View Full Version : Heckler & Koch HK45
I recently post a thread here on which one should I get between the HK P30L and USP 9. But now I thought about of getting the HK45. Anyone have experience and shot an HK45? I would like to know before I buy one.. let me know what you guys think about it... I own a USP45 and if I like the HK45, I may just sell my USP45 and get a used USP9 and a used Glock 19
Thanks in advance
Aron
Cylinder Head
03-08-11, 13:42
I do, it was my first gun. I can lay superlatives on its altar all day long. I've shot everything else (Glocks, XD's, M&P's, 1911's) in .45 since and nothing except a Wilson CQB has held a candle to it. Great ergo's, great trigger for a poly gun, supremely reliable, very accurate. It is an evolution of the USP45 in many ways (someone here will mention mag capacity, however).
F-Trooper05
03-08-11, 13:44
Use the search function and you'll find countless threads calling the HK45/HK45C one of the best 45's on the market.
Don't limit yourself to just H&K. First, decide what caliber you want. HK45 is 45 Auto. P30L and USP 9 are 9mm.
Then go read the interview with Larry and Ken on the pistol.
Then go shoot one.
Littlelebowski
03-08-11, 14:03
Read this (http://pistol-training.com/articles/hk45-interview-with-ken-hackathorn-and-larry-vickers).
I much prefer the HK45c over the HK45. The grip works better for me. Don't count that out either.
Is it still customary here to dog TOS and GT? :no: Christ!
I hear tell they're great pistols.
Buy the HK45 you'll love. I carry mine daily. Unless you want the HK45C.
gtmtnbiker98
03-08-11, 19:40
Be sure to check out the HK45 Compact. IMO, the HK45's size difference just doesn't justify a mere 2-round gain. The HK45 Compact is more size efficient and is truer to the LAV & Hackathorn design. I sold my full size HK45 to fund a second HK45 Compact. Couldn't be happier.
Tomorrow Im gonna get my HK45 after work.. I am so excited :D I'm not sure about the HK45c... I want it on full size...
John_Wayne777
03-09-11, 00:51
The 45C is every bit as much of a reliable workhorse as the full-sized HK45. The 45C, after all, is the weapon that won the NSW contract. It's a bit easier to conceal and is probably a more practical carry gun for most. You can carry the HK45 concealed successfully, but the 45C is going to be easier to hide.
bnanaphone
03-09-11, 09:02
I think there will be a USP45 in the EE soon....
I use to own a full size USP45 and sold it off a few years ago. When the HK45 came out, I handled one and really like the improvements over the USP (I am a southpaw and appreciate ambi-controls). It is a great gun and I am sure you have already read the 50,000 round challenge, which ended with the interview linked by Littlelebowski, to solidify its overall durabililty/accuracy.
If you decide to mount a light and need a quality holster for it, contact THIS GUY (http://www.psholsters.com/) and he will treat you right. I received their first HK45 holster with TLR-1 and it works great. Enjoy it.
The HK45C should definitely be on your DRADIS...errr Radar. I know for every complaint someone has about the troubles of concealing a large gun, there's another guy that has no issues with it. But still, the HK45 is a big hunk of a gun. The C gives up nothing to its larger brother.
user jonconsigli's picture:
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0020.jpg
In any case, your preference, your money. I don't like subcompacts, but mid size guns are rapidly becoming a favorite of mine.
VooDoo6Actual
03-09-11, 12:29
+1 to comments regarding HK45C.
I love my HK45 I picked up from a board member here, but it's taking some time to get used to. Namely grip size. I don't have giant meat hooks, but I'm also not a midget. I find my trigger finger always rubs the mag release during the trigger stroke. I'm not sure what the deal is. I can't wait until I'm hired as a cop, and can afford to take a class every year. I'm decent enough in my fundamentals that I won the "Top Gun" award in my academy, but I know I have much, much more to gain in learning and ingraining the fundamentals. One of them might even be the fundamental of pulling the trigger straight back.
