I'm looking for some info on these. What are the different variations, triggers, etc? Whats good and whats bad? I don't know much about the HK but now I need to have one.. I'm undecided on the caliber.. I have a Sig 229 in .40 so I'm leaning towards the .45 Thanks!
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Suppressors The HK USP ?
- Thread starter mcm308
- Start date
Re: The HK USP ?
I love my HK. I can't say enough about it. I have a USP 45 and love it. It's my goto pistol and I just love shooting it. It's very accurate in my opinion.
Now, this is my <span style="font-weight: bold">opinion</span> but coming from a Sig, you'll probably hate the trigger on the USPs. The DA pull (assuming you get a DA/SA model aka Variant 1). You can convert between the variants (DA only, DA/SA, safety, LEM, lighter trigger etc).
Mine is dead nuts on the most reliable pistol I've ever owned. I'm extremely biased though as I only have HK pistols now. I love it.
FWIW, the HK45 (diff from the USP 45) is the "new" version of this pistol. It has all ther ergonomics etc that may be more what you're looking for ? Worth checking it out.
HK Pistol Articles:
http://hkpro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=6:the-pistols&Itemid=5&layout=default
HK USP Variant Explaination at bottom of this article:
http://hkpro.com/index.php?option=c...le&id=57:the-usp&catid=6:the-pistols&Itemid=5
USP45 Article:
http://hkpro.com/index.php?option=c...&id=56:the-usp45&catid=6:the-pistols&Itemid=5
Hope this helped...
I love my HK. I can't say enough about it. I have a USP 45 and love it. It's my goto pistol and I just love shooting it. It's very accurate in my opinion.
Now, this is my <span style="font-weight: bold">opinion</span> but coming from a Sig, you'll probably hate the trigger on the USPs. The DA pull (assuming you get a DA/SA model aka Variant 1). You can convert between the variants (DA only, DA/SA, safety, LEM, lighter trigger etc).
Mine is dead nuts on the most reliable pistol I've ever owned. I'm extremely biased though as I only have HK pistols now. I love it.
FWIW, the HK45 (diff from the USP 45) is the "new" version of this pistol. It has all ther ergonomics etc that may be more what you're looking for ? Worth checking it out.
HK Pistol Articles:
http://hkpro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=6:the-pistols&Itemid=5&layout=default
HK USP Variant Explaination at bottom of this article:
http://hkpro.com/index.php?option=c...le&id=57:the-usp&catid=6:the-pistols&Itemid=5
USP45 Article:
http://hkpro.com/index.php?option=c...&id=56:the-usp45&catid=6:the-pistols&Itemid=5
Hope this helped...
Re: The HK USP ?
I carry a USP tactical in .45 and agree with dvdt in that it's one of the most reliable pistols I've carried/shot. My only complaint is that their accessory rail is proprietary so you're limited in using the HK light (which I hear sucks) or adding an adapter.
I carry a USP tactical in .45 and agree with dvdt in that it's one of the most reliable pistols I've carried/shot. My only complaint is that their accessory rail is proprietary so you're limited in using the HK light (which I hear sucks) or adding an adapter.
Re: The HK USP ?
I shoot my USP 45 very well. It, like most every other HK I've read about, has been stone cold reliable.
That being said, it is a pretty limited purpose gun. About the only time I would ever carry it would be if the zombies came and open carry became acceptable, then I would have it strapped to my hip. I say this because it is a BIG gun.
Look into some of the newer guns, depending on the caliber you are going for. I have a HK45c which is nice, and I really like the p30 for a full size 9mm.
I shoot my USP 45 very well. It, like most every other HK I've read about, has been stone cold reliable.
That being said, it is a pretty limited purpose gun. About the only time I would ever carry it would be if the zombies came and open carry became acceptable, then I would have it strapped to my hip. I say this because it is a BIG gun.
Look into some of the newer guns, depending on the caliber you are going for. I have a HK45c which is nice, and I really like the p30 for a full size 9mm.
Re: The HK USP ?
I've had...
2x HK USP9F
HK USP45F
HK USP45 TAC
HK USP45C
...and sold every single one of them without regret. Honestly, I can't for the life of me figure out why I kept on buying them over and over back in the day.
Good guns that are reliable, but the triggers suck & their are better alternatives out there in my opinion.
I've had...
