USP Compact .40 vs .45

[85GTS]

Having a SiG P225 in 9mm, which I love and plan on keeping for plinking, I think it is time for something with a bit more punch for my CCW and am currently looking at a H&K USP Compact in both .40 and .45. Having handled but not shot the two HK's, I'm hoping to hear from owners of both with their opinions.

The thing I like about the .40 is the magazine capacity. My SiG is an 8 shot so the more powerful caliber with more rounds in the magazine is a big plus.
What I like about the .45 is that it is a .45. The round count is the same as I currently have with my SiG, but the bigger punch will be welcome. I'm also wondering how the lighter HK handles the recoil. Having shot a nice and heavy 1911, does the polymer HK absorb the recoil well? I'm hoping the more modern recoil mechanism makes up for what the weight of the 1911 contributes to absorbing recoil.

[USPc_4_life]

Take a look at some FBI Ballistics stats...and read a few posts by Massad Ayoob and you might be swayed--the 'Myth' about 45acp being the end all be all self-defense round is not drawn on anything more than opinion....

Mr. Ayoob is considered to by many to be THE author about defensive handgunning tactics and training...and his advice has always been handgun selection based upon 1)reliability...its an HK so you are covered! 2) concealability and comfort....if the gun is too bulky or heavy then you are less likely to carry it....3) controllability...can you accurately control both calibers? Can you afford to shoot it enough for proficiency?

These primary factors might help sway your decision....I personally went with a USPc LEM in .40 because I simply couldn't conceal a .45...and I am CERTAIN it will stop a threat just as effectively as a .45acp...

Best of luck and hope it helps! Make sure to let us know what you go with....

[gtmtnbiker98]

The only thing you are gaining with a USPc chambered in .40 and/or .45 over 9mm is fewer rounds. The "bigger punch" you are seeking will only be witnessed by increased recoil. The "bigger punch" will not be realized by your target; however, you may notice a slight increase in the diameter of the hole on your target at the range. Is that slight increase in diameter worth a 50% increase in the cost of the round that made it? If so, by all means.

Read up on Dr. Roberts on this site: Thoughts on Service Pistols, along with Duty and Self-Defense Ammo Recommendations - M4Carbine.net Forums.

[reconman]

I found the .40 recoil to be a bit snappier than the .45. I also wanted the capacity, so I usually carry my fullsize .45. If you can, shoot both and then you can decide. I also have zero problem with the 9mm, which is on my list to get in the compact....

[Alex35]

I would also take a look at the USPc in 9MM. Not to start a war here but the 9mm 124gr or the 9mm +p or the +P+ is one hell of a round. The current 9mm is not the same as our fathers 9mm. If your set on just .40 or .45, I would go with .40. With .40 you can still buy a .357 Sig barrel for it.

[S5TIIOwner]

Flip a coin you'll probablly be happy with the results.

I don't like that snap of 40 as opposed to the push of 45. That is however completely subjective.

[BassOverflow]

Shoot both and see what you like better. Don't worry about caliber.

[Bman3]

I really enjoy my USP .40 compact. I had some problems getting used to the trigger but now after some more range trips I have complete confidence it is more than adequate for my ccw and self defense needs.
The .40 and .45 compacts are also a slightly different sizes than each other which could be a ccw factor, yes it's not much but still is a difference. I was able to find the .40 compact used for cheaper than a .45 as well, if that's at all a factor for you.

[skullbox]

I've got the USPc 45 as my CCW. It's a little thicker than my Glock 19 was but I wanted a 45 over the 9mm. I don't own any .40 cal and have never really shot them. I don't imagine that 45 will be much thicker than a .40. My USP 45c and USP-SD are nearly identical in width. I think because they went with a single stack mag over a dual stack. I like it, with a Galco skyops holster is too bad to conceal.

[scevan]

I had a similar situation since I have a Sig p228 and just bought a USP .45 compact. I don't carry, but the compact guns fit my hands better and both guns are surprisingly pretty close in size and weight.

There's a little more recoil with .45, but it's really not a factor at all. I was a little concerned about it too, but I shoot it a lot better than my 9mm Sig for some reason. I'm an H&K guy now but I still really like my Sig.