Have both and totally agree with you. After holding and shooting the HK45CT, even my USPs all do alot more sitting time. To me the HK45CT is probably the best overall pistol I have shot especially in the 45 cal.
I have the HK 45 Compact Tactical with the LEM trigger, bobbed hammer, and upgraded springs. The grip was stippled and, I have to say, I wasn't a fan of stippling, but on this gun it worked great. It's a very solid purchase on the weapon and really helps me out. Great video, thanks.
Thanks for the kind words, and for watching! The LEM is awesome. If I didn't have so much time spent with the standard DA/SA HKs, I'd have converted all of mine. The HK45 safety location really irks me, to the point that I'm going to be converting mine to decocker only and moving the lever to the other side where it can't slowly consume the skin on the underside of my thumb. Who did you stippling, if you don't mind me asking?
@@thegunpenguin I picked the gun up from the original owner, a guy about 2 1/2 hours south of me. I can't say for sure who stippled it, but I have his contact information. I'll find out and get back with you. I definitely get what you mean about the safety location. It's not ideal, but after years of carrying Beretta 92FS pistols and a handful of others with manual thumb safeties I guess it doesn't bug me as much as it should.
@@jamessnider4605 Thanks! I really appreciate it. I'm a fellow Beretta fan, and I've never been troubled by it's safety, or that of the 1911, or hell, really anything else. Even the USP. There's just something about both the HK45 Compact and the full-size. It takes the skin right off, and leaves me with a bruise. I guess it's a perfectly awful intersection of hand size and grip geometry.
@@thegunpenguin It's definitely in the way. Aside from that I absolutely love the pistol. I know there's several other variants, but I like this one. Maybe moving that over would be the best answer. As soon as I get information on the stipple I'll reply back to you.
@@jamessnider4605 Thanks, and I appreciate you weighing in on the safety location, too. I'm with you all the way -- other than that one small issue, this is my favorite .45 ever. I'll let you know if moving the lever feels any better, or if it just adds unnecessary inconvenience.
I have the full-size 45 tactical which might have one of the most comfortable grips on the market. Love the P30L as well but had to send off to Bill Springfield to fix the terrible trigger reset.
I don't have any trigger-time with the CT, but I am starting to like my HK45T more and more. I'm still a USP devotee,but who knows, maybe I will try a CT one of these days? Pro tip: The Red Bull cans make great reactive targets. ;)
Thanks for the kind words, and I truly think that's your best bet, the 45C. It's probably the better gun for many people. I appreciate you watching, and let me know which one you go with.
Thank you for the kind words! I'm working on a comprehensive re-review of both guns, with better lighting and audio. I'll also provide round-count updates for each.
I'm a 1911 divorcee (hopped out of my car and it damn near pulled my pants down an inch and I just cried out "I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE"). I've narrowed "carry .45" choiced down to the S&W M&P .45 (full-size) and the HK45C. That ten-rounder in the HK45C being the same size as its big brothers' is hard to believe, it just looks so much bigger, but I'm sure that's just perspective. I just wish HK made a VP45.
@@thegunpenguin Thank you for the reply, I really wasn't expecting one on a two-year old video. I'm going to get the full-size. I IWB'ed a 1911 with extended magwell for years and the baseplate on the HK45 is the same height as that, although I certainly don't intend to make it my primary carry. But seems unbeatable for a nightstand gun.
@@sharonashman7124 Good question! My wife much prefers the grip of the full-sized HK45. She described the 45C as "clunky" and I've come to see it that way with the passage of time. As the years have passed, I've become increasingly irritated by the lack of the texturing on the 45C's grip. If you're planning to conceal the gun, and the full-size model isn't an option. What do you think of the USP Compact .45? It has far better grip texturing. Do you think that might be a workable option?
