Sidearms & Scatterguns HK USP 45 Tactical

[alan98]

I was thinking of a SIG mk25, but have been looking at .45's lately. I have a TRP but wouldn't mind a good semi-auto .45 to go along with it. I know SIG has the 220, FN has one, but the HK USP tactical seems to have really good reviews. Anyone have one of these?

Alan

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I was thinking of a SIG mk25, but have been looking at .45's lately. I have a TRP but wouldn't mind a good semi-auto .45 to go along with it. I know SIG has the 220, FN has one, but the HK USP tactical seems to have really good reviews. Anyone have one of these?

Alan

Alan,

I have the FNH FNP-45 Tactical (now called the FNX-45 Tactical) and I love it. A lot of people try it and they like the feel of it. I think if you can hold some of these .45 caliber beasts in your hand, you will understand what I mean.

The statistics on the FNP-45 are incredible, but the ergonomics worked really well for me. I have big hands and with the grips, I really had something to hold onto. I just shot so much better with it.

 

[Finris]

I have an H&K Tactical. I love mine. When I was over seas in service my mom took it to her CCW class and out shot all the men in the course. Yes its a big gun. I have large hands and it feels right. I'm sure there is nothing wrong with any of the ones you mentioned. I personally like the H&K Tactical.

 

[jdonovan]

Anyone have one of these?

yes. like it lots.

The design is a bit older, and its a touch less ergonomic than current designs, and has no adjustability. So it either fits your paw, or doesn't.

If you want some adjustability, and a little better ergos take a look at the HK45. You give up 2 rounds 12 vs 10 in the mag.

 

[jabels]

HK USP 45 Tactical

I haven't had an HK, but I had the older FNP-45 USG and it felt great, shot well when it would function, and had awesome capacity, but the function of it was less than desirable. It would never feed well with 230's, I'd say 50-60% if the time it worked.

I did some tinkering and figured that the magazines were too short in oal to handle the factory loaded 230's. 185's would function 90% of the time.

I ended up selling it and got an M&P 45 4.5" barrel that I love. Most comfortable full size 45 I've shot except a 1911.

I also have and carry a Glock 30 gen 4. I shoot it the best of all my handguns.

I've shot quite a bit with a Glock 21, as well as an HK Mk23 which was awesome. Big and heavy, but super accurate and fairly nice trigger.

I've handled several HK45's, but never shot one. If say they're just about as comfortable as my M&P, but I've not actually shot one so no comment there.

I'd love to own a USP45 one day.

Justin

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I haven't had an HK, but I had the older FNP-45 USG and it felt great, shot well when it would function, and had awesome capacity, but the function of it was less than desirable. It would never feed well with 230's, I'd say 50-60% if the time it worked.

I did some tinkering and figured that the magazines were too short in oal to handle the factory loaded 230's. 185's would function 90% of the time.

Yeh, they fixed all of that with the FNX-45. My FNP-45 never had any issues. But they changed the magazine slightly since crappy Winchester White Box (WWB) would not feed very well.

I never experienced that issue though with WWB.

 

[jabels]

Yeh, they fixed all of that with the FNX-45. My FNP-45 never had any issues. But they changed the magazine slightly since crappy Winchester White Box (WWB) would not feed very well.

I never experienced that issue though with WWB.

It's a good thing they fixed it, but it kind of left me sour on the FNP/FNX line.

I had the problem with WWB, MagTech, AE, Federal Champion, PMC, Blazer brass, and some hand loads from a friend.

It really was a very, very nice piece except for that. Also, aftermarket support for it was atrocious. All I ever found that wasn't insanely priced was night sights. Holsters were few and far between, usually custom leather and/or kydex, and expensive.

Good luck with your pistol purchase OP.

 

[Bri0242]

I have a USP Tactical, and I like it better than the Sig P220 Combat and FNP Competition (both of which I sold). It's match trigger is superior IMHO than the other two.

