View Full Version : Why is HK USP handguns SO expensive?
It seems there's no reason for it. It probably cost the same amount as a Glock but why?
been brought up numerous times...try the search feature.
quick explanation...simple economics, cost of R&D, not made in the US (yet), HK markets more towards Law Enforcement then civilian.
MrMurphy
09-16-2004, 21:58
What he said..... even though they market mostly towards LE, the USP (designed for the American market) hasn't caught on in many places due to cost.
H&K= expensive. Period. Generally though, you get what you pay for... very high quality guns.
USP= Around 700-800 dollars depending where you are.
Many Kimber 1911's I see are close to hitting the 1,000$ mark, and some go over.
SIGs are pricey too.
SIGSAREBETTER
09-16-2004, 22:12
SIGs and HKs are pretty pricey generally, but you more then get what you pay for. Top-notch guns.
clubsoda22
09-16-2004, 22:23
I got mine for $400 as a police trade in. Couldn't have asked for a nicer gun.
USMC03Grunt
09-16-2004, 22:29
One word...Quality. ^c
SIGSAREBETTER
09-17-2004, 00:26
Originally posted by clubsoda22
I got mine for $400 as a police trade in. Couldn't have asked for a nicer gun.
Yep deals can be had. I got my 99% example for $454.
Dead Man's Hand
09-17-2004, 00:44
Good guns but a little over-rated for their price range. I would say they are better in quality then Glocks, XD, P99, SW99, and the other plastic fantastics but not hundreds of dollars worth of better. I would hold out for a like new used one and save some money.
Hermo Gut
09-17-2004, 04:09
Why expensive ? It's HK's MYSTIQUE. Even at a pricey cost, you'll always tend to have another one after acquiring one or come back after disposing one.
It's either the quality or the UGLY unfailing reliable design. ;)
fnfalman
09-17-2004, 07:34
Why is the USP expensive? Because for the last fifteen years, a lot of the cool commando-types bought into the HK hype and now anything that's stamped "HK" will command a ludicrously high price.
Don't get me wrong. The USP is a good piece, but $800+ for a combat tupperware? With some serious negotiation, I got my USP45C down to $700 and I still think that it's too much.
MrMurphy
09-17-2004, 07:38
Actually, commando types have been using H&K since 1970s. The 1980 Iranian embassy thing definitely caught everyone's attention and they all became big MP5 fans.
The USP was chosen to be the sidearm for the German army several years ago. It was not developed as a law enforcement, but as a military sidearm. The H&K Tactical serves the Bundeswehr elite units as a P12, I read somewhere.
That's like asking why Mercedes Benz is so exspensive. Because people will pay it.;f Think of the entry level USP pistol as the entry level C230.
I'll let you in on a little secret, they all make the same damn hole.;)
USMC03Grunt
09-17-2004, 08:28
That's like asking why Mercedes Benz is so exspensive. Because people will pay it. Think of the entry level USP pistol as the entry level C230.
I'll let you in on a little secret, they all make the same damn hole.
And be it Mercedes, a Yugo or Ford Pinto, all will get you to point B as well. It's just a matter of enjoying the trip. ;f
blueiron
09-17-2004, 10:41
German and Swiss firearms are more expensive due to the high production costs associated with the very high price of labor and worker benefits.
Increased prices don't always equate to higher quality. For example, look at Daimler-Chrysler. Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz was known for quality vehicles. Over the past ten years, production quality, quality control, and corporate support for owners has dropped precipitously. Many former Benz owners have grown disgusted and refuse to go own or drive another. BMW had been a beneficiary of this, but they are having huge problems with the I-Drive feature in the 7 and 5 series of cars.
The Germans and Swiss have excellent engineering universities and engineering is virtually national obsession in both countries, but in Germany's case, they stand to lose a great deal due to a lack of production quality across all product lines.
As an H-K armorer, I have noticed that the interal parts of the newer weapons aren't as finely finished as they once were. This was observed in a MP-5 from the early 80's versus one from a 2002 production run.
