sundance43.5
New member
I need help deciding which gun to buy. I'm considering a stainless HK USP .45, or a Beretta Brigadier 96 Stainless. Please help me decide! And no, buying both is not an option!
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Which to buy, HK USP or Beretta 96
- Thread starter sundance43.5
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Inspector Callahan
New member
I must admit a certain bias toward the Beretta. That said, get the Beretta. 
Mo_Zam_Beek
New member
Get the HK
I have 2 HKs and 2 Berettas.
While my Elite II and FS are very nice, they jam if they are not run wet, and they dont like to get very dirty. The E2 has a generous mag well but the FS doesn't. The biggest thing - they are even heavier than my HKs.
My HKs have yet to choke, jam, or bobble (15k rounds).
If it an extra gun, and you feel that some of the other handguns that you already own are 100% reliable -yeah the Beretta is a great gun. However, if it is your only handgun or you need a 100% reliable handgun - no question - HK.
I have 2 HKs and 2 Berettas.
While my Elite II and FS are very nice, they jam if they are not run wet, and they dont like to get very dirty. The E2 has a generous mag well but the FS doesn't. The biggest thing - they are even heavier than my HKs.
My HKs have yet to choke, jam, or bobble (15k rounds).
If it an extra gun, and you feel that some of the other handguns that you already own are 100% reliable -yeah the Beretta is a great gun. However, if it is your only handgun or you need a 100% reliable handgun - no question - HK.
I have both pistols and my vote goes to the HK.
You need to rent or borrow both guns, shoot a good number of rounds in each and decide which one is better for you. Better might mean one is more ergonomic or more accurate or whatever. It is up to you what you "feel" is better.
Note the differences in the functions of the controls - the HK can be carried cocked and locked. Parts can be replaced to make it to left-handed or ambidextrous. It can be made DAO, decock only (no safety), etc. Refer to the HK website for all the possible combinations. On the other hand, the Beretta 96 has a slide-mounted ambi safety (Decock/Safe and Fire positions). You can't carry cocked and locked.
The slide action on the Beretta is a lot smoother, described by many as being as if on roller bearings. It's true. The HK slide has a little bit more looseness in the fit, but that makes it more reliable under a variety or conditions (extreme cold or dirt/sand/gunk).
Unless you get the Brigadier model, the sights on the Beretta are fixed, not dovetailed like the HK USP. That is not really a problem since it is possible to send out the slide to get tritium inserts placed in the front sight.
Warranty-wise (hopefully you won't need it), lifetime for HK, 3 years for Beretta.
When I switch from the 96 to the USP during shooting practice, the difference between the two is obvious. The USP's fit in my hand, its pointability and my accuracy are a lot better, hence my recommendation.
My 2 cents.
You need to rent or borrow both guns, shoot a good number of rounds in each and decide which one is better for you. Better might mean one is more ergonomic or more accurate or whatever. It is up to you what you "feel" is better.
Note the differences in the functions of the controls - the HK can be carried cocked and locked. Parts can be replaced to make it to left-handed or ambidextrous. It can be made DAO, decock only (no safety), etc. Refer to the HK website for all the possible combinations. On the other hand, the Beretta 96 has a slide-mounted ambi safety (Decock/Safe and Fire positions). You can't carry cocked and locked.
The slide action on the Beretta is a lot smoother, described by many as being as if on roller bearings. It's true. The HK slide has a little bit more looseness in the fit, but that makes it more reliable under a variety or conditions (extreme cold or dirt/sand/gunk).
Unless you get the Brigadier model, the sights on the Beretta are fixed, not dovetailed like the HK USP. That is not really a problem since it is possible to send out the slide to get tritium inserts placed in the front sight.
Warranty-wise (hopefully you won't need it), lifetime for HK, 3 years for Beretta.
When I switch from the 96 to the USP during shooting practice, the difference between the two is obvious. The USP's fit in my hand, its pointability and my accuracy are a lot better, hence my recommendation.
My 2 cents.
The Beretta 96 is the nicest 40 S&W I've had the opportunity to shoot. If I were to get back into that caliber, it would be w/ the 96fs.
The HK USP 45 is my favorite gun PERIOD. Easy to shoot well, goes bang every time I pull the trigger, reliable, durable, has a great reputation & IMO looks good too.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate...GET THE USP 45!
The HK USP 45 is my favorite gun PERIOD. Easy to shoot well, goes bang every time I pull the trigger, reliable, durable, has a great reputation & IMO looks good too.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate...GET THE USP 45!
I am curious why it is not a choise between the Beretta 8045, which is a .45 ACP, and the HK USP?
My Beretta's have never jammed, failed to return to battery, or any other malfunction.
Both are good guns. My vote would go to the Beretta. I don't see how you will go wrong with either one.
My Beretta's have never jammed, failed to return to battery, or any other malfunction.
Both are good guns. My vote would go to the Beretta. I don't see how you will go wrong with either one.
Archer1440
New member
The HK control lever works in the "correct" manner and is very quick to bear on target.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, doesn't the Beretta need to run somewhat wet to be reliable ?
The HK is completely reliable, lightweight, runs any ammo, and has very controllable characteristics.
The Beretta is attractive and feels smooth and solid.
For my needs, HK all the way.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, doesn't the Beretta need to run somewhat wet to be reliable ?
The HK is completely reliable, lightweight, runs any ammo, and has very controllable characteristics.
The Beretta is attractive and feels smooth and solid.
For my needs, HK all the way.
Skunkability
Inactive
save your self the time and money (money) buy all three
I say shoot them both...
But after you do that, I am betting you are going with the HK.
Its a damn fine gun and after 3000 rounds through my 2yr old HK USP45f, I am a believer. Its a DAMN fine gun. Fires everything.
Really.. I don't think these are the same class of firearms. Not to say that Beretta doesnt make a good weapon, its just that HK should be more likely compared to the Sig 220 than the Beretta.
Just my ot-two
JT
as usual, FWIW, YMMV, IMHO, and all that...
But after you do that, I am betting you are going with the HK.
Its a damn fine gun and after 3000 rounds through my 2yr old HK USP45f, I am a believer. Its a DAMN fine gun. Fires everything.
Really.. I don't think these are the same class of firearms. Not to say that Beretta doesnt make a good weapon, its just that HK should be more likely compared to the Sig 220 than the Beretta.
Just my ot-two
JT
as usual, FWIW, YMMV, IMHO, and all that...