2x HK USP9F
HK USP45F
HK USP45 TAC
HK USP45C
...and sold every single one of them without regret. Honestly, I can't for the life of me figure out why I kept on buying them over and over back in the day.
Good guns that are reliable, but the triggers suck & their are better alternatives out there in my opinion.
Re: The HK USP ?
I love HK rifles and pistols. I own a bunch of them, including several different variations on the USP (USPf, USPc, Match, Expert, Tactical). My EDC is a USPc in .45acp (which has had some extensive trigger work since I bought it new). They are love/hate guns with few people falling anywhere in between those two poles of opinion on the USP.
The links that dvdt provided are good reading on the USP pistols and the different variants and should get you started on background info, etc.
The problems, as I see them, with the USP pistols are: 1) the triggers (excluding the pistols equipped with the Match trigger units) aren't great by any means. They are heavy, and looooong to put it mildly. The Sig DA/SA triggers are a big improvement out of the box compared to the USP); 2) HK uses a TON of proprietary crap for their USP pistols (like the accessory rail for example); 3) parts are expensive and can be tough to get sometimes; 4) mags/factory accessories are EXPENSIVE compared to other mfgs.; and 5) the sticker price per pistol is usually 10% or more compared to other similar offerings from companies like Sig, Glock, SA, etc.
That said, they are utterly reliable with all ammo, in all conditions and under every single possible need you could have for them. You pull the trigger on any HK pistol...it will go bang without exception. They are also very accurate pistols in my experience with out of the box accuracy exceeding similar pistols that I have shot side-by-side.
They aren't for everyone and you really owe it to yourself to get one in your hand and spend some time fingering it before you drop the coin.
If you like your P229 in .40...I highly recommend you look at Sig's P220 Carry and Compact models (depending on the size pistol you are able to comfortably conceal) or if you want a full-size, the P220 (numerous different models for the whole P220 line-up).
I love HK rifles and pistols. I own a bunch of them, including several different variations on the USP (USPf, USPc, Match, Expert, Tactical). My EDC is a USPc in .45acp (which has had some extensive trigger work since I bought it new). They are love/hate guns with few people falling anywhere in between those two poles of opinion on the USP.
The links that dvdt provided are good reading on the USP pistols and the different variants and should get you started on background info, etc.
The problems, as I see them, with the USP pistols are: 1) the triggers (excluding the pistols equipped with the Match trigger units) aren't great by any means. They are heavy, and looooong to put it mildly. The Sig DA/SA triggers are a big improvement out of the box compared to the USP); 2) HK uses a TON of proprietary crap for their USP pistols (like the accessory rail for example); 3) parts are expensive and can be tough to get sometimes; 4) mags/factory accessories are EXPENSIVE compared to other mfgs.; and 5) the sticker price per pistol is usually 10% or more compared to other similar offerings from companies like Sig, Glock, SA, etc.
That said, they are utterly reliable with all ammo, in all conditions and under every single possible need you could have for them. You pull the trigger on any HK pistol...it will go bang without exception. They are also very accurate pistols in my experience with out of the box accuracy exceeding similar pistols that I have shot side-by-side.
They aren't for everyone and you really owe it to yourself to get one in your hand and spend some time fingering it before you drop the coin.
If you like your P229 in .40...I highly recommend you look at Sig's P220 Carry and Compact models (depending on the size pistol you are able to comfortably conceal) or if you want a full-size, the P220 (numerous different models for the whole P220 line-up).
Re: The HK USP ?
I love my Sig and if I ever was able to carry, My 229 would be the one. Yea, I live in a commie state.. That said.. I'm going for a full size and I think I might just stick with Sig and resist the impulse purchase. I'm a Sig man all the way. I sold all my other pistols and kept my 229. I actually think I'm gonna go for a 226 9mm of some sort.. After thinking about it this afternoon, the only .45 I truly want is another 1911.. Wilson CQB w/ OD green frame. The 220 combat TB is pretty appealing but it just aint a 1911!
I love my Sig and if I ever was able to carry, My 229 would be the one. Yea, I live in a commie state.. That said.. I'm going for a full size and I think I might just stick with Sig and resist the impulse purchase. I'm a Sig man all the way. I sold all my other pistols and kept my 229. I actually think I'm gonna go for a 226 9mm of some sort.. After thinking about it this afternoon, the only .45 I truly want is another 1911.. Wilson CQB w/ OD green frame. The 220 combat TB is pretty appealing but it just aint a 1911!