Great video. I have the HK45C. Like you, I wish the decocker was more like the P30/P2000 but I don't agonize over this. I find the compact more comfortable to shoot by just switching to 185gr range loads versus the 230 gr. This was a small trade off for me because my Colt Defender 45ACP is much more manageable with 185 - 200 gr ammo. Even though I've always preferred the 1911, I reach for the HK45C as a first choice when I populate my night stand. I find the freshly charged luminescent sights will still work well enough all night for me to see the orientation of the gun on the night stand. After that I use a rail mounted light anyway so actual night sights are not a priority.
Thanks for the kind words! I also appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and experience. The 45C is a great choice for a nightstand gun. I wish I had less difficulty with the decocker -- I suspect it's an issue with the size/shape of my hands. With a modern thumbs-forward grip, the decocker rubs a hole in my thumb over the course of a heavy firing session. Certainly not the end of the world, but it's distracting in the moment. Happy New Year!
I still prefer this movie over the sequel. I feel like the director was harsh on the 45c in the sequel an possibility mean behind the scenes. The prequel is what inspired me to get both back then.
Have the HK45CT... was planning to buy the HK45C, but I believe I get the full size. Then eventually another HK45C. They're both great looking pistols. I like 9mm, but there's something about 45 acp that is fun. And knowing your defensive pistol will be hitting an attacker with a +p 45 is kinda reassuring.
Trigger trough was an issue with my VP9 but after switching to the large panel set it completely went away. You might try different back strap and see if it improves.
What are your current thoughts after the years have passed? I have a uspct. I absolutely love it and am obsessed with it. My one gripe is the lack of rail, and that no one makes new suppressor height irons anymore. 😔🤦 I have used both the ggg rail and the Surefire mr08 I prefer the Surefire rail but you are limited to Surefire lights. The ggg rail you can use a tlr7/8 Been thinking about a 45ct but I don’t like that it’s not made in Germany. Maybe it’s all in my head. But I don’t think a us made Hk is a Hk If it had the Batman grip I’d probably already have it though 😂
Thanks for the kind words, and I really appreciate you watching my videos! I like the lighter LEM a lot, and I suspect I'll end up with another P30 or a P30L in that configuration. I'm very, very used to the standard HK DA/SA setup, so I've really procrastinated actually making that purchase. Are you a fan of the LEM trigger? By the way, a range comparison between these two is in the works, and an updated desktop review with better audio and video quality. Again, I'm grateful for your viewership! Thanks!
I love the Lite LEM! Of course I was first introduced to handguns with a S&W model 15-3. Shot that for years just using double action. The lite LEM is almost like a nice 2 stage trigger. It’s how all my HK’s are set up. Very simple to use, safe to carry, and plenty accurate.
@@lakeeriemonster4541 Thanks for getting back to me. I've tried that configuration a few times and thought it felt nice, but there's nothing quite like hearing from someone who has used something extensively. That's very helpful. I think it'll be a significant upgrade from the wretchedly awful stock standard P30 trigger. Like you, my first handgun, and, for many years, only, handgun was a revolver, a Colt, and I'm sometimes of the mind that most folks would benefit from starting that way.
so I have always wanted to get the 45ct tactical, however, the regular 45ct is available too. should I just get the regular and add the tactical barrel or just get tactical? the threaded barrel isn't cheap runs about 300$ i have found them both for about 700$
Personally, I'd just go ahead and get the Tactical model, especially if that's the one you've always wanted. The Tactical is a better value, as you also get night sights. To add the "tactical" upgrades to standard would be, as you noted, very expensive. I hope that helps!
I know this is an old post, but if you're still in the market, there is a HK45C LE model. It comes with 3 mags and night sights. (Not suppressor height, but standard height) It's between the price of the standard and tactical models. Been looking at that one myself.
Just received my HK45c(non tactical 8 round mag) yo go along with my HK45(also no tactical). Called HK and they stated the 10 round HK45 mag will not work in HK45c. I went and ordered some more 45c 8 round mags because just prefer and haven’t shot the 45c yet. Can you verify the the HK45 10 round mag will not interchangeable to be used in compact. I love them both but looking for your experience. Also I have HKp30SK and HKp30L. What can I say, I love the quality and these are truly indestructible handguns.
