Looking for a new .45 and I’m considering a hk45 or hk45c. I have no reference for the size of the grip, i have medium sized hands and large frame pistols don’t fit me very well. I have owned a Glock 21 in the past but the grip was just too big to shoot comfortably. How does the 45 or 45c compare?

Glock 19 size on the 45c

I have the same problem with the Glock 21 feeling a bit too large in the hand. I got a HK45 instead and it feels better

I owned a p30 and sold it due to some cutout in the trigger gaurd that I hated. Does either one of these pistols have that?

Compact & full size have the same mag capacity, FWIW.

45C can either come with 8 rounder or the ten rounder.  It is the size of a G19 with the flat base plates.  Have both and they are gtg.

Yes, the HK45 has the trough in the bottom of the trigger guard same as the P30.  HK45 has the slimmest grip of just about anything thats not a single stack 45.

For hand size reference, XL gloves are generally snug, and XXL gloves are a little loose.

I used to own an HK45 v1 LE and P2000 v3 LE chambered in 9x19, and stupidly sold both. The HK45 is pretty tall. With my hand as high up on the frame as possible, there is still a small amount of frame sticking out under my hand, as well as the large magazine base pad.

I just got home from picking up a brand new HK45c v7 LE. This frame seems identical to the P2000 frame. I tried to use flat low profile base pads on the P2000 and I found that my accuracy suffered because my pinky finger would hang off the frame. With the normal "extended" rubber base pads, my pinky finger had something to grab onto and my accuracy was way better. This new HK45c is the exact same way. Without the magazine inserted, my pinky finger hangs off the frame. With the magazine with normal "extended" rubber base pads installed, my grip feels much more secure.

People compare the HK45c to the Glock 19, but honestly I think the frame is shorter on the HK45c than the G19. I can get a full grip on a G19. It's tight, but my pinky finger is secure. With the HK45c/P2000 with low profile base pads, my pinky definitely sticks off the bottom of the frame.

Thanks for all the info the full-size is out for me since it has the trigger guard like the p30 but I can’t wait to get a compact

If you compare the gun as a whole, they're both nearly identical; they would both fit in the same size box, for example. The 45C has a taller slide and shorter grip than the 19 though...that's where the difference is. I had the same issue; I could kinda-sorta shoot ok with the flat base plates but the standard base plate really helped. I wound up selling my 45C.  It was the perfect size, but I found it just too flippy for me, after years of trying to love it. Oh well. For 45ACP, now I just shoot a steel-framed Sig P220, or a USP in 45. I never tried the HK45 but the USP fits me well and damn can that thing shoot, so why give up two rounds and move to the HK45 if I don't need to. FWIW my hands are XL sized in general, with XXL gloves being a tiny bit long in the fingers for me.

USP 45 largest

HK45 next. Same as P30 but larger.

HK45c smallest.

HK45c soft recoil. Slide not that much shorter than full size HK 45. Takes 8 and 10 round mags. Similar to Glock 19 size wise.

Can't go wrong with any choice.

Considering HK couldn't (wouldn't) manage a 12 rd mag for the full size, the compact, having the same mag capacity, is the only sensible option, IMO.

FWIW, the hammer guns are more reliable in comparison to the VP strikers when exposed to adverse enviro conditions.

Here's 2 short "gauntlet" tests MAC put both types through:

HK45 gauntlet test

VP9 gauntlet test

Does anyone have these sights on their HK45 -  Superluminova Suppressor Height Sights?   I wanted to see what they look like installed.

link

Thanks

Looks similar to the Heine sights on the 45CT in this thread (except they aren't adjustable).

Those are really nice sights.

I really need a Silencerco Osprey for my 45CT.

The 45c has one major glaring flaw, and its the spacing of the rail slots.  I don't know what weapon mounted light fits it.  I think the new TLR7 fits with a custom sized insert.

Stupid problem, I'd have one by now otherwise.

Crimson Trace Railmaster & Railmaster Pro series lights fit out of the box.

It is foolish, and totally a result of the too big trigger box.  I swear it's not just glove compatible but mitten compatible.  As a result, the rail length is too short for a Surefire X300 or such.

What I've done is use a short rail riser, to in effect extend the length of the rail, and allow for a X300 to work.  It puts the light down lower, but since it's a light distance to the bore doesn't matter.

I mount the X300 to the riser, then install that on the front most slot on the 45 CT.  As the rail then is forward of the front most slot, you have enough room to mount a X300.

This has been very informative, I have been looking at the same 2 pistols for my next purchase.
Thanks
M.M.

I have the 45c and am super happy with it. It is my daily carry now.

I recently picked up an HK 45c, I haven't shot it yet, but it is a good bit smaller, and will take the ten round mag, seems like a no brainer if you can only get one, get the c.

Can the USP 45 12 round magazines be used in the HK45?

No.  The USP 45 mags are unique to that model.

Many people with small hands complain that the grip on the USP 45 is too big.  I guess when they designed the HK45 they wanted to make the grip smaller, so they reduced the capacity and narrowed the grip.  The HK45c and the USP45c share the same mags however, and an HK45 mag will work in either one of those, but it will stick out.

I have medium sized hands (i'm 5 9 and 155 lbs), and the HK 45CT fits my hands just fine.

Great pistol - I run mine with a CT green laser and an Osprey on mine, and it's about as awesome as they come.