SIG 228 vs H&K USP9C

[XLMiguel]

With the demise of the AWB , I promptly went out and got some standard capacity mags for my 228 (now almost affordable @ $49) and then took advantage of Galyan's bailing out of the pistol market to buy a USP9C ($669). I had previously held off on the H&K 'cause IMO, it was too expensive to buy and then be limited to/frustrated by gelded magazines, but no longer, 3 - 13 round mags are on order.

Anyhoo, I goofed off Friday AM and took both out to the NRA range in Fairfax to make sure the SIG's mags worked OK, and break in the H&K, and thought I'd share my impressions of both from shooting side by side. The SIG has approx 2K rnds thru, the H&K was NIB.

As expected, the SIG functioned flawlessly wiht the new mags, and the H&K also functioned flawlessly. Both guns feel good in hand to me (I havae fairly large hands), though the SIG seems better balanced (less top heavy).

Physically, the H&K is the smaller/lighter gun - .3" shorter in length, .25" shorter in height, and about 2 oz. lighter empty, though I think it's a tad wider due to the safety/decocker lever.

Trigger-wise, the SIG wins hands down, partly due to the fact that it's broken-in, partly, well, it's a SIG. The H&K's DA trigger was pretty decent though, not as smooth as the SIG, but provided good feel and broke cleanly, feeling about as 'heavy' as the SIG. The SA trigger wasn't bad, but felt a bit gritty. It also felt comparabl;e to the SIG in effort, and I expect it will get better with use (my USP45C has a very nice trigger after about 1K rnds).

Accuracy - both are better'n I am. I did abit better with the SIG, probably because I'm more practiced with it. The SIG shot to POA with both the S&B and Silvertips I had for the day, while the H&K shot about an inch low with the S&B @ 25', POA with Silvertips.

Felt recoil was the same only different. I but a couple hundred rounds of S&Bthrough each, I split a box of Silvertips. Both are easy shooters, though the H&K seemed a little more so. Being lighter, it had a bit more muzzle flip with the Silvertips, but the ignition impluse seemed a little lighter/shorter overall than the Sig. Both were very controllable, and quick follow-ups were no problem. Eiother would make a fine CCW piece.

FWIW, it was a Good Friday

 

[litework]

That was a good Friday. Thanks for the info! I've had my eye on an HK USP Compact for some time; I'm glad it compare favorably to the Sig. I don't care too much for a DA/SA gun and for this reason, I've stayed away from the Sig line-up though I know they're great guns.

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer the versatility of the HK. Both guns will provide a high level of performance & reliability, both have a lot of fans and both will serv you well. For me, I like the versatility of the trigger on the USP, the ambi capabilities and the feel in my hands of my USPs.

 

[Ala Dan]

I prefer the SIG P228, cuz all else being equal; SIG's customer
service is out-standing according to published reports. I must
admit, my SIG's (4 of them at one time) performed flawlessly;
with fit and finish being surperb. My P228 is a 1990 West
German model, that looks as though it just left the factory!

FootNote- My SIG's worked so well that NONE of them ever
required the attention of a factory 'smith!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[SnakeEater]

I'm not a big fan of SIG's DA/SA trigger system, I much prefer the HK's ability to go cocked and locked. IMHO HK USP compacts are the cream of the crop in CCW pistols.

 

[XLMiguel]

I neglected to comment on the H&K's ability to go cocked & locked, as well as the availability of an external safety. I like this feature, though I have no problem with the SIG's multiple internal safeties.

I've been carrying SIGs for a number of years, my 239 goes most everywhere with me, and I'm entirely comfortable with it.

That said, I think the availability of an external safety and the ability to go cocked & locked are useful features, especially for neophytes or those who grew up with 1911's. It's one more step in a manual of arms that some folks will find comforting. Flexibility is a good thing. All n' all, safe habits take time to ingrain, and the H&K accommodates the learning curve a bit better, IMO.

I ain't even going to give up my SIGs, but I'm happy that I can add the H&K to my armory, with proper magazines. I've been carrying it in an Fobus paddle last few days - it's very comfortable and secure.

Choice is a good thing. I like compact, lightweigght 9ers. Now on to the PCR, I gots to get some proper mags for that, too.

 

[schild]

HK is making no visable attempt to bring any quanity of magazines in before the election. HK had ten years to get ready for Sept. and now there are next to no mags available, maybe after the election! The choice on my next purchase was between a Sig and HK. I won't be getting an HK!

 

[TK73]

Personally, I prefer the SIG-Sauer P228/226. They feel much more comfortable for me. The Glock 17 is my personal choice above all others, though.

Half a year ago I have sold a HK USP Compact in cal. 9 mm Luger to a buddy who happens to be a certified Security Advisor and Bodyguard. He's an good shooter, by the way. I showed him a selection of viable pistols. He handled and dry-fired every single one of them. He finally chose the HK USP9C, because it's lightweight, has a 13-rd. magazine capacity and has a well-designed manual safety/decocking lever. Before HK's products appear on the market, they already have undergone a thorough testing & evaluation at the factory. They ususally are highly reliable and very durable. As far as I know, my buddy never had a single malfunction with his USP Compact, despite using quite an assortment of different ammunition. He and his clients seem to be well-protected by this fine handgun.