Educate Me on H&K and FN .45’s

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Navy87Guy

Navy87Guy

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I’ve been interested in both H&K and FN .45’s for a while...but in all my research, I can’t find any reference to either brand offering a decocker-only version of their pistols.

Am I missing something or do their guns only come with manual safeties?

Thanks!!
 
It's been a while, but I've had one example of each years ago. The safety lever on mine (If I'm remembering correctly) could be used as a decocker when pushed down. It was spring loaded and would come back to a middle position after decocking. You could also push it up to engage a 1911 style safety. I liked the concept, but for a variety of reasons didn't like either enough to keep them.
 
I'm new to the HK nomenclature but apparently the HK45 and USP can be had in V3 (or V4 for a right side safety lever) that's decocker only no safety.

I believe changing variants is relatively easy to swap out yourself, if you can find them (been on the lookout for a LEM (DAO) kit to try)
 
jmr40 said:
It's been a while, but I've had one example of each years ago. The safety lever on mine (If I'm remembering correctly) could be used as a decocker when pushed down. It was spring loaded and would come back to a middle position after decocking. You could also push it up to engage a 1911 style safety. I liked the concept, but for a variety of reasons didn't like either enough to keep them.
Click to expand...

I was pretty wary of the safety + decocker on my HK45C but I've found I kinda like it. The safety is in the right spot that my 1911 trained hands don't have an issue with it if it would accidentally get engaged (I've practiced it) without issue (not so on the P30, decocker only with that grip geometry) and I've come to enjoy the safety for administrative handling.

But it's really not needed and I don't like it enough to go cocked and locked.
 
JR24 said:
I'm new to the HK nomenclature but apparently the HK45 and USP can be had in V3 (or V4 for a right side safety lever) that's decocker only no safety.

I believe changing variants is relatively easy to swap out yourself, if you can find them (been on the lookout for a LEM (DAO) kit to try)
Click to expand...

That was very helpful - thanks!!
 
JR24 said:
I'm new to the HK nomenclature but apparently the HK45 and USP can be had in V3 (or V4 for a right side safety lever) that's decocker only no safety.
Click to expand...
I can find the V3 on the USP page, but not on the HK45 page. It doesn't mean they don't offer that, but just that I can't find it.

https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/usp/
Variant 3: Double action/single action without “SAFE” position. Control lever (decocking lever) on left side of frame.
Click to expand...
 
The P-series guns can be had w/just a decocker. On the P30S you get a decocker button and a separate safety lever. The USP & HK45 guns combine safety & decock. The USP is the most versatile; by swapping out the detente plate the user can change modes in a few minutes. I installed a #8 in mine to remove the decocking function to carry it cocked-and-locked.
 
Phaedrus/69 said:
The P-series guns can be had w/just a decocker. On the P30S you get a decocker button and a separate safety lever. The USP & HK45 guns combine safety & decock. The USP is the most versatile; by swapping out the detente plate the user can change modes in a few minutes. I installed a #8 in mine to remove the decocking function to carry it cocked-and-locked.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure what a P30S is...it's not on HK's roster of P series guns. Probably a variant. I have a P30 that has a slide mounted decocker with an optional lever safety on the frame side. I have a P30SK that has a slide mounted decocker with NO lever safety.

HK Pistols
 
The P30S is just the variant with a manual safety and as you say isn't a different model. SK is just the abbreviation for Sub Kompact.
 
P30S is a P30 with a safety.

HK45 and 45c can be converted with HK parts to a decocker only. You will likely not find one for sale in that config. but that is the beauty of the USP/HK45/45C, they can all be made however you like with the correct dentent plate installed.
 
I had the de cocker only FN .45. The older hammer fired FNP 45. Not sure if they still have a de cocker only model if the FNX. Lots of FNPs available still. Nice gun but big for me so I traded for tools.
 
FN's website makes no mention of a de-cocker only FNX-45. However, I'm not sure why that'd be any more desirable than the current frame-mounted de-cocker/safety. After de-cocking, there's no need to put the safety up/on; it's pretty secure and seems to require deliberate action to put it in the "on" position. The DA pull is long with a lot of slack. While I find the ergonomics of HK's HK-45 better than the FNX's, there's just something about 15+1 rounds of .45 ACP... I will say that every time I take the FNX to the range, I'm impressed with its accuracy (though not, alas, with its trigger). It's a tack-driving son of a gun... (whoops, thought I had a pic of the FN and HK together)
https://fnamerica.com/products/pistols/fnx-45/
HD2.jpg
 
Well, I’ll be picking up my HK45 on Tuesday...and immediately converting it with a V3 (3+4) detent plate!
 
Navy87Guy said:
Well, I’ll be picking up my HK45 on Tuesday...and immediately converting it with a V3 (3+4) detent plate!
Click to expand...

Hope you already have one or have a good line one one. I've been unable to find that or a LEM kit in the month I've had mine!
 
JR24 said:
Hope you already have one or have a good line one one. I've been unable to find that or a LEM kit in the month I've had mine!
Click to expand...

Midwest Gun Supply had them in stock (yesterday). It’s on its way.
 
I can't speak to HKs, although all I hear are good things. (if you can afford them)

I do own a FNX45, it has a very effective de-cocker safety, balances well, points beautifully,
and is a joy, at the range. very accurate. Also, ready to go, from the box, which, I have found to be a common feature, with FNs, in general.
 
Dibbs said:
I can't speak to HKs, although all I hear are good things. (if you can afford them)

I do own a FNX45, it has a very effective de-cocker safety, balances well, points beautifully,
and is a joy, at the range. very accurate. Also, ready to go, from the box, which, I have found to be a common feature, with FNs, in general.
Click to expand...

Local shops generally priced the HK45/45c the same as the FNX 45.
 
Navy87Guy said:
I just looked...they’re sold out now. Looks like I got lucky with my timing!

www.midwestgunworks.com

(And it’s Midwest Gun Works, not Supply...sorry!)
Click to expand...

Ah, yeah, you did get lucky cause I had checked that site earlier this week!

Thanks anyway. As I said I've kinda grown to enjoy the safety for administrative handling, especially swapping the 8 and 10 round mags when the gun goes from my CCW holster into the nightstand safe and vise versa. My grip is 1911 trained enough that if it's on I swipe it off as I get my grip so it's mostly a non issue but I think I'd like the decocker only just for peace of mind now that I've determined I dont want to carry it cocked and locked.
 
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