HK USP 45 vs HK45 (C) - Did Heckler & Koch Improve On Perfection?

[@kyliejohn3813]

First, I bought the HK45c and it’s been a wonderful, smooth shooting pistol. And, it’s small enough to carry. Then, I bought the HK USP Expert in 45ACP for precision target shooting. The 45c uses the nylon bushing on the recoil spring vs the dual coil spring on the USP. Both run fantastic, but the classic look of the USP. Oooh la la!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I used to have an Expert in 9mm. Tack driver!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@Catgat37]

My wife bought me a Mark 23 for valentines day. Now I want all HK 45 offerings. I just bought a basic USP and absolutely love it as well. I am now either going to get a 45CT or a USP Elite next 🤔

[@MilitantX1]

As an HK lover, of course, I have both of them and other HK models. However, I carry the HK 45c. Great piece!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jefife750]

I have 5 HK’s and 5 Colt 1911’s as well as other misc high end pistols. The HK45C has become my EDC. I knew I would like it, because I love HK, but I never expected to like it this much. It’s as close to the perfect gun as I’ve ever shot. Excellent job on the review.

[@Philmoscowitz]

Why do you carry the 45C instead of the 45 USP C?

[@MilitantX1]

@@Philmoscowitz I enjoy my USPC .45s but my HK 45C is a little slimmer and unlike the USP models, it also has the slide stop/lock on both sides of the piece, for easy accessibility for lefties like me. 😎

[@billreynolds2221]

No experience with the USP but I do own the 45c. What a fantastic gun. It's among the most accurate of the guns I own. It's never failed to function in any way. I love the flexibility of it's function. I don't leave home without it and it serves as my bedside home defense weapon. Complete packege.

[@ddw76y]

Last week, I was considering buying a full size HK 45, but found an HK 45c at a cheaper price. I love it.

[@CounterT007]

I went with the HK45…it was just as good as the USP (other than mag capacity) but at a price that didn’t sting as much…🤷🏽‍♂️

[@edt8535]

Hard to go wrong with either one-the dual recoil springs sets the USP apart tho in a big way. Check out Chris‘s opinion on small arms solutions.

[@TrollMeister-s6n]

Here's the view from a rabid HK fanboy. I've handled USPs at my local fun shop, and found the texture not to my liking. Being a left-handed shooter, I naturally, find the HK45s more friendly. Having had two full size HK45s (one a 45t lem, and the other a standard da/sa), I must say that I liked them, but I did not love them. The compacts however, fit my hand better than any other pistol, including the P30s, which I also love. I can shoot them more accuratelly than any other pistol, period. I have the American made HK45c as well as a German made one. They are built exactly the same save for the "macaroni" style texture on the front and rear grip areas of the German made one. The US assembled one has 2,000 flawless rounds through it. The German version in FDE has 200 trouble -free rounds through it, though it shall soon see more. These are just my experiences, your mileage may vary...

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

EXCELLENT insights - thank you so much for sharing and for watching!!!! Also a fellow lefty and like the ambi friendliness of the HK45C!!

[@Leothelion357]

Thanks for sharing the difference between the German and American version 45c🫡

[@kurt31451]

Can you use a larger magazine in the HK 45 or will it only accept 10 rd magazines?

[@cowboypenguin]

Full disclosure have not shot a HK45C, similarly am a huge fan of the P30 grip & texture. Have medium-large to large-small hands and don't find the full size USP 45 or HK45 grip as pleasing. The USP compact 45 is "just right" Goldilocks and presume the HK45C would be similar. IMO the HK aesthetics and grip texture might not be for everyone but the accuracy results & reliability is undeniable. Everyone should own multiple HK's cause reasons.

[@lukaszimmermann2215]

USP and HK45 are both amazing guns. The HK45C wins against the USPC because of excellent ergonomics. I take the full size USP over the HK45 because of recoil management and the better trigger (Match trigger on my USP45 Tactical). I have glove size 10 and the USP45 fits perfectly. I have my USP since 2006 and it never failed.

