HK 45t VS. USP 45t... Which is better??

I think the main problem with the HK45 design philosophy was they were going for a better 1911, and not a better USP, like they should have.

I'll never understand why HK didn't just embrace the USP as their flagship handgun. It's almost like they want to gaslight us into thinking the USP never existed, and it was the VP9 all along. Arguably, the only thing the USP ever needed to "modernize" was a 1913 rail, interchangeable backstraps, and maybe an optic cut. They got it right the first time and created the ultimate future-proof hammer pistol and it's like they're ashamed of it. The Glock and USP came out around the same time and despite both of them being universally beloved and vetted in extreme hard use, the USP has never escaped the 90s while the Glock is the golden standard with only minor changes throughout the decades to keep up with the times. You could argue the P2K is the "modern" USP but HK doesn't even like acknowledging that one exists either. They're all in on the VP9. Congrats HK, you built a firmly OK-tier striker.

Can’t go wrong with either. I have big hands and the USP 45 still feels like a brick to me. I prefer the ergos of the HK45 and I don’t mind the reduced capacity as I’m mainly a 1911 shooter so losing two rounds vs the USP is still two rounds gained vs my 1911s. So I’ll take the HK45 but I certainly wouldn’t kick the USP out of bed.

Thanks for the video. I prefer the USP version because it can share magazines with my HK USP Elite 45.

The first gun that my hands ever felt at home on was a USP45. The double stacked Para’s felt good as well. And I know that this is a very personal thing but I’ve tried many firearms and my hands are very comfortable on my USP. I picked up a 2011 not too long ago. And I got that same feeling. I’ve been shooting a long time. The placement my hands get on both of these guns make me want to shoot them more and more. As always ymmv.

I have the HK45 and USP Elite. Both I have put Talon Grips on because they move in my hands during recoil. I use the HK45 with a light as my night stand gun. I need to get a threaded barrel for the HK45. Once in a way I get the magazine issue, not all the time. Nice comparison.

Great video! I prefer the HK45, but I am a southpaw shooter, so the improved ergonomics really matter to me. That said, I need to get a USP (and Mk23 while we're at it) because all of these HK pistols are top tier quality.

Excellent comparison, very detailed.

Ergonomics, rail, and left handed shooter friendly features gives the HK45 the edge for me. I also like the aesthetics it shares with the P30 series.

You can get magazine extensions as well as magazines that hold up to 15, 17 and 24rds for each pistol from HK, albeit expensive as with a lot of HK magazines

A few years ago I was considering getting the full size HK45 over the compact version because the grip reminds me of my VP9, but when I actually held the HK45CT V1 at a gun store I was surprised at how much I liked the straight compact grip so I got that instead. I fits my hands perfectly. A little less capacity but overall I love it. Got it for 650 at Cabelas. Came with raised sights, a threaded barrel and 3 10-round "hoof" mags, but I also have a flush 8 rd mag and a non threaded barrel I can swap out for comfortable conceal carry. I also picked up a 12 round mag from hkpartsnet store and I think now they might have larger mags like 13+, not sure. Haven't checked in a couple years. It hasn't malfunctioned once and I typically just shoot 230gr FMJ ammo out of it. If the USP45 was a little more affordable I might've chosen that instead at the time, but I was on a budget. I don't regret my purchase one bit though, in fact, if I could go back and do it again I would. I think I might even like it better than the full size and the USP, especially in its Mark24 mod0 configuration, it looks badass.

Really enjoying the meprolight night sights for the USP45T. Getting one of my 3 USP45Ts milled for an RMR

I've had a USP 45 for 20 years. I finally bought a Safariland holster for it. not my ideal carry but I do have the option. it's a great gun but my go-to will always be the 1911. the 1911 just fits my hand like it was made for it.

Had a similar issue. I bought an HK45 late last year from a big chain store and I noticed that the mags were not coming out as smoothly as any of my other HK variants. I sold the gun and recently found a cool deal on an HK45 from Germany. The German HK45 mags fly out similar to the USP, they crank out. Seems like the store bought HK45 was getting caught at the mag well, due to it slightly being narrower. Wish I still had both to compare.

Fantastic demonstration all the differences

But at the end of the day they’re both great firearms to have in a self-defense and offensive scenarios The best method I found is to use your trigger finger when reloading and they also make aftermarket paddle magazine releases if you need a larger paddle when you’re rotating between shooting hands that’s what makes them such a great firearm

Absolutly great video totally exellent points very well put together i have the usp expert and the hk compact tactical I have run the hk45 tactical and needed to put a weighted plus on the mag from hk parts it fixed the sticking issue It was about $45 dollars. `

I originally had a Mark 23. It’s my holy grail range gun. I didn’t feel a need to get a USP45 after having a MK23. Then I got the HK45C for concealability. In the end I also ended up getting an HK45. I just really love the ergonomics and grip on it. It’s not as chunky as a USP45 and carries two more than a 1911. I feel it’s a good full size compromise. That you can also carry if you had too.

Got the P30S, 9mm & USP Tac .40S&W. I like the bulkier USP far more. I'm also the type of guy that Loves holding my blocky Cobray M11. I just love big, blocky guns over smaller ones. Wish I had an HK Mark 23. 💪

USP 45 is also my choice between the two models, but, I own a Walther PPQ M2 45, and I am very pleased with it. Also, it costs quite a bit less money 😎