Why?

[DaTeacha]

I handled an H&K .45 the other day. Double stack mag, full size frame, but I don't know the model. I was impressed by the way the thing pointed where I looked, but shocked by the 4 digit price tag when the same store has a new Kimber classic for a couple hundred less, and a new Springfield milspec for another couple hundred less than that.

You guys are a little biased since you've invested in an H&K, but why is the price so much above the others? They had several different models on the shelf, but all were high priced compared to SIGs etc. The counter guy also commented that the model with the 3 replaceable grip panels sells out within days of when they get a couple in.

Are they really that much better? In what ways?

[50 shoebox]

What I like about my USP 45 is the recoil reduction system very easy to handle one-handed and hit your mark, HK's life time warranty, The high capacity in a 45 caliber, and how light my gun is. I'm very accurcate with it, at far distances. I fell in love with my HK so much, I'm gonna buy another 45 in a compact model.

[nathangdad]

unfair comparisons to other manufacturers, but we cannot deny the fact that H&K enjoys a phenominal world wide reputation for quality of steel and other products used in their guns, quality of design/engineering, and strict quality control on every gun.

A product of H&K projects the sort mystique associated with a Presidential grade Rolex wristwatch and the higher end products of Rolls Royce and Mercedes Benz.

Is it worth it? That is a sort of hopeless question as H&K simply demands and gets the prices they set on their products.

Is it that much better than a product such as a Kimber? Again, it is a question perhaps more for the individual purchaser to answer. I would not hesitate to have a Kimber and would not feel it really that inferior to a H&K.

[Palladin8]

Possibly because they are manufactured in Germany and like their cars they are considerbly higher than like model cars in the US. Don't know this for a fact just a thought.
Like Nathangdad hit on is the fact that they do have world wide brand recognition and due to that fact people will spend the money on the brand name just because it is said brand name and they know they will get quality.

[pico]

I really like my H&Ks, and they are in a league of their own compared to Hi Point. My Sig Sauer P245 is a bit on the bulky side compared to the H&K USP Compact in same caliber. I would think about the reason you need this firearm. If for concealed carry, there is not much better. If for a nightstand gun, then get something larger and less expensive, like a Glock 21.

[DaTeacha]

Being of German heritage, I have always like German engineering and quality. That being said, I was not pleased with my VW Passat. It was a very nice car, but it definitely had some electrical and electronic issues that convinced me it was not a very good car. My current Mazda, while nowhere close to the level of refinement I saw in the VW, seems to be made better. And it was built in Michigan.

I don't need an H&K. I don't need another .45. But that does nothing to alter the admiration I have for a fine piece of engineering, well executed, well finished, and totally functional. I guess you guys all understand. It's like appreciating a nice piece of art, which a well made gun truly is.

Have any of you ever held a Shiloh Sharps in your hands? Simply amazing.

[captsquirrel]

Some very good points have been made. Quality control, accuracy, reputation etc...
I think it also falls into that Harley Davidson category of "If I have to explain you wouldn't understand" ah maybe not it just sounded good lol.
I can say one thing for sure my HK has a few thousand rounds through it and not so much as a hiccup.

[DaTeacha]

Being slightly incapacitated today due to gout and a torn up rotator cuff, I went to the gun store to look again. Wonder of wonder, the H&K rep just happened to be there and I spent about an hour and a half talking with him. He's former LEO and former military as well as being a former SIG rep possessed of a personal collection of about 200 guns, and generally extremely knowledgeable on the topic.

After looking at the HK45, and the older USP 45 in both standard and tactical configuration, I've figured out that what I want is not yet made. The P30 will never be a .45 since it's on the small frame, so that's out.

I would be very happy with an HK45 equipped with the target trigger and sights. Call it a "tactical" HK45 if you wish. I would want a SA/DA trigger and ambi safety/decocker. It would be great if they would expand the P30 interchangeable side panels to the HK series. I have no need for the extended threaded barrel able to accomodate a suppressor, but wouldn't object to having it on there if I had to. Now all they need to do is build one that way.