I bought this gun about 10 years ago after reading the review on Gun-Tests. Since then family and career got most of my time and attention. Only managed to put about 200 rounds down range. Finally had some alone time tonight so I went on over to my local indoor range where I'm a member. I did a range report on my 45 USP Expert in detail recently. Figure I'd skip the details on the Elite since the fit/finish and comparison to other guns are the same.
Except for the 6.2" long barrel/slide the rest is almost exactly the same as the Expert. The trigger breaks consistently at 4.0 to 4.25lbs which is .5lb less than the Expert. Sight radius, Elite's almost 8.5" vs. Expert's 7.5". The Elite is 2oz heavier. Both handle the same and almost balance the same too but the longer sight radius definitely made precision work easier.
The Expert was shot with some hot loads (185JHP over 6.4 and 6.0 grs of Bullseye). This time I used a lighter load with same components to see if it does any better.
Load:
Bullet: Nosler 185gr. JHP
Powder: 5.4 grains of Bullseye
Case: mix headstamp, trimmed to .890"
Primer: Federal Large Pistol (150)
Crimp: .001"~.002"
This load felt very controllable but functioned 100% and burned clean. No smoke or powder residue. Muzzle flash was visible but not blinding like the last 2 loads. Brass ejected with authority but not harsh. The highlight is the accuracy. It ain't easy finding an accurate load for JHPs and this one is excellent.
The 3 consecutive groups were shot with 2-hand-hold with only magazine base rested on 1 sandbag. Didn't have time to shoot off-hand today. The shiny circle in the middle of the photo is a quarter for size reference.
Except for the 6.2" long barrel/slide the rest is almost exactly the same as the Expert. The trigger breaks consistently at 4.0 to 4.25lbs which is .5lb less than the Expert. Sight radius, Elite's almost 8.5" vs. Expert's 7.5". The Elite is 2oz heavier. Both handle the same and almost balance the same too but the longer sight radius definitely made precision work easier.
The Expert was shot with some hot loads (185JHP over 6.4 and 6.0 grs of Bullseye). This time I used a lighter load with same components to see if it does any better.
Load:
Bullet: Nosler 185gr. JHP
Powder: 5.4 grains of Bullseye
Case: mix headstamp, trimmed to .890"
Primer: Federal Large Pistol (150)
Crimp: .001"~.002"
This load felt very controllable but functioned 100% and burned clean. No smoke or powder residue. Muzzle flash was visible but not blinding like the last 2 loads. Brass ejected with authority but not harsh. The highlight is the accuracy. It ain't easy finding an accurate load for JHPs and this one is excellent.
The 3 consecutive groups were shot with 2-hand-hold with only magazine base rested on 1 sandbag. Didn't have time to shoot off-hand today. The shiny circle in the middle of the photo is a quarter for size reference.
