Heckler and Koch HK45 Series Armorer and Operator Review
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2024
- In this video I cover the HK45 Series, including the history and models leading up to the initial contract requirement, its safety features, models and variants and feedback from my experience with these pistols from an Armorer and Operator Perspective. Enjoy.
For reference, here is my USP Series Armorer and Operator Review:
• Teufelshund Tactical H...
And here is the Untold Story of the M23 video, we did with our friends at 1911 Syndicate and Dave Hall:
• The Untold Story of th...
'They were accurate as a mofo and stupid reliable'. That's probably the best synopsis of a firearm's qualities that I've ever heard.
Also, I carried the full size USP45 in patrol with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s. After the north Hollywood shootout, the sheriff’s department approved the 45 for carry. We just had to buy it ourselves. I also have a P7m8 and a P7m13. Love HK
I recall those days. Standard issue was the 92fs and if you qualified, it was the HK .45. But thanks as well as I could not recall if it was the USP .45 or a straight up HK45. Thank you for your service to our community.
These armorer operator reviews are my favorite firearm series on CZcams. Can't wait to watch this one.
Hands down!
The HK45C was probably one of the best .45 pistols (and best overall pistol) I've ever shot and owned!
Agree totally!👍
I concur, and this from a guy with more dollars in handguns than he cares to admit or will ever tell his next ex-wife.
I feel the same, I really like my other pistols especially my fnx 45T but I still prefer my Hk45c over anything I’ve tried so far.
Ugh… these videos are so good I had to just go grab my hk45 and USP45 and play with them while watching this masterpiece. Thank you for what you do James.
Nice.
Me too.
The most surprising part of this video was James saying he doesn't own a HK45! I had a FDE framed German HK45 that I let go of (should have kept it). I loved the look of the USP 45 Tactical and it holds 2 extra rounds, so I decided I didn't need the HK45. The USP was mostly a safe queen, but once I started shooting it more, I realized between my smaller hands, the larger blocky frame, and not being able to get your hands up very high on a USP, I was having trouble managing the recoil and just gripping the gun properly. I picked up a HK45 again and it feels much more like it fits my hands. Now, the P30 series is truly the perfect shape and size for me, but with 45 I expect it to be a little chunkier. I ended up picking up a HK45 Tactical which is US made. The US made guns use the more aggressive grip texture of the P30, while to my knowledge, the German HK45 use the "mac n' cheese" texture from the VP9. A larger gun with a slicker texture is a no-go for me. My cousin mostly shoots 1911's, but is pretty accurate with darn near anything he picks up was incredibly accurate with the USP 45 Tactical. At 10yd he was blowing out the bullseye. He didn't shoot the HK45 Tactical quite as well. I'm the other way around, just because of comfort and fit, so it really does depend on the person. Regardless, I don't know if I'd ever part with either at this point, because I know I'll regret it and just buy another one later. As James said... buy both!
Good Lord, you are the Hk master
Your level of expertise and knowledge regarding everything HK will never not be impressive.
HK said “hey James why don’t you just move into the Gray room and live here”
❤
that USP .40 gonna be my next handgun. Just because you said, that this is the calibre they designed the USP for
USP45 all day long!
Recoil system and an extra 2 rounds.
I have medium hands and the grip works with me just fine
So much historical knowledge so much information that probably have to watch this video multiple times. Thank you for sharing! 👍
Another great video full of knowledge and history. A Saturday evening we’ll spent, thanks again James for your knowledge and passion for the best firearms company in the world.
Don’t see to many USP 45 C Tactical’s. I am lucky to have one myself. Excellent video on some great HK pistols.
For those short on time and unable to watch the whole video in one sitting, the main point to take away from the video can be found @25:11
Of course you should definitely watch the entire video at some point. As always these videos are the most in depth comprehensive deep dives available on the subject.
I find that wall very comforting
Great review. Glad that you are doing these!
Phenomenal history and info here. Thank you.
Awesome review......Extremely informative......
Amazing videos! I really appreciate this long content format, full of history and details. Thank you for your hard work!
This is wonderful. So excited. I literally took one out of the safe and carried it today. It made me go to the range and folks would stop by the booth and ask about the carnage machine. The only knock on this is that they do not come with 12 round mags like the USP 45 did. Outside of the usp 45 elite this has the softest felt recoil on a 45. Made me throw every kimber and 1911 at the pawn shop.
