O/T: Handgun Decision to Make, Seeking Opinions

Sabre77

Sabre77

Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
560
I've got the opportunity to get either a Sig P229 Elite (Beavertail Grip) 9mm, or a HK USP Compact .40 S&W, for roughly the same price. Both guns carry the same number of rounds, both have 3-Dot Night Sights. I really like both firearms, but can't decide which is right for me. I've shot the HK, but the only Sig I've shot is a P228, and both pistols were fairly equally accurate in my hands, however I would give a slight edge to the Sig.

So let's hear it HOGS, what are your thoughts between the 2 of these.
 
I would take a .40 over a 9mm.

But then I am a .45 kinda guy.
 
Clearly both are fine guns.......I'm partial to Sigs. I'd say go after the one that feels right your hand. Wednesday, I had a choice between a Sig 220 (45 ACP) and the HK counterpart and chose the 220.......felt better in my hand and I am already used to the da/sa on my 228. I'm one of the throwbacks that like the da/sa.

btw.....I have my ammunition "standardized" on 45ACP, 9mm and 380 so I don't buy any 40 cal pistols. I like/shoot and often carry the 45's but I'm in the "9 is fine" crowd. 40 cal is just fine if you like.

Slim

One more comment.... I like the decocker mechanism on the 220 better than the decocker on the HK I handled. If the HK unit your looking at has the decocker on the safety you need to think about that. It is pretty easy to go from safe to fire and then continue the motion all the way to decock if you are in "excited" mode. that and just the way it felt in my hand made a difference to me.
 
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I recommend handling both of them, and see which one feels better in the hand. One thing to try, and do this with both of them...

hold one in your shooting hand, down at your waist, close your eyes, and bring it up to a shooting position. Open your eyes and see how well the sights are lined up with your eyes. This will give you a good idea of how well, and how naturally, they will both point for you.
 
Two great guns, and the .40 is a great round. I've had a 229 with both barrels(.40 and .357sig) for about ten years now and its my favorite mid sized handgun. Great ergonomics, accurate and a great trigger.

I had a HK USP in .45 for a while and sold it, but would like to pick up another one day. Also a great gun, but in a .40 I prefer the 229.
 
while I generally prefer a .40 over the 9mm, the Sig would be my choice.
 
Hold both of them and see which is more confortable to your hand. Next if you can try to shoot them. Personally .40 > 9mm however if you can shoot better with a 9mm then it will out perform the 0.40 same is true vice versa. You'll probably use +P & HP for ammo so .40 & 9mm wont make that much differences. I probably would go with the P229 b/c of many more accessories option (Holster / light / grip etc...) Besides P229 is much more concealable than the USP. HK tends to be bulky.

PS -- you will not go wrong with either (Also, consider the mag release buttom's location and function. It means alot...)


My .2 cents hopefully it helps
 
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As most have metioned, the one that feels best, but if both feel ok, then what will it be used for? Plinking, target shooting, carry, protection, combo of above, etc.

9mm is way cheaper to shoot.

40 S & W is a much better defense round.

I have both, but a carry a .45 with a small .357 for backup.

I plink with .22's and 9mm's

I had been using one of my .45's for 3 gun, but do to ammo costs, I think I will be swicthing to 9mm.
 
IMO SIGs just feel better in my hand. But, that is subjective. Go and handle both, and buy the one that feels better to YOU.
 
jbombelli said:
I recommend handling both of them, and see which one feels better in the hand. One thing to try, and do this with both of them...

hold one in your shooting hand, down at your waist, close your eyes, and bring it up to a shooting position. Open your eyes and see how well the sights are lined up with your eyes. This will give you a good idea of how well, and how naturally, they will both point for you.
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This is excellent advice. I second it. The cartridge is secondary to fit in this case.
 
The SIG is all metal construction, so it's a hefty solid piece. On the flipside the HK P30 is super sweet too.. much lighter and hi tech...
 
Grain of salt advice from a new guy to the forum.

I went with a 45 Colt Officers Model because I was able to buy as much ammo as I want at $16.00 a box with nice brass to boot. I'd suggest you see if there is a difference in ammo cost between the two that would impact on how much you get to shoot it. I love banging away with the 45 and would really be bummed out if it was $40-50 a box.
 
Your Old Dog said:
Grain of salt advice from a new guy to the forum.

I went with a 45 Colt Officers Model because I was able to buy as much ammo as I want at $16.00 a box with nice brass to boot. I'd suggest you see if there is a difference in ammo cost between the two that would impact on how much you get to shoot it. I love banging away with the 45 and would really be bummed out if it was $40-50 a box.
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Where you getting your ammo dood?

You average less than 1 post a year over 4 years. You're not new, you're just QUIET.
 
I'm gonna say go HK and get the .357 sig barrel conversion.

I'm not a huge fan of the .40 sw, but it would give you options.

A .357 sig USP would just be nasty.:D
 
Being allergic to polymer, I would choose the SIG. The 229 is overbuilt for a 9mm.
 
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