I'm looking at getting a .45 and I am considering three different pistols. HK45, USP 45 and a P220. I haven't shot any of them yet, but hoping to change that soon. Any thoughts on these three pistols?

They're all great handguns. The HK45 and USP 45 are essentially the same except for grip ergonomics, so handle each and make your decision. The P220 is what I've held on to after owning both the 220 and the USP. I prefer the single stack and general slimmer profile of the 220.

quote:

Originally posted by MWC:
They're all great handguns. The HK45 and USP 45 are essentially the same except for grip ergonomics, so handle each and make your decision. The P220 is what I've held on to after owning both the 220 and the USP. I prefer the single stack and general slimmer profile of the 220.

I’ve owned both of the HK’s and found them kinda top heavy. They shoot well, but of those choices I always preferred the P220.

I have had all three. The HKs are gone and I now have several 220's. Nothing wrong with the HKs, they just felt top heavy when I was shooting them. My department had the 220 for several years and we never had any issues with them.

The H&Ks are good guns and make more sense on paper, but the P220 is just fantastic in real life.

I own all three and you can not go wrong with any of them. Both Companies build quality Firearms





I have owned and carried the P22os since 1978. I still own that first one. Back around the turn of the Century My issued P220 saved my life just an hour and a half past midnight.

I drove up on a burglary in progress and was immediately opened fire upon. I was thrilled that our issued ammunition was the Federal 45ACP+P. While I did not expect it, the first round not only shattered the windshield of my Dodge K-car it continued on to strike it's intended target.

SIG has produced some exceptional target pistols at very reasonable prices. The P220 SPORT has a longer barrel and a dual expansion chamber compensator to reduce muzzle rise and keep you on target for your next shot. The P220 Sport also has a specially honed single action trigger break that greatly surpasses the production P220s



The USP was the first plastic pistol that I really warmed up to. I bought both my USP9 and USP45 the first week they came out. Both are serial numbered in the 600s



There are some very fine shooting target variations of the USP. These include the Expert and the Elite





The USP is an exceptionally well built firearm. This pistol is capable of firing 45ACP, 45ACP+P and 45SUPER without modifications or even spring changes to the firearm. The USP has had a Tactical version availble for several decades now. The USP has a hefty grip, afterall the magazine they chose to build it around is capable of holding 14 rounds of 45ACP ammunition. With my large paws I never considered the grip size to be a factor until the HK45s came out and people started to make such an issue over the difference.



The HK45 has a much smaller grip circumference so it is comfortable with medium sized hands and smaller. The HK45 magazine only holds 10 rounds.



While I own many P220s and USPs, it turns out I own a single HK45 which happens to be the tactical model. The image above is with the standard capacity magazine seated. The image below hasone of the 20 extended capacity magazines in place

This message has been edited. Last edited by: colt_saa,

Get all of them.

How much does trigger matter to you? The HK’s are better “go to war guns” but the SIG is just nicer to shoot and has a much better stock for stock trigger. I’m not saying the P220 is some fragile toy vs the HK’s just that in raw durability the HK’s are legendary. If I just wanted a fun .45 I’d go SIG, however.

And what type of trigger action you want is a material issue. You can have lots of choices on the HK, not so much on the 220.

I've had a few HK pistols over the years in 9mm, .40 and .45 and wanted to like them but I never really shot them well enough to keep them, including my MK23. The frame design doesn't bode well with my grip preference. They are solid guns but so are Sigs. I also agree that the HKs are top heavy and kind of clunky, in my opinion. I like the Sig P220 as I can replace the grips with an E2 grip or slim fit grips and it is a slimmer gun and more comfortable to grip comparatively.

Dimensions/weight are pretty close for both. It depends if you want a double stack pistol, with the addition of a few more rounds and magazine prices are about the same.

What I like most about the Sig is that I can work/replace parts easier and cheaper than the HK, ( not related but I needed a VP9 replacement recoil rod/spring and they were $80+- , that hurt ).

Personally, I think the Sig is as tough as the HK and will last as long for the average owner/shooter.

I have had all three and the HKs are gone. I would take a hard look at FNs FNX platform as well. Pretty amazing platform with 15 + 1 of 45acp without feeling huge. I got rid of my HK45 because it was massive in my hands while the FN feels a little bigger than a full size 9mm. All are great guns, just find the one that fits your hand and enjoy.

I know this is not what you asked. You did not say what you wanted it for. But if I was going to buy my first .45ACP pistol, it would be a 1911. When I saw the heading on this thread, I just assumed 1911. I own and have shot a variety of .45 ACP pistols and revolvers. If I could only have one, it would be the 1911. I just thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth.

My P220 is 25 years old and has a high round count. All problem free. Accurate and proven long-term reliability. It has been back to Sig for a refresh and new night sights. I have owned and shot the USP but for me, the 220 has less bulk and makes for a better carry gun.

P220 gets my vote
I've shit a P220ST and a USP45C back to back & shot the 220 much better.
Buddy rented a suppressed HK45 at the range. Not had, but didn't point naturally for me like a Sig.

Between those 3 my personal preference is P220.

This is a tough choice. I would recommend trying to hold them to see what you like more. The P220 I absolutely love, the HK USP I had before and did not like it, I sold it. I do love the HK 45 compact, it also has bigger mag buttons over the USP model. The HK LEM trigger is the way to go if you get the HK! And I know you dont have a 1911 on the list but if you did the Dan Wesson's are hard to beat!!

Which purpose? Carry, HD, IPSC, IDPA, range, grail? How big are your hands? You won't go wrong either way. I would tend to the two-tone HK USP. Please also consider the S&W 4506.

Find a nice P220 X-Six. Shoots as well as some of my finest 1911’s.

I'm throwing the monkey wrench!

I would add in the FN FNX. It's a fantastic pistol.

I would also suggest, that if you are getting a .45 to have one, and shoot it at the range, consider a 1911.

I own 4 of them, and I had some "modern" hand gunners come out to shoot last weekend. They had brought Glocks, and M&Ps, and a Hellcat, and another striker gun, which I do not remember.

Then they shot 2 of my .45 1911s. One is a SIG GSR Officer's Model, and the other is a heavily modified Springfield full size with a bunch or Wilson parts.

Both shooters decided that they were going 1911 shopping.

There are a lot of great .45s out there. If you are buying one to have one and shoot it for fun, rather than as a carry option, try them all, and buy the one that makes you smile.

Springfield.



SIG

Shooting suppressed 45’s are right behind shooting suppressed 22’s as far as fun goes for me. There have been no bad suggestions thus far, but I will add whichever model you are looking at to consider the tactical/threaded barrel variant. Getting a model with the threaded barrel up front will save you from hunting a spare threaded barrel down.