Which one, USP .45, Sig 220, or *&* 4506?

S

sundance43.5

New member
I've finally got enough money to buy a .45 and wouldn't you know it, I'm stuck. I have narrowed it down to 3 choices, here's my reasoning for them, tell me what you think:

USP .45 Stainless

Pro's: Ultra-reliable, very accurate, durable. Price isn't a problem, as I can get it for about $600

Con's: Bad ergonomics

Sig 220

I don't know a whole lot about this pistol, but I don't like the low capacity mags

Smith 4506

Looks like a well-made gun. From what I hear they're reliable and accurate. It's also the cheapest at $450

So, what's your take?

Thanks
 
I'd pick the USP 45 (and did!). For the reasons you've already mentioned plus, 10 round mags, accessory rail & controls are very intuitive.
 
I'd take the USP. 45. And like Kermit I bought it also. But if you don't like the ergonomics, no sense buying something you don't like just because we like the gun. And it is a great gun.

Don't let the 2 less rounds dampen your thoughts about the P220. Remember shot placement. The SIG is a very fine pistol. Try it you might like it.

Don't know anything about the 4506.
 
Is It Now or Never?

With that said, I would pick the world famous Sig-Sauer P220.
If you expect the best out of a handgun, this is the way to go.
Of course, I'm very opinionated and partial to Sig's. However,
the H&K USP is a great pistol, in its own right. For me, its just
too damn big, blocky, and chunky; not easily concealed. OTOH,
the Sig classic "P" series 220 lies flat, and hides very well under
loose fit clothing.

Not to mention Sig's well known reliability rating. With
it's ease of operation, it may very well be the best out
of the box semi-auto available.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
 
You don't like the "low capacity" SIG Sauer P220, but the Smith & Wesson 4506 is okay?:confused: If you say so.:rolleyes:

I chose the SIG Sauer P220 because of its superior reliability, ergonomics and accuracy. Get whatever you want.
 
m two cents

HK-least favorite trigger of the group, kind of "clunky," like somebody above says.
Sig-excellent ergos for most people. Aluminum frame makes it kind of bouncy in recoil.
Smith-my choice because the DA to SA trigger sear reset is the shortest, which makes it easier for me to shoot. Steel frame...if you like or don't mind the weight, great. If you want light, you will not be happy.
No bad choice, just 3 different choices.
 
I looked at the USP 45 the 220 and the 220 ST. I went with the 220 ST because it fit my hand the best, had no external safety levers (just a decock) and had the stainless frame. CCW was not an issue for me with this gun, so the extra weight of the ST was a positive.

It is quite accurate.:)
 
To USP or not to USP.....

As a former USP .45 owner I will say that the Sig 220 holds the edge in three important areas.

Pointability: 220s point naturally, with the USP I always had to adjust grip.

Trigger: USP triggers, specially in D/A are sub-standard, if you add the actual reinforced plastic trigger flexing during pull things only degrade.

USP are way too top heavy, muzzle flip is very pronounced.

USPs are estronger but SIG 220 is a much more refined design.
 
Well...

Never buy a gun you describe as having "bad ergonomics." Period. Regardless of which gun it may be.

The need for high capacity is over rated. If you are other wise happy with a pistol, and it holds seven rounds or more, you should give it serious consideration.

Within reason, I try to avoid recommending decision based solely on price points. In this case, it appears your budget allows for all three options.

That said, I'd get the Sig. Now available, as mentioned, with a SS frame.
 
USP advantages missed:

Cocked and locked carry

.45 Super capable with no modification

Pronounced recoil and muzzle flip? Not even. Shooting .45 Super through my old G21, now that's pronounced recoil.

But if it doesn't fit you it doesn't fit you.

The Sigs are nice, used to have a 228. The one problem I have is the location of the slide release. I have long fingers and it's actually hard to get to because it's so much far to the rear vs just about every other design.

Skip the Smith. There's just nothing special about a S&W.
 
1. Smith (provided it has fixed Novak-ish sights)
2. 220 (like mine very much though SIG service was lacking when it broke)
.
.
.
10. HK
 
I bought a SIG P220 although the USP is nice, and I'm not completely biased as a result.