I also don't have fantastic hand strength. Some years back I completely took off the top of my strong hand with a ~330 dry cleaning hot head press. I've tried the little hand squeezers but I haven't noticed an appreciable increase in hand strength. The push-ups in the academy helped, so maybe it's my forearms too. The point to all this is I'm very sensitive to pistol grips. I do like how the HK45 feels in my hand, I'm just having some difficulty operating it as smoothly as a 1911 with slim grips.
jonconsiglio
03-09-11, 17:59
Not my pic:
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0020.jpg
In any case, your preference, your money. I don't like subcompacts, but mid size guns are rapidly becoming a favorite of mine.
That's my pic above from a group I took of HK's and others for size comparisons. Comes in handy, so here are the others to compare.
HK45 w/ X300
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0028-Edit.jpg
HK USP Expert 40
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0037-1.jpg
Here's a Nighthawk Talon II (Commander) and a M&P9 for a comparison also.
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0045-1.jpg
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0069-Edit.jpg
Cincinnatus
03-09-11, 18:06
That's my pic above from a group I took of HK's and others for size comparisons. Comes in handy, so here are the others to compare.
HK45 w/ X300
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0028-Edit.jpg
HK USP Expert 40
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0037-1.jpg
Here's a Nighthawk Talon II (Commander) and a M&P9 for a comparison also.
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0045-1.jpg
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0069-Edit.jpg
Nice pics!
And many of us are green with envy! :D
Tomorrow Im gonna get my HK45 after work.. I am so excited :D I'm not sure about the HK45c... I want it on full size...
I don't think you will regret it.
I've owned the USP45 Tactical, USP9 and the HK45. The HK45 is the only one I still have. The ergos are so much better.
jonconsiglio
03-09-11, 18:22
Here's the USP Tactical also and an overlay of the HK45 and 45c so you can see the difference.
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/HK_45_45c.jpg
The USP Tactical is the same as any other USP except it's "Tactical"!
http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/Forums/DSC_0009-2-Edit.jpg
Great pics jon! I like the overlay shot.
I agree thanks for the pictures. The one with the overlay is the best picture that I have seen in regards to size comparison. I am sure it will help many others in the future.
I second going with the HK45c.
jonconsiglio
03-10-11, 09:21
Great pics jon! I like the overlay shot.
Thanks. I kind of mucked the overlay up a bit with the way they show through, so I'll fix it.
Anyone that finds them useful, feel free to copy and repost them if you'd like.
Jonathan
If it helps I've got 4600+ rounds down the pipe with my HK45 and it's been perfect. I know its nothing compared to what some people have put through some HK45's but it's not too shabby.
Get the one that fits your hand the best and you won't go wrong. HKs are excellent weapons and will serve you well.
Good Luck!
I have about 2500 rounds down my HK45 and it is the best pistol I have ever owned. I defiantly like the HK45 more than my HK USP Tactical. It's just as accurate, But in a more ergonomic package. I love how people react after shooting my HK45. They always say wow that's accurate!
jonconsiglio
03-10-11, 10:58
Both 45's are excellent. I really like the full size, but that's just me and I don't have the largest hands as you can see in the pics. I carried full size 1911's for the longest time so maybe that's part of it. Now, I carry an M&P9 or Glock 17.
I didn't worry much about the two rounds. Besides, you can get this extended factory mags for the Compact, IIRC. My ONLY complaint about them is the availablilty of aftermarket sights, or lack there of.
Jonathan
decodeddiesel
03-10-11, 14:23
I greatly prefer the HK45C over the full size HK45. For me it all comes down to the grip, and ergo LAV's intention when he and Hackathorne designed the HK45. If the full size could be had with a P2000 style grip I would get one.
HK45C with the light LEM is on my very short list of future pistol purchases, and I would consider it and the M&P45 "midsize" as the 2 finest .45ACP pistols on the market today.
Gr8 pistols; no doubting that. With an LEM trigger group they are arguably the best in class. Everyone's hand is unique so it matters not what the concept intent was if the current fits you. I wish the C had either the full-size grip enhancements. I'd much prefer P30 enhancements on both of them.
