In search of a full-size 9mm handgun

Sig or HK

Both of your finalists are great handguns. It probably depends more on your personal preference at this point than anything else. I know people who carry and who are satisfied with both. The Sig will probably give you better accuracy, while the HK would probably function under more adverse field conditions (not a concern for home defense weapon -- depending on where you live).

A USP armorer can change the variant of controls to decocking, thumb safety, etc. You have several variations to choose from, including normal DA/SA and DAO. The USP also has an assessory rail to mount a light, essential in clearing a home in low light (not something I'd advocate if you're in a good defensive position).

The Sig will probably be more accurate under target shooting conditions, and probably needs to be cleaned regularly because of the tight tolerances. (You could go thousands of rounds without cleaning the USP.) The Sig will have a better trigger. The Sig is not a good choice for lefties. (The USP controls can be moved to the right side.)

You can figure out which design feels better to you in light of your anticipated use. After choosing the Sig or USP, you could compare the full size v. compact model to see if you sacrifice accuracy and control on multiple shots with the compact. If you don't sacrifice anything ....... I've found that many compacts balance better in my hand and are as easy to control for follow-ups ......... then I'd go with the compact. This would give you a concealed carry option, once you're trained and licensed.

Good luck! :p
 
Well I just got back from the range again. This time I rented both the HK USP 9 and the Sig P226. After firing 100 rounds (50 through each), I like the feel of the Sig better. The HK has more "punch" to it. The recoil (muzzle flip?) was more pronounced on the HK. The trigger on the Sig felt much nicer, and I love the way it fits my hand and the way it balances when I'm holding it.

The only thing on both guns I don't like is that the eject button for the magazine is hard for me to reach. I have medium size hands, but I end up having to twist the gun over sideways and change my grip in order to reach over with my right thumb and press the button.

The button that pulls the slide forward and loads the first round into the chamber (sorry don't know if this one has a name) is easier to reach on the Sig than the HK for me.

The only thing left for me to try is the Sig P228 and the HK USP9 Compact in 9mm. I think I'll end up liking the compact models more because I think I'll be able to reach the controls better.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions/advice, it's been a help!
 
The only thing on both guns I don't like is that the eject button for the magazine is hard for me to reach. I have medium size hands, but I end up having to twist the gun over sideways and change my grip in order to reach over with my right thumb and press the button.
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This was a large problem for me with my USP Tactical. But in just a little while, I got used to it and changing my grip is second nature to me now. It doesn't even take any extra time now.

The button that pulls the slide forward and loads the first round into the chamber (sorry don't know if this one has a name) is easier to reach on the Sig than the HK for me.
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Slide stop/slide release.

If reaching the controls is an issue for you, you should seriously consider the P7 - every control lever (aside from the magazine release) is right in the palm of your hand! Plus the small frame of the pistol will allow you to drop the mag without adjusting your grip.
 
One thing you have to look out for with the SIG is that you don't rest your thumb on the slide stop during shooting. Doing so will not allow it to pop up and stop the slide when the magazine is empty. This is very common with someone is not entirely familiar or has not had much time behind the gun. I've done it myself even after having the gun over a year (decided to try out new gripping techniques) and couldn't figure it out for a few (~15) minutes as it (the slide stop not stopping the slide) had never occurred before.
 
Did the same things you did. Shot Glock 17 at the range. Not bad. Shot the P228 at the range and WOW. Decided on the 226 for the full frame (range didn't have a 226). I just bought a 226 used and I love it. Paid $400 with 15rd mag.

But consider what hi-cap mags will cost you. If you go with factory mags for the SIG, expect to pay $50+ each for a used 15rd. Adds up quick.

Bottom line is that you have to buy what is best for YOU. I know a guy that LOVES his Browning HiPower, but it doesn't tickle my fancy. I was better and more accurate with the SIG. It is what feels good to ME.

Most if not all of the guns you are talking about are great guns. You can't go wrong with any of them. But buy for what feels best and what you are most accurate with. That is more important than the name.

Good Luck and let us know whah you decide!
 
Sorry to re-post....

As for the SIG 228 and smaller grip, keep in mind that the circumference is the SAME, it is just that it is a little shorter. The controls will be in the same place, so it should feel about the same as the 226.
 
gsl, I have larger hands (size 12) and of the Sigs I prefer the P228. I am sure the P228 is their flagship. The platform of a P226 is too large for a 9mm. I was offered a trade of a P229 in 40 S&W for a like new Browning MKII. I did nothing but I often wonder if I missed the boat? Regards, Richard
 
Another topic with different results depending on the guy answering. This is a toughy whenever you want other people's opinions on guns. I too is in the market for a new full size 9mm and it ihas come down to a close match up b/ the HkUSP9 and the Sig P226. Just like when I bought a .45, it was b/ the USP and the P220 and the P220 just won me over. The best thing to do is go try out the Hk and go from there with which you like best as far as looks, feel, accuracy, etc. Each gun has their ups and downs just like everything else in life. As far as statistics and real life testings go, the Sig P226 is the most accurate and reliable. Looks wise and durability wise, the Hk USP wins. The Glock is fairly accurate and has more modifying capabilities, but seems like this is not a consistent gun from what I've heard and experienced, and really depends on the shooter. As someone here has mentioned before, either the shooter loves it or hates it. The others like the CZ's look nice and can be modified more if you are into that but the accuracy is not gonna be like Sig, Hk or even Glock. Also consider the difference in feel of all steel frame compared to the plastic frames like the Hk and Glock. I too am still meticulously comparing the Hk and Sig before I buy so good luck to both you and me, hehe.
 
