H&K USP v. Beretta 92F?

[Nader]

9mm, and I think I'm more accurate with the Beretta. Feels like less recoil, and with aftermarket rubberized grips it feels good in my hand. But I've heard of reliability issues. I like the USP because it comes in a lefty version (as I do), and seems to have a a good reputation. I'm not much interested in a Glock, I need a hammer and a real safety. Anyone here with recommendations?

[Milu]

I have a personal bias against the 92 as it doesn't fit my hand, so I'd say:

check out the Sigs.

[kumma]

My favorite auto is the Hi-Power fits me perfect. Never a problem, has ambi safety and hammer. H&K are nice but like you I dont feel the pull like crossing over to the tupperware dark side.

[bluebullet]

CZ75 Version 1!!! if you can find one...

[Peter T.]

My Top Three Picks Are:

1) H&K P7-PSP - Incredibly fast on target and accurate. Great carry piece.

2) SIG-Sauer P226 - Reliable, solid, well made.

3)Para-Ordnance M1911 - Stops 'em dead in their tracks!

Really though, a sidearm is like a wrench in your tool box. One size rarely fits all. What you need it for, your level of experience, and training should carry your decision.

Also, get some range time with each one. Shooting a weapon is the ultimate determinate on what's right for you.

As for the Beretta, the reliability issues you mention were corrected during pre-production test and evaluation.

Happy Hunting!

[RANDY P]

Best advice as noted is to buy whatever feels and works best for you. I agree with your assessment of the percieved accuracy of the Beretta being better than the USP. I used to shoot a USP compact and compared to the 92F it's not nearly as tight. As of reliability issues, the Military has adopted the Beretta - that should be a pretty good endorsement. I'm a lefty also, the 92F requires nothing to adapt. You might also want to check out the Cougar series, had one of those in a 45 (8045) - loved that thing.

I've owned Glocks and a USP, since then never been a fan of plastic guns, just a preference.

rjp

[SLO-BOB]

This is a test...............

[id10t]

I tried both the '92f and the Taurus clone of it side by side for a few months - the Taurus is better. Also, what someone said above of the CZ75 - I have small hands, and the TA-90 (a clone of the CZ) I had was *very* comfortable. Slightly smaller (shorter barrel and smaller magazine) was the "baby TA-90.". If you want really small though, check out a Firestar in .45.

[Overpaid Slacker]

I own a USP (though in .45) and it is one of the most accurate out-of-the box weapons I've ever used.

When I was auditioning weapons, the gun shop owner showed me some very quick maneuver wherein an assailant could very quickly break the Beretta down while it was in your hand! I don't know if this has been rectified, but I was told this was why a lot of PDs around the country were staying away from the Beretta.

FWIW, the USP is the frame most used by our special forces (in the SOCOM variant, which is not very different from the stock version).

I'll third the CZ75 V1 -- an elegant, excellent weapon which gave me a scar on my left thumb so that I'll always remember it.

JP

EDITED to clarify it's the Beretta that can be "broken down" in your hand.

[chibone_914]

Okay, here is my all time favorites list:

1. Sig 220

2. Browning Hi-Power

3. M1911

Sig 220 comes with factory test target, extremely accurate right out of the box. P-35 is very comfortable, fun to shoot, almost boring. M1911, versatile, fun to shoot. Vast amount of aftermarket parts availability.

[beepbeep]

What's wrong with Glock?

[Isabo]

Originally posted by beepbeep
What's wrong with Glock?

It's accurate, reliable, plastic and has no soul

You're unlikely to go wrong with any of the quality 9mms. What will you be using it for, and will you be the only user? It's not a given that 9mm is the best choice.
Start by seeing what feels right in your hand. The 92F was developed so it could be shot with gloves on, small hands with small spread (same problem as Milu) and it feels awful. It's a great gun but not accurate in my hand.
Although I don't like it, the Glock feels better and I shoot it better, intrinsically I suspect they are equally accurate, nb in the final analysis the only interesting gun is an accurate one.
H&K? I haven't tried anything recent, I tried a VP70 a long time ago, I don't know if this is like current models but I disliked it for feeling like a plastic toy. I'd vote for a Sig but try a few others as well. Do you still have Tanfoglio 9mms in the states? They used to be good quality and great value.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I prefer my G22 over the H&K USP (.45 or otherwise). The H&K just doesn't fit me for some reason, and I'm more accurate with the G22.

The only gun I've ever had jam on me was a Sig. Go figure.

[vash]

peter t. the HK P7, is the smallish pistol with the "pop out" trigger stop? well i think i pops out with an allen head or something. if this is the same pistol, my brother got one for graduation, and that thing is a tack driver! the trigger is smooth and the throw is miniscule. i seem the remember the magazine is small and only holds a minimum of rounds.

i think martin riggs made the baretta romantic in the pistol world. i had one, didnt like it, and sold it.

[beepbeep]

Well I'm not a gun type of guy but I've shot couple thousand of rounds with Glock 17 and I find it pretty good.

Our military did extensive tests on both Glock and Sig (and Beretta, I think) and found Glock better (as more reliable and safer). Tests were very tough...like throwing guns from helicopter, draging them trough mud, firing tens of thousands of rounds w/o cleaning...and it was the best gun around.

Police opted for Sig for some reason and had nothing but trouble (breached pipes, all kind of jams). some of problems were probably caused by using Uzi ammo.

If I ever needed a gun, (which I fortunately don't) I would chose Glock. It's fool-proof, except for that damn little trigger-spring that some bean-counter b****rd at Glock probably designed to break after a while just to charge for service.

[ChrisBennet]

The P7 (and the P7 PSP before it) are great pistols and the ones I've owned have been very accurate. What is nice about them is that they are pretty thin and about the same size as a .380 which makes them great for carrying. That said, IMO the trigger pull is a little light if used for defensive purposes.
-Chris

[Overpaid Slacker]

I liked the Glocks -- and a lot of my law enforcement buddies love them. I just preferred the feel of the H&K. I have large hands, though.

If I were to buy another (non-collectors') handgun, it'd probably be a Glock.

JP

[Rob Channell]

I shot an H&K 9mm once. Not sure if it was the USP. It felt very barrel heavy. I preferred the Beretta.

Once with the Beretta I had some cheap ammo to not function the action properly I found the good stuff always worked. The moral to the story is to buy good ammo.

I wouldn't worry about the slick move someone could do to your Beretta to break it down while it was in your hand. If they get that close, it's too late anyway.

[bluebullet]

Originally posted by Sebring77
There you go! That is the sweetest 9mm I've ever owned. Wish I still had it.

How in the world did you sell your CZ? You know those things go for like $1600 in very good condition right?? Well that was last time I checked. Walnut grips, inner sliding rails(inner sliding rails are the *****), ability to hold 15 rounds in the clip and one in the chamber, giving it the 'cocked-n-locked' feature

If it came down to it, I would have sold the Porsche first before I sold my CZ (i had one that was technically given to me when I was younger, hey I lived down south , but then my dad took it back when my parents were divorced. Since then I have never seen it nor the money), but then again my 944 is only worth about $3k lol.

[Tricky D]

My Beretta has jammed only once in over 3000 rounds - it was due to faulty ammo.

The H&K is a fine weapon - don't know how the 9mm feels, because I have a .45.