I agree thanks for the pictures. The one with the overlay is the best picture that I have seen in regards to size comparison. I am sure it will help many others in the future.
I second going with the HK45c.
Thanks. I kind of mucked the overlay up a bit with the way they show through, so I’ll fix it.
Anyone that finds them useful, feel free to copy and repost them if you’d like.
Jonathan
If it helps I’ve got 4600+ rounds down the pipe with my HK45 and it’s been perfect. I know its nothing compared to what some people have put through some HK45’s but it’s not too shabby.
Get the one that fits your hand the best and you won’t go wrong. HKs are excellent weapons and will serve you well.
Good Luck!
I have about 2500 rounds down my HK45 and it is the best pistol I have ever owned. I defiantly like the HK45 more than my HK USP Tactical. It’s just as accurate, But in a more ergonomic package. I love how people react after shooting my HK45. They always say wow that’s accurate!
Both 45’s are excellent. I really like the full size, but that’s just me and I don’t have the largest hands as you can see in the pics. I carried full size 1911’s for the longest time so maybe that’s part of it. Now, I carry an M&P9 or Glock 17.
I didn’t worry much about the two rounds. Besides, you can get this extended factory mags for the Compact, IIRC. My ONLY complaint about them is the availablilty of aftermarket sights, or lack there of.
Jonathan
I greatly prefer the HK45C over the full size HK45. For me it all comes down to the grip, and ergo LAV’s intention when he and Hackathorne designed the HK45. If the full size could be had with a P2000 style grip I would get one.
HK45C with the light LEM is on my very short list of future pistol purchases, and I would consider it and the M&P45 “midsize” as the 2 finest .45ACP pistols on the market today.
Gr8 pistols; no doubting that. With an LEM trigger group they are arguably the best in class. Everyone’s hand is unique so it matters not what the concept intent was if the current fits you. I wish the C had either the full-size grip enhancements. I’d much prefer P30 enhancements on both of them.
I also wish that the HK45C had another 1/4" in stock length, too.
One time while at the range with my HK45. The guy beside me had a Kimber. I didn’t ask him which model. I asked him if he would like too try my HK45. After he finished. I asked him which he liked. He liked my HK45 better then his Kimber.
At one time i had the HK45 and HK45c. Shot them back to back and the fullsize was getting tighter groups, had noticeably less recoil and a more ergonomic grip. So for me the fullsize was preferable.
I find the same results when trying them both back to back, too, especially when shooting at speed.
I need a slightly longer stock or grip on the “C” but it’s doable; slightly less than than ideal.
The only problem I had with the HK45 full-size was the tendency to decock when shooting a CoF. Loved the gun, but it didn’t love me. I never had the problem with my HK45 Compact, so I sold the HK45 and bought another HK45 Compact. Couldn’t be happier!! Love the gun.
Decide on caliber first.
If you want .45ACP - go with HK45C.
If you want 9x19mm Para - go with a Glock 19.
Midsize pistols are becoming a favorite to me as well. I am catching on.
…Still happy with my G17s though. 
I guess I’m the only one who prefers the fullsize USP45 to the HK45. Not that I dont like the HK45, its just that the USP seems to fit my hand much better and I’m more accurate with it. Mabye its just years of familiarity but I cant see the HK45 as such an improvement as to justify making the switch.
I’d say the HK 45 is one of the best handguns ever made. Laser accurate, reliable, very well made, great ergo’s. I’d take it over a high end 1911 any day and it doesn’t hurt that it costs half as much. Much prefer the LEM trigger. I don’t see any difference in accuracy with the 45c and my hands lock into the 45c better because the grip is shorter. But I like big honkin .45s so overall prefer the full size. It carry’s just fine in the right holster (Raven Concealment) but then again I’m a big boy so YMMV. It also looks cool and even at 51 yrs old with many years of owning or being issued some of the best handguns you can find I’m not immune to that. Fortunately HK’s customer service has gone from being terrible to adequate so that helps justify the purchase as well.
I hate HK with a passion… largely because of their brainless fanboys.
But I must admit I like the HK45 very much. I didn’t like the trigger on the P30 at all.
The HK45 also performed flawlessly with an AAC TiRant.
I want a Ti-RANT 9S, but need to get two more fullsize ones first.
I’ve decided against getting Gemtech’s stuff.
I’ve not been impressed at all with Gemtech pistol cal Cans. I’ve only tried a couple, but they were both quite disappointing. So I had VERY LOW expectations when I shot the Ti-rant… I figured all pistol cal cans were problematic junk. But WOW what a different experience!!
My full size Ti-RANT with 147 gr. Feds is quieter than me making the ‘‘tss tss’’ noise to imitate it.
Or at least it seems that way when I shoot it.
I also was happy with the Osprey I owned. (Sold it to fund another Ti-RANT.)
Shooting them side by side though… I’d go Ti-RANT.
As if BCM, S&W M&Ps, Glocks, and Colt brand ARs don’t have fanboys . . .
disclaimer: I have 2 Colt ARs, 2 S&W M&Ps, I BCM upper, and a few Glocks, along with 1.5 H&Ks.