HK45C vs. HK USP Compact---Pros/Cons Your Experience

[davidjinks]

Any experience in regards to these 2 pistols mainly as a CCW. Most likely will be carried AIWB.

Is one more beneficial than the other? Ergos, durability, concealability etc.?

Those who have both, what's your preference and why?

[gunnut284]

Not an exact comparison but I found my P2000 (more rounded like the HK45C) to be slightly more comfortable to carry IWB than the USPc I had. The grip texture is a bit easier on bare skin too.

[Pappabear]

I can only add that the HK45C in da/sa trigger is one of the best HK triggers. I don't know why, I have the HK45, P30l etc, and I confirmed with others that there is something about the 45c trigger. It's not great , but better than most HK combat triggers, their target pistols are a different story. But try the trigger for yourself.

It does conceal well, but I don't own the USP to compare.

Good luck.

PB

[Ak44]

the HK45C is the updated version of the USP/USPC line. So sights and light options are more plentiful for the HK45C. My preference would be Light LEM or Variant 9 for trigger :) Ergos are going to be personal preference.

[Dionysusigma]

Ergos on the 45C are what sold me. The USP is classic, but style's gotta give way to objective improvement.

[Co-gnARR]

For me, with and OWB Phantom holster at the 4-5 o'clock postion, the USPc prints significantly unless I really fuss with precise alignment, belt tightness, and proper layering of outer wear. The 45c carries like a G19 for me, in that I can carry it with minimal printing OWB with an outer shirt, or a large untucked polo. I don't have IWB/AIWB holsters for either HK but I think the 45c would be fine as AIWB since I carry the G19 that way without printing...with the USPc I feel the grip length and shape could cause some issues with concealment and possibly snagging the shirt. I am tall, not lanky, but no gut...YMMV.

[HKGuns]

I own examples of all of them and they are all dead nuts reliable pistols. Pick the one that fits your hand and shoots best for you. You can't go wrong with any of these choices. The newer models are a bit more ergonomic but all have the beloved paddle release.

[gunnerblue]

Ergonomics I give hands down to the modern HK line (HK45, P30, VP9, etc). The mag release in these guns is much more friendlier and intuitive, in my opinion. Durability and accuracy should be a wash.

[Dos Cylindros]

The HK45C is just a modernized version of the USP 45C. They are virtually the same size, but the HK45C has a slightly more trim slide when compared to the USP 45C, plus front slide serrations. They both take the same magazines, and the grip texture on the USP is far superior to the HK45C. The HK45C has a superior mag release paddle as it is larger and easier to manipulate, however the 45C mag release can be purchased separately and easily installed on the USP 45C. I find the safety/decocker on the USP to be better as it is lower profile, but my HK45C is in the LEM configuration so it's a non issue for me. Like others have said, it's personal preference, and you would be well served by either version.

[GJM]

If you care about launching Super ammo for field use, I have vetted a half dozen HK45C pistols with Super ammo, and for some reason it doesn't function reliably in my USP C 45 pistols. (Runs great in USP full size pistols).

[1986s4]

I had a USP c .45 back in '98-'99. Mine wasn't reliable with extraction issues and the 8 round mag would not seat slide down, full mag. I sent it back to HK twice and then sold it. My other HK's were reliable and accurate with lousy triggers. Yet, I still like HKs and will probably have a VP9 someday.

[call_me_ski]

the HK45C is the updated version of the USP/USPC line. So sights and light options are more plentiful for the HK45C. My preference would be Light LEM or Variant 9 for trigger :) Ergos are going to be personal preference.

Sights maybe, Lights are actually more limited on the 45C. The rail notch is too short to fit x300 class lights. With the Use of a GG&G adapter on the USP 45c you can mount the full size lights along with the other lights that fit the 45C.

[davidjinks]

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[davidjinks]

I did not know this about the HK45C in regards to the SF lights. I durrently run the SC 300 for all my weapon/pistol lights.


