Heckler and Koch HK45 Series Armorer and Operator Review 

'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

These armorer operator reviews are my favorite firearm series on RU-vid. Can't wait to watch this one.

The HK45C was probably one of the best .45 pistols (and best overall pistol) I've ever shot and owned!

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.

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

HK said “hey James why don’t you just move into the Gray room and live here” ❤

Your level of expertise and knowledge regarding everything HK will never not be impressive.

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

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.

Don’t see to many USP 45 C Tactical’s. I am lucky to have one myself. Excellent video on some great HK pistols.

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.

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.

I find that wall very comforting

I love how structured and thorough your videos are 👍👍👍

Great review. Glad that you are doing these!

Absolutely great presentation. Thank you James for the effort. I love my H&Ks.

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.

Phenomenal history and info here. Thank you.

What a fantastic review! Looking forward to your next model analysis.

Another excellent video and history lesson.

Amazing videos! I really appreciate this long content format, full of history and details. Thank you for your hard work!

Thank you for this video and the channel.

Perfect work. Many thanks.

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

Learned so much from this video man. Incredible review

Thank you so much. Just purchased HKCT best $$ Ever spent. Great content Really enjoyed it.

Awesome Vid! Learned a bunch and went well with the P200 video

Thank you, great video professionally done.

Excellent Content!

I hit like before I started the video because I always enjoy these videos.

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 review......Extremely informative......

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!

Thank you so much, I never understood more about the function of a handgun inside mechanics.

Fantastic video on such an underrated pistol! I absolutely love my HK45 Tactical. Thanks for taking the time to really deep dive on this!

Awesome!!! Thank you... I was always an original SigSauer fan, now I have something new to think about.

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

It’s my bedside pistol. Thanks for this!

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. 😎

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.

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.

Picked up my 45C from you. It’s fantastic. Still partial to my USP 45 though.

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 !!

James I adamantly request a video about everything on the wall behind you.

I have an Hk45 tactical on order hopefully it will show soon

Gotta Love Larry 24:52

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.

Really love these armorer videos! Very informative and makes me love my HKs even more. Will a P30 video come anytime soon?

Great job James. The MK23 will be the next purchase for my HK collection. I learnt a lot from your video. Thanks. Chris

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..

Damnit James, every time I watch one of your videos, I go out and buy another HK Pistol! Shh, my wife is coming…

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.

🔥🔥🔥

LEM is life

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

Got one of the factory full fde HK45

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?

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.

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.

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!

Thank you!

Awwww yea

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?

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 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.

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!

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.

Great explanation, Thanks. Do you think they'll up the magazine round count like they did the P30?

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.

Fun deep dive, thanks James! Quick question: is it safe to occasionally feed my HK45CT .45 Super or should I stick to regular +P?

What stops an hk45 slide assembly from being placed on a usp45 frame?

The gray room needs a g28!

What was the accuracy potential on the mk23 and USP45T?

James, do you know if HK will ever make a 10mm pistol in an HK 45 size platform?

Gteat Video

Dear sir, can my 45 gun use the flat trigger from the USP or P30 model? THX for information

I don’t think anyone really likes Glocks, they are just practical enough to settle for 😂

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.

In depth. Good but could be shorter i think

Could you address the issue of 45 Super and if they can handle an occasional diet?

Is that a mini XM8 on the wall? Thats crazy

Can the HK45 safely handle .45 Super like the USP?

What’s your thoughts that .45 super can be fired in the HK45 or USP45?

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.

What caused the false reset issue? My CT has it.

Is HK considering producing a 10mm? I would love to see a HK10.

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 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!

Can you do G28 next?

The light makes you look like a ghost bro

you don't own an HK ???!!! ‐ HOW DAAARE YOOOUUU !!!

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.

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

"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.