Which USP to Pick... Stainless or Blued?

S

sundance43.5

New member
I am considering buying a USP .45, but I don't know whether to get the blued or stainless. So my questions:

1) Which gun is more durable as far as how many rounds they'll stand up to?

2) Which finish is more durable?

Thanks
 
Both should stand up very well to anything you may put them through. I'm not sure that the USP comes with a blued finish. I've only known them to come with the HE type finish, with the exception of the commemorative models which have a black nickel type finish.

The stainless gun will hold its value better for resale, but then it will also cost you a bit more to start with.

I keep debating myself on whether or not to purchase a USP at my local gunshop. It's a Stainless .45 USP for $550.00. It looks more like it was stored and never shot. No wear marks on the barrel or slide. The only booger is that It has a 12rd LEO mag that I would end up having to trade for a 10rd normal mag. And Yes..I can buy the LEO mag, I just don't choose to fool with the damn things..:D

Good Shooting
RED
 
1) The same.

2) The stainless gun is not technically a "finish", it is the actual material of the slide that is polished (depending on the version you get). The HE finish will show holster wear, the stainless can't really show "finish wear" since there is no finish to wear away.

I consider this to be an aesthetic decision. They will both serve well, just look different doing it. Choose the most eye pleasing.

Shake
 
As others have said both should stand up pretty well equally although neither are immune to serious neglect.

Purely an aesthetic decision.

Personally, I prefer defense guns that aren't shiny or refective.
 
I prefer the SS USP's...couldn't believe they quit making them last year. At least I can still buy a compact in SS.
 
I own an HK USP 40c in the HE finish. I would never own any personal defense weapon in Stainless or Nickel finish. They look good and perform the same. But from a defensive position, it really doesn't assist me. It could give me and my position away in the glaring sun, or if someone's flashing a surefire at me. Just my thoughts of course-

Semper Fi-
JJC
 
If someone flashes a SureFire, or any other light at you, the whole room is going to be lit up and your gun's reflectiveness will not make a difference. I would personally just go with the HE because it is cheaper, but it's all up to you and which you like better.
 
I have been very happy w/ my HE finished USPs. If you want a full size USP and you've found a stainless version, buy it since they have been discontiued. That would be my only reason for buying one right now.
 
I have a Blued 9mm but same finish. I have about 500 rounds thru it and no wear yet!!

HK9.jpg
:cool:
 
Oh, the scratches on the finish are the usual dings from dropping it on the tile floor, etc. It has been drawn from my Galco holster 1000s of times and there is still no visible wear, as you can see. That's the best finish I've seen on any pistol!:)
 
hmmm...

My wife has a USP 40c stainless. Yes, it IS mainly an asthetic question, although I always prefer cleaning a stainless gun...
 
Go with the Stainless while you can still get it!
Stainless is definately more durable! They also look better!;)
 
Sundance43.5, your question seems to address only the esthetics
and in that aspect, the real bottom line is "different strokes for different folks". And the so-called stainless refers only to the slide (so I doubt if it is completely stainless). You gonna spend your money to buy the gun, you gonna have to 'look' at it everyday you handle or carry it, you are the one to live with it. In other words the decision is ultimately yours after you have examined them side by side at the store or range.
 
I don't like the way it looks and for concealed carry anything with contrast is bad. I would take an all-stainless or all-black model, but not a mix.

As for the discontinued stainless models... I spoke with two H&K reps last month and asked if the stainless slide version was discontinued. They looked at me like I had three heads and said, "no." They had stainless versions of all of their guns with them and even pulled out a 9mm, checked the date code and determined that it was manufactured in May 2001.
 
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