acquisition and aiming, therefore better shots.

People buy the compact for carry not because of weight, but because it is smaller and conceals better.

[l_Z_l]

I have both in the 40. The full size handles recoil a lot better, but the grip is a bigger. There are times (not often) when I have to re-adjust to get the right grip. The compact recoils a lot more but feels a lot better in my hand as the grip is smaller.
You can always just buy both

[TannerBoyl]

I'll echo what megavolt121 said. Depending on the size of your hand, you can determine which HK USP would best suit you. For small to medium size hands, go for the compact USP. For medium to large hands, go for the USP fullsize.

I own a USPc in .40S&W and a USP fullsize in 9mm. Both are excellent weapons. I've found that I can put similar groups together with either weapon. While follow up shots are a little quicker with my fullsize 9mm, it isn't much difference from the compact .40S&W.

As a personal preference, I think the stainless fullsize looks better than the stainless compact.

[C_1]

Personally, I don't like 40sw, and would rather have a 9mm or 45acp caliber. Get the 40cal if you already have a few guns. But its preference.

Stainless slides usually looks good/better when compared to their blued-variants. IMO

USPc or P2000 if you have small/medium hands.

my $0.02