Re: The HK USP ?
I love my USP but I did install the match trigger kit in it. Trust me the match triggers are worth their weight in gold, but the usp tactical is the only one that comes with it. Yes the da is long but it is smooth and I cant complain about the sa mine is crisp and clean no 1911 but not bad. If you really want to have fun get yourself a mk23, I own one and I'm seriously looking at getting another. Check out hkpro.com for everything H&K.
I love my USP but I did install the match trigger kit in it. Trust me the match triggers are worth their weight in gold, but the usp tactical is the only one that comes with it. Yes the da is long but it is smooth and I cant complain about the sa mine is crisp and clean no 1911 but not bad. If you really want to have fun get yourself a mk23, I own one and I'm seriously looking at getting another. Check out hkpro.com for everything H&K.
Re: The HK USP ?
I have thought about the Mk23. Can you tell me about it. Go big or go home, Right?
I have thought about the Mk23. Can you tell me about it. Go big or go home, Right?
Re: The HK USP ?
The light rail on the USP's is non-standard, but it doesnt matter because even with an adapter its impossible to reach the light switch with my index finger and I have huge hands.
I had a USP45 for about 100 rounds before I traded it in for a SIG 226. I wanted to love it so bad, but in the end there were too many small complaints I had with it to keep it.
Here's my list. They are all nit-picky but for my primary go-to gun I like it to be what I want.
1) light/accessory rail was a pain in the ass
2) LOOONG trigger guard forces lights out too far, making them extend way beyond the muzzle and hard to reach with my finger.
3) Grip stippling didn't feel right and the grip was very "brick" like
4) The mags rattled relentlessly, all three of them. HK says this is normal but I couldn't get over it and it drove me nuts.
5) The DA trigger pull was definitely not good. I dry fired it a lot and it smoothed out but it was not impressive.
6) The safety decocker lever worked but didn't instill me with any measure of confidence that it would be in the same position I left it after carrying for a while.
Aside from those, it's obviously a battle proven reliable polymer framed pistol. There's nothing wrong with it as a weapon if its what you want then go for it. Mine was very accurate and had nice sights, and a lot on the plus side. I just mention the negatives because they were enough to make me sell it and go to the sig platform as my primary sidearm.
The light rail on the USP's is non-standard, but it doesnt matter because even with an adapter its impossible to reach the light switch with my index finger and I have huge hands.
I had a USP45 for about 100 rounds before I traded it in for a SIG 226. I wanted to love it so bad, but in the end there were too many small complaints I had with it to keep it.
Here's my list. They are all nit-picky but for my primary go-to gun I like it to be what I want.
1) light/accessory rail was a pain in the ass
2) LOOONG trigger guard forces lights out too far, making them extend way beyond the muzzle and hard to reach with my finger.
3) Grip stippling didn't feel right and the grip was very "brick" like
4) The mags rattled relentlessly, all three of them. HK says this is normal but I couldn't get over it and it drove me nuts.
5) The DA trigger pull was definitely not good. I dry fired it a lot and it smoothed out but it was not impressive.
6) The safety decocker lever worked but didn't instill me with any measure of confidence that it would be in the same position I left it after carrying for a while.
Aside from those, it's obviously a battle proven reliable polymer framed pistol. There's nothing wrong with it as a weapon if its what you want then go for it. Mine was very accurate and had nice sights, and a lot on the plus side. I just mention the negatives because they were enough to make me sell it and go to the sig platform as my primary sidearm.
Re: The HK USP ?
Love my USP's. Alot of people complain about the trigger, but there are ways to tune it to how you like. Either buying and installing new firing pin block spring or trigger spring helps alot. Another complaint is the grip, I put a hogue grip on mine and it makes it a million times better. Reliability for these pistols is out of this world. Best advice is to check out the hkpro.com forum for more info than you can imagine on these great pistols. You will find all the info on reliability, variants, and random info that you never knew or thought you needed to know. For what it's worth though, I love my P30 in .40S&W way more than my USP's. Last warning before you get in too deep, once you drink the HK kool-aid, you keep wanting more. Enjoy.