The 10-round magazine works technically, in that it locks into the Compact, but it doesn't work in the sense that there is a huge gap between the bottom of the Compact's grip and the base plate. This makes the full-size, 10-round magazines uncomfortable to use, but workable in a punch. This might also interest you: The 10-round Compact magazines with the hoof on the bottom is a full-sized magazine with that plastic piece stuck on it. So, you can convert the 10-rounders you have for your full-size to comfortably work in the Compact if you like. As with all things in the firearms world, nothing is certain. The above information applies to my guns and my magazines. There aren't any new versions to my knowledge, but be aware. I find it odd that HK would say they don't work, when one considers that the HK45 Compact Tactical magazines are identical to those from the full-size, only with a different shoe/plate/hoof/pad. Maybe the person you spoke to was having an off day or something? I dunno.
It seems like hand size will be the main factor. If you have smaller hands, then the compact. I’ve fired the regular one and it fit me perfectly. (My hands are above average.) Think that might be the case in your situation?
That's a great insight, and I think you're right in most cases. My hands aren't large per se, but not small either. Since I made this, I've somewhat changed my opinion of the grips. Overall, I prefer the full-size because the Compact's safety/decocker lever tends to pummel my thumb if I'm shooting all day. It doesn't become apparent until I've been shooting for hours, but it's irritating all the same. I'm putting together a video explaining why I've come to prefer the full-size, but for me, the preference is almost seasonal, or based around my mood at any given time. These guns are far more similar than they are different, and I love them both; it's sort of like choosing between chocolate cake and chocolate cake with sprinkles. Though I certainly have a preference and I can talk about it for half an hour, I'm not really going to complain about either option. One last thing, before I forget, the trigger trough was a factor in my preference for the Compact, and I've since built up a serious callus on my trigger finger that makes the full-size much more comfortable to shoot. Does the trough bother you?
@@thegunpenguin It' didn't bother me. I'm looking forward to getting the full-size tactical. Funny, directly before trying out the full-size, I had been shooting some 9mm glocks for about an hour (honestly don't remember which, but they were smaller sized glocks for CC). I felt no difference in recoil and it just felt smooth in my hand. It was hammer fired too.
Yeah, the full-size is incredibly controllable. The Compact is too, but the full-size is one of the softest-shooting .45s that I've ever owned for sure. You're lucky with the trough. For some of us, it wear a hole in the finger over the course of the day, but like I said, I've finally built up enough of a callus that I don't notice it at all. If only there was a remedy for the decocking lever beating my hand to death. HK's rear decocker on the P30 and the P2000 is one of the best designs I've ever seen, and I'd like for them to update both HK45s with that design.
I been trying to decide between the two. My main handgun is a cz shadow and you mentioned in the video that you have an sp01 tactical. How does the cz compare in size/feel to the hk45c? Thanks for the video btw
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words. The CZ is far heavier, but it feels much less blocky. The HKs feel thicker, though they aren't. Really, the CZ is much more pleasing gun to hold, though the HKs have superior triggers out of the box (I guess that's not saying much) and the CZ slide is hard for me to manipulate sometimes, simply due to how small it is. As for size, both are comparably huge, though the CZ just feels smaller somehow -- I think it's the shape of the pistol. I've shot many thousands of rounds through both platforms, so I'm happy to help with comparisons of any other aspect.
thegunpenguin thanks for the quick reply. I haven't handled them yet and will aim to do so soon. I was worried that the hk45c would be too small for my hands (for example, I find a Glock 17 too small) but based on your statement, I don't think I need to worry. Thanks again!
I'm happy to help. With the 45C, my only worry for you might be the length of the grip. There's a chance that you'll have to grip too much of the "hoof" on the mag itself, and I don't know how great that'll feel. Or, I could be totally wrong. Slightly off-topic: I bought a CZ P10C today. A review will be coming soon.
