[France0727]

Looking to purchase my first HK Pistol. I'm partial to 9mm or 45 ACP. I generally also prefer striker fired guns so that leads me towards the VP9. I am intrigued by the vast popularity of Double/Single actions. We all know how many HK has. What's your recommendations and why go with that over the VP9. I'm open to all suggestions.

Your advice is much appreciated.

 

[RetropM]

I would go with a VP9 if you are most comfortable with a striker-fired platform. If you are interested in DA/SA and/or want a .45, the USP is the way to go. It really depends on your intended use but those would be what I would look at for a "first HK" based on your post.

 

[France0727]

I would go with a VP9 if you are most comfortable with a striker-fired platform. If you are interested in DA/SA and/or want a .45, the USP is the way to go. It really depends on your intended use but those would be what I would look at for a "first HK" based on your post.

I handled an USP the other day at a local shop. Felt real nice in the hand. I got my SP5 coming in soon so I may grab the USP while I'm there. I hear alot of people say what you've said about them.

 

[Mawashi]

Are you planning on shooting it a lot? If you go with a .40/.357/.45 are you willing to pay that much more for ammo? They are out there but I don’t know anyone shooting 8-10000 rds/yr in .357/.45. Great cartridges and fun but $. I know several that shoot 9. Maybe I need richer friends? Lol.
if you aren’t going to shoot it a lot, may not matter to you.
if you are wealthy enough that the cost isn’t important to you, may not matter to you. If you plan on shooting thousands of rounds a year the cost quickly becomes more significant than the cost of the gun.
Planning on holsters and lights? Can be done with USPs but not as friendly as the newer designs.
Once you decide caliber and firing system, safety types and accessories you want. You cannot go wrong with any of the VPs/USPS/P30s. I could say X is better than Y but really between them it’s preference. And I won’t bore you with a perceived 6th sense that lets me know one polymer “feels like it’s made cheaper” than the other...it was cringe worthy when the YouTube “influencers” said things like that....

 

[d5k_deutsche]

usp 45 tactical

 

[yjk1975]

Go with what you like 👍

 

[France0727]

Go with what you like 👍

Problem is I'm not sure what I like in regards to the HKs I'm going to have to try and get my hands on a couple different models to shoot and see!

 

[NE_HK]

There really are a lot of variations, once you get into the hammer-fired HKs it’s not just which model, it’s also the operating system — DA/SA vs LEM and variants with safeties etc. Then the model differences give you different sizes and weights and different grip options. Then there is the paddle versus button mag release. My recommendation is to start with a VP9 for simplicity and move on from there. Coming from strikers, you cannot go wrong with a VP9 and if you like long slides try a VP9L. Then if you like those grips switch to something in the P30 series. It’s unlikely that you will stop at one. Enjoy!

 

[Knight3124]

Find local ranges that have HKs to rent, then try them out. Spending a little $$ now could help you figure out what you like best before making a purchase.

 

[128046]

The only really great HK trigger is a Match Trigger. Start there and you wont regret it.

 

[charlieje91]

I really like my VP9SK. I use it as my carry when I am not running around with my Walther PPQ. Having said that, what is your philosophy of use? Are you going to carry it, is it a home defense use, competition, or is it just for practice?

As for the round size, I would argue for 9mm. I have had .40 in the past and 9mm is just more pleasant to shoot and you can usually carry more anyway.

 

[France0727]

I really like my VP9SK. I use it as my carry when I am not running around with my Walther PPQ. Having said that, what is your philosophy of use? Are you going to carry it, is it a home defense use, competition, or is it just for practice?

As for the round size, I would argue for 9mm. I have had .40 in the past and 9mm is just more pleasant to shoot and you can usually carry more anyway.

Just general shooting. I perfer 9mm. I think I'm going to try the VP9.