Love my USP's. Alot of people complain about the trigger, but there are ways to tune it to how you like. Either buying and installing new firing pin block spring or trigger spring helps alot. Another complaint is the grip, I put a hogue grip on mine and it makes it a million times better. Reliability for these pistols is out of this world. Best advice is to check out the hkpro.com forum for more info than you can imagine on these great pistols. You will find all the info on reliability, variants, and random info that you never knew or thought you needed to know. For what it's worth though, I love my P30 in .40S&W way more than my USP's. Last warning before you get in too deep, once you drink the HK kool-aid, you keep wanting more. Enjoy.
Re: The HK USP ?
mk23 and usp photo Check out my pics, the mk23 is the sweetest shooting 45 I have ever shot. Smooth is an understatement. Grip is a little bigger than the usps but not too big, fits in my hand great. The trigger is better than the std usp but not as nice as the match trigger. I encourage you to handle and shoot one if possible.
mk23 and usp photo Check out my pics, the mk23 is the sweetest shooting 45 I have ever shot. Smooth is an understatement. Grip is a little bigger than the usps but not too big, fits in my hand great. The trigger is better than the std usp but not as nice as the match trigger. I encourage you to handle and shoot one if possible.
Re: The HK USP ?
With USP 45 downrange a bit. Compared to the Mk23 they were far better: Both SA/DA trigger pulls, more compact, no mag issues (and Mk's only fit themselves).
USP-very accurate. Reliable. GGG adapter for the surefire light and no issues. Meprolight amber/green nightsights worked great. Tried out grip tape, rubber sleeves and decal grips but none felt right and the glue de-laminated in the heat anyway. Thought about stippling but left as is (stippled Glocks, though).
Bottom line-fine for uniform carry and no other issues. A bit too big for concealed carry but passable, G19s better.
With USP 45 downrange a bit. Compared to the Mk23 they were far better: Both SA/DA trigger pulls, more compact, no mag issues (and Mk's only fit themselves).
USP-very accurate. Reliable. GGG adapter for the surefire light and no issues. Meprolight amber/green nightsights worked great. Tried out grip tape, rubber sleeves and decal grips but none felt right and the glue de-laminated in the heat anyway. Thought about stippling but left as is (stippled Glocks, though).
Bottom line-fine for uniform carry and no other issues. A bit too big for concealed carry but passable, G19s better.
Re: The HK USP ?
Okay, here is the real deal: usp is a completely different gun than the new hk45 or p30.
1) The new guns have a 1913 tactical rail built into them.
2) They have backstraps you can change to fit your hand and the p30 has side panels you can change too.
3) HK45 and P30 are ergo modeled after a 1911, not like a blocky usp style pistol.
4) Guys are correct in the trigger issues. The match trigger is called an LEM trigger and blows other stuff away. You have to really practice to get the feel of it. I would see if you could dry fire one to see what it is like.
5) Go to www.hkpro.net , the guys there can answer all of you questions.
6) Currently, Todd Green, is running a trial with the new hk45 model and has run 28,000 rounds of various rounds and has had no jams or malfunctions.
7) The new guns are dead nuts accurate.
Yes, I have an hk45 and would buy another in p30 version. USP is just too blocky to fit my hand. Just my 2 cents.
Okay, here is the real deal: usp is a completely different gun than the new hk45 or p30.
1) The new guns have a 1913 tactical rail built into them.
2) They have backstraps you can change to fit your hand and the p30 has side panels you can change too.
3) HK45 and P30 are ergo modeled after a 1911, not like a blocky usp style pistol.
4) Guys are correct in the trigger issues. The match trigger is called an LEM trigger and blows other stuff away. You have to really practice to get the feel of it. I would see if you could dry fire one to see what it is like.
5) Go to www.hkpro.net , the guys there can answer all of you questions.
6) Currently, Todd Green, is running a trial with the new hk45 model and has run 28,000 rounds of various rounds and has had no jams or malfunctions.
7) The new guns are dead nuts accurate.
Yes, I have an hk45 and would buy another in p30 version. USP is just too blocky to fit my hand. Just my 2 cents.
Re: The HK USP ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trisurvivor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, here is the real deal: usp is a completely different gun than the new hk45 or p30.
4) Guys are correct in the trigger issues. The match trigger is called an LEM trigger and blows other stuff away. You have to really practice to get the feel of it. I would see if you could dry fire one to see what it is like.
7) The new guns are dead nuts accurate.
