H&K USP 45c

[10x]

I've never owned or shot an H&K and wonder how these would work for CCW. I have large hands and need something of size to grip. I am used to S&W 59 series, BHPs, 1911, but want something lighter, bigger than 9mm.

Are these small enough for CCW? Accuracy? I assume they are reliable because they are H&K. Any other opinions?

[Fromk]

If you can get your hands on one...litereally...that's my first recommendation. Seeing how the grip feels in your hand is the first advice I give anyone buying a gun. This goes double for one they have a practical use for.

I'd also try firing a lightweight 45 and seeing how you can handle the recoil. I prefer a smaller caliber in my smaller guns and know my own limitations on getting a good follow-up shot. Capacity is another carry issue you should factor in.

Other than that, you're going to get people wildly for and against HK's. They cost a bit more than other similiar pistols but they hold up well for the most part and because they have a distinctive feel to them it might just be right for you. I also like that they're double/single action, ambidexterous, and have a manual safety.

[10x]

I am a 10mm fan and an excellent handgun shot, so recoil is a non issue for me.

I wanted to get a sense of CCW size from others and any other H&K insights.

Your suggestion about feel is a very good one. If it doesn't fit your hand, you can never shoot it well. I have held full size USPs, but not a compact.

[pickenup]

I carry either an H&K or a SIG.
I would bet my life on either.....oh wait.....I do. LOL

As for CCW, it really depends on how you dress.
There are some that would have a hard time hiding a NAA 22.
While others (like myself) are able to carry a full size handgun all the time.

What works for one, doesn't always work for everybody.

[10x]

I often carry a 1911 or a 1076 S&W IWB. I never had anyone say anything.
Anymore I just don't care for the weight. I find myself passing on carrying because they are too heavy. So, that is why I am looking at something lighter, but with a substantial caliber.

Subcompacts, S&W M&P, are too small for me.

[sneakerd]

I don't have the compact, but the full-size 45 USP is supremely accurate and reliable. A big pistol too, not for small hands.

[legaleagle]

sneakerd is right - defintely a bif pistol. CCW is not impossible, but more difficult that an a 1911 or BHP. The slide width and the grip length creates the issues for most. Under a t-shirt, probably not. Under a light jacket or multiple layers generally is no problem. The USP Compact is shorter in the barrel length and the grip. You go from 12 rounds to 8. However, the USP fullsize mags do not fit in the compact. The compact hasa slighlty smaller grip. For those that think the USP is too big or close, the compact generally works well. In comparison, the compact is still a larger grip that the XD.
Good luck. You definitely do not need to question reliability or accuracy. THe only problems that have been reported regularly are some runs of magazine springs seem to get set and feeding issues lead to malfunction. The Wolff +10 mag sorings solve the problem.

[vectorsc]

If you are looking at the USP45C, look at an HK45 instead. The HK45 is close in size, and feels so much better in the hand.

[TDYRanger]

Large trench coat and wheel barrow is a pretty good rig for CCW. Not ragging that would be in "your gun is poop" if i was. I have big hands and that sucker fills them up plenty. Not for the ladies; if your lady can run it no problem you might want to double check the under carriage if you know what I mean [ROFL1]

[MONTROSE1911]

It is a little large but not much bigger than my Glock19. I rank the USPC 45 as one of my favorite handguns ever! Super nice and smooth shooting. Have you considered the M&P 45C? It's even smaller and lighter with the same mag capacity. Probably a few hundred dollars cheaper also.

[Byte Stryke]

real recomendation.

Go to a range that has one for rent or a friend that has one you can borrow.
Try it.


what Fits your friends and Buddies hands might not fit yours.
Then there is the angular preferences.
recoil preference.
Then general look/feel.

as for the functionality and reliability you are best speaking with a Gunsmith.

Obviously they are fine weapons, but you are building your opinions on the opinions of others.


my 2 cents