Usp 45 or 9mm? now with poll!
Ok so I have some money coming my way and I have decided to get my first HK. I've decided on a USP tactical. But I can't decide between 9mm or .45. I know this question basically boils down to the old 9pm/.45 argument that has been goin on forever , but I was wondering about the opinions of HK guys. It's gonna be my nightstand gun and range toy.
So what do you think?
9mm, higher capacity and tier 1 hollow points have come a long way in the last few years. Significantly lower ammo cost. My 2c.
Thats what I was thinking. I've always been a .45 guy. But I kinda want a 9. Oh I can't decide
How does the usp hold up to +p+ ammo?
Get both! The USP Tactical is a fantastic weapon in what ever caliber you choose. I have it in .45 and love it. 9mm ammo is much cheaper these days, so if you're going to do a ton of shooting that may be the way to go. Either way, you'll love it.
Originally Posted By ARTX:
9mm, higher capacity and tier 1 hollow points have come a long way in the last few years. Significantly lower ammo cost. My 2c.
This.

i have never owned a 9 so im thinkin its time. thanks for the input.
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
It's gonna be my nightstand gun and range toy.
The only two calibers *I* would want when things go bump in the night are either a 10mm or a .45acp.
I once had an incident where I had to shoot thru a burglar's car windshield. I used .45acp whereas I doubt a 9mm +P would've been worthwhile, IMO.
When buying from someone like GA Arms, the cost difference between 9mm & .45acp is negliable, IMO.
My .o2
If you use quality self defense 9mm ammunition it will serve you well. I prefer the higher capacity of a 9mm, because once the shooting starts people don't stand still like paper. It may take more rounds to get your hits. HK USP 9mm 15+1 versus I believe 12+1 for HK USP 45. Ammunition and magazine costs may favor 9mm also if you are a budget. I love HK 45s also,, but would be second choice.
Also, don't forget the USP .45 tactical is an actual tactical model with the match trigger. The USP 9 SD is everything minus that.
Originally Posted By thatguybryan:
Also, don't forget the USP .45 tactical is an actual tactical model with the match trigger. The USP 9 SD is everything minus that.
this is the kind of info i was looking for. is the grip on the .45 any bigger than the 9mm? (the wifey wants to shoot it too)
Originally Posted By BobCole:
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
It's gonna be my nightstand gun and range toy.
The only two calibers *I* would want when things go bump in the night are either a 10mm or a .45acp.
I once had an incident where I had to shoot thru a burglar's car windshield. I used .45acp whereas I doubt a 9mm +P would've been worthwhile, IMO.
When buying from someone like GA Arms, the cost difference between 9mm & .45acp is negliable, IMO.
My .o2
why did you have to shoot through the windshield? did he think your house was a drive thru?
i live on base so the possibility of getting my house broke into is pretty unlikely. i do like to be ready anyway.besides i have my AK if somehow things get too out of hand.
Originally Posted By thatguybryan:
Also, don't forget the USP .45 tactical is an actual tactical model with the match trigger. The USP 9 SD is everything minus that.
+1
45 grip is a little bigger than 9/40.
Are you buying it to suppress? Thus the tactical models.
45 ammo is almost all subsonic while 9mm ammo is supersonic with the exception of the specially loaded or ammo weighing more then 147 grain.
I have both and I shoot them both equally. They are both tack shooters.
I would recommend the 45 as it already has the match trigger and no special ammo needs are required to shoot it silenced.
I modified my 9sd with a jet funnel (18 rounds) and a match trigger.
My 45 has been hard plated.
Try to find one with he tactical case. Uber accessery.

Originally Posted By singtoe:
Are you buying it to suppress? Thus the tactical models.
45 ammo is almost all subsonic while 9mm ammo is supersonic with the exception of the specially loaded or ammo weighing more then 147 grain.
I have both and I shoot them both equally. They are both tack shooters.
I would recommend the 45 as it already has the match trigger and no special ammo needs are required to shoot it silenced.
I modified my 9sd with a jet funnel (18 rounds) and a match trigger.
My 45 has been hard plated.
Try to find one with he tactical case. Uber accessery.
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv145/singtar/NFA/DSC_0260-1.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv145/singtar/NFA/DSC_0271-1.jpg
this will be my first supressed gun. hence the tactical model.
ohhh i can't decide
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
why did you have to shoot through the windshield? did he think your house was a drive thru?
No, he was trying to run me down at the time. I managed to dissuade him of that with a mag of .45acp JHP, which didn't do well going thru a windshield. I have since swapped over to .45FMJ & also got a Glock 20SF in 10mm...............

