To Trade or Not To Trade? P320c for USPc Stainless

[Unkle Kurt]

I have been a Glock shooter for the last 4 years and have come to love my G17. However, I recently picked up a Sig P320c to try something new. I really liked how the gun felt in my hand and the trigger was nice. However, after shooting my Sig for the last 3 months and then picking up my G17 again yesterday at a range session, I was left feeling "meh" about my P320. I don't shoot it any better than my Glock and I noticed that the Sig has more muzzle flip to boot. In doing size comparison, the P320c (compact) is the same OAH as my G17 and bigger than my G19.

My friend that I was shooting with ia former Marine and now a LEO working in narcotics division. He is "not really a gun guy" but likes to shoot on occasion. He bought his USPc Stainless model when he got out of the Marine's in '99 and said he has put maybe 500 rounds through it. He really liked my array of handguns I had (G17, G19, P320c, HK45, and BHP) yesterday and asked if I would want to trade any for his USP. I told him I might be interested in letting the Sig go and he said he would make an even trade.

I have always had an allure to the HK USP for some reason but my only reservations are that his USPc is in 40 S&W and I don’t know much about the USP’s circa 1999. Have there been any updates since then (i.e. springs, firing pins, etc.)? Not sure which variant it is other than it is set up like my HK45: DA/SA and safety/decocker on the left hand side. The hammer is bobbed though.

What do you guys think?

[waveslayer]

well... IMHO, I have shot the USPc a few times with the HK rep. it never impressed me. I prefer the P320. I personally like how it shoots compared to the USP. have you tried the VP9 at all... not a compact but that HK is one I do like.

I prefer the Sig over the HK usp. it just feels better to me

[ralph]

USP's in stainless are hard to find, I'm not sure but they have been out of production for awhile, and I think recently reintroduced. Myself I'd do it, the P-320 isn't very hard to get, The stainless USP on the other hand, have always harder to get, if you don't like it, it would be very easy to sell.. I don't think you could go wrong. Seeing as how you are "meh" about the P-320, I'd say it's probably not going to work out, so, why not get rid of it now? As far as the USP goes, I think HK did a firing pin upgrade in about that time frame (1999) so, it may or may not need it. A call to HKUSA would probably tell. Other than that, it should be GTG as is. Do a little research on the HK, go over to HK pro and ask around. Like I said I'm not sure if stainless USP's are being made or not, even if they are, there no telling how long HK will make them.

I came to a similar conclusion about a HK P-2000 LEM vs a G19 I have.. lots more muzzle flip, and after 8yrs, I can't shoot it any better than the day I bought it. I'm thinking it's time to let it go.. Funny thing is, I have a Beretta Vertec and I can shoot rings around the P-2000, starting from DA all day long.

[DirectTo]

I'd do it...pretty sure you could make the trade, then if you decided you didn't care for the USP sell it and you'd probably get enough to replace it with another P320 or another handgun of your choice.

[Bolt_Overide]

320 > USP anything

[teutonicpolymer]

For using: keep the 320

For collecting (dust): trade for the USP

[TheChunkNorris]

As someone posted earlier... SS USP models are hard to come by. I bought a SS USPC .40 back in 2009 for 750.00 and they're easily going for $800+ depending on the condition. Make the trade because it seems like the G17 won you back.

[wildcard600]

I would rather have a USPc than any of the other guns you own. I would trade, especially for the 320 which didnt really impress me.

Full disclosure, I am not a striker fired fan and prefer DA/SA.

[KCBRUIN]

Trade for the USPc then head over to HKPro and trade it for a 9mm version.

[Bullz]

Those P320 go for what... $400 - $450? I just did a search and found some below $400. I would be shocked if you couldn't get that money for a stainless USP, either sold or traded. I think it's a no brainer just from a value proposition. Used USPs go for $400 - $500 (sometimes more) and the stainless versions are considered collectors items these days. Worse case, you hate the USP and sell it or traded it and you're net neutral or make money on the deal.

As said in another post, there was a firing pin update on some USP line around that time but I don't know exactly which model, or if it was all models. HK can tell you and they can also update the pistol if you'd like. The cost of which should be negligible.

If it was a 9mm or a 45, I'd give you a standing offer that would guaranteed that you wouldn't lose money on that trade... unfortunately, I don't stock .40

[dwhitehorne]

I wouldn't do the trade for a 40 unless that is what you really want. You can't give 40s away right now. I use to have the USPc at work in 40. It felt very top heavy to me. If you get the 40 and decide you don't care for it like the P320 the 40 is going to be hard to unload. David

[ralph]

Uncle Kurt:

I've read this thread to this point and can't believe how many people would pass up a deal like this. From a value standpoint alone, you can't lose..Yeah, I know it's a .40, but it's also a very hard to find USPc. It could be easily sold for more than enough for you to get another Glock, extra mags and ammo. Seeing how your friend has only about 500 rnds through it, it's practically new, despite it's age. As you said in your first post, the P-320 doesn't do anything for you, and making this trade gives you the opportunity to get a new pistol for little or nothing out of your pocket should you decide you don't like it. Look around and see what stainless USPC's are going for.

ETA: I just checked Gunbroker..and there 10 stainless USP's for sale 3 are .40's, all except one have prices over $800 the one that isn't has a current bid of $500 but, the reserve also hasn't been met so I doubt it goes.. That should give you an idea what you're dealing with.. The numbers don't lie... Trade even up a $400 handgun that you really don't care for, for a $800 handgun? Unless you're married to the P-320, you'd have to be clear simple not to trade...

