HK45C Opinions?

Vapor Trail · #1 04-15-12, 22:24

If I decide to move away from the .22LR idea and scoot right on ahead to a big-boy gun, I've decided it's gonna be the HK45C. I like everything about the gun, especially the fact that if not for financial reasons, it would currently be the standard sidearm for the U.S. military. It was the frontrunner in the Joint Combat Pistol program.

I like the polygonal rifling, O-ring barrel, ambidextrous controls, user replaceable grip panels, and 30% recoil reduction system. I also like how it also accepts 10-round HK45 magazines.

http://hk-usa.com/military_products/hk45c_general.asp

A couple of the accessories I was looking at for the weapon are the Silencerco Osprey and the Viridian X5L (Gen 2). They are both quality products, as far as I can tell.

http://www.silencerco.com/?section=Products&page=Osprey
http://www.viridiangreenlaser.com/xl5-laser-sight

Does anyone have experience with anything I've listed? This is just brainstorming I guess, but I really am in the market for a quality military-grade handgun.

Kevin P · #2 04-15-12, 23:58

Dude don't take this the wrong way, but you need to read more and post alot less.

Your posts continue to be more so statements of miscellaneous data about hardware and equipment. You need to bring your own experiences and knowledge or whatever to the table.

Do a search on the forums and you will find a bunch of info. It is actually easier and takes less time then posting a thread such as this.

SkiDevil · #3 04-16-12, 01:36

In addition to the search function, entering "HK 45C" after M4carbine.net into google.com/ yahoo, etc. will provide many results. Here are few to get you started.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=81172

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=52448

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=71649

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=75079

There is nothing wrong with asking a question, but checking to see if there has been another thread/ posting applying or covering the subject matter is a good idea.

And as someone already said, it is a very nice pistol. I just don't personally care for the lack of grip stippling on the pistol grip of the frame and for that reason I would purchase the HK USP45 Compact. I just purchased the USPC 9mm and like it very much.

Good luck in your search.

Wake27 · #4 04-16-12, 02:02

As for the C5L, I have one on my G19 and like it. Keep in mind, holsters are more limited, but out there. I'm not positive that the laser will hold its zero though, I've never really been able to test it but I couldn't tell. On the other hand, the laser is bright as shit and the light is solid too.

CarbonCycles · #5 04-16-12, 08:48

Stop over-analyzing (or justifying) your future purchase. Try to find one in your area and hold it in your hand (better if you can rent one for a few hours).

It's a great handgun with a very prestigious pedigree, but if you can't shoot it to hit the broad side of a barn, it's somewhat a trivial justification.

Good luck on your future purchase.

PD Sgt. · #6 04-16-12, 09:25

I will start by saying I have had a HK 45c for a while now. While overall I feel it is a very good pistol, it is not without its drawbacks. Remember, these are my observations, you or others may feel differently.

The good: Very accurate with a soft felt recoil for the caliber. It is also very overbuilt, and feels as solid in hand as a polymer pistol can. It is very reliable as well, I have yet to have a problem that was not ammo induced.

The bad: Bulky in the slide, part of being overbuilt, still streamlined from the USP 45 though. Magazines are very expensive, and replacement parts, when available, are also not cheap. The grip lacks much texture, this can be taken care of with a bit of stippling, but only if you are willing to take a woodburner to your new HK. There is also inadequate space to mount a full size weaponlight. Not a problem for some, but keep it in mind if this is to be a working gun or is to pull nightstand duty. This is probably my biggest gripe personally.

It is definitely a pistol I would try first. It is a solid performer, and has an outstanding pedigree (LAV, Hackathorn, HK) but is pricey and not without its drawbacks. As much as I like the pistol (and I do) I still find myself carrying my M&P 45 Compact w.X300 a lot.

Blayglock · #7 04-16-12, 09:34

Size wise is conceals nicely. Here are some comparison pics with a G19:

In my experience it is as accurate as semi-custom grade 1911s and is very controllable. Great shooting handgun.

Cons: Capacity, Lack of Aftermarket Support, Mag Cost

Personally, I would not buy a gun based on it being something the militray would use. Military needs and my needs are quite a bit different.

Cosmo M3 · #8 04-16-12, 10:36

like what everyone said: the resources are available to you. do your homework

Vapor Trail · #9 04-16-12, 14:42

Thanks for quick replies everyone, I will do lots more research.

Pistol Shooter · #10 04-16-12, 17:32

The HK 45C is a top tier sidearm, well tested, accurate and uber reliable.

If it fits your hand and you shoot it well, I highly recommend it.

Mine is a pleasure to shoot, is accurate and eats any ammo I feed it.