Originally Posted By tf34racer:
Originally Posted By singtoe:
Are you buying it to suppress? Thus the tactical models.
45 ammo is almost all subsonic while 9mm ammo is supersonic with the exception of the specially loaded or ammo weighing more then 147 grain.
I have both and I shoot them both equally. They are both tack shooters.
I would recommend the 45 as it already has the match trigger and no special ammo needs are required to shoot it silenced.
I modified my 9sd with a jet funnel (18 rounds) and a match trigger.
My 45 has been hard plated.
Try to find one with he tactical case. Uber accessery.
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv145/singtar/NFA/DSC_0260-1.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv145/singtar/NFA/DSC_0271-1.jpg
this will be my first supressed gun. hence the tactical model.
ohhh i can't decide
If this is the case, then definitely get the 45 as the ammo is already subsonic. Plus the Can will be backwards compatible with all pistol calibers 45 and smaller.
My vote is for the .45
I bought a police trade in USP .45 full size made in '04. I wanted the .45 mostly for the nostalgia of it but also because it will mostly be just a camping/nightstand gun for me as well so I wanted a big caliber. Yeah 9mm is cheaper but I have both 9mm and .45 pistols so it didn't matter.
.355 Europellet is my choice
With all the modern defensive ammunition available today and the fact that I can get more practice for my money with the 9x19, I see no reason to get a .45 (or a .40 for that matter).
Get both.
CDNN investments have them for about $1K each.

Go .45 the HK USP just seems soo right in that caliber.
Sounds like the .45s have it. I woud get both but I only have $1k to spend. I've always been more of a .45 guy.
Do they all come with the tactical case or only a certain variant?
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
Do they all come with the tactical case or only a certain variant?
Only the Tactical models come with the soft case, IIRC.
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
Sounds like the .45s have it. I woud get both but I only have $1k to spend. I've always been more of a .45 guy.
Do they all come with the tactical case or only a certain variant?
They don't come with the Tactical models anymore, so you will have to find a used one.
I have both 9 and 45 In usp's the 45 is a lot bigger frame (the wife doesn't like to shoot it). But as always it comes down to what you want and your intentions with it. I like shooting my 9 mil better than the 45 due to size and the .45 is a rather large carry gun just my two cents though
The USP 45 is one of the best 45acp pistols ever made. I will never get rid of mine.
Originally Posted By navyman8903:
The USP 45 is one of the best 45acp pistols ever made. I will never get rid of mine.
+1
I love my USP tactical .45
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IMO don’t not get the 9mm
Depending on what calibers you already have. I would say get it in .40 or .45 so that is one less caliber you have to stock up on.
I have a USP45F. I wouldn't buy a gun that large and heavy in a 9mm caliber when there are more size/weight appropriate pistols.
i've decided on the .45. thank you everyone for the great input. now i just have to wait for the money to drop. why does it always take so long when you find something you want.

Originally Posted By tf34racer:
i've decided on the .45. thank you everyone for the great input. now i just have to wait for the money to drop. why does it always take so long when you find something you want.

Here you go.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=230403051
Even has the tacticla bag... $940
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
i've decided on the .45. thank you everyone for the great input. now i just have to wait for the money to drop. why does it always take so long when you find something you want.

You made a great choice man, you will never regret it. Also, I feel your pain, it took me about 6 months to find the deal on my HK45, and It is funny because I got a serial # under 200 NIB. Pretty sweet. Good luck saving and wait for the right deal.
I own the USP 45 Tactical and have really enjoyed it. Costs more to play with at the range, but you mentioned leaving it in your nightstand. If it's your only home defense weapon the .45 would be the way to go. The only thing missing on mine is a can and I'm thinking of getting one for it this year.
well its been awhile but i finally got her. USP .45 tactical. she's amazing. my gun guy hooked me up with a soft case, rail adapter, thread protector and 5 mags for $950

You did good
cool . i want.
worth every penny. im in love
Originally Posted By singtoe:
Originally Posted By tf34racer:
Sounds like the .45s have it. I woud get both but I only have $1k to spend. I've always been more of a .45 guy.
Do they all come with the tactical case or only a certain variant?
They don't come with the Tactical models anymore, so you will have to find a used one.
Good luck with that

I have 2 usp's so far. both 9mm (1 fulll size, threaded barrel, hybrid trgger) and 1 compact v1. The next usp i am getting is a usp 45 tactical. basically cause .45 ammo is already subsonic.. so it saves alittle time for me vs when im reloading 9mm, i dont have to have a separate "sub sonic" load.
The USP 45 is sweet. I have one and I love it.