[TheChunkNorris]

Uncle Kurt:

I've read this thread to this point and can't believe how many people would pass up a deal like this. From a value standpoint alone, you can't lose..Yeah, I know it's a .40, but it's also a very hard to find USPc. It could be easily sold for more than enough for you to get another Glock, extra mags and ammo. Seeing how your friend has only about 500 rnds through it, it's practically new, despite it's age. As you said in your first post, the P-320 doesn't do anything for you, and making this trade give you the opportunity to get a new pistol for little or nothing out of your pocket should you decide you don't like it. Look around and see what stainless USPC's are going for.

ETA: I just checked Gunbroker..and there 10 stainless USP's for sale 3 are .40's, all except one have prices over $800 the one that isn't has a current bid of $500 but, the reserve also hasn't been met so I doubt it goes.. That should give you an idea what you're dealing with.. The numbers don't lie... Trade even up a $400 handgun for a $800 handgun? Unless you're married to the P-320, you'd have to be clear simple not to trade...

The funny thing is... he can make the trade and turn around and flip it! The 320 can bought anywhere! You're right btw, they're releasing some stainless models and USPC 9mm and USP 45 are worth the most money.

[ralph]

The funny thing is... he can make the trade and turn around and flip it! The 320 can bought anywhere! You're right btw, they're releasing some stainless models and USPC 9mm and USP 45 are worth the most money.

That was exactly my point..If the OP decides he doesn't like it, It would be very easy to sell. Or if he wants to flip it quick, list it over at HK pro, for about $725-750..and it'd probably sell within a week. There's no downside, here.

[okie john]

I'd do the trade BECAUSE the HK is a 40, and because a USP is worth about twice what the 320 is worth.

9mm components, magazines, guns, and ammo could get scarce very quickly in the run up to the election. Despite its drawbacks, a 40 may be the easiest thing to feed in a year or two. Plus the USP is built like a tank, and has no problem handling the 40 S&W cartridge.

If you don't have a 40, then there's never been a better time to get one.

Or two.


Okie John

[GregP220]

The anti 40 S&W fad will pass.

[kremtok]

I'd be all over that. I'm a big fan of the USP and as others have stated, it's worth quite a bit more than your Sig.

That said, is this a good friend? Because you might be ripping him off if he doesn't know how much it's worth.

[MountainRaven]

I'd do it for a couple of reasons:

1- Stainless slide USPcs are awesome.
2- You have plenty of other 9mms.
3- In event of gun scare, 40 is the easiest handgun cartridge to find, IME.

[TheChunkNorris]

Besides after reading some of the threads on here... there seems to be an unreasonable hate for H&K.

[Butchy]

I definitely make that trade. If you don't love the Sig, make the trade and immediately list the USP on HKPro or Gunbroker for $150 less than the going rate. You'll probably sell it in a couple of days, and still get a couple hundred bucks more than the Sig is worth. Then use the $$$ to get something you really like.
I would probably keep the USP because I love DA/SA hammer-fired pistols and it's an insurance policy to have a .40 cal in the event of another 9mm glut.

[armtx77]

I definitely make that trade. If you don't love the Sig, make the trade and immediately list the USP on HKPro or Gunbroker for $150 less than the going rate. You'll probably sell it in a couple of days, and still get a couple hundred bucks more than the Sig is worth. Then use the $$$ to get something you really like.
I would probably keep the USP because I love DA/SA hammer-fired pistols and it's an insurance policy to have a .40 cal in the event of another 9mm glut.

This is a no brainer. A SS USP is a special run HK. HK already brings a premium price, regardless of model. Even in .40 that gun will be easy to unload. The HKPRO boys wont let it last long and any serious HK collecto will drop $750-800 in a heartbeat if they dont have one.

320's are all over the place, SS USP, not so much.

[Unkle Kurt]

Thanks guys for your input. Seems like my thinking is on par with most of you in that it's too good a deal to pass up and I will not lose any money on it. Worst case scenario, I can sell it and make a profit. I didn't know that HK stopped making these, so I like the fact that it may have some slight collector value/ higher desirability over standard USP's. I'll be making the trade today and hopefully post pics by tonight.

For now, off to peruse HK Parts for mags, sights, and either a Match or LEM trigger kits :D

[TheChunkNorris]

Thanks guys for your input. Seems like my thinking is on par with most of you in that it's too good a deal to pass up and I will not lose any money on it. Worst case scenario, I can sell it and make a profit. I didn't know that HK stopped making these, so I like the fact that it may have some slight collector value/ higher desirability over standard USP's. I'll be making the trade today and hopefully post pics by tonight.

For now, off to peruse HK Parts for mags, sights, and either a Match or LEM trigger kits :D

You'll be able to everything except the Match trigger itself... it's meant for a FS but you can still put the rest of the parts in there.

[Striker]

Thanks guys for your input. Seems like my thinking is on par with most of you in that it's too good a deal to pass up and I will not lose any money on it. Worst case scenario, I can sell it and make a profit. I didn't know that HK stopped making these, so I like the fact that it may have some slight collector value/ higher desirability over standard USP's. I'll be making the trade today and hopefully post pics by tonight.

For now, off to peruse HK Parts for mags, sights, and either a Match or LEM trigger kits :D

If you just want the pistol; great, but if you're thinking about selling it as part of the deal and you haven't done it yet, you might want to jump on gunbroker and look at pricing and actual time it takes to sell a similar pistol.