 

[Eriq35]

That is difficult for another to say BUT while it comes down to your personal preference I can say I have USP, VP9 and P2000 to name a few. I love the feel of the VP9 and it shoots great. Something I haven’t seen mentioned yet is the P30 platform. If you like the feel of the VP9 but decide you want DA/SA that might be the way to go in a 9mm. If you go .45 I’d say go HK45 all the way for the grip.
Now I can’t help but throw out the option of just saving yourself the pain and get it out of the way right out of the gate and get the Mk23. It is going to happen. You will get your first HK and then you will devolve into a degenerate like the rest of us and keep adding more. Just get it from the start that way all the other ones don’t hurt nearly as much. Then they are almost all cheap compared to it.

I’d check out VP9 for 9mm awesomeness
P30 for hammer fired VP9 comfort
HK45 for .45 p30 like comfort
USP9/45 for general all around awesomeness and utility
P2000 or /SK LEM for CC
Mk23 because it is a must eventually
-add “Tactical” to the end of models above if you shoot suppressed.

 

[Eriq35]

Just general shooting. I perfer 9mm. I think I'm going to try the VP9.

You will love it. I have one to a buddy of mine as a bounty for putting me on some grail duck species and he loves it more than anything. He loves the way it shoots. (Legally transferred not just given obviously). It gave me an excuse to get the FDE VP9 they had at my local shop.

 

[France0727]

That is difficult for another to say BUT while it comes down to your personal preference I can say I have USP, VP9 and P2000 to name a few. I love the feel of the VP9 and it shoots great. Something I haven’t seen mentioned yet is the P30 platform. If you like the feel of the VP9 but decide you want DA/SA that might be the way to go in a 9mm. If you go .45 I’d say go HK45 all the way for the grip.
Now I can’t help but throw out the option of just saving yourself the pain and get it out of the way right out of the gate and get the Mk23. It is going to happen. You will get your first HK and then you will devolve into a degenerate like the rest of us and keep adding more. Just get it from the start that way all the other ones don’t hurt nearly as much. Then they are almost all cheap compared to it.

I’d check out VP9 for 9mm awesomeness
P30 for hammer fired VP9 comfort
HK45 for .45 p30 like comfort
USP9/45 for general all around awesomeness and utility
P2000 or /SK LEM for CC
Mk23 because it is a must eventually
-add “Tactical” to the end of models above if you shoot suppressed.

I used to work at a gun store so I've handled alot of the various pistols. The MK23 was something else even just in the hand. I almost got a P30 back in the day. It felt great in the hand. So does the VP9.

 

[charlieje91]

Just general shooting. I prefer 9mm. I think I'm going to try the VP9.

With that in mind, I would shoot for a full size pistol then. Perhaps just a straight VP9.
I adore my full size Walther PPQ, the ergos are superb on it. It comes in 9mm too.

It really comes down to you though. You can find nice 9mm in plenty of manufacturers. S&W, Ruger, HK, Walther etc. make decent stuff.
I have experience with Smith and Wesson M&P in 40, but they also make a 9mm version which would also work too.
Go to your shop, hold them, make a decision from there. But if you want a recommendation, go for a full size pistol if you are just doing normal shooting.

 

[France0727]

How's the felt recoil/ muzzle climb on the .45 caliber pistols with the frames being Polymer? I don't think I've ever shot 45 out of anything besides 1911s.

 

[thomasmuller]

VP9 and P30L have a more contoured and ergonomic feel, but I am partial to the USP. There is something just classic about them.

 

[houndog]

So I have a USP Elite in 45. It's got a slightly longer barrel than a Tactical or Expert USP, but for a 45 it is very soft shooting. If you're interested in a range gun vs. a carry pistol you might take a look at the Elite. A lot of people thing they are ugly, but they've got a good trigger and tend to be extremely accurate. They are also not as popular as some of the other USP's so if you're patient you can probably pick one up off of Gunbroker for under $1,000.

They also make a 9mm version, but those are extremely hard to find and you will pay a premium for one.

 

[houndog]

Or, as other have said, you can go straight to a Mark 23, which is very soft shooting, extremely accurate and built for the end of the world.