</div></div>
No on #4. The Match trigger and the LEM trigger are two different animals. The Match is a traditional DA/SA trigger with the pull reduced and greatly improved in all respects. The LEM is short for "Law Enforcement Modification" and it generally alters/improves the trigger to a DAO, but takes the double action triggers performance to a whole new level by reducing the weight of the DAO trigger pull to 7.5-8.5 pounds and shortening the pull. I do agree that the LEM mod trigger is excellent for a duty trigger, but I prefer the Match triggers for competition/general use.
On #7...so are the old ones!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trisurvivor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, here is the real deal: usp is a completely different gun than the new hk45 or p30.
4) Guys are correct in the trigger issues. The match trigger is called an LEM trigger and blows other stuff away. You have to really practice to get the feel of it. I would see if you could dry fire one to see what it is like.
7) The new guns are dead nuts accurate.
</div></div>
No on #4. The Match trigger and the LEM trigger are two different animals. The Match is a traditional DA/SA trigger with the pull reduced and greatly improved in all respects. The LEM is short for "Law Enforcement Modification" and it generally alters/improves the trigger to a DAO, but takes the double action triggers performance to a whole new level by reducing the weight of the DAO trigger pull to 7.5-8.5 pounds and shortening the pull. I do agree that the LEM mod trigger is excellent for a duty trigger, but I prefer the Match triggers for competition/general use.
On #7...so are the old ones!!
Re: The HK USP ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No on #4. The Match trigger and the LEM trigger are two different animals. The Match is a traditional DA/SA trigger with the pull reduced and greatly improved in all respects. The LEM is short for "Law Enforcement Modification" and it generally alters/improves the trigger to a DAO, but takes the double action triggers performance to a whole new level by reducing the weight of the DAO trigger pull to 7.5-8.5 pounds and shortening the pull. I do agree that the LEM mod trigger is excellent for a duty trigger, but I prefer the Match triggers for competition/general use.
On #7...so are the old ones!!
</div></div>x2
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No on #4. The Match trigger and the LEM trigger are two different animals. The Match is a traditional DA/SA trigger with the pull reduced and greatly improved in all respects. The LEM is short for "Law Enforcement Modification" and it generally alters/improves the trigger to a DAO, but takes the double action triggers performance to a whole new level by reducing the weight of the DAO trigger pull to 7.5-8.5 pounds and shortening the pull. I do agree that the LEM mod trigger is excellent for a duty trigger, but I prefer the Match triggers for competition/general use.
On #7...so are the old ones!!
Re: The HK USP ?
Also you can use the mk23 mags in a usp but you cant use the usp mags in a mk23. The base plate is slightly different. I only use 12rnd mk23 mags in both my usp and my mk23. Oh and the hk45 only has 10rnd mags if that bothers you. I hear the hk45 trigger is slightly better than the std usp but its not as good as the match trigger. And yes the LEM trigger is a very nice DAO setup. Which is different than a match trigger kit.
Also you can use the mk23 mags in a usp but you cant use the usp mags in a mk23. The base plate is slightly different. I only use 12rnd mk23 mags in both my usp and my mk23. Oh and the hk45 only has 10rnd mags if that bothers you. I hear the hk45 trigger is slightly better than the std usp but its not as good as the match trigger. And yes the LEM trigger is a very nice DAO setup. Which is different than a match trigger kit.
Re: The HK USP ?
I run an UPS Tactical in 45. Thousands of rounds and I've never had a single malfunction. Dead nuts accurate. I've shot the thing at 100 yards at steel plates (and hit them) just for giggles. I don't know about the other models, but the trigger on mine is fantastic. When I first got it, I spent an hour working the trigger over-travel adjustment. With a bit of work you can tune out ALL of the over-travel. Of all my pistols, that's my go-to piece for all kinds of shooting.
I run an UPS Tactical in 45. Thousands of rounds and I've never had a single malfunction. Dead nuts accurate. I've shot the thing at 100 yards at steel plates (and hit them) just for giggles. I don't know about the other models, but the trigger on mine is fantastic. When I first got it, I spent an hour working the trigger over-travel adjustment. With a bit of work you can tune out ALL of the over-travel. Of all my pistols, that's my go-to piece for all kinds of shooting.
Re: The HK USP ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcm308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have thought about the Mk23. Can you tell me about it. Go big or go home, Right?
</div></div>
I have USP Compact,Tactical,& Mk23 so I feel qualified to respond. If you plan to get a can for the Mk23 it is the smoothest/quietest host. No matter which I-Net boards you go to you will not see anyone bashing the reliability, accuracy, or dependability of the USP's. I never have! Most threads will refer to ergonomics or finish preference etc. Good Luck!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcm308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have thought about the Mk23. Can you tell me about it. Go big or go home, Right?