I was extremely disappointed in a Sauer hunting rifle I bought three years ago. Shoddy machining and improperly finished wood were the major problems.
fnfalman
09-17-2004, 11:09
BMW had been a beneficiary of this, but they are having huge problems with the I-Drive feature in the 7 and 5 series of cars.
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The I-Drive is an electronic gadget that doesn't affect the true operation of BMW vehicles. And yes, it was a brilliantly conceived idea with piss poor user interface design. Though supposedly it's getting "friendlier" with the new models. A damn shame.
Alas, I digress. Yes, I know that the Deutschmark and the Euro conversion rate aren't as favorable to the US Dollar as it used to be. Yes, I know that German labor costs are more. BUT, really, look at the plastic frames. How much do you think it costs to make that thing? Look at how cheap Glocks are and they're made by the Austrians whose economy is about the same as the Germans and the Swiss.
Mr.Murphy, the only reason the MP5 was used extensively way back when because it was the first submachine gun that has inherent accuracy. The Bundeswehr used Uzis for their subguns.
blueiron
09-17-2004, 12:00
Originally posted by fnfalman
BMW had been a beneficiary of this, but they are having huge problems with the I-Drive feature in the 7 and 5 series of cars.
----------------------------------
Alas, I digress. Yes, I know that the Deutschmark and the Euro conversion rate aren't as favorable to the US Dollar as it used to be. Yes, I know that German labor costs are more. BUT, really, look at the plastic frames. How much do you think it costs to make that thing? Look at how cheap Glocks are and they're made by the Austrians whose economy is about the same as the Germans and the Swiss.
H-K and Glock have two dissimilar business models. Glock makes many products other than firearms and have a marketing strategy designed to saturate the military, government, and civilian markets with pistols. Glock has employed the lessons of Henry Ford in the marketing of his handguns, and done it brilliantly. Glock builds one type of weapon, unlike H-K.
Heckler and Koch has chosen to draw their business model as a traditional arms company. The arms markets are in flux due to geopolitical considerations, the marketing of weapons from current and former communist countries, and evolving weapons design theories among the world customer base. They are charging more money to insulate themselves from market changes and to protect their shareholders.
FLIPPER 348
09-17-2004, 12:59
because they can
striderglock
09-17-2004, 12:59
with over-hyped comes over-priced.
FLIPPER 348
09-17-2004, 13:55
hype to some, perfection to others
..........ya gotta love a free market system!
Guy Powell
09-17-2004, 14:50
May I ask WHY HKs are supposedly better than say, Glocks? Is it their quality control? Their reliability? Ergonomics and/or accuracy?
We've just had a K-9 handler leave after his two week detector dog course and he carries a HK 40cal. I've never seen one so he showed it to me. The pistol felt really, really nice, pointed well, but no better than my G19 it seems. One thing that did REALLY surprise me though. It was FULL of rust! The officer claims he'd always taken exceptional care of the pistol, and it was clean/oiled as I'd think it should be, and that he couldn't understand the rusting. Is that a pattern with these pistols?
Our local gun/pawn has a couple of them, a 9mm and a 40cal, for $429.99 and $479.00 respectively, and the 9mm sure feels good. So, I'm truly curious as to why they're better pistols?
Thanks.
FLIPPER 348
09-17-2004, 14:59
they are only 'better' pistols to the folks that like the features they provide............... that are different than what is provided with a Glock
There are two reasons:
1) Socialism: When you purchase anything German (and from most other European countries too), you are also paying for the added costs that their socialist system of government puts on manufacturers.
2) Exchange rate: Inflation in the US is low compared to German (and almost all other countries). This is good, but the down side is that US currency is less attractive for investors. This makes it worth less relative to other currencies. Imports cost more, but it helps US exports.
