I'd pick the M&P over the USP because it is smaller and more ergonomic, but I bought the HK45 instead of the M&P. I really liked shooting the M&P, and its size feels almost like a compact. However, my HK45 is more accurate, has a better trigger (SA, of course), and fits my hand even better. I had a FTF within the first 200 rounds of shooting the M&P, but that round also choked a 1911 we were shooting. My HK45 has been flawless in over 2,600 rounds-many of them reloads. The lower bore axis of the M&P didn't translate into any perceivable difference in my double taps compared to the HK45, but the M&P was noticably less accurate during slow fire. Overall, I think the M&P and HK45 are in a league of their own compared to the competition, and either one would be a great choice.