Alternative suggestions. Please!

Hello all, I've been lurking in the background (as most newbies do) gleaning as much information as I could before I ask this question.

I've decided to purchase another handgun, and am determined to get a larger caliber than I currently have, S&W Model 36 (38 cal.), and a Sig Sauer P230 (.380 cal.) I've narrowed my search to either a .40 cal. or .45 cal.. I like the H&K USP Compact in both calibers.

No competitive shooting, just personal protection.

My question is: what other makes and models should I be looking at comparative to the H&K USP Compact.
No competitive shooting, just personal protection.

Thanks in advance for your help
Brian

springfield xd/xdm, glock, cz, several others out there and they may save you some money over the hk.

Sringfield XD, Smith&Wesson M&P

I have and love my XD .40, bu I had the chance to shoot a .40 M&P and I was blown away. Dead nuts on and great in the hand ergonomics! Can't really beat the 'makes sense' functionality and safeties of the XD, though. Both are great guns and would make a VERY proud and confident owner!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by xpdchief

My question is: what other makes and models should I be looking at comparative to the H&K USP Compact.

---

There really isn't any other model that compares. Everything already mentioned in this thread cost a lot less, and are not made to the same level of craftsmanship (which explains the much lower price).

That is NOT to say that any of the guns mentioned above are any less reliable or less accurate until they wear out. In fact, the ones already mentioned are fine handguns that provide more performance for the dollar than would the USP. IOW, for the average person, there's no practical reason to spend that much money for what is essentially a tool. But hey, if you like H&K's, then by all means go for it. You will appreciate the quality, and you can't go wrong with one...

Before you make your decision on the USP you need to fire one first. They are very fine pistols and well made. I personnally didn't like the way they feel when fired. The grip was just off for me. It wasn't the size as much as the shape and angle.
If you are planning on putting that kind of money down on any pistol you need to actually fire it before you purchase.
There is nothing worse than having a new pistol and taking it out to fire the first time, then finding out then you don't like it.
Try to handle as many as you can in the type and caliber you are looking for then fire the ones that you prefer.

I am not quite in agreement that HK has better quality or craftmanship. I have seen more newer model HK's choke than XD's or M&P's and have seen fewer HK's than either of the other 2.

They are all effective tools and the one you shoot the best with is the one you need. Not all will fit your hand properly so at least heft them before deciding.

Good luck.

tumbleweed

I'm a big advocate for H&K and their products; I think they're terrific. That being said, I don't think you need to spend $800+ on an H&K for personal defense. It was recently brought to my attention Sig offers the same high-end quality you expect from products like H&K, but their wide variety of models often include nightsights, "custom" grips, trigger modifcations (SRT), and frame modifications such as beavertails and the Gen 2 "snag free" variants. If you want a high quality carry weapon dripping with customizations, Sig is the way to go. For the same price, you can pick up a P229 (shortened P226) or a P220 Carry models. Again, they're in the H&K ballpark in terms of price but you get nightsights from the factory with any of the Sig variants: Elite, Elite Stainless, Dark Elite, Gen 2, and Equinox.

Now in terms of straight-up duty weapons, I think Springfield XD compact and S&W M&P compacts would suit you just fine. If you're willing to carry SLIGHTLY larger than a compact, FNPs 9mm/40S&W/357SIG are great, too. They're about the same size as H&K's P30 and H&Ks P2000, falling somewhere between fullsize and compact. I suppose it could be said they're "commander" sized. Note that XDs, M&Ps, and FNPs will save you a few hundred dollars.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TOF

I am not quite in agreement that HK has better quality or craftmanship. I have seen more newer model HK's choke than XD's or M&P's and have seen fewer HK's than either of the other 2.

They are all effective tools and the one you shoot the best with is the one you need. Not all will fit your hand properly so at least heft them before deciding.

---

Agreed. I have rarely ever heard of a problem with either the XD or M&P (not consistent malfunctions, anyway). You should also consider other aspects of the firearm as well, such as factory warranty and support. Any tool can fail, and from what I've heard of HK, they leave something to be desired with their turn around time.... and, in fact, its not stated that kindly, either.

If you're going for a great all arouind primary defense gun that excells in every aspect of accuracy, mechanical craftsmanship, and dead-on reliability the XD, M&P, and I'll throw a bone to the Glock as well(just to make everyone happy), these are the stand out firearms you should consider.

don't get me wrong, Sigs and HK's are excellent! But a firearm's sticker price doesn't necissarily reflect its value, I think you'll often see how proud a manufacturer is of their weapon by what they charge. I paid more for my Kahr P9 than my XD, but if it had to come down to one of them, I wouldn't even blink over it. Definitely something to be said for a handgun that has you hard pressed to find an unsatisfied owner.



P.S.- my father has a Sig p229 and HK p2000 sk. They're both awesome pistols. They shoot fantastic!! And then he shot my XD, and said "wow," that's when he understood!:mrgreen:


good luck in you're choice, whatever it may be, it just has to be right for you