[@GGGG-qq8in]

I just bought a German made HK45C and couldn't be happier with it.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

That. Is. Awesome!!! Keep that thing forever! Thank you for watching!!!

[@JAD1225]

Frame made in Germany; upper in Georgia . Look closely.

[@JAD1225]

Trigger trough in the trigger guard on the HK45 full size is really bad. Thankfully the compact is without this "feature".

[@jeffmurphy9987]

I’ve carried a H&K USPC 40 for 35 years. I paid $525 for it best money I ever spent. My H&K has run flawless since new. Definitely a very Awesome gun.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I need a USP C! Have heard absolutely nothing but positive from long time HK owners! Thank you for sharing and for watching!

[@David-rc8hp]

I have both the hk45 an the hk usp 45 love them both great guns BUT if i had to choose just 1 I ll choose the usp 45 😊🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Everybody says that!!! And I think I agree!! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@sr-ry7zd]

USP .45 all day any day everyday

[@David-rc8hp]

@@sr-ry7zd agree 👍

[@Philmoscowitz]

Why do you like the USP 45 better? I'm trying to decide between them right now.

[@David-rc8hp]

@@Philmoscowitz well like I said both great guns no doubt an they both have advantages over each other But the usp 45 Is built like a tank its been tested an proven for years with 12+1 can't go wrong The hk45 yes light mounting capability 10+1 of course their is mag extentions on hk parts website but they come at a price its sleek slightly larger in length over the usp

[@ajac45]

Excellent analysis

[@RichCatelli]

As a H&K fanboy, I love my quadruplets. 2 USP 45’s and 2 USP 9’s, definitely not biased 😂

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I’m with you!! No bias! (: thank you so much for watching!!

[@J1Z06]

It took Me three USP .45's to finally get one with a trigger that I like and can shoot well. I've owned an HK45. Didn't care for the trigger. Would I try another one? Sure....at some point.All of them NEVER had a malfunction!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

HK always super reliable. Also have been hit and miss on triggers with them. This Expert is the best I’ve had (from HK). I’d you ever get an chance to hold or shoot an Alpha I would highly recommend!!

[@J1Z06]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy I don't know what an Alpha is. Would You care to explain,please? Thanks.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I was doing dozens of responses at once and mistakenly thought this was on my USP Expert vs Arex Alpha video (it’s an awesome Slovenian target gun). My apologies.

[@J1Z06]

@@TheArkansasGunGuy Haha,too much going on. No apology necessary. Be well.

[@CesarChavez-bn6iv]

Both are on my list to get the USP45 V1 will be my first 45acp purchase

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

You’ll be happy!! Thank you so nic for watching!!

[@ryannafe9252]

It’s a spendy gun, but I promise you it’ll be worth it. It’s a fantastic gun. 12 rounds of 45 is a lot of firepower and the USP can take +P all day long without issue.

[@CesarChavez-bn6iv]

@@ryannafe9252 glad my uncle hipped me to H&K years ago been hooked ever since and when I win my lawsuit settlement case the MR762LRP III & SP5K EURO & MR556A1 on my list to get

[@ryannafe9252]

I have an HK45C and while I do love it for being just as bomb-proof as the full size and for being a current-issue special forces pistol, I definitely shot the full sized model much better and like the 10 round capacity. I’ll never sell the 45C, but I’m considering a G29 or G30 as a replacement carry gun for it. A couple ounces lighter, a little bit smaller overall, and 10 round mags instead of 8.

[@elihollins1]

I agree I'm considering buying the g30s

[@kurt31451]

Do you know if the HK 45 will accept a 13 rd magazine?

[@michaelolin2219]

I have the HK45 and P30, love them both. USP45 is next.

[@ivzlivetz]

0:02 I’m diggin the shirt. Can you put up the link where to purchase one. Thanks

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

a friend of the channel sent it to me. I could never find one - and looked forever. Will ask for the link and share if they provide. THANK YOU for watching!!

[@johnchristopher20]

With the singular exception of the army pistol developments of the last 40 years, firearms design since the Garand have all been on how to make it cheaper. Mass production dumbs things down for volume over everything else.