Sights maybe, Lights are actually more limited on the 45C. The rail notch is too short to fit x300 class lights. With the Use of a GG&G adapter on the USP 45c you can mount the full size lights along with the other lights that fit the 45C.

[davidjinks]

I prefer the safety lever on the USP as well as the grip texture on the USP.

I prefer the magazine release on the HK45C over that on the USP. Reading up on changing them I've read about a 50/50 pros/cons. Some have had issues with it and some have not. I would think the real issue would be using that magazine release on the USP full size with polymer magazines.


The HK45C is just a modernized version of the USP 45C. They are virtually the same size, but the HK45C has a slightly more trim slide when compared to the USP 45C, plus front slide serrations. They both take the same magazines, and the grip texture on the USP is far superior to the HK45C. The HK45C has a superior mag release paddle as it is larger and easier to manipulate, however the 45C mag release can be purchased separately and easily installed on the USP 45C. I find the safety/decocker on the USP to be better as it is lower profile, but my HK45C is in the LEM configuration so it's a non issue for me. Like others have said, it's personal preference, and you would be well served by either version.

[Hammer27]

You can mount the Streamlight TLR-3 on the the HK45C but that's about it.

[czgunner]

I prefer the safety lever on the USP as well as the grip texture on the USP.

I prefer the magazine release on the HK45C over that on the USP. Reading up on changing them I've read about a 50/50 pros/cons. Some have had issues with it and some have not. I would think the real issue would be using that magazine release on the USP full size with polymer magazines.

I installed the hk45 mag release on my uspc45, no issues. It was like $8 from hk.

[davidjinks]

Have you run into any issues with holsters?

If using kydex, was there any figment issues with the slightly larger magazine release? Any issues with the holster inadvertently engaging the mag release?


I installed the hk45 mag release on my uspc45, no issues. It was like $8 from hk.

[czgunner]

Have you run into any issues with holsters?

If using kydex, was there any figment issues with the slightly larger magazine release? Any issues with the holster inadvertently engaging the mag release?

I haven't ordered a holster yet.
I'm a leather lover, and to be honest I hadn't thought about the holster fit concern.

[SkiDevil]

I own both the USP 45Compact and the HK 45C. In my opinion, they are nearly identical pistols. I've found both to be very accurate and reliable.

As a CCW gun, particularly, I would lean towards the USP 45 Compact for two reasons. First, the bobbed hammer, and second the more aggressive grip texture. That grip texture really keeps the pistol in your hand. Which is one of my few gripes with the 45C model.

To conclude, either model should serve you well. However, personally I would be looking at one of the sub-compact models like the P2000 SK for a CCW piece. Way easier to conceal. The HK 45 compact models are large and heavy pistols compared to the smaller sub-compact models.

If it was for a duty gun, plain clothes, then I would opt for the .45 over the sub-compact 9mm.

[davidjinks]

Subcompacts and me never got along. Glocks, Sigs and H&K don't work with my hands.

I carry a G17 daily without issue. So moving from that to a USP Compact, IMHO, won't reallly be a detriment for my method of carry. Of course I'm going to attempt to change it up and go AIWB so I guess we will see.

2 things I really like about the USP line...grip texture and trigger. Lights don't go on my carry guns so the rail isn't a huge deal for me.

I greatly appreciate everyone's input so far.


I own both the USP 45Compact and the HK 45C. In my opinion, they are nearly identical pistols. I've found both to be very accurate and reliable.

As a CCW gun, particularly, I would lean towards the USP 45 Compact for two reasons. First, the bobbed hammer, and second the more aggressive grip texture. That grip texture really keeps the pistol in your hand. Which is one of my few gripes with the 45C model.

To conclude, either model should serve you well. However, personally I would be looking at one of the sub-compact models like the P2000 SK for a CCW piece. Way easier to conceal. The HK 45 compact models are large and heavy pistols compared to the smaller sub-compact models.

If it was for a duty gun, plain clothes, then I would opt for the .45 over the sub-compact 9mm.

[TMS951]

I had both and sold them both. I disliked them for the same reason and don't know why I tried the HK45c years after having no liked the USP45c.