I also wish that the HK45C had another 1/4" in stock length, too.
I have about 2500 rounds down my HK45 and it is the best pistol I have ever owned. I defiantly like the HK45 more than my HK USP Tactical. It's just as accurate, But in a more ergonomic package. I love how people react after shooting my HK45. They always say wow that's accurate!
One time while at the range with my HK45. The guy beside me had a Kimber. I didn't ask him which model. I asked him if he would like too try my HK45. After he finished. I asked him which he liked. He liked my HK45 better then his Kimber.
At one time i had the HK45 and HK45c. Shot them back to back and the fullsize was getting tighter groups, had noticeably less recoil and a more ergonomic grip. So for me the fullsize was preferable.
At one time i had the HK45 and HK45c. Shot them back to back and the fullsize was getting tighter groups, had noticeably less recoil and a more ergonomic grip. So for me the fullsize was preferable.
I find the same results when trying them both back to back, too, especially when shooting at speed.
I need a slightly longer stock or grip on the "C" but it's doable; slightly less than than ideal.
gtmtnbiker98
03-15-11, 16:25
At one time i had the HK45 and HK45c. Shot them back to back and the fullsize was getting tighter groups, had noticeably less recoil and a more ergonomic grip. So for me the fullsize was preferable.The only problem I had with the HK45 full-size was the tendency to decock when shooting a CoF. Loved the gun, but it didn't love me. I never had the problem with my HK45 Compact, so I sold the HK45 and bought another HK45 Compact. Couldn't be happier!! Love the gun.
Magic_Salad0892
03-15-11, 16:37
Decide on caliber first.
If you want .45ACP - go with HK45C.
If you want 9x19mm Para - go with a Glock 19.
Midsize pistols are becoming a favorite to me as well. I am catching on.
...Still happy with my G17s though. :D
I guess I'm the only one who prefers the fullsize USP45 to the HK45. Not that I dont like the HK45, its just that the USP seems to fit my hand much better and I'm more accurate with it. Mabye its just years of familiarity but I cant see the HK45 as such an improvement as to justify making the switch.
I'd say the HK 45 is one of the best handguns ever made. Laser accurate, reliable, very well made, great ergo's. I'd take it over a high end 1911 any day and it doesn't hurt that it costs half as much. Much prefer the LEM trigger. I don't see any difference in accuracy with the 45c and my hands lock into the 45c better because the grip is shorter. But I like big honkin .45s so overall prefer the full size. It carry's just fine in the right holster (Raven Concealment) but then again I'm a big boy so YMMV. It also looks cool and even at 51 yrs old with many years of owning or being issued some of the best handguns you can find I'm not immune to that. Fortunately HK's customer service has gone from being terrible to adequate so that helps justify the purchase as well.
I hate HK with a passion.... largely because of their brainless fanboys.
But I must admit I like the HK45 very much. I didn't like the trigger on the P30 at all.
The HK45 also performed flawlessly with an AAC TiRant.
Magic_Salad0892
04-14-11, 14:29
I want a Ti-RANT 9S, but need to get two more fullsize ones first.
I've decided against getting Gemtech's stuff.
I've decided against getting Gemtech's stuff.
I've not been impressed at all with Gemtech pistol cal Cans. I've only tried a couple, but they were both quite disappointing. So I had VERY LOW expectations when I shot the Ti-rant.... I figured all pistol cal cans were problematic junk. But WOW what a different experience!!
Magic_Salad0892
04-14-11, 14:51
My full size Ti-RANT with 147 gr. Feds is quieter than me making the ''tss tss'' noise to imitate it.
Or at least it seems that way when I shoot it.
I also was happy with the Osprey I owned. (Sold it to fund another Ti-RANT.)
Shooting them side by side though... I'd go Ti-RANT.
I hate HK with a passion.... largely because of their brainless fanboys.
As if BCM, S&W M&Ps, Glocks, and Colt brand ARs don't have fanboys . . .
disclaimer: I have 2 Colt ARs, 2 S&W M&Ps, I BCM upper, and a few Glocks, along with 1.5 H&Ks.
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