Bret...
how is US currency less desired by investors? It's a purely fiat system that is pretty damn stable when compared to the rest of the world. thus, making it very atractive to investors. remember when we found sadam, he had about 150k in US money on him, why? cause while it's backed by nothing it's desired by every country almost for it's stability.
sundance43.5
09-17-2004, 17:19
Originally posted by blueiron
H-K and Glock have two dissimilar business models. Glock makes many products other than firearms and have a marketing strategy designed to saturate the military, government, and civilian markets with pistols. Glock has employed the lessons of Henry Ford in the marketing of his handguns, and done it brilliantly. Glock builds one type of weapon, unlike H-K.
Heckler and Koch has chosen to draw their business model as a traditional arms company. The arms markets are in flux due to geopolitical considerations, the marketing of weapons from current and former communist countries, and evolving weapons design theories among the world customer base. They are charging more money to insulate themselves from market changes and to protect their shareholders.
Uhhhh, other than knives, shovels, and guns, what else does Glock make?
HK is probably the second biggest arms maker (at least non-communist, as I realize Norinco is probably huge) in the world, only FN is probably bigger, and maybe not.
HK makes several different models and calibers of pistols, not to mention some of the finest rifles in the world. They are on the cutting edge of weapons technology. They have also received the contract for the XM-8, the successor to the M16, which is a HUGE contract, probably one of the biggest arms contracts in the world.
So...I'm wondering where your line of logic is coming from.
evlbruce
09-17-2004, 17:32
Originally posted by Mwildt
Bret...
how is US currency less desired by investors?
Three Words:
Massive Public Debt.
Combine that with; no attempt to reign in Federal expenditures, let alone pay off any of the accumulated debt, nor find long-term solvency for any of the major entitlement programs.
I for one am looking to put my money overseas.
Guy Powell
09-17-2004, 18:41
Uhhhh, other than knives, shovels, and guns, what else does Glock make?
As a surprise to me I read where Glock still made most of the plastics in the Mercedes car lines and all of their emergency tool kits. It said that those products were some of Glock's first and that they're still doing this more out of committment than anything else.
Sort of like Makarovs being made in the same plant as cardiac pace makers???;g
blueiron
09-18-2004, 00:15
Originally posted by sundance43.5
Uhhhh, other than knives, shovels, and guns, what else does Glock make?
HK is probably the second biggest arms maker (at least non-communist, as I realize Norinco is probably huge) in the world, only FN is probably bigger, and maybe not.
HK makes several different models and calibers of pistols, not to mention some of the finest rifles in the world. They are on the cutting edge of weapons technology. They have also received the contract for the XM-8, the successor to the M16, which is a HUGE contract, probably one of the biggest arms contracts in the world.
So...I'm wondering where your line of logic is coming from.
Line of logic? That's their business model, not mine. Any company that limits themselves to making only firearms will soon find themselves with a success saturation point. Whether the arms are military or sporting makes no difference, only in scale. The arms trade is a relatively small, insular, and restricted business. It makes no difference whether their weapons are adequate or first rate, how many customers are available in a given market?
The XM-8 is a substantial contract, BUT, it is subject to the vagaries of national politics. Several U.S. politicians will want a U.S. designed and built weapon for U.S. troops [Germany wasn't all that helpful in Iraq, ya know]and they can and will try to limit or eliminate funding for a German weapon system. The U.S. Army isn't 100% for the XM-8, although it has been recommended for procurement. Don't believe it? Read up on why the T-48 [FN-FAL] wasn't accepted and the M-14 was. If H-K builds all the XM-8 rifles, how many will that be? Perhaps 500,000 to 800,000 rifles. That work will be completed in a few years and the DoD won't order any more for at least a decade. If you were a businessman, are you willing to limit your company in that fashion? Not a chance. You need to have a regular production product and firearms are a limited product. They last quite a while and there are only so many customers for the output.
Glock is into plastics big time. Just like Sturm, Ruger is into investment casting auto parts and why Smith and Wesson makes golf clubs. Colt Industries realized that auto parts and other metal technologies were more successful and they got out of the firearms business. Diversification allows for a company to rely on everyday consumer/industrial products, not just a contract for 500,000 to 800,000 guns.
