Posted: 1/24/2004 6:30:59 AM EDT
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I am looking to add a new handgun to my collection, and really like everything I hear and see about the HK USP line of weapons. THe problem is, I can't decide whether to go with the full size or the compact. Any opinions out there as to which one you would buy if you could only have one? |
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I prefer the compact. I'm a little guy, 5'4" & 130lbs so I don't have very big hands. I had a full size USP for almost 5 years and I loved it. However, one day at the range another shooter had a USP9c and we traded off for a few magazines. I was instantly comfortable and more accurate with the compact. I sold my full size and bought a 9mm compact. It just fits me better and it's still small enough for me to carry concealed (when my paperwork comes back). However, I do miss my full size and I may end up purchasing another one some day. I should have kept it but if I had to chose one and only one I'd take the compact. |
| I own both in 40S&W and 9mm. I carry the fullsize as my duty gun and the compact I carry CCW off duty. I suggest you handle both and see which fits your hand better. If you have big hands go full size if small hands go compact. If you plan to carry CCW then the compact may suit your needs better. If I had to choose which one to keep I would keep my compact as it could serve as both a on and off duty weapon. |
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Flip a coin really, because they are both great guns. I currently only own the .45 USPC. I have pretty small hands, but I have no problem with the USP--it's not a huge frame like a Desert Eagle or anything. The USPC does have a more natural feel to it though. Most say it is more comfortable when held, but the USP is more comfortable to shoot (I'm talking .45 here). The USP has a different recoil system and it's larger (heavier) frame softens the recoil. It all comes down to what you plan to use it for. If it is going to be a CCW, then the obvious choice is the USPC. If it were a home defense gun, I'd go with the USP. |
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I would echo all the thoughts presented thus far. And as any reasonble ARFCOMer's would, add my two cents. As for concealability, I don't think full size vs. compact is that much of an issue. I carried USP40f for 3 years. The biggest difference between compact and full size is the length. And although there IS a difference in frame width or girth, its not THAT much difference between the two. Don't let that be an issue. Also caliber makes a difference in frame width/girth. The .40 and 9mm full size are built on the same frame. The .45 full size is a larger frame. I think this holds true on the compact models as well, but I have only handled these on occasion. Also, I do not like the LEM trigger system. Others may like it. I would opt for the standard Variant One setup. I loved my HK's. And I shot the piss out of them in classes and training with NO major hangups. I have since switched to 1911 style weapons, because of better concealability and in my case, better accuracy. The accuracy issue I trace back to hand and grip compatability, NOT to any issue involving the intrinsic accuracy of the HKs. I am 5-8, and I get a much better grip on the 1911. |
| Like Twire said...adding my comments, Hah!...I own both the USPF and USPC in .45 and, for me, I greatly prefer the full sized gun, since I do not find the "compact" to be all that compact anyway. I do not have especially big hands, but I definitely shoot the F better. I also like the LEM trigger a lot, although neither of my guns has it yet. In fact I am about to sell or trade off my Compact and would have no problem trading it for another full size USP in .45. So...an alternate opinion for you...not "right" or "wrong" just different...only you can say which YOU like best! |
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i had the same dilemma the other day,unfortunantly I had my christmas bonus in my pocket, and I bought both.... They are really rare to find here in Mass, but IMO the Houge slip over grip on the full size makes a big difference. I didnt like it at all until I tried it that way.... |
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Alright, I finally went ahead and did it. I bought the USP compact. I couldn't find one locally with night sights, so I guess I'll have to go the aftermarket route there. I just got it home and can't wait to take it to the range. It has a sweet balance and feel to it. |