[@ricklorch6030]

I really want one of those shirts it is unique and if you keep at your friend I'm sure he would tell how us HK fans can get one

[@Hondatech26]

First of all great side by side comparison between the two. I really appreciate the level of detail you went into. I'm trying to not be biased, but I'm pretty sure I'm biased....I have three USP45's. A standard, a tactical, and a compact tactical. Also have a standard USP9. All are older production guns ranging from 1999 to 2007. I recently picked up a brand new HK45CT. I'd been wanting to get one to spec out as a MK24 clone so I figured why not since the price was right. Pretty unimpressed with it. The action is super rough and clunky compared to my USP's and the trigger is nothing to write home about. I'd like to get my hands on an older 100% german produced HK45CT as a point of comparison because this US made or US assembled one is definitely not up to the quality standard I've come to expect from HK.

[@TiredOfApathy]

Same cannon grade steel barrels?

[@DrSpas]

Uspc45 and hk45c.... basically about the same gun. I like the adjustments and improvements, love the new slide, however i prefer thw usp side panel textures vs the p2000 texture on the 45c, i prefer the push through take down lever even though its not an ambi slide release.

[@dtjones8706]

Does H&K offer a HK45 in a full size at all? Or just the Compact?

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

They do offer a full size as well. I just don’t own one…yet. hk-usa.com/hk-models/hk45/

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thanks for watching also!!

[@ericmoss8344]

I love my HK45c w/the LEM trigger. A fantastic carry piece that shoots fantastic!! I do WISH that HK had designed the double stack mag to hold double stacked 45 rounds vs single. They should be able to fit 10-12 rounds in the 45C in a flush fit mag. Maybe steel some blueprints f/ Sig Sauer ;) Otherwise, I do love it and wish the grip was a bit more 'grippy'.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Excellent feedback!! Thank you for watching!!

[@Catgat37]

The Mark 23 only holds 12 rounds. Next to these, the Mark 23 is giant. I got a 45C LEM on layaway. It will be my first HK with the LEM trigger.

[@ericmoss8344]

@@Catgat37 everyone who's shot my 45C LEM loves the trigger. For me, it's the perfect concealed carry pistol. I prefer hammer fired pistols and this one has that added bit of safety being double action, but also feeling somewhat like a single action. It's hard to explain, but it's a favorite for me.

[@Catgat37]

@@ericmoss8344 I understand the trigger, I have gotten hands on a few of them in shops. I prefer the idea of DA/SA myself for safely carrying. Unfortunately I shoot striker fired guns much better. I will be picking up a P30 next week and put training in on that one, here that the trigger is absolute trash, but that probably comes from people that say the same thing about a stock Glock trigger....which is easily trainable to be a non issue. I too once was a trigger snob, but not anymore.

[@ericmoss8344]

@@Catgat37 agreed! I think training on the trigger/gun you prefer is key.

[@originalfiremancancelled7303]

Yep good stuff they’re traded in my colt 1911 for the HK 45 much better gun in my opinion

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Hard to go wrong with either 1911 or the 45c. The HK probably more durable though!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@cgs-nu9zf]

I need that shirt badly 😂😂🙏🙏

[@jeffreywacker3598]

I hate to be that guy...but I'm sure I've read in official hk literature that the hk usp 45 is only "taller" then the 9 and 40. Hello from a fellow AR HK guy!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Thank you so much for the comments (always welcome) and for watching from the great state!!!!! Appreciate it!!

[@djhogan9399]

Can they safely shoot 45 Super and 450SMC ammo?

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

I actually don't know. have not tried. ammo is so expensive i've only show regular 45acp.... i'll snoop around online and see if anyone else had tried that. THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@kyliejohn3813]

Yes, both can safely fire 45+p and 45 Super.

[@pulpheroaudio8709]

I’d love to have both, but if you’re left handed, the HK45 is the one.

[@Philmoscowitz]

Where can we buy the t-shirt that's in the thumbnail? The one that mimics the Coca-Cola logo.