 

[SSG3K]

I have the usp tactical and the fnx tactical. Both are great guns, both are accurate, both cost the same. The FNX has night sights and both are quite large. If I could only have one it would be the usp, it has the best trigger on a plastic gun I have ever owned.

Rich

 

[Pilky01]

I have a Uspct and a Mark 23. I owned a Usp 45 that was beat down with a match trigger. I sold it to help finance a rifle. I have regretted it since. Hk makes the best 45s hands down in my opinion. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another.

 

[Tanman]

I have a USP 45 Tactical. If I could keep only one of my handguns, that might be the one. Feeds everything I put in it, great trigger, more accurate than me, and super durable.
I think the only reason not to own one is if you have smaller size hands, in that case it might be too large of a pistol. Or maybe if you have a fixed budget (it's kind of expensive for a polymer frame gun, and so are mags!).

 

[cal50]

I have four HK USP pistols. One compact , two USP standards and one tactical all in .45.
EXCELLENT pistols all of them and no surprises with what you buy. If there is a more rugged pistol made it would be the MK23 Socom HK.

I had an FNP-45 Tactical and I really can not say anything positive about FN pistols except to stay away form them.
If you want a gun that works and one you can find magazines for get an HK, Glock or anything but an FN.

As to the Winchester ammo in the FNP it the fault of FN for taking a huge gun with LOTS of magazine space and designing it undersize to use any over the counter ammo than most other pistols easily feed and fire. Supposedly it was designed around NATO spec .45 dimensions but its still a design error. The unsupported chamber design in the FNP was also addressed in the FNX series but uses a different barrel and magazine than the FNP. The FNX series also had some design issues with the slide stop and other problems corrected on the fly, maybe.

FNX : Fixed: Problems with FNX

FNX problem: FNX 45 Tactical mag problems and follower wear spots...anybody have these problems?

Personally I had a new FNP-45 tactical went kaboom in my hand and I had to return it to FN on my dime to get "repaired". Once returned to me it was sold and never miss or regret it.

FNP Kaboom: Well I had a kaboom in my new FMP-45....

FN does not give a rats ass about the civvy handgun market & the only thing bad about any HK is the price.

 

[alan98]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm gonna go with a .45 purchase vs the SIG 9mm. I really like the .45 and seems the HK's are one of the best to go along with my 1911 TRP. I have big hands so I don't think that will be a problem. I've also been thinking of eventually getting a suppressor for it. That would make a nice setup. Are there any LE discounts available for the HK USP's?

Thanks!

Alan

 

[cal50]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm gonna go with a .45 purchase vs the SIG 9mm. I really like the .45 and seems the HK's are one of the best to go along with my 1911 TRP. I have big hands so I don't think that will be a problem. I've also been thinking of eventually getting a suppressor for it. That would make a nice setup. Are there any LE discounts available for the HK USP's?

Thanks!

Alan

HK LE program~

http://www.hk-usa.com/military_products/officer.asp


I also have a TRP and its a good gun as well.
My only 1911 surrounded my Glocks, HK's & CZ's.

 

[smokin.338]

Don't forget the Sig 227 that was just introduced...

 

[alan98]

I have some more research to do on triggers, etc. I'm LH so I think I can get it with safety/slide release on right side as well as choose a trigger. I was thinking DA/SA, not sure about the LEM trigger. I know we use the ruger P85DAO (I think) at work and IMO they're garbage. I cant stand those triggers!

 

[jwk7443]

I did not like the lem triggers at all on the p30 I sold off recently. The trigger break occurs too far back, making the initial trigger pull a chore to say the least. It reminded me a lot of the crappy Ruger LCP trigger. All of my HK's are DA/SA w/ safeties and I carry them locked and cocked.

 

[cal50]

Some guys love the LEM, I like the original trigger.
The match trigger on the tactical is better than the standard USP but still MUCH different than the 1911.

 

[sakobob]

Don't forget the Sig 227 that was just introduced...

yes what he said^^ has a feel very similar to a 226, definitely worth a look.