You have assumed that I don't like or care for H-K. In that, you are incorrect. They simply have a different business model than Glock. FN, Browning, Winchester and several French weapons manufacturers are owned by GIAT. Izhmash and Norinco are the big ones on the block, but both of them make consumer and industrial products as well.
I've definitely heard that Norinco makes substantial amount of civilian goods, just like the Russian Izhmaash. they range from motorcycles to stereo equipment and everything else. In a state controlled economy, the military industry is treated with preferred status so they can produce military goods and be supplemented by civilian goods. HK and Glock dont' have this kind of luxuary.
sundance43.5
09-18-2004, 07:31
[i]
The XM-8 is a substantial contract, BUT, it is subject to the vagaries of national politics. Several U.S. politicians will want a U.S. designed and built weapon for U.S. troops [Germany wasn't all that helpful in Iraq, ya know]and they can and will try to limit or eliminate funding for a German weapon system. The U.S. Army isn't 100% for the XM-8, although it has been recommended for procurement. Don't believe it? Read up on why the T-48 [FN-FAL] wasn't accepted and the M-14 was. If H-K builds all the XM-8 rifles, how many will that be? Perhaps 500,000 to 800,000 rifles. That work will be completed in a few years and the DoD won't order any more for at least a decade. If you were a businessman, are you willing to limit your company in that fashion? Not a chance. You need to have a regular production product and firearms are a limited product. They last quite a while and there are only so many customers for the output.
[/B]
HK is building a plant in the U.S. so that they can secure the XM-8 contract. 500-800,000 rifles? The XM-8 is replacing the M16 and several other weapons. The contract for the XM8 will, if not immediately then eventually, entail millions upon millions of different versions of the rifle. Again, this is why I said it would be one of the largetst small arms contracts in the world.
live-free-r-die
09-18-2004, 09:52
I got my brand new USP 6 years ago for $619 in California, prices have really gone up.
cognitivefun
09-18-2004, 10:08
I don't know. I have an K&K P7M8 and it cost $1000 when I bought it. Why is it so expensive? Dunno.
But I paid it somehow ;u
lastevolution
09-18-2004, 10:15
It's because HK has a fairly complicated pistol that isn't as simple to produce, like a Glock, and that complicated manufacturing process drives the price up. Glocks are cheap because they're easy to manufacture; they don't have 70 parts to make or assemble, or complicated designs.
fnfalman
09-18-2004, 11:29
I have an K&K P7M8 and it cost $1000 when I bought it. Why is it so expensive? Dunno.
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When the P7 came out in the late 1980s, they were sold for $350 and HK couldn't even give it away. Suddenly the gunzine gunslingers began to write up about now wonderful this gun is and people started to pay $1000+ for a used one.
Don't get me wrong, it's a decent gun, but not for the current prices. However, it ain't my money to be spent on it. So by all means.
FLIPPER 348
09-18-2004, 12:33
supply--demand
I bought one in the early 80s when I turned 21 and have had one ever since, my first auto pistol btw. They were priced closer to $400 or so when they first came out but it was their quality & function that sold them then and continues to drive sales up in the $1200 area. High price??? ..........sure is, but the production line & output numbers are very small with not uncommon 6-8 month gaps in avialibility due to law enforcment/security firm buyouts of production runs. Supply is always low and demand continues so the price remains high.
Originally posted by Mwildt
Bret...
how is US currency less desired by investors? It's a purely fiat system that is pretty damn stable when compared to the rest of the world. thus, making it very atractive to investors. remember when we found sadam, he had about 150k in US money on him, why? cause while it's backed by nothing it's desired by every country almost for it's stability.
