So, in searching on the forums for “H&K” and reading older threads, I’ve been able to gather that H&K’s pistols are held in high regard for their quality & reliability. However, the thing I haven’t really come across in the threads I’ve read so far are very specific discussions of WHAT makes this the case.
For example, I found a link to an interview where Larry Vickers & Ken Hackathorn talk about the design process the HK45. The jist of it seemed to be that they were really only looking to improve the ergonomics of the USP45 because it was already a reliable & accurate platform at that point. So, I still end up wondering what the roots of the USP45’s established accuracy & reliability are and/or what goes into bringing those same qualities to the HK45s.
I realize it’s probably a little bit of everything and not just “they only use X parts” or “their QC always includes ____”, but I’d still like to try and better understand the specifics of what they’re getting right at each point in the manufacturing process, if I can.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some insight.
I think that it is whole “package” from very good engineering at design stage, then very deep testing (it takes HK forever to bring new product, but they also can design and deliver new one within a year). HK is also expert at very high quality machining/manufacturing processes (they are actually manufacturer of tooling and CNC machines) that allow “custom made” tolerances in mass production. Finally good selection of materials for barrels and slides. When they use MIM parts (and they use them), they have them made right.
Of course HK does not get everything perfect - like long sticking with their own idea of accessory rail (they put it first, but world moved on), ergonomy that not always work with current, most fashionable, shooting techniques (thumbs over safety high grip for example). But they seem to learn and improve on that -> P30, HK45C and HK45. But it seems that one area is completely unknown to HK engineers - decent pistol trigger. They design trigger in way that just allow them to be fully dependable in any condition and even work with broken parts (revert to DA-only), but they do not care about crisp release or short reset. But I love LEM trigger anyway.
HK also makes mistakes, happens to everyone. But nice is that they solve them in “retrofit-able” way (for eg USP firing pins), that does not leave customers with obsolete unit.
All this is backed in policy of not taking short-cuts and not looking to make profits by savings in engineering, manufacturing and materials. This, obviously, leads to make profit on high price. But it is not perfect world. Some time I think it is actually good that HK is not run by market-oriented sales-junkies.
I’ve been playing with H&Ks since 1984. So whats wrong with their triggers?:sarcastic:
The triggers aside, H&K has made some of the most inovative and most carefully thought out firearms in the world. They make guns that are obviously engineered by folks that really know and love guns.
I’m not one of the industry insiders that we have on this site, but i did just retire from a lifetime in the engineering field. It’s not so much what HK has done right, it’s more of the dearth of actual engineering in so many other makes that makes the HK’s shine by comparison. The HK’s are just very good engineers. And it’s obvious at first glance. I don’t want to slam some of the newer folks like FNusa, but generally americans don’t have a great track record. Americans for instance can’t seem to design good magazines (although many of their designs are not american). I don’t believe folks like S & W have ever even attempted to build up a “bench” of expertise. They just farm out. The europeans seem to take more pride in their work. Now our aerospace boys are another story altogether. I worked on the B1 a bit. We do know how to engineer, but small arms just find no money.
I think this is the truth. You’ll never see hk advertise “match grade” this or that. They stick with what works. Their slogan “No Compromise” sums the company up perfectly.
Also the p30 could be the best feeling pistol of all time. Its hard to show customers anything else after they fondle a p30.
Yeah, the P30’s bore axis really isn’t an issue in terms of controllability and follow-up shots. Bore axis is relevant to a point, but there are a lot of other factors at play in this.
In the end, the P30 is an incredibly reliable and accurate pistol that is a joy to shoot.
Other than the fact that the double action trigger on my P2000 is heavier than I’d like it to be, I absolutely love the feel and break of the single action pull. From the moment I first got my HK, I instantly noticed a huge quality improvement over every other handgun in its class. The machining is fantastic, the molding on the frame is top notch, and the way everything fits together works in harmony. I can agree with what was said above about HK’s being built for combat. I trust my life to mine everyday I leave the house knowing that it’s going to do it’s job if I need it to.
I used to shoot 1911’s with 2.25 lb triggers so i hear you, but a USP with the match trigger clocks at 5 lbs with just the right amount creep for the real world IMO. I think that trigger is near perfect. Reset distance is overrated IMO. Like most though, CCW has got me moving into safe actions. I’ve never felt an HK trigger that was anywhere near as sucky as a glock. I do carry a 19 though, sucky means safe. Try HK’s match triggers, they nice.
Their older model pistols were also excellent. I’m talking about the P9S and the P7. The trigger on the P7 in particular is most excellent with a very low bore axis. No longer made (the P9S), both these pistols are worth a look.
I’m sure the reset is totally manageable for anyone used to it…I just short-stroke everything with a longer reset than a Glock when I speed up because 99% of my shooting is on that platform.
I short-stroke non-SRT SIGs about 70% of the time when moving at speed. When I’m given a 5946 (as happens fairly frequently to regular shooters in Canada), it might as well be a single-shot because it is absolutely guaranteed that I will get the first shot off, then short-stroke and then, over the course of the next 3-4 seconds, tap-rack 14 times before I realize what’s going on. It’s a software problem, I know. The CPU runs on full autopilot until the mag is empty!
Anyway to get back on topic…I think the thing that makes HK guns reliable is the same thing that makes consumers bitch about HK: indifference to the consumer market and loyalty to the LE/Mil market.
Well, that and the willingness to retain a bunch of Germans purposed with the task of engineering for that market, I guess. You know the Germans…always interested in engineering solutions to problems, whether the problems exist or not.
Agree on all counts. Bore axis may not be a make or break issue, but i will take any advantage i can. And Glock’s are tops when it comes to overall shootability, imo.