I have USP Compact,Tactical,& Mk23 so I feel qualified to respond. If you plan to get a can for the Mk23 it is the smoothest/quietest host. No matter which I-Net boards you go to you will not see anyone bashing the reliability, accuracy, or dependability of the USP's. I never have! Most threads will refer to ergonomics or finish preference etc. Good Luck!
Re: The HK USP ?
Sorry guys, I was unaware of the match option since it is not for the new hk45 and was not on the usp's I have shot. HK45 only has the lem trigger. I seriously disagree with the comment that HK's are junk. 3 other points to be aware of:
1) The mark 23 is now being discontinued and is way more expensive than their other guns. You also can get tactical threaded barrels for the new guns.
2) The new style have o-rings near the end of the barrel to center the barrel and give you better accuracy. However, the usp has one line of pistols (elite or match) that has this same feature.
3) HK's have a recoil reduction system in them the reduces felt recoil by up to 30%.
Sorry guys, I was unaware of the match option since it is not for the new hk45 and was not on the usp's I have shot. HK45 only has the lem trigger. I seriously disagree with the comment that HK's are junk. 3 other points to be aware of:
1) The mark 23 is now being discontinued and is way more expensive than their other guns. You also can get tactical threaded barrels for the new guns.
2) The new style have o-rings near the end of the barrel to center the barrel and give you better accuracy. However, the usp has one line of pistols (elite or match) that has this same feature.
3) HK's have a recoil reduction system in them the reduces felt recoil by up to 30%.
Re: The HK USP ?
The o-ring barrel is standard on the Mark 23, USP Tactical, tactical compact, elite, expert, HK45, HK45 compact and the discontinued USP match.
HK still makes/imports the Mark 23 and its street price is roughly $1900- $2200. The retail price was/is roughly $2400.
The o-ring barrel is standard on the Mark 23, USP Tactical, tactical compact, elite, expert, HK45, HK45 compact and the discontinued USP match.
HK still makes/imports the Mark 23 and its street price is roughly $1900- $2200. The retail price was/is roughly $2400.
Re: The HK USP ?
I have a USP compact, but the P30 is my favorite HK (.40 LEM). I traded a HK45 and a P30 9mm LEM for a new nightforce and I will replace them when funds allow. IMO HK's are the best. Custome service is much better than it used to be.
I have a USP compact, but the P30 is my favorite HK (.40 LEM). I traded a HK45 and a P30 9mm LEM for a new nightforce and I will replace them when funds allow. IMO HK's are the best. Custome service is much better than it used to be.
Re: The HK USP ?
I'm one of the HK addicts and love them. It seems to be a love or hate thing as lots of people are huge fans of HK pistols and then there are those that dislike them.
In getting a HK Pistol, here would be my suggestions:
Mark 23:
Big Bulky Huge and totally flashy. It's a great collectors item and probably the pistol to choose if your life depended on it. But it's huge, it was a bit of an oddity, as it was a sidearm that was made to be a primary weapon (when fitted out with a silencer and the Laser / light module it feels like a small rifle). The grips on it are huge and you have to have big hands to hold it. Not really a good carry pistol, more for collectors or if you plan to be carrying something while you scuba dive at night in unfriendly waters.
USP 45 Elite:
This is what I would recomend instead of the Mark 23, also a bit of a rare bird, but cheaper than the mark 23 and easier to hold, designed as a target pistol with an extra long barrel and a really good trigger.
HK45:
The latest model, much better grips, and with the optional factory extended, threaded barrel, a perfect highly accurate all around pistol, a bit on the larger side. There is a HK45c that is better for concealed carry but doesn't have the same grips.
P30:
9mm and .40
Latest models with adjustable backstraps and side grip panels
The USP series (available in .45, .40, 9mm and some in .357) are the older models that are a bit more blocky but great deals can be found on them.
The main Trigger options on the newer HK45/P30 are:
DA/SA with Safety (usually has decocker)
DA/SA with No Safety (usually has decocker)
LEM (basically modified DA only, normally no decocker)
Light LEM (Basically modified DA only but 4.5lb pull, normally no decocker)
Some of the LEM versions also have Safeties on them.
