New "Target" Gun, but which one?

G

Glock_17_II

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Hi all!

The only major caliber handgun which I own and use for target shooting is my Glock 17. However, I'd like to improve my group sizes - with the Glock I am not able to hold the 10 ring (slowfire pistol target) and often I get single 8s at a distance of 25 meters.

After checking several reviews from gun magazines and threads of online boards I have limited my choice to the following two pistols:

H&K USP Expert in 45 Auto and
Sig P 220 Sport SL in 45 Auto.

Both cost about the same (difference < 300 USD) and for both I can get a 9mm conversion kit from the producer.

So, what's your opinion? Which gun has better accuracy, durability,...?


Thanks,
Glock_17_II
 
Is suspect, of the two you mention, the 220 Sport would be more accurate.

But if accuracy is your concern, I'd look around for a tuned 1911. Or pick a 1911(a1) up cheaply, and have a gunsmith tune it for you. You would end up, I think, with a better, more accurate gun for about the same money -- or less.

(I stumbled unto a tuned Norinco 1911 a few years ago, that had been worked on by a gunsmith who specializes in 1911s. I got it for $400, and its one of the most accurate .45s I've ever shot.)

With a 1911 you have a good carry gun, a good home defense gun, and a very accurate target gun in a more reasonable-size package. You'll have no trouble finding magazines, parts, etc., and you can shoot it in IDPA, etc. (That would NOT be possible with the 220 sport.)
 
G17

Both the Expert and the Sport are excellent choices, I've shot both and own one. But both models are quite expensive (consume lots of "gun bucks") and somewhat limited to the target range (and neither will convert to 9mm). Think that Walt is on the right track. Find a gun with a longer sight radius. It can be done without breaking the bank and the product exist (inexpensively) to easily modify, change calibers and enhance. The 1911 is one model that comes to mind and another is a Glock 35 in .40 S&W. And for the price of just one of those models you mentioned, you can own both a 1911 and a Glock 35 or just buy one, modify it one step at a time and save the difference for a rainy day (another gun later).

Just an idea.

Robert
 
Of the two you have mentioned get the EXPERT!
I have one and like it alot.

Here is an Accuracy Test done on the USP Expert from the September issue of Guns Magazine:

Fed. Match SWC 185gr. - 877 fps - 1.92"
Norma JHP +P 200gr. - 1,074 fps - 1.86"
Rem. Golden Saber 230gr. - 888 fps - 2.42"
Speer Gold Dot 230gr. - 909 fps - 2.13"
Win. Winclean 185gr. - 878 fps - 2.35"

accuracy measurements are the average of three five shot groups fired at 25 yards.

On the other hand if you are really wanting a tack driver then I suggest that you look at Wilson Combat or Les Baer.
 
Thanks for the responses so far!
USP: 1
Sig: 1
1911: 4 :D

That means I'll have to add a 1911-type too? ;)
Nonetheless my budget is limited to 30.000,- ATS (~2.000 USD) including a 9mm conversion kit.

Walt: As I live in Austria the costs for tuning, etc. are relatively high (starting at ~1.500 USD) and I don't know a possibility to shoot IPDA here, but I will look into it.

Robert: The USP Expert costs about 1.000 USD, the Sig 220 Sport 1.400 USD. For both pistols you can get a 9mm conversion kit (see http://www.heckler-koch.de/html/english/civil/01_pistols/01_05_index.html).
The problem with buying more than one gun are the strict limits here in Austria. If you want to own more than two semi-automatic guns/handguns you need a good reason (ie. target shooting, "scientific" collection). :(
So I have to limit myself to only one new gun (I already own a Glock 17 and a 22lr target gun) at the moment.

1911Ford: The results are quite good, this means it should be possible to keep everything in the X-ring - not considering the shooter.
Regarding Les Baer: these cost around 2.500 USD in Austria - too expensive for me.

Glock_Racer: The 3.5lbs connector is already installed, but the trigger still feels mushy. I will check for an Austrian distributor of a match barrel.
 
Glock_17_II

Sorry to hear about your dilemma. We here in the US sometimes take the right of gun ownership for granted and rather closed to the outside world at times.

Getting parts (factory) here in the US for Euro guns is almost impossible. For example, I collect P220's, getting a 9mm conversion would be impossible and now have 4 of these guns. Been trying to get a 30 Luger conversion for a long time and no luck what so ever. HK, even worse! Something short of an act of God to get anything from them. In that sense, you got it good.

Our prices differ somewhat also, P220 Sports sell for about $1000-$1100 US and the HK Expert is about $150 to $200 more.

Good luck in your search, it seems that you really have to choose wisely.

Robert
 
I have a P229 sport and I love the full stainless constructiin. I am also in the same market as you and am looking for the same two .45 from Sig & HK. I am leaning toward the P220 sport because the all stainless construction, plus the Sig has a compensator.
 
Just want to tell you:

After a long decision making process (love that one ;)), I bought a new H&K Expert in .45 Auto for ~1.000 USD. It came in a small carry case with a second magazine, hammer for DA only, sight adjustment tool, three spare O-rings and a test target.

Shot it for the first time yesterday and like it very much, although I'll have to get used to the recoil of the big One. :)

Trigger in SA is very good, takeup is about 0.15'', breaks at ~3.5 pounds and has no overtravel (thx to the trigger stop).


I'll keep you posted,

Glock_17_II
 
IMO, the Expert is the way to go. Sure it's retailing at $1500 or so, but to get a tuned 1911, you'd be well over 2g's. The Expert is very durable, reliable and accurate...you won't be sorry with one! :D
 
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