As far as magazine capacity goes, just what are you going to shoot that needs more than 7 rounds (and factory 8 round mags are readily available for the SIG) of .45, but not more than 10? .45 ammo is heavy.

Check out this 10,000 round test of the SIG P220:

http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1230

Here's what Gun Tests had to say in their 2001 review:

"Our SIG P220 (original review May 2001) came with SIGLite night sights, which helped it put 22 of 30 hits in the A zone in a Practical shooting test. We found the transition of the P220's trigger from DA to SA to be very predictable. Elapsed times were consistent, offering the control and perspective to complete the string of fire at the same speed every time. This exercise builds awareness and perception as well as precision, three key elements not only of sporting competition but also self-defense.

Another feature of the P220 that makes it an exceptional weapon is the layout of the controls. The Sig P220 prefers that availability of the slide release to the right thumb takes precedence, so that the weak hand can retrieve and load a spare magazine. Once inserted, releasing the slide need not wait until the left hand is in position.

The SIG's grip is plastic and wraps around the backstrap. The grip is at its narrowest along the line following the index finger connecting the trigger to the undercut of the backstrap. Although textured, the plastic grip is a little slippery, which would be fine if only the front strap were checkered. Grip tape on the front is an inexpensive alternative.

Slide and frame rails are full length, and you have to wonder what kind of alloy is used to make the frame assembly. At 14 ounces, it feels almost as light as a plastic frame. This adds to the SIG's appeal as an everyday gun, lending it to carry or driving options. "

Friends who have the S&W 4506 really like it. If you shoot the SIG, you'll buy it.
 
Sig - Reliable, Unbelievably(sp) accurate, great feel.

HK - DA Trigger not worth what they ask for it

Smith - Clunky, high bore axis = horrible recoil, horrible barrel crown that will need to be re-crowned by a competent gunsmith post haste
 
All new SIG Sauer P220's can safely fire .45 Super, and older P220's can as well with a simple recoil spring replacement.
 
I see the Smith bashers are out in full force again. Have any of you guys actually owned a Smith auto? I mean a third generation Smith auto? I've only owned three, and all three have been flawless for me. More accurate that I can shoot, totally reliable, and easy to shoot. Is it just me? Maybe I got lucky. I like most Smith autos a great deal. That said, I think the 4506 is a bit on the heavy side for carry, but it's built like a truck.
 
All politics aside.

Have I owned an S&W auto - yes, 2.

Have I owned a 3rd gen? No

Have I shot a third gen - yes -enough to know that I would not sink the kind of money into it that I have in my HKs or Berettas.

Does that make S&W autos total POSs? No.

They are not my choice - and I will leave it at that.
 
Since you are talking about a .45 and that you chose the USP45 in stainless as one of your choice, I recommend the SIG P220ST in all stainless. When I was shopping for a .45 for the first time, I went out and shot each gun I was interested in first, in which I recommend you do. You can't let us decide for you, cause everyone is different with different opinions, hand size, needs, preferences, and more importantly, biases. Mine came down to the P220 and USP45. The P220 outshot the USP and when it came down to all the ergos, reliability, accuracy, and needs picking, the P220 won me over and have never regretted it. The P220 is simpler and also easier to take down. The only thing I don't like as you said, is the limited mag capacity. But that was no big deal to me. But I wanted a stainless and hated Sigs finishes for non stainless slides and frames. I also wanted peace of mind, cause I was too paranoid about rusting if it is not stainless. I wanted to get a USP45 stainless to add to my P220 blue. I found a USP45 stainless for $650 just as the P220ST came out. Tough choice to make esp with the stainless USP being discontinued, but the Sig once again won me over. So I sold my P220 and bought the P220ST. Now I have the P220 that I like and in stainless like the USP. Now I have the best of both worlds and am happy like baby. Sportingarms.com sells it for $679, where I bought mine from. Good prices and good service! But again, try them out. The P220ST is heavier than the P220 cause the frame is stainless also, not aluminum alloy like the regular P220. By the way, I also own a stainless S&W .45 revolver though not auto. It's a handsome gun, but doesn't shoot close to my Sig.:p
 
I would have to go with the 45 SS USP although I do like SIG's. Where are you getting a SS seeing how they quit making them at the end of last year?
 
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