The triggers take a bit of getting used to. There are a few good smiths that can make the trigger way better if you want to spend the money.
Current HK customer service is much improved, but don't expect any hand holding or extra gentle care.
The older USP series lend themselves to almost endless amounts of mods for all kinds of different trigger mods and options, the newer ones have a bit less options on that, but are catching up.
I'm one of the HK addicts and love them. It seems to be a love or hate thing as lots of people are huge fans of HK pistols and then there are those that dislike them.
In getting a HK Pistol, here would be my suggestions:
Mark 23:
Big Bulky Huge and totally flashy. It's a great collectors item and probably the pistol to choose if your life depended on it. But it's huge, it was a bit of an oddity, as it was a sidearm that was made to be a primary weapon (when fitted out with a silencer and the Laser / light module it feels like a small rifle). The grips on it are huge and you have to have big hands to hold it. Not really a good carry pistol, more for collectors or if you plan to be carrying something while you scuba dive at night in unfriendly waters.
USP 45 Elite:
This is what I would recomend instead of the Mark 23, also a bit of a rare bird, but cheaper than the mark 23 and easier to hold, designed as a target pistol with an extra long barrel and a really good trigger.
HK45:
The latest model, much better grips, and with the optional factory extended, threaded barrel, a perfect highly accurate all around pistol, a bit on the larger side. There is a HK45c that is better for concealed carry but doesn't have the same grips.
P30:
9mm and .40
Latest models with adjustable backstraps and side grip panels
The USP series (available in .45, .40, 9mm and some in .357) are the older models that are a bit more blocky but great deals can be found on them.
The main Trigger options on the newer HK45/P30 are:
DA/SA with Safety (usually has decocker)
DA/SA with No Safety (usually has decocker)
LEM (basically modified DA only, normally no decocker)
Light LEM (Basically modified DA only but 4.5lb pull, normally no decocker)
Some of the LEM versions also have Safeties on them.
The triggers take a bit of getting used to. There are a few good smiths that can make the trigger way better if you want to spend the money.
Current HK customer service is much improved, but don't expect any hand holding or extra gentle care.
The older USP series lend themselves to almost endless amounts of mods for all kinds of different trigger mods and options, the newer ones have a bit less options on that, but are catching up.
Re: The HK USP ?
The LEM is the way to fly on an HK, as I tended to decock mine with a "high thumb" grip.
The biggest two problems that I had with the HK stuff was:
1. The excessive height of the bore over the hand - if you shoot a SIG then you won't notice that problem, but if you are used to a Glock then you will!
2. The sluggish feel of shooting them (all I had was .45 variants, so I can't speak for the other calibers.) Coming from shooting Glock 9mm, it seemed like it took FOREVER for the USP and USP Compact to cycle. An eternity of different forces and sensations, compared to the snap of a Glock.
I bought and sold a USP Tactical, USP Combat, two HK45, and two USP CT .45. I loved every one. Loved fondling them, disassembling and reassembling, contemplating the fantastic construction. Wonderful machines...but they sucked to shoot. Accurate as heck, but no fun to shoot.
I had a Sig 220 Combat, and it's biggest problem was the same height of bore over hand issue.
If Glock would put out a factory threaded barrel for their G21SF, I'd be happy as a lark.
Despite all that, I find myself wishing I had a USP CT again routinely. It's crazy.
The LEM is the way to fly on an HK, as I tended to decock mine with a "high thumb" grip.
The biggest two problems that I had with the HK stuff was:
1. The excessive height of the bore over the hand - if you shoot a SIG then you won't notice that problem, but if you are used to a Glock then you will!
2. The sluggish feel of shooting them (all I had was .45 variants, so I can't speak for the other calibers.) Coming from shooting Glock 9mm, it seemed like it took FOREVER for the USP and USP Compact to cycle. An eternity of different forces and sensations, compared to the snap of a Glock.
I bought and sold a USP Tactical, USP Combat, two HK45, and two USP CT .45. I loved every one. Loved fondling them, disassembling and reassembling, contemplating the fantastic construction. Wonderful machines...but they sucked to shoot. Accurate as heck, but no fun to shoot.
I had a Sig 220 Combat, and it's biggest problem was the same height of bore over hand issue.
If Glock would put out a factory threaded barrel for their G21SF, I'd be happy as a lark.
Despite all that, I find myself wishing I had a USP CT again routinely. It's crazy.
