[Clutch]

I want to say my first gun purchase for home security, but it's probably only half true.
It is a bit shameful to admit that I want it more for leisurely range shooting.
Don't worry, aside from my somewhat childish intent; I'm a mature adult more than capable of handling a lethal weapon with respect.

I've done a bit of research and so far I'm really liking the HK45 or the compact version.
I would probably not carry it everywhere I go, but I do plan on getting a carry license as well.

I have some question about the gun and its variations.

What's the real difference between HK45C and HK45CT aside from threaded barrel, sights, magazine capacity and perhaps safety option?
Price difference is around $150 and will the difference in sights alone justify the price difference?
How hard is it to change/install sights?
First reason I've only mentioned the sight to justify cost difference is that I'm not planning on getting a suppressor/silencer, legal or not, I can't see a reason for having one. Would anybody tell me why a civilian would need one? I only ask, in case there's a good reason I'd want one.
Second, I like the shorter and ergonomic 8 round magazine which comes with the regular compact version. I also read while researching that if you miss with the first 3 shots. You're more than likely going to miss with the rest, so few more rounds in your magazine doesn't matter as much as you'd think.
Third, why wouldn't you want to have the option of safety mechanism? Is there also a good reason for this?

Like I've mentioned, I will not carry the gun everywhere with me. Only time I'd carry it outside my home would be back and forth from shooting ranges and possibly on long road trips.
Will I be better off getting the HK45 full length rather than the compact version?
What are some of the significant differences between the full length and compact?

I also have another embarrassing confession to make.
I have never shot a H&K gun before... I wish somebody I knew owned one (Not many around me like the idea of guns.) or I can rent one at the ranges. Ranges around me only have cheaper or more common guns for rent like Glocks, Barettas, etc.
Thus, me wanting to own a HK45 comes solely from research on paper and comparisons with guns which I have experience handling.

I hope at least one of you guys made it though this long and boring post.

I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[TooSixy-closed]

The differences between the HK45c and HK45CT are exactly what you described, minus the safety option since they both have the same safety (unless you get the V3 which is a decocker only). The sights alone will cost you $70 plus shipping. Then factor in the threaded barrel and you'll see why buying a CT is a better choice.

 

[S5TIIOwner]

^ He beat me to the punch, took too damn long to type this.

Welcome,

I'll try to go through step by step. If I miss something, someone else will surely fill in the rest.

There is nothing wrong with buying a gun that is primarily intended for range use. Even if you are buying it for self defense you are going to want to shoot it often to become familiar with it and keep up your skill level.

HK45ct vs HK45c, you listed all the differences. Sights typically run around $100 plus $40-60 for install (around here anyway). Is it worth it? That's up to you. If you decide you want the CT and 8rd mags, get the CT and trade the 10rd mags for 8rd mags.

The usefulness of a manual safety depends on what manual of arms you are familiar with. If you are a 1911 shooter a manual safety with out decock (v9) makes sense because that is what you are used to. If you shoot Sigs then da/sa with decock and no safety (v3) makes sense because that is what you'd be used to.

Civilian suppressor ownership. This deserves it's own thread but... Reduced recoil, improved accuracy, and less noise for you and everyone else. Hearing damage is permanent and cumulative.

Big differences between the HK45 and the compact are the grips, size, and slightly less recoil on the fullsize (subjective).

I think that was all. Hopefully you will find one to shoot or at least handle before purchasing.

 

[Clutch]

Thanks for the quick reply, guys!

TooSixy, what are the advantages of threaded barrel, if I don't plan on getting the suppressor?
Is it just the option of adding one later or do the slightly longer barrel give significant advantage?
It's really becoming a coin flip decision for me and it's it's such a close call. Looks play a part and I don't like the look of the extended threaded barrel.

S5TIIOwner, I live in Buckhead/Atlanta! Do you know any ranges in Metro Georgia that rents out H&K guns?
What are the differences between sights on HK45C and HK45CT? I understand that aside from one being a true night sight, it is also raised or adjustable? On any gun, I consider sights to be one of the most important factor, but just how important is this difference?

