[SkippySanchez]

I've recently purchased a HKvp9 and am quite impressed after 400-500 trouble-free rounds. Been shooting an older Colt Officer 1911 for five or six years and am weary of its eccentricities.

What's the lowdown on HK offerings in 45acp? Considering the compact but am open to full size options. There appears to be many.

Thanks - Skippy

 

[SIGs]

Just did the same thing. I bought a HK45 and don't regret selling any of my 1911's at all.
I converted to LEM as well. Works great in CDP in IDPA.

Also shoot the VP9 in IDPA and its awesome as well.

 

[firecat]

I've gone back and forth for a few years, but I'm what you could call a die hard 1911 guy. I just sold 10k worth (all) of my 1911's, DW's, Bear's, GI's, Wilson's, and my beloved Springfield's. Not only because I used most of the money to fund my 71 Nova project, but I just got tired of all the beautiful high $ guns I didn't want to shoot, just sitting in my safe.

After the last one left, I stopped at my LGS and bought a new USPc 45. I've had HK45's, Compact and FS, USP's, and a P2000sk in the past. The last FS USP I had was a .40 and my wife shot the **** out of it.

I like them all to be honest, and I don't think you can go wrong with anything they sell. This is coming from a die hard 1911 guy. Only complaint I've ever really had was I thought the HK45C was a bit too snappy (recoil felt in wrist) compared to a USP.

 

[firecat]

And in case you wanted a run down on everything they offer in .45

USP Compact or CT or FS or FST
HK45 Compact or CT or FS or FST
Mark23 only FST

 

[orfeo]

I carry and conceal a fullsize V1 USP 45 in stainless.

 

[THRLSEKR]

Unless you are thinking about a "carry" size gun, I am a huge fan of the MARK 23. Lusted after it since 1996 when I first saw it in the camo case in the gun store and bought it 20 years later. If you're a fan of suppressors, this is a Bucket List gun! Consider it and the Knights Armament Corporation can.

 

[SkippySanchez]

And in case you wanted a run down on everything they offer in .45

USP Compact or CT or FS or FST
HK45 Compact or CT or FS or FST
Mark23 only FST

What does CT, FS or FST mean?

 

[SIGs]

What does CT, FS or FST mean?

Not speaking for firecat but let me take a crack at it.

CT = compact tactical
FS = full size
FST = full size tactical

????? I am learning too on some of the HK specific nomenclature

Jordan

 

[Barth]

I'd hit a range and rent a selection.
Shooting them should make your choice an easy one.
Suggest USP Tactical, USP Compact, HK45 & HK45 Compact.
I think there is a great deal on pre-sale USP Experts going on as well...

 

[SkippySanchez]

Thanks all for the input. I think what I'll be looking for is a 45 with as similar grip and trigger as the vp9 as possible.

 

[Barth]

Thanks all for the input. I think what I'll be looking for is a 45 with as similar grip and trigger as the vp9 as possible.

Full size HK45 is as close a grip to a VP9 as you're going to get in a 45.
VP9 is the only current HK striker trigger, so you're out of luck there.
HK's Light LEM is hammer fired and has a very long light pre-travel.
But affords the same pull for the first and following shots.
I think of it as a hybrid single action with double strike capability.
It's not for everyone and seems to have a love/hate following.

Personally I've converted all my Hk's to LEM

HK45 LEM

 

[SIGs]

Thanks all for the input. I think what I'll be looking for is a 45 with as similar grip and trigger as the vp9 as possible.

Well until they release a vp45 we are both out of luck. I'm sure its coming, but have no idea how many years it's gonna be until we see one.

My HK45 is light lem and I am very happy with that, but it is no where near a VP trigger.

 

[grumpy1]

Thanks all for the input. I think what I'll be looking for is a 45 with as similar grip and trigger as the vp9 as possible.

That makes it easy, the HK45 though the HK45 trigger you find for sale is typically DA/SA but can be converted to light LEM which does away with the heavy DA trigger pull and instead first trigger pull is a long and light to the SA type trigger pull.

Here is a 50,000 endurance test you can read about it too!


pistol-training.com » Blog Archive » HK45 Endurance Test: Week Thirty Seven

A highlight.

The HK45 fired its first 31,522 rounds without a bobble of any kind, another pistol-training.com endurance test record. But the mere fact that it out-performed those other pistols tells only part of the story. I do not believe another .45 pistol could fire that many rounds, in that short a time, with that little maintenance, and survive. Anonymous internet chest-thumpers notwithstanding, fifty thousand rounds of full power 230gr ammo through a .45 pistol in eight months is staggering.

VP9 compared to HK45

 

[OlDirtyBastard]

can't go wrong with the USPt 45, one of the best triggers in the game . on the other hand, the HK45 has got to be one most comfortable grips on the market . both are a must have if you perfer the 45 acp.

 

[firecat]

We all had the same thought. Well said everyone.

 

[dave7120]

I carry and conceal a fullsize V1 USP 45 in stainless.

just got to say beautiful gun. love the stainless

 

[YVK]

Your 1911 is Officer's size. They often times need an expert look-over and tight maintenance intervals to run well. However, in case you carry it concealed, no .45 ACP HK will come close to it in size / compactness / form factor. If that's irrelevant to you and the gun is just for fun, bedside, OC, then whatever everyone above said.

 

[Barth]

Your 1911 is Officer's size. They often times need an expert look-over and tight maintenance intervals to run well. However, in case you carry it concealed, no .45 ACP HK will come close to it in size / compactness / form factor. If that's irrelevant to you and the gun is just for fun, bedside, OC, then whatever everyone above said.

???
We are not allowed to compare Hk guns with non-Hk guns.
But a USP Compact is a very small single stack 45.
Definately carriable - I do :biggrin:

 

[hollowman]

Didnt hk announce the vp45 at shot show. I would hold out for that

 

[orfeo]

just got to say beautiful gun. love the stainless

Thanks. . . I prefer the stainless for carry because it doesn't scuff and wear like the black HE finish does. It's handsome good looks are a side benefit!