Question from Someone New to THR Forum

[Honey Badger]

but not new to firearms or forums. Every so often I get the urge to purchase a new firearm. Through the years I've bought and sold several 1911s, Glocks, SIG Sauers, Brownings (pistol and shotguns), Benellis, S&Ws and other brands too numerous to remember. It's probably a sickness, but my wife doesn't complain so I keep doing it.

I now have my sights on an H&K .45 caliber pistol. With the current scarcity of stock at local gun shops, I'm unable to find an HK45 (full size or compact) to hold. I checked the H&K website and the HK45 seems more appealing to me than the USP45, because the grip/frame angle is more 1911 like and the grip may be better for my small to medium hand size.

I also am leaning toward the full size HK45 because concealment is not an issue. In the warmer months I carry a Beretta Nano in a pocket holster. If I only carry the larger pistol when a coat or sweat shirt conceals the larger pistol, the larger (by about 1/2") full size HK45 shouldn't be harder to conceal.

While I invite comments on the above, I really would like answers to the following:

• Does the HK45 use a single or double stack magazine?
• Any experience regarding my thoughts on the full size vs. compact thoughts stated above?
• Any experience with either HK45s?
• Experience with H&K customer service, which hopefully won't be needed.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[CB900F]

HB;

I hadn't been aware that H&K had brought out the HK as opposed to the USP. So, I wondered what the differences were & went to the H&K site & found out:

<edit>

At 10 rounds, I'm going to presume that they're double stack mags. I've got a USPc & have carried it for about 17 years. The fact that I've never felt the need to go looking, even at H&K, for a replacement should speak for itself. I do know in the USP/USPc line, the compact has a smaller grip. With the ergo adjustments available to the HK, that may not need be the case, I don't know. I only have experience with the older USP line, but can tell you that I have used H&K's customer service. I had the ambi operating lever installed. The work was done quickly, at the price quoted, and returned to my hands in about 10 days. I didn't send it overnight, but that's the way it returned.

900F

 

[9mmepiphany]

If that is a cut and paste from the H&K site, I'm going to remove it as a copyright issue. If it isn't, PM me and I'll restore it

What would be helpful is a short summary of the differences and a link to the page

 

[9mmepiphany]

The HK45, along with it's companion P30, was developed as a product improved USP. The kept the best features of the USP and added improvements from the P2000...along with the Nills designed grip panels

The HK45 came about as replacement, in their line, after failure of a investigation into producing a H&K 1911 (too limited in the intended market to justify production)

 

[Jaywalker]

H&K makes some appealing models, but I'm leery of the company. Ten years ago (or more) I understand (per an officer of the H&K USA) they had a safety issue with the H&K 270, a 22 rimfire rifle. Rather than simply recalling them, they waited until the rifle broke and the owner called about repairs. H&K told them to send it in on their own dime, though they had no intention of repairing the rifle. When they received it, they notified the owner it couldn't be repaired, and offered $60 for it. If true, this is an ethics issue.

 

[Honey Badger]

Thank you all for your responses. I ordered an HK45 Compact. 8+1 rounds should be enough for me with a spare mag when necessary. I was carrying a commander size 1911 with 7+1 rounds, so 8 rounds is not a problem. From the information I've been able to gather, the magazines are not single or double stacked, they are staggered.

 

[9mmepiphany]

From the information I've been able to gather, the magazines are not single or double stacked, they are staggered.

Just so you'll know, most handguns that don't have single stack magazines are using magazines with staggered cartridge columns. The term double stack is really more slang than anything else and is just a carry over from rifle terminology.

The only true double stack magazines used in handguns that come immediately to mind are the H&K VP70 and the Steyr GB

 

[foxs]

You are going to be bit with the hk bug. As i am bit with hk.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Looks like Honey Badger gives a <edit> after all... At least about H&Ks