I only have experiences shooting Beretta 92, Glock 17, 21, 22, compact version of Kimber 1911 clone.

What do you guys recommend as a first gun to a rookie?
It doesn't have to be the HK45, throw me what would be good for any rookie.
I can tell you, I hate the way 40S&W caliber kicks. Funny how 45ACP was just fine.

EDIT: Would you guys name some reliable online gun stores?

S5TIIOwner, do you know any reasonable local gun stores?

 

[S5TIIOwner]

Not sure of any ranges around here that rent hk. As for places to buy HK here adventure outdoors has all the models you're looking at. Clyde's armory in Athens is awesome too. GA firing line is ok too.
As for online order I tend to order from Cdnn.
Sight difference is raised, not adjustable, true night sights, not glow stickers. Not sure of dot arrangement. Extended bbl added velocity is negligible.
I don't like the snap of 40 either.
Hit the Ga specific section of the forum and ask about rental ranges with hks.

 

[Clutch]

Thanks for your help!

 

[volcom312]

I have the .45c w threaded barrel, lem and c5l , AAC Tirant. 45 s coming in 6 months hopefully, all this because it's so awesome

 

[thelongone13]

Clutch, don't feel bad about wanting a range toy. While my collection is quite small currently (it will grow with time), all of these are range toys. The two that serve dual roles are the XD (home defense-always ready to go) and the SR9c. The rest are strictly range fun toys, though the EBR (Evil Black Rifle) has training potential.

Have fun, and be safe. Here's something you may want to read.

Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety - WDNR

 

[Clutch]

Thanks for the safety rules!
It's common sense, but good to go over it. You can never be too careful handling something that was designed to kill people.

You know what guys? After further research, I ordered a Mark 23 in the end.
I plan on getting more than one gun and I thought, I'd start with something iconic and something I can buy while it's still somewhat widely available at MSRP.
I was always fascinated with this gun, even before I thought about owning guns.

I still plan on getting the HK45CT and I'm thinking of getting either a Beretta 92 or a Baby Eagle as my 9mm.
Do you guys recommend any other 9mm pistols?
I really want to buy a high quality custom 1911, but they are so hard to find at a reasonable price...
These are all planned purchases for later, not buying them all at once.

 

[Ubetit]

You ordered a Mark 23 from where?

 

[Clutch]

Why do you ask?

 

[Ubetit]

Mark 23 is discontinued. You can't order one from HK. A dealer may have one in stock somewhere maybe

 

[Clutch]

I didn't know I can order firearms directly from H&K.
I've been to their site, but it seemed like they only sell accessories.
I ordered mine from an online gun shop.

EDIT: I was aware that Mark 23 were discontinued. Like I explained before, that's why I decided to get one now, instead of when they become rare and prices go above MSRP.

 

[volcom312]

EDIT: I was aware that Mark 23 were discontinued. Like I explained before, that's why I decided to get one now, instead of when they become rare and prices go above MSRP.[/QUOTE]All o the sudden I don't like u , my next is the 23 congrats on a good buy

 

[TooSixy-closed]

I didn't know I can order firearms directly from H&K.

You can't.

 

[Ubetit]

I didn't know I can order firearms directly from H&K.
I've been to their site, but it seemed like they only sell accessories.
I ordered mine from an online gun shop.

EDIT: I was aware that Mark 23 were discontinued. Like I explained before, that's why I decided to get one now, instead of when they become rare and prices go above MSRP.

When people say they "ordered" one, I assume they asked their LGS to get one from the distributor and you are simply waiting for it to come in. Now I see that you actually purchased one from an online from store that had one in stock. Just a misunderstanding on my part

 

[Clutch]

volcom312, does that mean you liked me before?
You're right, I should've started small then moved on to big.
I planned on getting the Mark 23 at one point or the other and I didn't want to miss this bus. If it wasn't for the Mark 23, I wouldn't know the difference between H&K and Glock. It got me into guns. Thanks, I hope you get one soon as well.

TooSixy, thanks for the confirmation.

Ubetit, I see that it was just a misunderstanding. I didn't mean to mislead you.