USP alternatives

TxMedic · #1

Hi all, here's my first post...

I'm in the market for my first handgun (not my first firearm). So far, I like the H&K USP compact in 9mm. I like the ability to carry condition 1, or DA/SA. My only wish is that the USPc were smaller so that I could conceal it easily on my skinny self.

Obviously this will be a CCW/home defense weapon. So, I'm looking for thinner alternatives chambered in 9mm. I'm really having trouble finding pistols that have controls similar to the USP. If they made the P2000 with the same controls, maybe that would be ideal.
Do ya'll have any suggestions as to other guns I should be looking at? I realize I might have to compromise some, I just want to make sure I consider some good alternatives before I hand over my hard-earned money. Thanks in advance, great forum here!

nitrogen · #2

You might want to try the Springfield Armory EMP.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=24

I'm not sure you can get it in 9mm though.

They do make a Browning Hi-power "compact" that really isn't.

There's also a CZ-75 compact that might fit the bill for you.

badkarma56 · #3

+1 on the EMP, if you like 1911-style pistols. I've written a recent review about my experiences with the EMP on this board, check it out. Thus far, that little piece has been good-to-go. My EMP is chambered in 9mm, although Springfield Armory will be introducing a .40 S&W model sometime soon.

I also own a USP Compact/9mm, and I really like the toughness and dependability of the weapon, although the trigger on the EMP is light years better (no real surprise there, as USP's are intended as "hard use" pistols and are built accordingly). The USP is my carry weapon, while the EMP is the newest addition to the family

. I've found carrying the USP Compact to be completely comfortable (I carry strong-side, IWB at the 4:00-4:15 position).

I too enjoy the control setup on the USP series (which is why I also own a fullsize version in .45 ACP

). The Variant 1 USP "control levers" essentially replicate the function/positioning of 1911-style thumb safeties, with an added bonus...the USP's "control lever" doubles as both a decocker and a manual safety. I carry my USP in condition-1, just as I would with a 1911.

flintknapper · #4

The EMP or the Ultra Compact from Springfield both come in 9mm and are small and thin.

Also, If you like a DA feature on a 1911 style firearm, then....the Para Ordnance Carry 9 may work for you (same size as the EMP overall).

Of course, the 1911 type pistols have slightly different features than the USP.

Stupid · #5

Kimber Agies is another choice.

I like condition 1 on 1911 style guns. This one time I carried mine (Kimber Ultra CDP II), and suddenly found out the safety switch was off - (probably from running?) I was not all that worried because 1911 guns have grip safety too. The gun wouldn't go off unless (1) it was gripped properly, and (2) its trigger was pulled.

Condition 1 on HK is a totally different story.

dustyb · #6

Have you tried Kahr's? They are DAO, but are slimmer than USP's. There was a Kahr K-9 for sale on this forum.

biblefreak · #7

A bit of a spin on action, but what about a Glock? I like the the idea of pull the trigger, it goes bang. I love my 1911, my wife has a great DA/SA in a sub compact Baby Eagle, but the Glock fills a great roll as a carry gun. I recently aquired a 26 and it hides well, holds 10+1 of 9mm, very reliable etc. If you really want the manual safety there is an after market external safety that can be had and installed by a gunsmith. Just a thought.

Stupid · #8

I heard Kahr kicked a lot, is it true?

davefrmmrfy · #9

Stupid wrote:I heard Kahr kicked a lot, is it true?

I have a Kahr P9. I haven't noticed a big kick. Even my 115 lb daughter can handle it. It does carry well, but I've noticed that being a slim single stack, I have to watch that I don't give it too much trigger finger.

They make a PM model that is 1/2 inch shorter. (3'' barrel) I can't speak to it.

KinnyLee · #10

Not exactly what you're looking for, but I find this oh so sexy.

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=783798

#11

I have a Kahr PM9 that's the best compromise I own between a true pocket gun and an IWB carry. In 511s or loose jeans, I'll carry the PM9 in a pocket, but in my normal, workday slacks even it would look like I was carrying an adobe roofing tile in my pocket.

When I'm not going to the office (30.06 posted) and can wear an untucked shirt or, in the joyous few weeks of wintery temperatures we get on the Gulf Coast, a sport coat, I wear a 1911. I like the slim profile, the .45 ACP round, and, of course, the crisp trigger.

We're gettin' way off the USP, but a 9mm DAO that might be worth considering is the new Walther PPS. They state the width as 1.04", but that's only at the width of the slide release; everything else is .90". I think this little guy could be worth a look.

TxMedic · #12

I have considered DAO pistols like the Walther PPS and Sig 239 among others. I end up back at the fact that having a thumb safety is pretty important to me. I guess the XD could be an alternative given that there is a grip safety. So it looks like if I want something very close to a USP, my only other choices would be 1911 like the EMP and Aegis...both a bit more expensive than a USP compact. Ya'll have given me some stuff to think about, thanks for the help. Keep the comments coming.

chewy555 · #13

I have an H&K USP40c that I carry sometimes. To me it is easy to conceal. It is eariser to conceal that my H&K USP45f. I think that the best thing for you to do is to go to the range and try some smaller guns. If you carry IWB you should be able to conceal almost any gun.