HK USP .45 vs. HK45

[ajl2121]

Hey everyone...Recently I was 100% certain that I was going to purchase the HK .45 USP in full size when a fellow member informed me that I might want to consider waiting for the HK45...He posted pictures of the pistol and it looks really nice. I read some articles on the new HK45, and it seems that it should be out within the next few months (although the expected high demand may prolong the ownership of one). Anyhow, this is the limited amount of information that I know so far...If anyone knows more about the HK45, please feel free to contribute to this list...
1. HK45 holds 10 rounds/ USP .45 (full size) holds 12. (I'm in CA, so doesn't matter so long as I reside here).
2. Articles say that they made the HK45 more ergonomic for shooters with varied hand sizes, and comes with 2 different grips.
3. Has a threaded barrel for silencer...Does that mean that the HK45 will not be available in CA????
4. Also, since it is a new production pistol, does that mean that a chambered round cannot be fired with the magazine released????

 

[Cawdor]

There are some articles on the HK45 at Vickers Tactical.

From your previous post, I gathered that the magazine disconnect feature - I'd prefer not to have it, but it would not prevent me from buying a gun I wanted - is a new California requirement. Thus, if HK wants to sell the HK45 in California, it will have it.

Sometimes it takes several months for a gun introduced or shown at the SHOT Shot to reach the dealers. For example, Sig showed the Sig 556 at last year's show, but the gun did not ship until December 2006.

Check with HK (800-821-3021) about delivery of the HK45. Given that guns have to be approved to be sold in California, it is probably going to take longer for the HK45 to reach California.

Another new .45ACP worth looking at is the Smith & Wesson M&P. According to the press release, it will be available in February, though that may not include California.

 

[JLStorm]

I have seen some photos of the new HK45 and it looks so similar to the USP platform that I assume that is what it is built on. I usually dont like to be one of the first to test a new weapon but if this is the case and you like it more than the USP go for it. I have and love the USP and from what I have seen abd read about the HK45 I wouldnt want to switch, so I would judt make sure you check both out the pros of each carefully, but you have probably done this already

 

[SoCalShooter]

From your previous post, I gathered that the magazine disconnect feature - I'd prefer not to have it, but it would not prevent me from buying a gun I wanted - is a new California requirement. Thus, if HK wants to sell the HK45 in California, it will have it.

The mag disco is a pain in the arse on full take down cleanings and personally I wont be buying new weapons in California be buying used ones out of state from now on.

 

[10-Ring]

I'm interested in the HK45 as a very nice complement to my USP & Expert 45's. We'll see...it's at least a year away from being behind the Golden Curtain

 

[gudel]

There are lots of rich people here in CA who can afford HK's stuff, I'm pretty sure they're dying to rush these HK45 here

 

[ajl2121]

Hey guys...thanks for the input...I've been doing some research (quite intensely for that matter--I really want my pistol, so my 12 gauge doesn't get lonely). I'm not sure about the credibility of it, but according to this...
http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52135&highlight=hk45
(post number 10)
Hk had submitted the HK45 11 hours prior to the deadline...Although approval obviously could not have been achieved by that deadline, some say that it is the submission time that is relevant...
Does anyone know for certain?

Also, will the new Hk45 eventually outdate/replace the USPs? I read a report claiming the HK45 to retail between $850-$900, but that seems a bit cheap (relatively speaking of course) due to supply and demand...

 

[JLStorm]

I am guessing their target price range is set to compete with Sig. They cant go much higher than $900.00 and still be competitive.

 

[Redhat]

That's like marking a mobile home up 200%. There's bound to be someone that'll buy it 'cause, if it costs more than the other mobile homes, it must be better!

I don't hink any current handgun is worth that price, especially for plastic!

Design wise, I like the HK45 better...not as big and clunky

 

[PILMAN]

I don't think the HK45 will replace the USP. Even if it did I wouldn't care. I'm enjoying my USP too much to be worried, besides the HK45 (hence the name) will probably not be replacing the USP considering that it's only chambered in .45 ACP, USP is still chambered in 9mm, 40 S&W, .45 acp and .357 sig

 

[Bergeron]

I've got a USP9F and am a big fan of the system, but I think that I'll like the HK45 more. The reduction in grip width and inclusion of intechangable backstraps is a big plus for me, as I find USPs to be a bit too wide. Ambi safties, mag releases, and slide locks means that this should be one of the most lefty-friendly guns out there. The rail is now 1913-spec, and not proprietary, so there are more options for mounting lasers and lights.

Nothing revolutionary, but it seems to be a bit better in most ways.

 

[coltrane679]

I held a HK45 at the SHOT Show--it was awesome. The best feeling .45 this side of 1911.

When you pick one up your decision will be made.

 

[gudel]

from some pictures, it seems that the HK 45 does not have the dual recoil like in a regular USP.
HK's dual recoil reduction works great, wonder why they don't put it on the new 45.

 

[BrainOnSigs]

I held a HK45 at the SHOT Show--it was awesome. The best feeling .45 this side of 1911.

Big +1......I went back 3 times to hold it. Did you notice that the black model's grips were "grippyer" that the earth tone grips?

 

[usp_fan]

The grip is supposed to mimic the 1911 in dimensions. Any comments on this?

I also noticed the recoil spring difference btwn the HK45 and the USP series. I am wondering if the pictures I saw were of the Compact HK45 system. If so the recoil spring assembly is consistent with the USPc's. I'm quickly becoming interested in this pistol as a companion to my USP40c, and to keep my 1911 and SIG 220 honest.

--usp_fan

 

[GARY1911A1]

Regarding the dual recoil system of the USP not being in the HK45, it's my understanding since the HK45 was develope for the Military either HK and/or the Miltary wanted to keep it simple and just have a regular recoil spring.

 

[Bergeron]

A question for those who held both the compact and full size:

Did the presence of the finger grooves on the full size help or was it less comfortable? I really like the sharp checkering on my USP, and am less than a fan of finger grooves, in general.