Minus the Mark 23! Though I do think the elite is softer than the Mark 23.
Perfect work. Many thanks.
What a fantastic review! Looking forward to your next model analysis.
Thank you so much.
Just purchased HKCT best $$
Ever spent.
Great content
Really enjoyed it.
I love how structured and thorough your videos are 👍👍👍
Tasty beverage, aye sir.
I tell people I don’t have a favorite H&K pistol. It’s a lie. A bold faced lie. The HK45 is exactly as LAV states it is. Jim gives this glorious sidearm its just due here, with appropriate examples of where, why, and how its various influences came from. H&K breathed modern life into the .45 ACP twice in two decades.
Learned so much from this video man. Incredible review
Another excellent video and history lesson.
Always appreciative of the time you take to do these deep dives. You are truly a wealth of HK knowledge.
I can never pick a clear winner between my USP and HK45 but thankfully I don’t have to. Both are outstanding!
Awesome!!! Thank you... I was always an original SigSauer fan, now I have something new to think about.
Thank you for this video and the channel.
Absolutely great presentation. Thank you James for the effort. I love my H&Ks.
Glad you enjoyed it. So much more information for the H&K fans on this H&K-focused channel.
Thank you, great video professionally done.
Thank you for the video! Especially the photo from production where you see how frames are injection moulded. I think there is a Smith & Wesson video where that is shown. I love seeing how firearms are made and think it's very cool.
Happy new year and keep em' coming!
YOU MADE IT!!!! Thank you!
Excellent Content!
Fantastic video on such an underrated pistol! I absolutely love my HK45 Tactical. Thanks for taking the time to really deep dive on this!
Glad you enjoyed it. Lots more videos like it on the channel.
Thank you so much, I never understood more about the function of a handgun inside mechanics.
I hit like before I started the video because I always enjoy these videos.
I have the USP45, 2 USP Compact .45s, and a HK 45C. I have yet to add the HK 45 to my fold. I will soon though. 😎
Awesome Vid! Learned a bunch and went well with the P200 video
Mark 23 the most tested pistol in history 60,000 rounds. I read that socom report I recommend reading it’s pretty cool how much this pistol was put through. Great video by far the best channel on here !!! Thanks for sharing the knowledge we appreciate you !!
Thanks. Check out the other videos on the channel and the MK23 video we did last summer on the 1911 Syndicate channel.
Yeah, you need to get an HK45 and 45C.
I own several higher end 1911s and many other .45 caliber firearms.
Ever since I purchased a HK45 (V7) I haven't shot any other 45. That and the 45C
Now, if I were to get a USP45, that may change, but I seriously doubt it.
Beautiful well-crafted firearms that shoot bullets like guided missiles no matter how hard you run them.
It’s my bedside pistol. Thanks for this!
Picked up my 45C from you. It’s fantastic. Still partial to my USP 45 though.
Really like these in-depth videos. I don’t need another 45 pistol but if I did the only one I’d want at this point is an HK45 Tactical. Particularly if I could find an FDE or ODG frame one in LEM configuration. Great video 👍
My HK45 is still one of my favorite hammer-fired .45's. I'm still on the fence about the HK45c, though I like it more since you converted it to the LEM trigger and I added the Talon Grip pro-rubber grips.
Sweet I was wondering when you’d do a video on the HK45 and because of you I now own a H&K USP 9
Great job James. The MK23 will be the next purchase for my HK collection. I learnt a lot from your video. Thanks. Chris
Do it. My wife just brought me home a Mark 23 for valentines day. It is more than I hoped it could be.
@@Catgat37 Now THAT's one heck of a cool wife!
@@DIYDad1 even cooler that it is all her money. She makes a bunch and let me retire at 38 before we got married 3 years ago. I think she is a keeper.
@@Catgat37 congrats man that's awesome. Having just gone through divorce myself I can tell you that when you find the right one it's a real gem and a keeper.
Gotta Love Larry 24:52
I have an Hk45 tactical on order hopefully it will show soon
Hey Chris, if you don't mind me asking, where are getting your Hk Tactical 45 from ?
This video is cool, did not know USP had lightning cuts in the upper for the 9 mil version. I converted my .40 to 9 and it works brilliantly. HK, Kein Kompromess
Yes, you should watch my USP Series Video Review.
