USP45 Compact Tactical or HK 45C Tactical - Which one would you get?

7703 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by travelinscout, May 18, 2012

bf109

Discussion Starter · May 4, 2012

I'm new to HK pistols and so far I have a P7 PSP for CCW. I'll get a P2000sk 9mm LEM soon.

Meanwhile, I want to get into the 45 caliber and wonder what the major differences are between the USP 45 CT and HK 45CT. Is the HK 45CT made in the U.S.A. as the HK 45/HK45c? It seems the HK 45 CT comes with 'night sights" while the USP 45CT comes with standard HK sights.

Also, which trigger mode is more popular/common - V1 (DA/SA with safty/decocker) or V7 LEM DAO? I intend to use this gun for home defense and the range. Not sure if it's too big/heavy for CCW.

Anyone owns both guns? Please share your experience.

Thanks.

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Lane

· #2 · May 4, 2012

To answer the question of your title, I chose the USP Compact Tactical.

However, my recent decision to get the USPct was based on my interest in the more classic USP design, rather than any issue or objective analysis of the USP over the HK45c. Other people may be able to give you a good comparison of the two, but either model would be an excellent choice.

HKUSP84

· #3 · May 4, 2012

Since you already have a P7 for CCW and plan on picking up a P2K SK, I would check out the fullsize USP Tactical 45 and HK45. With the fullsize Tactical you get the match trigger and 12 roung magazine capacity which is a plus over the USPCT. I have handled and shot a fullsize USP Tactical and while I was impressed with it I still prefer my fullsize HK45. It is IMO is one of the best 45's on the market currently.

hkmanlp1

· #4 · May 4, 2012

I am actually looking into both of these same models as well. So far what I've found is the following:

HK45cTac = Longer sight radius, larger mag release levers, more streamlined, ambi slide release, adjustable back strap grip, nite sites, picatinny rail. The only thing I don't like about the HK45c is the sides of the grip, its just not aggressive enough for me. So I would have to send it in to bowie tactical like I have my P2000.
Basically the USPcTac has none of the features listed above. It does however have a better stock grip in my opinion, however it is not adjustable. But if I have tactical pistol the picatinny rail and more ambi controls seals the deal. Plus add nite sites for the HK45c and its a lot more for the $ if you ask me. I do love the USP series though. Either choice is still better than any thing else like it in the market.

rejcpa

· #5 · May 4, 2012

When it comes to making difficult decisions like this, the best answer is to just get both!

I have the HK45CT and the HK45 with threaded barrel from HKParts.net. I find myself reaching for the HK45 over the HK45CT. There is not really much difference in size and it fits my hands better. All are superb guns and you can't go wrong with either. Good Luck in your hunt.

bf109

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 4, 2012

hkmanlp1 said:
I am actually looking into both of these same models as well. So far what I've found is the following:

HK45cTac = Longer sight radius, larger mag release levers, more streamlined, ambi slide release, adjustable back strap grip, nite sites, picatinny rail. The only thing I don't like about the HK45c is the sides of the grip, its just not aggressive enough for me. So I would have to send it in to bowie tactical like I have my P2000.
Basically the USPcTac has none of the features listed above. It does however have a better stock grip in my opinion, however it is not adjustable. But if I have tactical pistol the picatinny rail and more ambi controls seals the deal. Plus add nite sites for the HK45c and its a lot more for the $ if you ask me. I do love the USP series though. Either choice is still better than any thing else like it in the market.

Thanks much for the comparison. How about CCW the HK45 CT or USP 45 CT if I want to carry a 45? I handled the HK45c (not CT) at a LGS and found it as big as I would go for carry.

bf109

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 4, 2012

HKUSP84 said:
Since you already have a P7 for CCW and plan on picking up a P2K SK, I would check out the fullsize USP Tactical 45 and HK45. With the fullsize Tactical you get the match trigger and 12 roung magazine capacity which is a plus over the USPCT. I have handled and shot a fullsize USP Tactical and while I was impressed with it I still prefer my fullsize HK45. It is IMO is one of the best 45's on the market currently.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check on the HK45 and USP 45T if I can find them in local gun store.

PSG1 Nut

· #8 · May 4, 2012

Why choose? Get both! You will need it for the suppressors and why not have 2 platforms?

N4KVE

· #9 · May 4, 2012

I carry a HK USP 45 C. NIce gun. I prefer it over the HK45C. GARY N4KVE

bf109

Discussion Starter · #10 · May 4, 2012

N4KVE said:
I carry a HK USP 45 C. NIce gun. I prefer it over the HK45C. GARY N4KVE

Gary,

Do you carry the USP 45c in an IWB holster or OWB? I'm in CT so open carry is not possible. Also, I imagine the USP 45c Tactical is a bit longer than the USP 45c.

hkmanlp1

· #11 · May 4, 2012

bf109 said:
Thanks much for the comparison. How about CCW the HK45 CT or USP 45 CT if I want to carry a 45? I handled the HK45c (not CT) at a LGS and found it as big as I would go for carry.

