Need advise from the Big Dawgs--but don't bite me!

[GunGeek]

Fellow Glockers. I went to my favorite gun store last night to make my long-awaited purchase of my first 45. Many of you on this site have helped me in my decision of getting either the 30 which I loved shooting at the range, or the 36 which would always be concealed at my side. I had decided to buy BOTH (although I can only buy 1 per month because of a moronic law in my state). After looking at both Glocks and telling the salesman that I would get one today and the other next month, he asked if I would consider another option. He handed me his HK USP Compact 45. After the initial sticker shock, it was actually cheaper than buying the two Glocks.

Now, I love my G26. I know (from many of you) that the Glock30 and 36 are tough, accurate and reliable. I thought that the HK was a good comprimise. The barrel is only one-tenth of an inch longer, but the grip is smaller than the G30 due to the rounds being staggered instead of a true double stack. Of course, the HK only holds 8+1, but that is better than the G36's 6+1.

I also liked the Double Action or Single Action flexibility, the decocker, and a manual safety (sorry Gaston). Unfortunately, I do not know that much about these HK USP Compacts nor have I shot one. Are they reliable and accurate. I sure know that the Glocks are!

I also noticed that HK stated that the service life is enginnered to 20,000 rounds. I'm sure that Glocks have been documented to shoot over 100k rounds.

I am thinking that the HK is a good combination of the G30 and the G36.

Thank you in advance for any information!

[candh]

The HK is a fine weapon, and you definitely won't go wrong using it as a daily carry. That said, rent and shoot all three side by side before making your decision, since you said you have yet to shoot it. All three weapons will do the job you are intending it for. I had the same decision to make awhile back and went with the G36. I have never regretted my decision.

Relatively light-weight, and with the right holster (for me the CompTac C-Tac)it disappears and stays put all day and night.

Holds sufficient ammo for my needs and ability, (second magazine is always close by... if absolutely necessary).

Is the simplest and least expensive to maintain (and/or modify... if that's your thing).

And, from experience, (1986, 1st Gen. G17, 70000+ rounds to date and no part replacement) the Glock will just keep going, and going, and going...

[Harlequin]

Don't know how big of a gun enthusiast you are, but assuming not then if you get the HK you'll have to learn a trigger over again. If you get the Glock it's basically like your 26 except with a bigger bullet.

[vafish]

Not to mention if you get the G36 first it will fit a lot of the same holsters the G26 will (as long as they have an open bottom for the muzzle to hang out)

[Ljunatic]

My biggest concern would be the the big difference in operation(manual of arms) between the HK and the GLOCKS.

What mode will you revert to under duress?
Is that safety Off?

All my pistols have the same controls

[Polo]

Correct. Keep in mind the HK does have the somewhat unnecessary and (irrelevant) "safety" monkey lever, so you'll have to re-orient your shooting protocols. Decockers? Don't get me started on those:)
Other than that, I know the HK is a good weapon - but for the life of me I can't understand WHY I should pay $250+ more than the Glock counterpart. If it's a case of "just gotta have it because..." or got lots of spare cash, then sure why not - what the hell, have at it. Otherwise, I think HK pistols are a poor value for the average guy who just wants a top quality weapon at a reasonable, competitive price.

Example: today I saw in my dealer's case A USP Compact next to half-dozen new Glocks, all nicely priced at $525.
The price on the lonely basic out-of-the-box USP? $784.95;T (No thanks, there's a nice Bushmaster AR15 waiting for me for LESS dough).

Ever since I adopted Glock pistols, I have come to respect firearms like never before in terms of handling. I'm not talking about the Glock Perfection mystique, but about clean simplicity of design and function that works so well in part because Glocks do not have external safety and decocker levers to fumble with or break. This is of even greater concern to me than the poor value issue of the HK.

[Mycroft]

Try the trigger on the HK BEFORE you buy it...

It's a beautiful looking gun, and has decent ergonomics, BUT, the trigger seems to leave alot to be desired to many people.
Some may like it, but many don't it seems.
I am still trying to like mine after all these years, but can't.