Anyone know if you can buy the regular smaller barrel for the HK45C in Canada. I feel like you can’t because the pistol I believe is only sold legally only because of the extended barrel. We can’t have pistols in Canada with too short a barrel. However maybe that’s just if sold in the gun, strange I know but I’m curious if there is a loop hole by buying the barrel after the purchase of the pistol with the longer barrel.
Have you noticed any quality/reliability/durability between the German made HK45 and the US made HK45? I have both and noticed a few cosmetic differences.
Thanks for the great review. I read that this firearms although having a threaded barrel do not have high enough sights to use with a can and that there is a new version with higher sights. Do you know anything about that?
@@Tarsarian Thanks for your answer. I'm seriously considering getting one of this with higher sights. Any idea if any of this two is quieter than the other with a supressor on, does the size have any influence?
You are shooting a .45 which is a slower bullet then 9mm and will be quiet. The HK45 compact is good for conceal and a silencer. I like the USP 45 tactical due to better trigger and more capacity. I shot full size and compact and did not notice a difference in sound. However, I did notice more wear and tear on a compact vs full size USP. HK does make a great product! Just do maintenance like any machine and they are fine. @@eddiegradu4660
Awesome info Eddie! These days, I'm seeing the HK45CT only with the suppressor-height sights, though lots of shops still have them in stock with the lower sights.
Far prefer the USP45 recoil mechanism along with 2 more rounds. Not willing to go backwards in capacity especially in a modern age where most error on the side of capacity. We can’t all be Todd Green
That’s not a dumb question at all! Though I certainly haven’t tried even close to every holster on the market, as a general rule, the two don’t have interchangeable holster options. I hope that helps!
I agree, it's far more attractive -- slightly less functional, but definitely more attractive. Surely, they couldn't added heavier stippling to the P2000/45 Compact style grip. But more than any other part of the new grip, I hate the trigger trough. The rest of it feels really nice, but that channel eats the side of my finger after a few hundred rounds.
Yes indeed. Opinions change. Shooting 200 rounds at a time, it's very easy to love the 45C. This video was filmed two years ago. I refuse to be one of those morons with too much pride to reverse an opinion when more information is available.
Have both and totally agree with you. After holding and shooting the HK45CT, even my USPs all do alot more sitting time. To me the HK45CT is probably the best overall pistol I have shot especially in the 45 cal.
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad I'm not the only person who had that experience. The 45C is just the best of all worlds.
I have the HK 45 Compact Tactical with the LEM trigger, bobbed hammer, and upgraded springs. The grip was stippled and, I have to say, I wasn't a fan of stippling, but on this gun it worked great. It's a very solid purchase on the weapon and really helps me out. Great video, thanks.
Thanks for the kind words, and for watching! The LEM is awesome. If I didn't have so much time spent with the standard DA/SA HKs, I'd have converted all of mine. The HK45 safety location really irks me, to the point that I'm going to be converting mine to decocker only and moving the lever to the other side where it can't slowly consume the skin on the underside of my thumb. Who did you stippling, if you don't mind me asking?
@@thegunpenguin I picked the gun up from the original owner, a guy about 2 1/2 hours south of me. I can't say for sure who stippled it, but I have his contact information. I'll find out and get back with you. I definitely get what you mean about the safety location. It's not ideal, but after years of carrying Beretta 92FS pistols and a handful of others with manual thumb safeties I guess it doesn't bug me as much as it should.
@@jamessnider4605 Thanks! I really appreciate it. I'm a fellow Beretta fan, and I've never been troubled by it's safety, or that of the 1911, or hell, really anything else. Even the USP. There's just something about both the HK45 Compact and the full-size. It takes the skin right off, and leaves me with a bruise. I guess it's a perfectly awful intersection of hand size and grip geometry.
@@thegunpenguin It's definitely in the way. Aside from that I absolutely love the pistol. I know there's several other variants, but I like this one. Maybe moving that over would be the best answer. As soon as I get information on the stipple I'll reply back to you.