. Well if your going to ccw it I would go with just regular HK45c or uspc. Why mess with extra barrel length.

loupav

· #12 · May 4, 2012

I would go with the 45C Tac, simply because it's newer and has more features.

Carnifex

· #13 · May 4, 2012

Where are you guys finding the HK45CT for sale? I've looked all over with no luck

bf109

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 18, 2012

HKUSP84 said:
Since you already have a P7 for CCW and plan on picking up a P2K SK, I would check out the fullsize USP Tactical 45 and HK45. With the fullsize Tactical you get the match trigger and 12 roung magazine capacity which is a plus over the USPCT. I have handled and shot a fullsize USP Tactical and while I was impressed with it I still prefer my fullsize HK45. It is IMO is one of the best 45's on the market currently.

Any night sights for the fullsize USP Tactical 45?

While the fullsize USP 45 Tactical comes with match trigger, it has the adjustable Target Sight, which I don't believe is night sights. Are the Target sights considered Combat Sights? Do I have the option to get a night sights?

Well, is the USP 45 Tactical considered a combat pistol (without night sights options) or it's more for competition/target shooting?

I intend to use the USP 45T or HK45 as home defense firearm. So night sights would be handy.

reconman

· #15 · May 18, 2012

man, thats a tough choice to make! I carry the fullsize 45 Tac and love it. I chose it for the capacity and match trigger over the compact models. The stock sights are combat sights that are adjustable for windage and elevation. I put Meprolight night sights on mine which are identical to the stock sights, fully adjustable as well and have the tritium tubes. Out of your choices, I would choose the USPct because I have little need for all the ambi controls on the HK45c. One could argue the worst case scenarios about needing them, but from personal experience, I see no need for ME. Now, since you have some other excellent carry options, I would urge you to strongly look at the fullsize USP Tactical as well for all the reasons above. Great for just about any application, and can absolutely be concealed with a quality holster, belt and minimal dressing around it. Of course, different strokes for different folks there. Good luck with your decision...I'm sure you will be happy no matter what you choose, and you will own a fine combat handgun!

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Tater2.0

· #16 · May 18, 2012 (Edited)

Bf109, I currently own 2 of the guns you are referencing. the UPS FST in .45 and the USP CT. I will tell you what I have found based on expereince:

1. I run both the USP FST and the USPCT in a IWB from Crossbreed. Obviously I only "carry" the Compact but the holster also fits the FS as well so I usually throw it in there at the range and it is very comfortable and concealable wih the proper attire. However, I dont personally view the FSTac as a CCW pistol. Thats just my opinion though so take it for what its worth.

2. You can get night sights for the FS from Meprolight I believe. They still have the HK logo and you can go the suppresor height route if you need it or jsut like the look. Factory sights for the FSTac are NOT night sights. They are just plain jane sights with no paint on them at all but I do find them very user friendly in good light. I was a little confused as well when I bought it but the guys on this board said that they were easier to acquire than most think and as usual they were right. If you are planning to use the FSTac for home defense I would definately change the sights. THEY DO NOT acquire well or at all at night.

3. If you arent going to run a can and dont have plans to in the near future I would save the cash you would spend on the CT and get a nice used FSTac and blow the difference on ammo! The CT simply does not have the features of the FSTac. In fact to my knowledge as I am only a USP guy and dont own any of the HK45 series, I think the only difference is the threaded barrel which only has added value if you are going to suppress it.

I would echo the prior sentiments you have already heard. If you already have a CCW pistol, good choice by BTW, I would suggest that you go with the FSTac. The extras you get with it really make it a standout in my opinion. the trigger is rediculous, it is very well balanced, longer sight radius, and just friggin mean looking. I own many .45's and I still find myself always throwing the HK in the range bag no matter what. It is one of those pistols I just flat enjoy shooting.

Again brother, myself and the others can give you all of our advice and opions but in the end it only matters what you think and want! I know some people that just like the tactical look even though they have no plans of a suppresor and while I dont agree what does it matter what I think! They still love the pistol! Its your money brother!

Good Luck and have fun deciding!!!

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travelinscout

· #17 · May 18, 2012

I carry a German made 45C with the LEM light trigger every day and it is very close to being the best pistol I have even owned. Super accurate and very comfortable to carry as well as being easily concealed. I use the Galso Skyops Holster and I love it!!

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