Low inflation in the US means that there are low interest rates. From an investors standpoint, where is he going to put the money? In a stable currency like the Euro or British Pound that is paying a higher rate of interest or in a stable currency like the US Dollar that is paying a lower rate of interest? All else being equal, the investor will go for the higher interest rate. This causes the other currency to be worth more relative to the US Dollar. Because demand is higher for the other currency, one must offer up more US Dollars to purchase that currency. Since HK stuff is made in Germany, they do business in Euros. Therefore, it takes more US Dollars to purchase German products. Over the past several years, this is exactly what has happened. When inflation kicks up in the US (and therefore interest rates go up too) and/or inflation goes down in Europe, the situation will reverse itself. All of this is really neither good nor bad. Sure, foreign products cost more in the US when US interest rates are low, but that means that US products cost less over there. This translates in to more exports which means more manufacturing jobs in the US.
fastbolt
09-18-2004, 16:12
Why do they cost more?
Aside from the reasonable business practices explanations ... because they're HK.
It might be offered that the USP is an example of how superior engineering can incorporate so many parts into a single pistol design.:)
I'm not a HK armorer (Colt, S&W, Glock), but a friend of mine who is has provided some interesting stories on the way their USP .45's "drink" lubrication, and "don't enjoy being low on oil". He's also amazed at how many parts Dieter was able to shoehorn into the USP design and still make it work.;) He personally favors the LEM trigger ... but really prefers a Glock.
I think they're a decent service weapon, all things considered, although I personally don't favor their DA/SA operation, myself. The DA stroke is long, heavy and stacking ... and the SA reset is not only longer than I personally prefer, but the SA letoff is also less predictable, and more "springy", than I'd prefer if I were spending my own money.
For ordinary defensive "service weapon" use, though, the USP is certainly easy enough to effectively use with proper training. The accuracy is on a par with most other quality pistols (SIG, Walther, Glock, S&W, Beretta, etc.).
Their ergonomics are what they are ...
Their abilities to endure environmental conditions are what they are ... (regarding the non-stainless slides) ... and might be better than the (non-stainless) SIG's.
MichaelVain
09-18-2004, 17:03
When you buy an HK, you are buying into a company that has a single mindset of being the foremost arms manufacturer. Their product line includes just about everything you are ever going to need. From small subcompact pistols to automatic grenade launchers. While this doesnt necessarily favor the consumer in terms of price, availability, or customer service, you are buying a product from basically, the most innovative company. From the VP70's use of polymer to the roller lock rifles like the MP5 to the G36 and now the XM8.
Any other manufacturer out there like SIG, Glock, Beretta, etc etc all make quality pistols. The stock SIG trigger is better, the Glock finish seems tougher, the Beretta...well, it is what it is.
But if you take the whole package, the USP series beats them all, in my opinion. I have HKs, SIGs, and a Beretta, and the HKs to me are simply better.
Don't own a Glock, but I've shot them, never impressed me enough to buy one.
M
lastevolution
09-18-2004, 17:44
Originally posted by MichaelVain
When you buy an HK, you are buying into a company that has a single mindset of being the foremost arms manufacturer. Their product line includes just about everything you are ever going to need. From small subcompact pistols to automatic grenade launchers. While this doesnt necessarily favor the consumer in terms of price, availability, or customer service, you are buying a product from basically, the most innovative company. From the VP70's use of polymer to the roller lock rifles like the MP5 to the G36 and now the XM8.
Any other manufacturer out there like SIG, Glock, Beretta, etc etc all make quality pistols. The stock SIG trigger is better, the Glock finish seems tougher, the Beretta...well, it is what it is.
But if you take the whole package, the USP series beats them all, in my opinion. I have HKs, SIGs, and a Beretta, and the HKs to me are simply better.
Don't own a Glock, but I've shot them, never impressed me enough to buy one.
M
And what IS a Beretta?
clubsoda22
09-18-2004, 21:39
Originally posted by lastevolution
And what IS a Beretta?
please tell me you're joking. For one thing, they're great guns
I own an HK USP, glock 26 and beretta 92 (actually a taurus). My shooting buddy has a sig 228 so i have lots of experiance with it. They are all great guns and all of them have pluses and minuses, but are still some of the best handguns you can buy.