@@teufelshundtactical watching! Great stuff, I had some issues with the date codes but that was easy to figure out!
Thanks.I recently purchased a new HK45 made in Georgia. I really enjoy it but would ultimately like to convert it to LEM. Thanks for the comprehensive presentation..
Glad you enjoyed the video. I've got the LEM kits in stock, so give me a shout via the website for shipping instructions.
🔥🔥🔥
James I hope we can keep you honest on the Mark 23 video you’re saying you’re going to do! 😃
Really looking forward to that with your straight to the facts presentation style.
I was lucky enough to buy my wife an HK45 with the LEM trigger back in 2012. My only complaint is the 10 round magazine
What did u pay for it back then?
@@paulh6101 I want to say 750-800 with the LEM installed.
Really love these armorer videos! Very informative and makes me love my HKs even more. Will a P30 video come anytime soon?
Thanks. It’s up next.
Thanx for the review. For me, except for a more modular grip as well as the pic rail, the HK45 is a step backwards vs. the USP in terms of magazine capacity and in terms of technology ( dual spring system of the USP makes it definitely the smoother shooter). Sorry, i would never would replace a USP45 with an HK45.
James I adamantly request a video about everything on the wall behind you.
Well, then check out the other videos on my channel, and the H&K video series I did with my friends at 1911 Syndicate.
LEM is life
Got one of the factory full fde HK45
Great video with great information! I have a question and would love your opinion:
I have a 45C that I've been very happy with and carry often. I want to pick up another HK in 45acp as my dedicated home defense pistol. I'm stuck between another 45C, a full size 45, and a USP. I shoot the 45C well and don't have a lot of time on the others, but will happily put in the work.
Is there any benefit you know of, other than ease of mounting a light, to either of the full size 45's?
If you already have a 45C, I would recommend making that your carry gun and get a HK45 for your home defense pistol. You’ll have the benefit of similarity and sharing the larger mags from the HK45 with your C. You’ll also be able to easily mount a weapon light (a good idea for a home defense pistol).
Thanks for another incredibly thorough explanation on HK’s product line and logic in design. Quick question: when you displayed the serial number 30 USP 40, what are the dots used for on the side of the sights? My early German Sig 229 has the same feature. Just curious. Thanks again.
Thanks. For a period of time tritium sights were designated by a dot on the side.
Thank you!
Fun deep dive, thanks James!
Quick question: is it safe to occasionally feed my HK45CT .45 Super or should I stick to regular +P?
Thanks. No. Use +p if you want something extra.
Great videos James. I have the HK45c. Im new to 45acp. Curious as to what grain 45 is best for this. Obviously 230 gr is standard but wasnt sure about the lighter grains of ammo. Is it all just preference for the most part? Thanks.
You are correct. 230 grain is most common. I have never seen an issue with any quality .45 ACP ammunition. The challenges usually come from remanufactured/reloaded ammo that is out of spec.
Damnit James, every time I watch one of your videos, I go out and buy another HK Pistol! Shh, my wife is coming…
And that’s why they call me the H&K Enabler.
Great explanation, Thanks. Do you think they'll up the magazine round count like they did the P30?
Thanks. That would be a smart choice. Not sure the demand is there like it was for the 9mm models. Sounds like you should start emailing H&K.
What stops an hk45 slide assembly from being placed on a usp45 frame?
Another great entry in the series, James. Maybe it's a small detail, but I appreciate that you don't skip over the safety mechanisms even though they're quite similar with other HKs you've covered. It helps keep the videos useful as a standalone resource for the future.
There's a fair bit of internet 'lore' that goes unchecked regarding the HK45 that I'm hoping you can settle if you have the time. (1) Is the felt recoil of the USP45 noticeably different from the HK45? The 30% reduction number from HK during the USP days is well known, but has HK claimed that carries over to the HK45?
(2) It is often claimed that the USP45 can eat a modest diet of .45 Super ammunition, allegedly owing to that dual spring assembly. I see plenty of people hesitant on trying that ammo with the HK45 because of the different spring assembly and fear of damaging the frame. Do you have any insight regarding .45 super ammunition in these platforms?
I always cover the safety features and will continue to do so. Glad you appreciate the deep dive.
I do not have exact figures on recoil mitigation, in the HK45, but as mentioned in the video, designers found the flat recoil spring was sufficient.