 

[alan98]

One more question...I'm left handed and am wondering if there is an ambi safety available for the HK USP 45 Tactical?

Alan

 

[jdonovan]

One more question...I'm left handed and am wondering if there is an ambi safety available for the HK USP 45 Tactical?

yes.

HK USP Ambidextrous control lever

 

[Pilky01]

I second that. The match trigger is awesome. I tried LEM twice and just not for me.

 

[alan98]

I've been doing some more reading about these and see they came out with the HK45 Tactical last year. Big Iron: Heckler & Koch HK45 Tactical Review - Handguns

From what I've read, the HK45 is a newer upgraded version of the USP with removable backstraps, different grip, etc. I like the fact that the HK45 Tactical comes with a threaded barrel, and night sights, however the sights don't look tall enough for suppressor use. Also, being LH it has ambi slide release and safety and be repositioned too. I may look for a 45 tactical instead since its a more modern version. Has anyone used the HK45 much and also, what about sights clearing a suppressor if I decide to go with one in the future? I'd imagine you can buy taller aftermarked ones should that be a problem.

Thanks,

Alan

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I have four HK USP pistols. One compact , two USP standards and one tactical all in .45.
EXCELLENT pistols all of them and no surprises with what you buy. If there is a more rugged pistol made it would be the MK23 Socom HK.

I had an FNP-45 Tactical and I really can not say anything positive about FN pistols except to stay away form them.
If you want a gun that works and one you can find magazines for get an HK, Glock or anything but an FN.

As to the Winchester ammo in the FNP it the fault of FN for taking a huge gun with LOTS of magazine space and designing it undersize to use any over the counter ammo than most other pistols easily feed and fire. Supposedly it was designed around NATO spec .45 dimensions but its still a design error. The unsupported chamber design in the FNP was also addressed in the FNX series but uses a different barrel and magazine than the FNP. The FNX series also had some design issues with the slide stop and other problems corrected on the fly, maybe.

FNX : Fixed: Problems with FNX

FNX problem: FNX 45 Tactical mag problems and follower wear spots...anybody have these problems?

Personally I had a new FNP-45 tactical went kaboom in my hand and I had to return it to FN on my dime to get "repaired". Once returned to me it was sold and never miss or regret it.

FNP Kaboom: Well I had a kaboom in my new FMP-45....

FN does not give a rats ass about the civvy handgun market & the only thing bad about any HK is the price.

Thank you for these posts, but it is not fair to the OP to have him buy what you want. I am not talking down about HK, I have the MR556A1 and the P30. I love HK's. To pull up some issues about a firearm and then bad mouth that firearm is not being realistic and truthful. Here are some posts about the HK USP:

USP .45 misfeeding

HK USP Compact .45 - Feeding problems - The Firing Line Forums

USP .45 Failure to feed?

USP Match Slide/feed ramp jam - HK USP Series (KP Series) - KWA Technical Forums

And why are saying FNH does not care about the civilian market? I called them once to find out what was the delay in getting more magazines and I got an honest and straight forth answer. Maybe your experience is different?

All firearms have their own problems. I have both HK's and an FNH and I love my FNH. I do not want the OP to be misled in any way and want him to understand the benefits.

The FNX has ambidextrous everything. If you are a lefty shooter, you will not have to change anything on this gun. I would highly recommend shooting both of them, if you can. Hell, if you ever are in Reno, NV, drop me a line and I will let you shoot mine and a friend's. Then you can compare for yourself!

 

[FN in MT]

I've had an HK Tactical with an AAC can for about ten years now. VERY accurate, great trigger and fits my big, size 12 hand just fine.

Factory hi caps Mags ARE expensive. I luckily found half a dozen years back and snagged them. Currently they are right at $90 and change.

Other than the high price of magazines I'm sold on the platform.

 

[cal50]

Thank you for these posts, but it is not fair to the OP to have him buy what you want. I am not talking down about HK, I have the MR556A1 and the P30. I love HK's. To pull up some issues about a firearm and then bad mouth that firearm is not being realistic and truthful. Here are some posts about the HK USP:

USP .45 misfeeding

HK USP Compact .45 - Feeding problems - The Firing Line Forums

USP .45 Failure to feed?