[@tmaddrummer]

Great comparison! I wouldn't mind having a HK45c. The German Braun HK45 is a fine shooting pistol and the color looks great and is slightly different from FDE; why I don't know? Shooting at 50cents per round is terrible! Thanks and Blessings!

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Yeah - really wish I could afford to shoot more 45acp (and 10mm) but ammo is just too darn high. Thank you again for checking out my channel!

[@jesserodriguez8504]

The USP 45 compact and 45c accept the same magazine it's basically the P2000 in 45

[@Buster253]

Have the hk45c v1 American made great gun my edc setup with a tlr7a have to customize key for fitment, +4 extension on the mags holds 11+1 in pipe with c&g holster don't really carry anything else or I feel like I'm cheating on her😂

[@kurt31451]

Can you use a 13 round magazine in the HK 45?

[@darkeldarwarlock]

They lowered the capacity from the usp was a mistake I had a 45c and couldn’t get over capacity limit for such a large gun that shoots well but the triggers kinda suck and no optic cut

[@jesserodriguez8504]

In actuality the USP 45 full-size and compact and 45c are similar the 45 full-size is a P30 in 45acp

[@D-Mag]

Expert is target series

[@Josh-ss1xn]

I've handled but not shot the usp I shot my buddies 45c it's was awsome it fit very well so I bought a full size hk45 it shoots lights out and fits my hand perfect so it is going to be my edc and my poor cz p09 will be carried a bit less

[@Apolloneek]

😢

[@truckpilot01]

45c all day everyday. I prefer pic rails, front serrations, and more up to date pistols. If im going old, its gonna have to be a 1911

[@kevinrichardson8859]

HK USP the BEST of the BEST!

[@largol33t12]

The USP doesn't need to be improved. Mine is 9 years old and has been 100% reliable. It eats anything I feed it, even Sellier & Bellot, which my Glock tends be picky with. It is very easy to manipulate the controls and I can carry it cocked and locked. Oh, and accuracy is always within 2". I have never modified my handgun. If it ain't broke, no need to fix it. I would only buy the HK45 if it was the same price and offered significantly better performance BUT can still accept USP magazines.

[@Catgat37]

I bought a USP not long ago used. It was a 95....so first year production run. No idea how many owners it originally had before becoming used to make holsters by a local company. When the company was going out of business, guy at my range bought it, then sold it to other employee at range. I recently just got it from him. Gun looks like it has been used hard. Barrel still in great shape. I only put 300 rounds through it, but no hiccups. I am shopping around for other HK 45 options because I want them all.

[@chadhaire1711]

Larry Vickers had very little to do with this gun.....just more hype Vickers bullshit.

[@GatorFlash1]

I have both the large size USP and the Compact and have enjoyed shooting both of them for a number of years. I have never had any problems with either. There are many stories on KZbin about the HK USP's and here is one I enjoyed kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp-ThXRvi7ucmq8 that get more into the history of these.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Great video. Thanks for sharing that!! AND thanks so much for watching and commenting!!!

[@truckpilot01]

Newer model is better looking, better equipped, and better performing.

[@Lexicologist1971]

You should just talk about the actual guns reviewed. The gun that isn't a USP is not an H&K 45 C. It is an HK45C. The HK45C does NOT have night sights. They only glow if you charge them by exposing them to light.

[@tomglpn]

All they had to do was add a 1913 rail to the usp. If youve got woman hands, then get a woman pistol not a usp

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

1913 would be a nice update - but also something cool about keeping all original. I wish they would release a USP in 10mm (and a pic rail)!! Take my money now!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@Philmoscowitz]

Do the woman pistols come with breasts or something?

[@erictrippe2778]

I was trying to enjoy your video but you said "ahh" and "um" so many times I had to cut it short. A way to eliminate that habit is to pause instead of making any noises.

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

You are 100% correct. I caught myself after this video and have been trying to make an effort to avoid that. Thank you for the feedback snd for stopping by!!!

[@truthisbusiness1564]

you to complicated fix it

[@reker.a5790]

Full size USP45T for the win

[@TheArkansasGunGuy]

Boom!! Mic drop. Good call. Thanks for checking out my channel