I'm not sure why so many people are infatuated with .45 Super and keep asking about the ability to use it in H&K pistols designed for .45 ACP. The owners manual that accompanies each weapon sold is very clear on what ammunition is recommended. .45 Super is not.
@@teufelshundtactical Thanks for the insight!
Dear James, this was a great video. The level of detail is outstanding and I greatly appreciated your incorporation of quotes and information from serious users in the presentation. I own two HK45's (standard and tactical) and want a USP45 (or maybe a standard/tactical pairing) to accompany them. Could you please turn me onto the full maintenance schedule information for the HK45 and USP45 (especially the HK45)? I'm kind of desperate to know when to replace springs and parts (or to inspect for wear/proper function). Not being able to find that information is driving me crazy. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it. Lots more H&K content on the channel, including Maintenance videos, but to answer your question, I recommended a tear down and cleaning at 5,000 rounds and spring replacement at 10,000.
@@teufelshundtactical Thank you, sir. I will add these points to my notes.
Awwww yea
What was the accuracy potential on the mk23 and USP45T?
MK23 program test requirement was not to exceed: 2.5" maximum extreme spread at 25 meters, using M1911 ball and when tested with suppressor mounted, 2' of maximum point of impact change at 25 meters.
James, are my eyes deceiving me or do the early Mark 23/ USP's have steel paddle mag releases? Great addition to the video library.
I believe so.
James, with the HK45 series, it is possible to have the LEM action with an external safety? Thank you for the thorough information and history on HK products!
Yes
The HK45 and USP 45 are the only reason I have 45 chambered pistols. Otherwise, I'd only own 9mm pistols. Wonder if HK will ever increase the HK45 10 round capacity two rounds. Like what was done with the P30, going from 15 to 17.
I thought A is 0, B is 1, C is 2...etc
1:05:15
Is it different between Walther and H&K ?
Love your channel and your take on Chicken Biscuits and letting them Georgians know where to find better biscuits.
A = 0, B = 1. If I misspoke that was my error.
Dear sir, can my 45 gun use the flat trigger from the USP or P30 model?
THX for information
The trigger is different. I believe Gray Guns is working on a trigger. You should check with them on that availability.
James, do you know if HK will ever make a 10mm pistol in an HK 45 size platform?
They will not unless there is a large LE or mil requirement for such a caliber offering.
Another great in-depth video as always! Question I have always had that can't seem to be answered. I've heard that the USP45/USP45T is capable of handling a steady diet of 45 Super. I know the MK23 was built to handle the 45 super as well. Is the HK45 and HK45T able to handle the 45 Super pressures as well? I didn't know if the USP had the same recoil assembly as the HK45, I assumed the USP45 had the exact same recoil assembly as the 9MM and 40 USP. Maybe I missed that.
Not that I'd shoot a ton of 45 Super but it might be something I'd think about keeping a box around for whatever.
Also interesting fact, my US made HK45T doesn't have any proof marks or SN's on the slide. Only visible SN is under the pic rail on the one I have. The proof mark molded into the frame is marked "P". This is probably a later generation from Columbus GA if I had to guess. Just an interesting observation.
Always appreciate your helpful insights!
Thanks. .45 Super is not recommended.
And the Recoil spring is not the same between USP and HK45.
@@teufelshundtacticalThat's what I had figured as well, sounds like +P is at least ok from what I understand. These things are all built like tanks regardless!
My biggest issue here is that I have had to go out and get all 3 of my USP45Ts milled for a red dot from primary machine.
They did an excellent job, but this should be standard from H&k.
I truly believe the USP45 would sell far more than the HK45 if they did a re release with an updated frame and optic cut.
I hear everything you’re saying, but H&K is already selling every gun that they build. Nothing is just sitting in the warehouse in Columbus gathering dust. And their production line is going full speed every day, so I just don’t see them devoting time, money and production capacity to update older models.
@@teufelshundtactical I hear you as well. Just unfortunate
The gray room needs a g28!
Could you address the issue of 45 Super and if they can handle an occasional diet?
H&K does not recommend it.
@@teufelshundtactical thank you for answering. Subscribed!
What’s your thoughts that .45 super can be fired in the HK45 or USP45?
Don’t.
Why, plenty of people do it. The barrels can take it. All the way up to 450 smc
@@HKBuilderDIYWhy? Because H&K specifically tells you not to.