@@jamessnider4605 Thanks, and I appreciate you weighing in on the safety location, too. I'm with you all the way -- other than that one small issue, this is my favorite .45 ever. I'll let you know if moving the lever feels any better, or if it just adds unnecessary inconvenience.
That HK45CT May be one of the most beautiful guns out there, along with the CZ 97
I like the 45C because it's basically like a p30 and usp combined with a p2k grip. HK most versatile handgun.
Finally I been hoping you'd make this vid!
Haha Thanks! I don't know why it took me so long! I appreciate you watching!
I have the full-size 45 tactical which might have one of the most comfortable grips on the market. Love the P30L as well but had to send off to Bill Springfield to fix the terrible trigger reset.
I don't have any trigger-time with the CT, but I am starting to like my HK45T more and more. I'm still a USP devotee,but who knows, maybe I will try a CT one of these days?
Pro tip: The Red Bull cans make great reactive targets. ;)
Very satisfied with my HK45C (LEM)
Love every HK I own
Looking for a full size 45 and I just might have to go with the HK45C, great video!
Thanks for the kind words, and I truly think that's your best bet, the 45C. It's probably the better gun for many people. I appreciate you watching, and let me know which one you go with.
Thanks for the review. Very informative and helpful. I've been on the fence about the 45c and this may have convinced me to pick one up.
Thank you for the kind words! I'm working on a comprehensive re-review of both guns, with better lighting and audio. I'll also provide round-count updates for each.
Ordered the full size and it'll be here next week. Can't wait!!
Can't go wrong there!
I am curious what you paid for it? I
@@crazycomments8038 $760 new for the Tactical full size. Seems like I got a bargain given the normal pricing on these things plus Kung flu virus.
@@MrHav1k Yea you got a bargain. I'd paid $800 .45 but really they are good pistols and I also have the 9mm vp9.
I'm a 1911 divorcee (hopped out of my car and it damn near pulled my pants down an inch and I just cried out "I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE"). I've narrowed "carry .45" choiced down to the S&W M&P .45 (full-size) and the HK45C. That ten-rounder in the HK45C being the same size as its big brothers' is hard to believe, it just looks so much bigger, but I'm sure that's just perspective. I just wish HK made a VP45.
The larger shoe on the C's tactical mags makes them look bigger than they are. For carry, the 8-rounders are the ticket.
@@thegunpenguin Thank you for the reply, I really wasn't expecting one on a two-year old video. I'm going to get the full-size. I IWB'ed a 1911 with extended magwell for years and the baseplate on the HK45 is the same height as that, although I certainly don't intend to make it my primary carry. But seems unbeatable for a nightstand gun.
I own all, prefer the feel & look of the the full size but my P2000 is still my EDC. Thanks for your review.
Thank you for watching! The P2000 is awesome!
@@sharonashman7124 Good question! My wife much prefers the grip of the full-sized HK45. She described the 45C as "clunky" and I've come to see it that way with the passage of time. As the years have passed, I've become increasingly irritated by the lack of the texturing on the 45C's grip.
If you're planning to conceal the gun, and the full-size model isn't an option. What do you think of the USP Compact .45? It has far better grip texturing. Do you think that might be a workable option?
Great video. I have the HK45C. Like you, I wish the decocker was more like the P30/P2000 but I don't agonize over this. I find the compact more comfortable to shoot by just switching to 185gr range loads versus the 230 gr. This was a small trade off for me because my Colt Defender 45ACP is much more manageable with 185 - 200 gr ammo. Even though I've always preferred the 1911, I reach for the HK45C as a first choice when I populate my night stand. I find the freshly charged luminescent sights will still work well enough all night for me to see the orientation of the gun on the night stand. After that I use a rail mounted light anyway so actual night sights are not a priority.
Thanks for the kind words! I also appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and experience. The 45C is a great choice for a nightstand gun. I wish I had less difficulty with the decocker -- I suspect it's an issue with the size/shape of my hands. With a modern thumbs-forward grip, the decocker rubs a hole in my thumb over the course of a heavy firing session. Certainly not the end of the world, but it's distracting in the moment. Happy New Year!