The Rangers and Seals seem to like it very much too.

http://www.gundigest.com/firearm-gun...r-competition,

ETA

HK has great customer service now and has had for several years.

badness · #11 04-17-12, 17:12

lol i'm surprised this kid hasn't been banned yet.

a1cobbs · #12 04-17-12, 17:52

Does anyone know if there is any difference in QC or manufacturing of the HK45c if it is German made or US? I suppose most newer production is from the NH plant.

Mjolnir · #13 04-17-12, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1cobbs

Does anyone know if there is any difference in QC or manufacturing of the HK45c if it is German made or US? I suppose most newer production is from the NH plant.

None.

The Germans, like the Japanese, tend to be very proud of their engineering, QA and QC. They are also ANAL TO A FAULT about their "flawless" processes. Ask them and they'll pontificate for hours about them...

That said, I love the results.

Pistol Shooter · #14 04-18-12, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by badness

lol i'm surprised this kid hasn't been banned yet.

Great contribution to the thread dude, I'm sure the OP appreciates your input.

Since you can't make your point clearly, what are you trying to say?

jyo · #15 04-19-12, 03:33

I think the HK 45C is one of the finest smaller 45s on the market---mine is DA/SA with safety lever. If I am packin' a 45 it's going to be either my 45C or the Kahr P45.

Striker · #16 04-19-12, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vapor Trail

If I decide to move away from the .22LR idea and scoot right on ahead to a big-boy gun, I've decided it's gonna be the HK45C. I like everything about the gun, especially the fact that if not for financial reasons, it would currently be the standard sidearm for the U.S. military. It was the frontrunner in the Joint Combat Pistol program.

I like the polygonal rifling, O-ring barrel, ambidextrous controls, user replaceable grip panels, and 30% recoil reduction system. I also like how it also accepts 10-round HK45 magazines.

http://hk-usa.com/military_products/hk45c_general.asp

A couple of the accessories I was looking at for the weapon are the Silencerco Osprey and the Viridian X5L (Gen 2). They are both quality products, as far as I can tell.

http://www.silencerco.com/?section=Products&page=Osprey
http://www.viridiangreenlaser.com/xl5-laser-sight

Does anyone have experience with anything I've listed? This is just brainstorming I guess, but I really am in the market for a quality military-grade handgun.

Based on this and your ".22 caliber" thread, I'm assuming you have little to no experience shooting handguns. If I misunderstood your posts, please correct me.

Have you ever shot an HK45C? If not, start there. What I like and what you like might be two different things. What other pistols have you shot? If you're new to shooting pistols, try renting and shooting a few before you buy. The range I go to allows you to rent a pistol for the beginner classes. Gives you a chance to shoot different pistols before you buy one and you get a basic shooting class as well. Win, win situation in my opinion. Even if you have some experience, if possible, go rent or borrow and shoot the pistol you're thinking of before buying.

Also, you're looking at $1200.00 worth of add on "accessories"; for what purpose? You can get a Streamlight TLR1 for $100.00, which is a great light for the money. A laser and a suppressor? I think you're better off with the buy ammo/take class/shoot gun option. And btw, .45 practice ammo is not cheap.

My point is that research is great, but all the internet research in the world does not make up for shooting the gun. You need a frame of reference to compare your experience with the gun against what other people are saying. And for as far as I can tell, you don't have that right now.

QuietShootr · #17 04-19-12, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Striker

Based on this and your ".22 caliber" thread, I'm assuming you have little to no experience WITH ANYTHING. If I misunderstood your posts, please correct me.

Fixed that to more accurately reflect reality.

Can we get a "Ban" button?

badness · #18 04-19-12, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistol Shooter

Great contribution to the thread dude, I'm sure the OP appreciates your input.

Since you can't make your point clearly, what are you trying to say?

search his posts.

Littlelebowski · #19 04-20-12, 20:40

I think the HK45c will go well with your .338 Lapua AR and Leupold CQBSS. We all look forward to seeing them.

LRB45 · #20 04-21-12, 07:13

Cut the OP some slack. Maybe he has not much experience but we all have to learn someway. Whether it be a .22, 9mm, or .45 pistol, a person can learn to shoot it just fine. I can remember when I was learning to shoot shotguns for Hunter Safety and we had to go shoot clay pigeons, my Dad let me borrow his ol' 1897 Winchester 12 gauge. That gun was big and cumbersome looking back but I never noticed because I was having a good time. A better fit probably would have been a .20 gauge but that is all we had.

If the Op wants a HK 45C, let him get one and run it. It is a heckuva pistol. In fact it is on my short list of future purchases. A handgun in 9mm probably would be a better option though. The only way I would think that a .22 would be better is maybe if he was the same age as my son who is 10. My son does not like shooting my Glock 19 and has said he would like a .22. On the other hand he gets bored shooting .22 rifles and loves shooting the AR.