@@teufelshundtactical “The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules.” - Barbossa
I mean, it works; the USP is an overbuilt tank. I'd assume the same from HK45
Hmm what about the mk23? I was thinking bout picking one up for moose protection while hunting but if it cant handle super i might as well go find a 10mm
In depth. Good but could be shorter i think
Is that a mini XM8 on the wall? Thats crazy
Yep, check out the video we did on it here:
czcams.com/video/IwYGxSA2Y3Y/video.htmlsi=pz_uyMVLTVCKyW6N
I don’t think anyone really likes Glocks, they are just practical enough to settle for 😂
What caused the false reset issue? My CT has it.
If you have an issue with your H&K, contact Ryan in H&K Repair for warranty service.
I come here in hopes of finding an answer since there is a lot of HK knowledgeable people here. Is anyone aware of what parts are interchangeable with the HK45, more specifically the, the trigger? Like, does the full size HK USP 45 parts fit the HK45? Thanks!
Some of the parts are the same, some are not. If you have a DA/SA model and want to convert it to LEM< that conversion kit is universal for all USP and HK45 series models.
@@teufelshundtactical Understood. Thank you. Do you happen to know if the full sized USP flat trigger would be able to be dropped in to the HK45?
H&k does not offer a flat trigger for the USP.@@tylerbarclay629
@@teufelshundtactical Sorry, I should've specified the USP flat trigger from GrayGuns
That is a question fro Gray Guns.@@tylerbarclay629
Can the HK45 safely handle .45 Super like the USP?
No. Read your owners manual.
Gteat Video
Is HK considering producing a 10mm? I would love to see a HK10.
No. Not going to happen.
Until enough militaries adopt 10mm, I highly doubt that.
If the HK45 was the culmination of upgrades from the USP, and one of the complaints from the USP was girth, why is the hk45 thicker (width) than the USP according to the HK website?
I don’t have the guns in front of me to measure, but if you did, you would see that the HK45 slide and receiver are more contoured. Head to a local gun store and check out the comparison yourself.
At 44:53, you say that the backstraps on the HK45 allow you to have "Small, medium, and large backstraps". My understanding is that there are only two backstraps for the full-sized HK45, Medium (which ships on the pistol) and Large (which comes in the case). Can you confirm? Thanks so much James, I'm a huge fan of your content.
Designed with three. That may have changed somewhere along production.
Can you do G28 next?
To do the G28, I'd have to have one and there are none in the US. If they bring another in on temporary import, that could be a possibility.
Settle for the CSASS? @@teufelshundtactical
@@teufelshundtactical settle for a CSASS?
@@reconhippy8352I have not done that on my channel, but last summer, I helped my friends at 1911 Syndicate do the first (and only) video on the SDMR. You can find it on their channel.
The light makes you look like a ghost bro
Thanks for the feedback.
The lighting is terrible on you, but fantastic for the guns, which is what matters. One very minor plea - please clear your nose before filming. The sniffing is a bit much. @@teufelshundtactical
Unless I'm mistaken you referred to U.S. proofs. I thought there was no 'proof' requirement so therefore no U.S. 'proofs.' My HK 45C has zero proof marks.
Mine has a ‘P’ stamped on the plastic frame on the left side in a square box.
@@cletustheslackjawedyokel6083 That's not likely a proof mark. Proof marks are usually on the barrel/breech of a handgun. They don't proof test plastic frames.
The current HK SP5 made in Germany has the antler proof mark printed on the plastic trigger housing (grip) that is removable. So, yes they proof the barrel/breach, but it is not uncommon to put proof marks other places. For example all of the M1 Garand and M1 Carbines had the proof mark stamped onto the grip of the wood stock (a circle with a ‘P’ inside or sometimes just a P).
@@cletustheslackjawedyokel6083 ...and U.S. made pistols have what proof mark?
you don't own an HK ???!!! ‐ HOW DAAARE YOOOUUU !!!
I thought this was supposed to be about the HK45, but after watching about 1/2 of the video it seems to be about the USP instead
To understand everything that came after the USP, you have to first understand the USP. And you also have to watch the full video.
That's asking too much of some internet folk, sadly. @@teufelshundtactical
"Trigger Trough" on full size HK45 is a bad idea; HK should have never done this; and thankfully it is not on the compact model.