USP Match Slide/feed ramp jam - HK USP Series (KP Series) - KWA Technical Forums

And why are saying FNH does not care about the civilian market? I called them once to find out what was the delay in getting more magazines and I got an honest and straight forth answer. Maybe your experience is different?

All firearms have their own problems. I have both HK's and an FNH and I love my FNH. I do not want the OP to be misled in any way and want him to understand the benefits.

The FNX has ambidextrous everything. If you are a lefty shooter, you will not have to change anything on this gun. I would highly recommend shooting both of them, if you can. Hell, if you ever are in Reno, NV, drop me a line and I will let you shoot mine and a friend's. Then you can compare for yourself!

Buy what I want ?
LOL, Seriously ????

I conveyed MY experience with MY FNP tactical pistol and how FN handled MY repair. It is what it is and no more or less so a reader can form their own opinion.
I did not cherry pick negative instances from around the net, I posted my experience and a few others from the FN forum. Its pretty much FN specific.

I liked the FNP design , it fit my hand and I purchased one, unfortunately mine was a complete POS that did not work. Obviously its been redesigned because of some problems into the FNX which I have not followed closely but it too has / had some issues as well. The common denominator is it comes back to design and build. Maybe they work now but I am through with FN pistols. The reason I say FN does not care about the civvy market is becasue they have a horrible track record of supplying magazines and accessories. I had an FFL at the time when I obtained my FN SPR DBM rifle. FN was never able to supply 5 shot magazines and the 10's never were made. Nothing like buying a magazine fed weapon and you can not get magazines. I replaced the bottom metal with CDI and problem solved. My FNP pistol was exactly the same with magazines hard to obtain , with an FFL or not. I got mags for it, paid a premium and looked hard to obtain the several that I found. This is NOT the case with Glock, SIG, Beretta,HK, etc.

I called a few people at FN and the same answer was given that "mags are being produced" and my answer was "where" ?
I asked specifically for a distributor or wholesaler where they are shipped and no one could answer that simple question.

During the time FN had my pistol in for repair it was discontinued and replaced by the FNX. I was not one of the "lucky" once to have my gun replaced, hell I had to pay to send it back which really pissed me off. I had a new pistol in for repair that was just discontinued that uses a different barrel and magazine than the redesigned one and not interchangeable from a company that never supplied magazines well before it was discontinued.
Who wants a gun that mags are hard to obtain and now discontinued ?


I thank you for the shooting offer but i have no interest in FN handguns, period (I love my SN SPR rifle). There are a boat load of handguns to select from and a user should buy what THEY want and like.
If someone likes the FN and they get one that works well I am happy for them. I was not as fortunate and that my experience. The FNP burned my wallet AND my shooting hand.

 

[cal50]

I've had an HK Tactical with an AAC can for about ten years now. VERY accurate, great trigger and fits my big, size 12 hand just fine.

Factory hi caps Mags ARE expensive. I luckily found half a dozen years back and snagged them. Currently they are right at $90 and change.

Other than the high price of magazines I'm sold on the platform.

Check CDNN / about $60 for HK mags


HK USP Fullsize 45acp 12rd Mag w/Finger Rest New Factory

 

[FN in MT]

$60 is still ridiculous. Sorry.

I think the mags are too expensive.



Surely DO like my Tactical though.

 

[cal50]

They are too expensive (IMHO) but they are available and they work.

 

[W54/XM-388]

I've been doing some more reading about these and see they came out with the HK45 Tactical last year. Big Iron: Heckler & Koch HK45 Tactical Review - Handguns

From what I've read, the HK45 is a newer upgraded version of the USP with removable backstraps, different grip, etc. I like the fact that the HK45 Tactical comes with a threaded barrel, and night sights, however the sights don't look tall enough for suppressor use. Also, being LH it has ambi slide release and safety and be repositioned too. I may look for a 45 tactical instead since its a more modern version. Has anyone used the HK45 much and also, what about sights clearing a suppressor if I decide to go with one in the future? I'd imagine you can buy taller aftermarked ones should that be a problem.

