I own both a Springfield 1911 Stainless Loaded .45 and an HK USP EXPERT .45. Yes, there is nothing like the fit of the 1911 in your hand, but there is something to say about the accuracy of an HK. The EXPERT is the first composite gun I've bought and I've changed my opinion on composite frames. I like them each for their own reasons and they each have their advantages. Buy what feels good in your hand and the gun that will fit it's purpose. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Dredd

HK offers pistol smithing work factory direct. They have 2 different trigger variants with the HK45. They have the standard trigger which is DA/SA but is actually the match trigger (custom work) from the USP series, this comes standard. Then you can get an LEM mod which lightens the DA pull and turns the trigger into a DAO (double action only) design. You can have the hammer cocked and safety on with the standard trigger or leave it in double action (hammer not cocked). You then have the option of going with an LEM with or without a safety. Honestly the DA/SA is fine. DA is hard to learn and get good at, but the SA is nice and easy. It doesn't have a reset that is as short as the 1911, but it's pretty good for "duty trigger" systems. By Duty trigger I mean it's not a super light trigger that is ment only for the range and competition use.

So you can actually only get the modified straight through HK only?

Originally Posted by INSTIEN

So you can actually only get the modified straight through HK only?

There's smiths that do HK work, but you can go directly to HK to get different trigger variations installed. That way everything is still covered by HK's lifetime warranty.

If I'm looking to get a 56 ACP I am more often than not looking for a 1911. I'm just not as big a fan of plastic guns. I've owned several and most of them I've owned or shot have been pretty good shooters..I just like the all metal more..Maybe I'm just old..heh. The one plastic gun I have is a Browning Pro 40. It's really nice and has the one thing I just got to have..A hammer. Are my all steels better than the "Tupperware"? For me yes.

I'm not a Kimber fan though.They are really well made they just don't do for me what a Springfield,Colt, or a Para does for me.

Originally Posted by DevilsJohnson

If I'm looking to get a 56 ACP I am more often than not looking for a 1911. I'm just not as big a fan of plastic guns. I've owned several and most of them I've owned or shot have been pretty good shooters..I just like the all metal more..Maybe I'm just old..heh. The one plastic gun I have is a Browning Pro 40. It's really nice and has the one thing I just got to have..A hammer. Are my all steels better than the "Tupperware"? For me yes.

I'm not a Kimber fan though.They are really well made they just don't do for me what a Springfield,Colt, or a Para does for me.

A Springfield 1911 is hard to beat for the money, Taurus 1911 is good for around $500 you get a bunch of nice features. I've also heard great things about S&W 1911 pistols (external extractor etc).

It comes down to your usage, a 1911 is a better gun for the range I'll say that. You see many more 1911 fans in competition than other brands. Not to say that other brands don't have a following and competitive teams etc, but the 1911 is more or less the de facto standard for ISPC etc. I too like a hammer on my guns, which is why I prefer a HK over a Glock, M&P, or XD. I would take a 1911, but I find the polymer guns to be more reliable in less than ideal conditions.

I would say that if you are going to carry a weapon concealed, get one that you will actually take with you all the time. That means, small, light, and reliable. And then practice with it until you can hit center mass and do headshots at ten feet. At distances much further than that, an armed citizen risks placing stray rounds into bystanders, in an urgent situation where one cannot stop and look around carefully. If I am not nose to nose with someone, I am most likely going to take cover, not start shooting.

I am also not convinced, from experience, that the only caliber that works for self defense is the .45. At the ranges in which a citizen can engage in a defensive gunfight, almost any caliber will work. I think many people carrying concealed firearms are mentally preparing themselves for some kind of tactical duel that will never happen to a concealed carry permit holder.

I suggest carrying a light, convenient weapon and learning to accurately point shoot with it; hand to eye and target to hand.