Why HK45c

In all honesty. I like it over the USPc because it's sexier and comes with the O-ring which actually does help with accuracy. Trust me, I suck at shooting... I shoot the HK45c better than any gun I ever shot.

I like the ergo's and tapered slide and overall feel. But the pic rail is poorly designed and useless. Mag release and ambi controls are improved. Is one better than the other? No, just different.

gtmtnbiker98 said:

I like the ergo's and tapered slide and overall feel. But the pic rail is poorly designed and useless. Mag release and ambi controls are improved. Is one better than the other? No, just different.

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+1000...here, but if it's a HK you cannot go wrong. I shoot very well with mine but limited so far. The DA is a little heavy but use and dry fire will solve that.

Feels better in my hand and points naturally.

You will do fine with either. I see the 45c as an enhanced USPc. I find my self being swayed by the ergos and it just feels less blocky than the USP. Also the HK + LAV pedigree is appealing, however, what that gets the average user (me) is probably minimal and unmeasurable. If you look at the price point, a used USPc at $500 to $600 wins hands down. However i still bought the HK45c.

+1 on the Ergo's. The USP and I never got along. The HK45C is like holding awesome on the range for me.

fifthward said:

If you look at the differences in the two, or research them - that will answer your question - IMO. Because, those are the differences - and I believe that those differences make the HK45c more desirable to some over the USPc.

It's already been addressed in most posts above, but in short:

1. Tapered slide (CCW)
2. Forward slide serrations (press check)
3. Ambi slide catch
4. Extended Mag release
5. Longer Barrel
6. Less aggressive grip (CCW)
7. Pic Rail (TLR-3 fits solid)
8. Angled frame and slide towards muzzle for easier holstering
9. O-ring snug lock-up
10. Slimmer slide catch and safety/decocker levers
11. Replaceable backstrap

I agree...nothing magical. H7K put it best - just "enhanced".

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Fixed it for you.

IMHO (truly humble, no expert here) the 45s aren't really "better" than the USPs. They just offer the newfangled features that have become commonplace among pistols that are coming out - the modular backstraps, pic rails, ambi controls. If those are minor improvements for you, then don't waste the extra few hundred $ on it. But if they are what you're looking for, then by all means you can't go wrong.

I cant say enough how much of an improvement the extended mag release is, Ive put one on a USP 45 and a P2000sk.

The trimmed/beveled slide OT only cuts a little (slight) weight, it makes it less blocky and more appealing for concealed carry, in my opinion anyway. There is also the ever present bore axis argument? I'm in no way an expert on this, but I can say the 45c sits a tad lower in my hand. So if that is important to you, then it's a plus I guess.

Really the only hing that matters is how each fits/feels in "your" hand, and which one you shoot better/most consistently.

My USP Compact is a fine pistol and had served me well. My HK45C just feels a bit beter in my hand so it has taken over carry duty when I want a .45 on the hip. I carry it in a Kramer IWB with a severe forward cant and it rides comfortably all day. The rail doesn't matter to me. I've never carried any light, or lazer on any of my pistols. The ergos on the 45C are an improvement over my USP and I shoot the 45C a bit better. I won't be getting rid of my USP any time soon. It's been a good friend over the years I've owned it and will continue to serve me well as a house gun, or a backup in my vehicle when traveling. Get whichever works for you ergonomically and financially and go for it. You'll enjoy either one would be my guess.

It's a matter of personal preference, don't get me wrong there nothing "Wrong" with USP compact look at the HK45c this way it's just an USP but with a more streamline features and more user friendly controls.