Thanks,

Alan

On the HK45, HK45c and HK45 Tactical, most of the controls (magazine release, slide stop) are ambidextrous
The safety can be setup to be either Left side, Right side or both sides depending on what you like.
You can also choose not to have a safety if you prefer
You can have the standard DA/SA trigger system, or you can go with Light LEM (around 4 pounds always, unless you hit a dud) or the heavy LEM (about 8 pounds)

The HK45 Tactical adds an extended threaded barrel & proper night sights
The HK45 Tactical is available in black, OD and Tan frames

Depending on the suppressor you pick, you will most likely need to add aftermarket sights

The grip is much improved over the older USP line and has adjustable backstraps
The magazine capacity is currently 10 rounds.

If you have big hands, the USP versions offer 12 rounds in the magazine (or 20 with an aftermarket one) and you can put in several different variants of the match trigger system.

If you have never held one before, I'd suggest you go over to hkpro.com and see if anyone is around your area that could let you hold one, as it is all about how it feels in your hand, I love the newer HK45 style, but there are many who sware that they love the USP grip better.

HK does have a LE purchase program, however, I'd talk with Mike at Cross Creek guns as usually he is cheaper than the LE price. (About $1150 for a new HK45T or about $983 for a HK45, then just to compare, a new USP Tactical 45 runs about $1130)

Magazines are about $50 each and normally you get 2 with the guns (the LE packages usually come with 3)

In the USP line you also have in addition to the Tactical, the Combat Competition, Expert, Elite and Mark 23)

I started out with the USP series many years ago and then transitioned to the HK45 versions because the grip fit my hand so much better.

You can also later on send any of them to Grey's Guns for a trigger improvement job if you wish.

 

[BigBoss0311]

Just an fyi Nevada, one of the links you posted is about a bb gun, not a real USP. OP, buy it. If you want get on the hkpro forum, find someone close to you and ask to shoot theirs. The thing is stupid awesome. As stated elsewhere in the thread, check out the HK45 as well if you can. Yes the mags are expensive, but they are as reliable as the gun.

 

[Centuriator]

The HK45 is the way to go if you are considering HK 45s.

 

[cal50]

The HK45 is the way to go if you are considering HK 45s.

It really depends on what fits your hand, feels the best and you shoot the best.
The USP and 45C are tough as nails.

 

[BigBoss0311]

Also, go on pistol-forum and find the article by Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn where they talk about how they designed the HK45 to be a brick shithouse and basically survive the apocalypse while still being reliable and accurate. Here you go:

pistol-training.com » HK45

 

[cal50]

Just an fyi Nevada, one of the links you posted is about a bb gun, not a real USP.

Of the four links posted one was an air soft or similar POS, another the owner said it was an ammo related problem with his gun ( Fiocchi 45 ammo).

The remaining two no conclusion to the problem was posted as follow thru.

 

[alan98]

I just got back from a LGS and they had the HK45 tactical in FDE, Black, and OD green as well as a USP tactical 40 and a MK23. After handling them, the HK45 tactical fit my hand much better compared to the USP grips. The MK23 is just huge lol.

I'm leaning towards the OD or FDE HK45 tactical model now after handling them. They come with nights sights but they seem too low for suppressor. I most likely won't suppress it anyways. I wish they had 12 rd mags instead of 10 though. The tacticals just fit my hand better and I do have big hands also.

Alan

 

[haunas]

Alan saw you are LE. Is this for on or off duty? As a CCW I know the USP 45 was a boat anchor for me and I would always have to adjust my pants belt up. Just food for thought. If on then no big deal.