Build Quality. Marketing. Mystique.
Seriously.
HK's are great autos, no doubt. But they are much like any 'mystique' product and the command higher prices based on perception. HK simply sets MSRP differently, thus the sale prices are higher. Aside from some international economic indicators it is mostly arbitrary.
From many of those that buy them, while they rightfully perceive the HK's high quality, they also have an emotional (though not always obvious) attachment. They paid a high price, perceive it as a status symbol and extol them as 'better'.
The HK line about compromise hits home.
Ultimately, while they are great guns, they are just not the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'v never read an article or otherwise stating it is the end all be all of pistols. And it isn't.
For an analogy that is sure to ruffle feathers, they are like Aston Martins; highly capable in the world of pistols, but as much on exclusivity and status as daily ability.
T
PS. maybe it's the cider, I don't know…
Expensive yes. Are glocks cheaper because they are cheaper quality? Debatable. The polymer is distinctly different between the two. I think there are more parts, more assembly procedures etc that contribute, but I am just guessing.
MichaelVain
09-19-2004, 06:01
Oops, I didnt mean to bash Beretta. I like my Beretta Inox, it was the first gun I ever bought. What I meant was the Beretta is what it is...meaning it's good in all aspects, neither standing out in any nor being terrible in any.
i.e. SIG trigger rocks and shoots great, but the mags are awful.
HK has great mags good finish, great durability, great functioning, but stock trigger could have been better.
I hope this clears up what I meant.
and I agree with the previous poster re: mystique value.
sundance43.5
09-19-2004, 07:26
Originally posted by MichaelVain
Oops, I didnt mean to bash Beretta. I like my Beretta Inox, it was the first gun I ever bought. What I meant was the Beretta is what it is...meaning it's good in all aspects, neither standing out in any nor being terrible in any.
i.e. SIG trigger rocks and shoots great, but the mags are awful.
HK has great mags good finish, great durability, great functioning, but stock trigger could have been better.
I hope this clears up what I meant.
and I agree with the previous poster re: mystique value.
Let me get this straight. You are saying that sig mags, i.e. made of metal and VERY sturdy, are worse than those crappy, flimsy, chincy (insert adjective for "cheap" here) plastic mags?
I'm sorry, but HK has some of the worst mags of any major gun company.
FLIPPER 348
09-19-2004, 09:42
and the best! .......................the P7 series mags
plastic mags----yuck!
Wolfgangamadeus
09-19-2004, 11:05
Whats bad about HK mags?
lastevolution
09-19-2004, 15:58
I apologize for sounding like the Beretta sucks. I was wondering what he thought about the Beretta (as I am deciding between that and a Glock). That's all, no Beretta bashing from me.
the full size USP line has plactic mags, while the compact series has nice metal mags
Wolfgangamadeus
09-19-2004, 18:46
maybe they just started plastic mags, my USP45F has metal mags.
Full sized 9mm and 40s&w USPs have plastic mags, but the 45 has metal mags.
MichaelVain
09-20-2004, 05:48
SIG mags are hard to load to capacity, at least the 10 rounders were. Also, the finish of the mag wears rather quickly.
I have 10 factory 10 rounder SIG mags for both the 229 .40 and 226NSW. All the mags are hard to load and make a creaking noise as you load the last couple rounds.
Actually, I think the HK mags are the best. The finish is great, they load easily and are pretty durable.
I have to say though, the 25 round 226 mags are kinda cool, as well as the 28 (advertised as 30) round for the Beretta 92FS.
If HK ever put out those 30 round USP mags, I'd be rather happy.
M
Originally posted by Guntec
It seems there's no reason for it. It probably cost the same amount as a Glock but why?
Supply and demand, and dopes like us keep buying 'em.
