Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns .45 advice

I haven't heard much about the H & K USP 45 on this forum. I'd like to open a general discussion on this 45. What do you think of them?

Hello Kent, the HK USP 45. From what I have seen of them ( gun shop ) seem to be a fine made firearm. I like the way they can be carried cocked & locked, and they seem to fit my hand nice. If I am correct they were "made" for spec ops, and were made to handle regular amounts of +P ammo. Being that I favor 45 calibrer handguns (Glock 21, Glock 36, and Springfield), I see nothing wrong with these or the HK USP:). Any IMO, are fine choices for Target, or Self Defence...MVGS

Kent- I bought one of the first HK USP 45s offered. The gun functioned perfectly and never had a jam. The gun was quite large in the hand. I never did like the trigger pull though. My long bony fingers would have to bend back too far. I finally traded it off for a Kimber Stainless Gold Match. The shop that I bought the USP from quit handling the HKs because they had problems getting warranty work done on them. Some people had a problem with the first one's plastic grip cracking. They soon changed the grip style. Good luck. Bob

The features I like on the H & K include the double action and the ability to mount a tacticle light on the frame. It seems their reputation is that they are reasonably accurate, but very dependable and versatile. What are its faults?

I'm an ex-LEO. Why do you need a light mounted on a handgun ?
<br> Personally, I've never seen anyone who could shoot a DA auto any better than an SA auto. The better shots like to cock them as they draw. So, why is this something you want ?
<br> I like all the accuracy, and the best trigger, I can get in a handgun. I don't buy that a pistol is "accurate enough. " I like the option of making a brain pan shot, for instance. E

It seem that a mounted light be useful when a home entry occurs in the middle of the night. How useful would it be in that situation?
<br>
<br>Could you speak of the accuracy of the H & K?
<br>
<br>I know that 1911 type .45's can be costomized by many gunsmiths. Can the H & K trigger be easily and effectively adjusted?

Kent,
<br>
<br>I don't have experience with the USP .45, only the .40. My cousin bought a USP at the same time that I opted for the Beretta model 96. I didn't go with the USP because I did not think that the gun "felt" right. The grip was a little too large for me, and the thing just felt top-heavy to me. As far as function, I can't think of one instance where the USP has jammed or failed to function correctly, but you aren't going to go winning any 2700 matches with them, but they weren't built for that.
<br>
<br>One thing to possibly consider if you are a handloader - I think that the chamber on the USP .40 is not fully supported, and can be dangerous with moderately hot loads. I am not sure if this is the case with the .45.

Kent,
<br>I think Eremicus has a good point about the light mounted on the handgun. Think of it this way: if you have a midnight visitor and you go sneaking down the hall to investigate, as soon as that light goes on he knows where you are and gives him an aiming point. Also, and more importantly, any noise or movement you want to investigate with the light is coverd by your muzzle. Not good if that movement or sound is your spouse or child. A seperate light like a Mag-Lite/Sure-Fire whatever is a better choice. Just my .02. Sean

Kent. The comment about lights has already been answered by Lone Eagle.
<br> I don't know about the triggers on the H&K.
<br> I do know that good, very accurate 1911 .45's are available right out of the box. Along with really good triggers. Try a Kimber.
<br> The Sig guns also have a 1st class rep for this.
<br> The truth is I'm not interested in the H&K, or Glock, guns. I know I can get everything I want-1st class trigger, and 1st class accuracy-from a well made 1911. So, that's what I have. E