 

[RollinCoal11]

I've got a USP and a USP Tactical .45. They are by far me favorite hand guns . The trigger in "single action" is great. The USP .45 is my EDC

 

[alan98]

This will be mostly for range use, not conceal carry. I just really like the FDE and OD frames on the new HK 45 tacticals as well as how they fit my hand so I'll likely grab one of them. I just want one more .45 to play around with. I have a TRP that shoots well, just want one more and I've read nothing but good about the HK's

Alan

 

[Rlb40x]

I got both, USP tactical 45 and 6 months later a FNX tactical 45. Hands down I like the HK best, the trigger is better and it's easer to shoot well. Also I don't like the small slide release on the FNX. As soon as I can find a good trade for a threaded HK 9mm the FNX is gone. Not trying to bash the Fn, I'm sure it's a good gun, but the smoothness of the Hks is hard to match.

 

[Steyr 04]

I have an HK45 it has been flawless. However you know how you get that feeling of love when you pick up something that just fits you perfectly? Well I have never felt that with this pistol. It feels like a tool to me, which of course is what it is. I guess my only down side I feel with it is the excitement when I pick it up, I just don't feel it. In my Opinion I could have saved 500 bucks and just bought a Glock, which is also nothing special to me, but it is a reliable tool with a flawless track record for my milage. For now I am going to keep my HK45, but when I get ready to buy my DTA SRS-A1 it might just get sacrificed for the cause.

 

[haunas]

HK45 Tactical is a great range gun. I did enjoy how accurate it was esp with the o-ring extended threaded barrel. Just didn't like the trigger reset or the safety/decocker in one.

 

[Cobracutter]

The USP45 (and hk45 derivitive) is the .45 pistol all others are judged by. Hands down, no contnest finest combat .45 there is.

Nothing comes close in reliability, longetivity, and still retains a high level of accuracy.

I say the USP45, beacuse they are slightly more reliable than the HK45, but both eclipse anything else on the market.

I have a USP45TAC and a USP45, with a HK45c LEM on the way.

You need decent size mitts with the USP Tac. I am borderline and I have average size hands. The HK45 fixes this.

HK factory repair reports the vast majority of HK's sent in for repair/warantee work are NON .45 variants. The system was designed and optimized for .45. Personaly, I feel that in 9mm/40/.357.... the HK doesnt bring enough to the table to supplant glock.

But in .45..... HK is king and no one comes close.

If the g19 is THE 9mm handgun to own...........then the USP45/HK45 is the .45 to own.

If anyone is looking to buy HK, NO one beats Grant's prices. I talked to him yesterday, and he confirmed he is selling close to cost. He has some rare variants, that no on else has... and notice all the guns comes with Night Sites.... while still beng cheaper than any other source on the net: http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=HKOC

 

[fmiq]

USP Tactical and MK25-Buy both. They are worth having one of each!

 

[TR1983]

I love my HK USP Tactical .45. It is the nicest handgun I have ever owned. I have never had any problems with it. Like the other guys say if you have a small hand it won't feel comfortable. The only down side is they cost about $1200.00, but I don't regret spending that on the USP Tactical.

 

[snipe10]

I have a custom Volkmann 1911 that goes everywhere but also have a HK45CT that is tits out reliable. When in the field I carry both! Super reliable handgun, you can bet your life on it

 

[FN in MT]

OP...Did you buy one yet?

FN in MT

 

[choover23]

You can't go wrong with the HK USP Tactical. I have it and it's little brother the compact tactical. Both shoot great suppressed. If I only had one pistol the rest of my life it would be the HK USP Tactical.

 

[Cobracutter]

I love my HK USP Tactical .45. It is the nicest handgun I have ever owned. I have never had any problems with it. Like the other guys say if you have a small hand it won't feel comfortable. The only down side is they cost about $1200.00, but I don't regret spending that on the USP Tactical.

They can be had for around $950 if u shop around. Check out my link.

 

[Nik H]

I have a USP Tactical, and I like it better than the Sig P220 Combat and FNP Competition (both of which I sold). It's match trigger is superior IMHO than the other two.

+1

No comparison. The H&K Tactical is very difficult to beat…