[Veritas]

It doesn't look like there are too many HK guys here so this might be kind of fruitless. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me the differences between the fullsize and compact usp40 as far as accuracy and recoil. I am looking to purchase one and I can't decide which one I want.

Thank you

 

[HKGuns]

In most any caliber the full size version will recoil less because of weight. However, the full size USP is difficult to conceal on a small frame or in the summer. I'm not real big and the compact is about as large as I'd want to try to conceal. The recoil compensating spring is a little different in the compact as well which limits is ability to absorb recoil as effectively.

If you are looking for a reliable, easy to use, tack driving gun don't overlook the P7M8. Thin and very concealable and one of the most accurate pistols you'll ever shoot. It is also the quickest pistol to bring to bear on the target due to its unique squeeze cock design.

Don't make the mistake of thinking a .40 will be less recoil than a .45. The .40 is actually a bit harder and snappier becuase of the pressures in that round.

 

[Veritas]

I have shot a p7 and it is the most wonderful gun I have ever shot. The only problem is that it is a little out of my price range at the moment

 

[bobbfwed]

I've shot the USP .40 and .45 full size, the USP .40 compact, and the P2000 .40 and 357SIG compact.

The USP .40 full size has about the same recoil as the .45, but the .45 seemed to be much more accurate (I have no idea why). The USP .40 compact seemed to fit really nice. The recoil difference between the full size and compact was noticeable but not detrimental – though the accuracy seemed to diminish greatly with follow-up shots, maybe some more practice with the gun would help. The P2000 .40 on the other hand was about the recoil equivalent of the full size USP .40. Accuracy with the gun was amazing for such a small frame. But what I was floored with was the P2000 357SIG. That was very fun to shoot. The recoil was fast and snappy, which allowed for very fast and accurate follow-up shots. But with the knowledge that the bullet is traveling at 1400-1500 FPS gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. This was the second most accurate gun on the lineup (the full size USP .45 being the best). The P2000 in general is an extremely comfortable small-frame gun. The double-action is a good feeling, though the law enforcement action may be better for concealment.
Overall (including all guns) I like the .40 caliber bullet the best. It is a nice fast bullet which is good if you are looking for penetration, but the bullet is plenty big enough to do some nice flesh damage (especially with JHPs).

Quick chart (groupings are at 25 yards, the distance between the two furthest apart bullets – diameter of the grouping):
Gun .. weight .. speed .. groupings
USP .40 FS .. 180 gr .. 965 FPS .. 6-inches
USP .45 FS .. 230 gr .. 860 FPS .. 3.5-inches
USP .40 CP .. 180 gr .. 940 FPS .. 6.5-inches
P2000 .40 .. 180 gr .. 930 FPS .. 5-inches
P2000 357SIG .. 125 gr .. 1450 FPS .. 4-inches

You may notice, the USP .40 compact has almost twice the size of groupings as the full size .45.
After I did these tests, I bought a USP .45 full size, and I am planning on buying a P2000. I just have to decide if I want to spend the extra money on ammo for the 357SIG, because it definitely shoots better with single shots, and follow-up shots have a very nice feel too. But for concealing, the P2000 seems like a much better gun than the USP compact.

Hope this helps you decide on something.