I thought it was a big gun for a compact, and it only held 8 rounds, seemed low for the guns size. I was also a Glock guy and ended up not loving DA/SA gun. Ultimately this was subjective.

Both were great guns. The HK45c was meant to me an incremental improvement over the USP and it was. It felt a little better in the hand, it has the MK23 barrel O-Ring for accuracy. While still big, it was a little less blocky then the USP. If I was going to get one again it would be the HK45c.

[cop1211]

I have both, love both. The HK45c better ergonomics, but the grip feels too slick, but you can stipple, or get some grip tape that is designed for it. I also like that it comes with the pic rail for your light.
The USP 45 compact feels smaller to me even though they are just about identical in dimensions.
Both of mine have the light lem trigger.
If I could only keep one I'd take the HK45C.

[g3k]

I've had both and kept the hk45c. I like the grip shape slightly better,the safety shape and the aesthetics quite a bit more. The ambi slide stop is a nice addition too.

[bigten109]

In regards to ergos, put them in your hand. If you can fire them even better. I shit you not, for some reason I can shoot my .40sw USP better than my p30 in .40sw, both the single/double configuration, even though the p30 feels better in the hand. Go figure. But there is something to be said about ergos, and you'll maybe be more likely to reach for a better ergo gun to shoot at the range, and maybe more likely to train with it, and ultimately be more proficient with it, than a pistol you hate shooting. Also, if you plan on DIY mods to change to the different variants and trigger groups, the USP is definitely easier, and also more options.

Now the HK45C is a sweet shooter, and in the Light LEM configuration (or even the Todd Greene configuration) I think the trigger is just sweet.

[Parabellum147]

My first HK was a USPc in .40. Loved the gun, but have never been fond of the .40 (just seems pointless to me) so I sold the USPc to "upgrade" to an HK45c. Loved the HK45c...with two exceptions: one was the grips (I always thought grips similar to the P30/VP9 would have been an improvement) and the second was size vs. capacity. The gun simply seemed too large for only 8+1 capacity. I guess you could say it was a "love-hate" relationship. I eventually sold the HK45c as well, and still experience seller's regret despite the fact that I always found reasons not to carry the HK45c. I'd love to have another USPc in 9mm, but until then I'll stick to the P30, VP9, and VP9sk.

[feesix]

I have had a lot of them and the only one I miss is the usp compact with the lem trigger.

[m4brian]

I finally handled one two weeks ago while picking up another big low capacity 45. The compact is chunky but handles well and I am a big fan of paddles, the best invention in handguns in many years. It looks to be bullet proof.

I have never fired the HK compact 9 mm, or any HK other than a buddy's FDO USP LEM. but at least in function I think the double action is smooth and workable, and the SA is decent. Not sure I understand all the ragging on HK triggers.

[PD Sgt.]

In my experience (sample size of 2) the out of the box triggers on the HK45C are some of the better DA/SA they put out. All my other HKs (P2K, USPc, P30SK) were much worse out of the box, particularly the DA which I found to be heavy, a bit rough, and stacky. I usually add the nickel sear spring and that smooths them out a bit.

[davidjinks]

I hit the local gun store up again last weekend.

Comparing the triggers side by side, the HK45C definitely has the better DA trigger. SA was a wash.

Of course that was with my MK1 MOD0 finger gauge.

The one thing that is pushing me away from the HK45C is the rear grip panel. The small was installed and I've had hands on with a medium sized one. That grip sits weird in my hand.


In my experience (sample size of 2) the out of the box triggers on the HK45C are some of the better DA/SA they put out. All my other HKs (P2K, USPc, P30SK) were much worse out of the box, particularly the DA which I found to be heavy, a bit rough, and stacky. I usually add the nickel sear spring and that smooths them out a bit.

[Arik]

I like the USP45c but if I had to do it over I'd get the HK45c. THE USP has an off grip, both in shape and angle. I have to add rubber Hogue sleeve to make it fit

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