I still prefer this movie over the sequel. I feel like the director was harsh on the 45c in the sequel an possibility mean behind the scenes. The prequel is what inspired me to get both back then.
"Spongy weird but functional." Stop talking about me.. ok. Great video and great points .
Great video man tough choice between the two might have to get both as well
Thanks for the kind words, and man, it's a really hard choice. Both are truly great in their own way.
Have the HK45CT... was planning to buy the HK45C, but I believe I get the full size. Then eventually another HK45C. They're both great looking pistols. I like 9mm, but there's something about 45 acp that is fun. And knowing your defensive pistol will be hitting an attacker with a +p 45 is kinda reassuring.
Trigger trough was an issue with my VP9 but after switching to the large panel set it completely went away. You might try different back strap and see if it improves.
Hey, it's a worth a shot! Thanks for the suggestion!
What are your current thoughts after the years have passed?
I have a uspct. I absolutely love it and am obsessed with it. My one gripe is the lack of rail, and that no one makes new suppressor height irons anymore. 😔🤦
I have used both the ggg rail and the Surefire mr08
I prefer the Surefire rail but you are limited to Surefire lights. The ggg rail you can use a tlr7/8
Been thinking about a 45ct but I don’t like that it’s not made in Germany. Maybe it’s all in my head. But I don’t think a us made Hk is a Hk
If it had the Batman grip I’d probably already have it though 😂
Finally found a 45C tactical... lol $999 and the LEM version $750... Keeping the Tactical.. Love running it suppressed....
Just found your channel. Been looking for this exact video. Love the HK pistols. Love your no BS approach. Been exposed to the LITE LEM yet?
Thanks for the kind words, and I really appreciate you watching my videos! I like the lighter LEM a lot, and I suspect I'll end up with another P30 or a P30L in that configuration. I'm very, very used to the standard HK DA/SA setup, so I've really procrastinated actually making that purchase. Are you a fan of the LEM trigger? By the way, a range comparison between these two is in the works, and an updated desktop review with better audio and video quality. Again, I'm grateful for your viewership! Thanks!
I love the Lite LEM! Of course I was first introduced to handguns with a S&W model 15-3. Shot that for years just using double action. The lite LEM is almost like a nice 2 stage trigger. It’s how all my HK’s are set up. Very simple to use, safe to carry, and plenty accurate.
@@lakeeriemonster4541 Thanks for getting back to me. I've tried that configuration a few times and thought it felt nice, but there's nothing quite like hearing from someone who has used something extensively. That's very helpful. I think it'll be a significant upgrade from the wretchedly awful stock standard P30 trigger. Like you, my first handgun, and, for many years, only, handgun was a revolver, a Colt, and I'm sometimes of the mind that most folks would benefit from starting that way.
Dope video, hopefully I can cop the CT soon
Thanks for the kind words, and I hope you get one too! Truly one of the best pistols around. Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to comment.
The full size is basically the P30 in 45 and the compact P2000 in 45
Freaking Marty Mcfly reviews guns lol
Yes, first think I thought when I heard his voice. Just glad I wasn't the only one.
Lol 😂
Biff in the comments
Nice comparison. I have the full size and I don't like the double action trigger but single action is good.
Thanks!
Good review just subscribed!
Thanks for the kind words, and I'm very grateful for the subscription! Truly, I appreciate it.
Thanks for the video
Thank you for watching!
so I have always wanted to get the 45ct tactical, however, the regular 45ct is available too. should I just get the regular and add the tactical barrel or just get tactical? the threaded barrel isn't cheap runs about 300$ i have found them both for about 700$
Personally, I'd just go ahead and get the Tactical model, especially if that's the one you've always wanted. The Tactical is a better value, as you also get night sights. To add the "tactical" upgrades to standard would be, as you noted, very expensive. I hope that helps!
Buy the tac and then buy a regular barrel.
I know this is an old post, but if you're still in the market, there is a HK45C LE model. It comes with 3 mags and night sights. (Not suppressor height, but standard height) It's between the price of the standard and tactical models. Been looking at that one myself.