Richard, not arguing, just observing. Shot a 228 and a 226 tonight. The biggest difference seems to be that the 226 grip is longer and has a longer "beaver tail" (think that is what they call it). But the circumference seems to be the same. But, you are right, they do fit in the hand differently. Both are phenomenal guns with great balance. I guess it is what feels best to the individual.

etron, are you any closer to making a decision?
 
I noticed...

That Mr. Etron didn't say squat after several folks suggested the Browning Hi Power. Could it be his mind was already made up, even before starting the topic? Gawd, I love these threads!:rolleyes:
 
Attn: temp

temp, a Browning High-Power (BHP) is a love affair. Once you get hooked on them there is nothing in a 9mm like a BHP. They are a single action 9mm service pistolwith a 13 shot magazine that hit the market in 1935. The BHP grip, like the 1911, adapts well to people with large and small hands. BHPs were used by both the Allies, including China, and the Axis powers. The BHP requires a trigger job by a competent gunsmith, probably grips, and possibly new sights to perform well. The other thing a BHP requires is learning its manual of arms by heart to safely use one. At this point you will be among those that adore it. Regards, Richard
 
Bedeviler, you are incorrect on the accuracy of the CZ

The CZ is very much as accurate or more so than the USP or 226. Those of us who own Sigs(other than the P210), HKs, and CZs know this. Also, as I said before, CZs are available in all price categories from a little over $300 up to $1200. There is something for everyone.

If I was choosing an HK - current production - in 9mm it would be the P7M8(mine is very accurate). Definitely not a USP. My P9S Target is better than either.

My 228 is a good shooter, but the CZ is much better as far as accuracy and balance.

This is a house gun and for range use so I would tend to go for a full size pistol. If the choice is between a 226 and a USP I would opt for the 226.
 
The most accurate semi-auto I have ever owned was a SIG P220, which is on the same frame as the P226. Shot perfect 100 scores every single time I qualified with it. I'm talking 3-4" groups at 25 yards on the timed FBI 50 round course of qualification shooting DA first shot and transitioning to SA each time out of the holster. However, I have owned three P220's and only the one would shoot that good.

The only thing I have owned that would come close to that P220 would be my CZ 75B 9mm. I think that my CZ will shoot as good as that one great P220 once I get my 15 and 25 yard shooting skills back up to par (out of LE and basically out of any real shooting for several years) and find a pet load for it. I believe my CZ would shoot 100 scores now if I were up to it.

I have had Glocks that ranged in scores from 91.6 to 99+ scores but I have yet to qualify one with a perfect 100 score. I ALWAYS end up throwing at least one out at the 25 yard line after shooting perfect back to the 15 yard line. This iritates the living sh*t out of me! Just once I want to shoot a perfect 100 with a Glock! We qualify again in October. Wish me luck!:D

With all that said, before I shot Joe Klug's CZ 9mm I had all but decided to get a P226 9mm. After shooting Joe's CZ and seeing what they are selling for I just couldn't see paying for the SIG. I have a CZ 75B "Military" 9mm with *EIGHT* CZ factory 15 round hi-caps and I still have less money in the package than I would have spent on a new P226 with two ten rounders! I still want, and will end up getting a SIG P226 but in a day and time when hi-cap mags are drying up and/or becoming VERY expensive I could not pass up on the CZ deal. I can get factory CZ high caps for $35 each brand new. The gun only cost me $299.

If you discount the CZ without trying it out you will have only cheated yourself. As for a CZ model in the class of the P228, try the CZ 75 Compact on for size. :)

R6
 
Uh, the P220 and P226 definitely do NOT share the same frame. The most noticable difference being the P226 built around high capacity double (staggered) stacked and the P220 built around single stacked magazines.
 
Also, with the HK, just use your trigger finger to depress the right hand magazine release. This is faster, and eliminates the need to twist the gun in your hand to drop a mag. It sounds like you want the Sig, so go for it. Once you get one, then you can decide what is your NEXT purchase, and then you can get the USP or the CZ etc. ;)
 
You are indeed correct. What I should have said was that the P220 and P226 were essentially in the same size bracket. Poor wording on my part. I have held both and they feel the same, same size, etc... Don't remember the P226 being much, if any thicker in the grip. Sorry...

R6
 
Uh, hope I didn't sound like a super serious technical purest geek. Just wanted to make the difference clear. Believe me, I've made a few errors here on TFL myself.;)
 
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