I would imagine the quality edge - and I think there is one - in the HK requires a higher cost manufacturing process, but not enough to justify the cost. Glock also deals in higher volume. Like cars, there are bargain models, mid-range and high-end in terms of cost.
Of course, high cost is not synonomous with high quality.
Gone my USP40c used for $495
Originally posted by lastevolution
I apologize for sounding like the Beretta sucks. I was wondering what he thought about the Beretta (as I am deciding between that and a Glock). That's all, no Beretta bashing from me.
FLIPPER 348
09-25-2004, 13:31
I'll gladly bash the berreta so-called Ellite II that I overpaid for................and gladly sold at a loss. What a POS for the price. And not near as accurate as my M92 beater issue pistol in the Army!!
Originally posted by MichaelVain
SIG mags are hard to load to capacity, at least the 10 rounders were. Also, the finish of the mag wears rather quickly.
I have 10 factory 10 rounder SIG mags for both the 229 .40 and 226NSW. All the mags are hard to load and make a creaking noise as you load the last couple rounds.
Actually, I think the HK mags are the best. The finish is great, they load easily and are pretty durable.
I have to say though, the 25 round 226 mags are kinda cool, as well as the 28 (advertised as 30) round for the Beretta 92FS.
If HK ever put out those 30 round USP mags, I'd be rather happy.
M
Michael: Mark McWillis has some 33 round HK mags available. See his ad on HKPRO. Or E-mail him.
Qualität hat ihren Preis
Quality has his price
Phelen_Kell
09-28-2004, 20:26
Originally posted by live-free-r-die
I got my brand new USP 6 years ago for $619 in California, prices have really gone up.
yes they have! I paid $569 for my USP-C (.357) in 2000. Prices nowadays are making me not want the p2000sk....
but.....i gotta have it!
For the cost of that, I could buy a nice rifle...
Smiles007
09-30-2004, 14:30
I had been debating between buying my brother's USP .45 or getting a G21. I took the HK to the range and rented a 21. At all ranges, my group sizes from the HK were half the size of the groups out of the G21. So for me at least, the HK was more accurate. Familiarity with each pistols actually favored Glock as I own several. I did not like the DA pull of the HK, but since it is a variant 1, I can shoot in SA. I ended up buying the HK. Mostly because I shot it better, but also partly due to the mystique of it. It goes great with my 2000 BMW 5 Series as well.
Originally posted by MichaelVain
I have to say though, the 25 round 226 mags are kinda cool
M
Link? ? ? I have a 226NSW, and am looking for some higher capacity mags.
Dani_dad
10-03-2004, 21:52
I paid $450.00 for mine. USP 40 compact. Yes it was used, but very little and shoots very good.
shadowhunter
10-05-2004, 19:46
Business 101 class: In today’s global market if it cost more and the product is not better than the competition, the product will not sell and the company will not survive.
It is expensive to make a gun pretty, polish, plating, and premium pretty grips. The Hks are not that kind of expensive. There are a few firearms that are in an elite group designed to keep your butt alive when it hits the fan, they simply cost more. There is not another hand gun in the world that I would choose for this purpose, in a world of compromise some don't Hk ^c
ilikeglocks
10-05-2004, 20:31
The word "expensive" is subjective. I don't think HK's are "expensive". Compared to another brand maybe it costs more, but everything is relevant. A good example was posted earlier about the mercedes... totally true. Don't get me wrong, even mercedes break just like everything else, but really it's all about "status sterotypes". Bet you don't hear people saying, " Oh my, he has a ford, he must be rich." (well unless you're one of the few to buy the new Ford GT) HK knows how much it can market it's products for, and thats what the company does. Like Glock, with the LE/military, HK with the "elite" (so to say). Bottom line.... if you really want a HK, you'll pay to get it. I have a glock31 and a USP45T and I love BOTH!!! I don't know, just buy a USP if you want one cause the resale value on HK's isn't that bad anyway. Great firearm, and you'll have another toy (not to mention a HK) in your collection! Thats always a good thing. ;)
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