Just received my HK45c(non tactical 8 round mag) yo go along with my HK45(also no tactical). Called HK and they stated the 10 round HK45 mag will not work in HK45c. I went and ordered some more 45c 8 round mags because just prefer and haven’t shot the 45c yet. Can you verify the the HK45 10 round mag will not interchangeable to be used in compact. I love them both but looking for your experience. Also I have HKp30SK and HKp30L. What can I say, I love the quality and these are truly indestructible handguns.
The 10-round magazine works technically, in that it locks into the Compact, but it doesn't work in the sense that there is a huge gap between the bottom of the Compact's grip and the base plate. This makes the full-size, 10-round magazines uncomfortable to use, but workable in a punch.
This might also interest you: The 10-round Compact magazines with the hoof on the bottom is a full-sized magazine with that plastic piece stuck on it. So, you can convert the 10-rounders you have for your full-size to comfortably work in the Compact if you like.
As with all things in the firearms world, nothing is certain. The above information applies to my guns and my magazines. There aren't any new versions to my knowledge, but be aware. I find it odd that HK would say they don't work, when one considers that the HK45 Compact Tactical magazines are identical to those from the full-size, only with a different shoe/plate/hoof/pad. Maybe the person you spoke to was having an off day or something? I dunno.
Great review
Thank you for the kind words!
It seems like hand size will be the main factor. If you have smaller hands, then the compact. I’ve fired the regular one and it fit me perfectly. (My hands are above average.) Think that might be the case in your situation?
That's a great insight, and I think you're right in most cases. My hands aren't large per se, but not small either. Since I made this, I've somewhat changed my opinion of the grips. Overall, I prefer the full-size because the Compact's safety/decocker lever tends to pummel my thumb if I'm shooting all day. It doesn't become apparent until I've been shooting for hours, but it's irritating all the same. I'm putting together a video explaining why I've come to prefer the full-size, but for me, the preference is almost seasonal, or based around my mood at any given time. These guns are far more similar than they are different, and I love them both; it's sort of like choosing between chocolate cake and chocolate cake with sprinkles. Though I certainly have a preference and I can talk about it for half an hour, I'm not really going to complain about either option. One last thing, before I forget, the trigger trough was a factor in my preference for the Compact, and I've since built up a serious callus on my trigger finger that makes the full-size much more comfortable to shoot. Does the trough bother you?
@@thegunpenguin It' didn't bother me. I'm looking forward to getting the full-size tactical. Funny, directly before trying out the full-size, I had been shooting some 9mm glocks for about an hour (honestly don't remember which, but they were smaller sized glocks for CC). I felt no difference in recoil and it just felt smooth in my hand. It was hammer fired too.
Yeah, the full-size is incredibly controllable. The Compact is too, but the full-size is one of the softest-shooting .45s that I've ever owned for sure. You're lucky with the trough. For some of us, it wear a hole in the finger over the course of the day, but like I said, I've finally built up enough of a callus that I don't notice it at all. If only there was a remedy for the decocking lever beating my hand to death. HK's rear decocker on the P30 and the P2000 is one of the best designs I've ever seen, and I'd like for them to update both HK45s with that design.
I been trying to decide between the two. My main handgun is a cz shadow and you mentioned in the video that you have an sp01 tactical. How does the cz compare in size/feel to the hk45c? Thanks for the video btw
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words. The CZ is far heavier, but it feels much less blocky. The HKs feel thicker, though they aren't. Really, the CZ is much more pleasing gun to hold, though the HKs have superior triggers out of the box (I guess that's not saying much) and the CZ slide is hard for me to manipulate sometimes, simply due to how small it is. As for size, both are comparably huge, though the CZ just feels smaller somehow -- I think it's the shape of the pistol. I've shot many thousands of rounds through both platforms, so I'm happy to help with comparisons of any other aspect.
thegunpenguin thanks for the quick reply. I haven't handled them yet and will aim to do so soon. I was worried that the hk45c would be too small for my hands (for example, I find a Glock 17 too small) but based on your statement, I don't think I need to worry. Thanks again!
