The point to remember, the .45 ACP was designed for a 5" barrel - so ballistics are not ideal for the .45 ACP design out of a shorter barrel. As for effective range, the HK45c's barrel (3.90in) is only just over .5" shorter than the full size HK45 (4.53in). For social purposes, the range is not influenced as much as the velocity out of a shorter barrel.

The HK45c is a more versatile weapon than the HK45, IMO.

 

If it will primarily be for CCW, many people prefer the compact HK45 due to the less agressive grip. I have the full size HK45 which is a fantastic weapon, but my usage is primarily HD and gun range so the sandpaper grips don't bother me at all. If you are carrying it against your skin all day, it might be an issue. As far as accuracy over distances, I don't think you lose much if at all with the compact model.

 

It depend on what you define as long range. Both barrels will provide sufficient muzzle energy for 50yard distance. But shorter barrel on HK45C mean shorter slide and shorter sights radius. So it is harder to aim accurately at greater distance. For CCW at 15yards this is non-issue, at 25yard this must be taken into account over 25yard this is big issue. But if you must use your CCW for over 25yard then it is more likely "suppressive fire" than anything else.

Of course when you will go to the range and shoot for points on match target or shoot for groups, longer barrel (equals longer sight radius) will always give more accuracy potential.

 

It's my opinion that at pistol ranges the difference in barrel length isn't going to affect ballistics enough to be a concern. The sight radius is the most important consideration as you'll generally be more accurate with the longer of the two. For CCW the HK45c is the cat's a$$. If that's your intended purpose then you won't be disappointed. If you're getting into competition then the HK45 might be better suited but the HK45c could hang in that area as well.




ETA ^^^^ What the fast typers said.......

 

IMHO This sums it up best.

I've shot both of my friend's and I prefer the 45C, but the sight radius on the 45 makes things so much easier. I especially don't like the groove cut in the trigger guard when shooting.

 

Also, the HK's have polygonal bores as opposed to the lands and grooves. It should help a little velocity wise as compared to lets say a Sig P220 Carry. Sigs, while accurate, have a little slower velocities than others.

 

wow. thanks for all the great answers, i think i would prefer the full size, and as for me being a bigger guy, i dont think CCW would pose much of a problem. and the longer sight radius is preferable. i think the full size would be best all for me, thank you all.

 

You might also wish to consider the iconic fullsize HK USP 45. It holds 12+1 whereas the HK45 holds 10+1.

 

The MER of a .45 ACP pistol is really 25 yards for the average shooter and maybe 50 yards for an accomplished shooter. At either range the round will do the job regardless of the barrel length. You will get more out of round selection than the small difference in barrel length in pistol calibers. I would select the gun that best meets your needs and that you shoot well and then select the best round for the task.
G3Kurz

 

Your typical self-defense encounter is going to be at zero to seven yards.

A 230gr. .45ACP, if placed properly, when fired out of either the HK45 or HK45C is going to ruin someones day.

 

or any other pistol for that matter..................

 

I've owned and shot both and prefer the 45c. The slightly shorter barrel on the "c" should matter that much, and with modern ammo it shouldn't be that big of a difference with "carry ammo"
If I were carrying in a duty holster the standard size would be fine, but then again so would the "c."
I think the 45c gives you more flexibility as long as it fits your hand well.

 

The sight radius/barrel length won't matter a twit at self-defense/street gunfight ranges. The vital zone is the size of a paper plate, not the X-ring of a bullseye target. I had no problem keeping my shots in that zone with a three (3) inch barreled M1911 without excessive training.

You will have an issue with the first DA shot in V1, though at 25 yards without a massive amount of practice. SA or Light LEM shots should not be a problem.

-- Chuck

 

"Also, the HK's have polygonal bores as opposed to the lands and grooves. It should help a little velocity wise as compared to lets say a Sig P220 Carry. Sigs, while accurate, have a little slower velocities than others."

I can testify to that. My friends and I plink at 100 yards on steel for fun and to get the measure of a handgun. The 220 Carry required Kentucky/SWAG windage to drop the rounds on target (major suckage). My USPc in .45 at the same distance was pretty much dead on.

 

As far as velocity goes, I don't think you give up anything practical with the shorter barrel. Here is a link to a Glock G36 velocity table compiled a few years ago by "Shooting Times" Magazine.
Glock's New G36: A Fistful of Firepower - Page Two

The 3.78 inch barrel of the G36 is even shorter than the 3.90 inch barrel of the HK45C compact pistol, but in the published figures it still shows decent performance. For example: the Winchester 230-gr. Ranger SXT averaged 848 FPS, and the Speer 230-gr. Gold Dot averaged 811 FPS from the short Glock barrel. Please note the barrels of both the auto pistols both have polygonal rifling.

 

I was recently able to run my HK45C with a "ProChrono Plus" chronograph. The .45 ACP Federal HST +P (P45HST1) I tested averaged 929 FPS (440 Ft/Lbs) according to the chrono. Thats about 98% of the published velocity (5" barrel) from the ammo manufacturer, LE.ATK.com.

LE: Ballistics Detail

There's no need to be concerned about velocity loss from the HK45C, at least not with the Ferderal HST +P JHP Law Enforcement load

 

The sight radius/barrel length won't matter a twit at self-defense/street gunfight ranges.

This.