I'm happy to help. With the 45C, my only worry for you might be the length of the grip. There's a chance that you'll have to grip too much of the "hoof" on the mag itself, and I don't know how great that'll feel. Or, I could be totally wrong. Slightly off-topic: I bought a CZ P10C today. A review will be coming soon.
Anyone know if you can buy the regular smaller barrel for the HK45C in Canada. I feel like you can’t because the pistol I believe is only sold legally only because of the extended barrel. We can’t have pistols in Canada with too short a barrel. However maybe that’s just if sold in the gun, strange I know but I’m curious if there is a loop hole by buying the barrel after the purchase of the pistol with the longer barrel.
Have you noticed any quality/reliability/durability between the German made HK45 and the US made HK45? I have both and noticed a few cosmetic differences.
Whats your opinion on both
Thanks for the great review. I read that this firearms although having a threaded barrel do not have high enough sights to use with a can and that there is a new version with higher sights. Do you know anything about that?
HK now sells them with the higher sights. The HK45 and Compact/USP are worth the money!
@@Tarsarian Thanks for your answer. I'm seriously considering getting one of this with higher sights. Any idea if any of this two is quieter than the other with a supressor on, does the size have any influence?
You are shooting a .45 which is a slower bullet then 9mm and will be quiet. The HK45 compact is good for conceal and a silencer. I like the USP 45 tactical due to better trigger and more capacity. I shot full size and compact and did not notice a difference in sound. However, I did notice more wear and tear on a compact vs full size USP. HK does make a great product! Just do maintenance like any machine and they are fine. @@eddiegradu4660
@@Tarsarian I truly appreciate the information you have provided.
Awesome info Eddie! These days, I'm seeing the HK45CT only with the suppressor-height sights, though lots of shops still have them in stock with the lower sights.
Far prefer the USP45 recoil mechanism along with 2 more rounds. Not willing to go backwards in capacity especially in a modern age where most error on the side of capacity. We can’t all be Todd Green
A higher capacity is always advantageous!
First time I heard that grip referred to as “Spider-Man” instead of “Batman” c’mon dude, we all know that grip is more Wayne than Parker.
they look like kids guns with that tactical shit
great content. what happened to your throat?
Thanks! I've had a few very invasive throat and stomach surgeries, leaving me more than a little unpleasant to listen to.
Any idea if the full sized would fit in a holster meant for the compact? Maybe a dumb question but the only holster I like is for the compact.
That’s not a dumb question at all! Though I certainly haven’t tried even close to every holster on the market, as a general rule, the two don’t have interchangeable holster options. I hope that helps!
@@thegunpenguin Ok ill give it a try, thank you.
It will fit, but the barrel will stick out the bottom a.bout 3/8”
@jefife750 Depends on the holster. I just bought a USP and got a holster for it since apparently nobody wants to make a 45T holster
$700 is a dream in 2021
Indeed!
Compac is a better looking firearm. The grip appearance is preferable. Not sure why HK decided to use that odd patterned grip on all their new guns.
I agree, it's far more attractive -- slightly less functional, but definitely more attractive. Surely, they couldn't added heavier stippling to the P2000/45 Compact style grip. But more than any other part of the new grip, I hate the trigger trough. The rest of it feels really nice, but that channel eats the side of my finger after a few hundred rounds.
Hi.
700$???
HK's price drop was substantial.
Lol this video is the opposite of the CT video you just posted
Yes indeed. Opinions change. Shooting 200 rounds at a time, it's very easy to love the 45C. This video was filmed two years ago. I refuse to be one of those morons with too much pride to reverse an opinion when more information is available.
@@thegunpenguin I ended up finally pulling the trigger on the HK45T V7!
Quit crying about your girly hands
Haha! Your mom sure does love them. Happy Holidays!
Just get the hk45 without the safety and shoot it with gloves, problem solved