HK45

The Heckler & Koch HK45 (''Heckler & Koch, .45 ACP'') is a semi-automatic pistol designed by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch.

Overview

The HK45 was designed to meet requirements set forth in the U.S. Military Joint Combat Pistol program which had the purpose of arming the U.S. Military with a .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol instead of the 9mm M9 pistol. Heckler & Koch developed the HK45 with the help of retired SFOD-D operator Larry Vickers and firearms instructor Ken Hackathorn. The Joint Combat Pistol program was suspended in 2006 and eventually cancelled due to the price of re-arming the entire U.S. armed forces. The M9 pistol remained the standard issue handgun for the U.S. Military until the adoption of the Sig P320 by the U.S. Army in January 2017. Even though the Joint Combat Pistol program had ended, HK decided to make the HK45 available on the commercial market as well as to law enforcement and military groups.

The HK45 represents an evolutionary advancement of the Heckler & Koch USP, and shares the same operating principles of that weapon. It is available in the same ten variants as the USP. The HK45 is a full size model pistol, but significant effort went towards making it more ergonomic than the HK USP full-size chambered in .45 ACP by incorporating features found on the Heckler & Koch P2000. These include an extended ambidextrous slide release, a textured ergonomic grip with finger grooves, and interchangeable backstraps to fit differently sized hands. The newer grip and backstraps allow the pistol to sit lower into the web of the hand, contributing to greater control of the weapon and recoil management. In order to accommodate the smaller, more ergonomic grip, the HK45 has a magazine capacity of 10 rounds versus 12 rounds for the USP45. The HK45 also added grip serrations on the front end of the slide, a Picatinny rail in front of the trigger guard for mounting accessories, and an O-ring polygonal barrel similar to the USP Expert and Match models and the Mark 23 for more consistent lock-up of the slide and barrel during cycling and increased accuracy.

In 2011, the United States Naval Special Warfare Command adopted a variant of the HK45 Compact Tactical under the designation MK 24 MOD 0.

The HK45 is also the first weapon to be manufactured at Heckler & Koch's new facility in Newington, New Hampshire.

Variants

Heckler & Koch also manufactures the HK45 Compact (HK45C), which can use an 8-round and a 10-round magazine. The HK45C features the same improvements as the full-size HK45, but has a more conventional straight grip similar to Heckler & Koch's P2000. This design still allows the user to customize the grip size via interchangeable backstraps.

An HK45 Tactical (HK45T) and HK45 Compact Tactical (HK45CT) are also available; these variants include an extended threaded barrel for suppressors, and tritium front and rear sights. Extended threaded barrels compatible with the HK45 and HK45C are also available for purchase from Heckler & Koch USA.

Users

*: HK45 was adopted by the Tactical Response Group of the Western Australia Police in 2008.
*: HK45 was adopted by the Naval Special Warfare Force (PASKAL) of the Royal Malaysian Navy in 2010s.
*: Unknown variant was purchased for use by the special forces.
*: The Heckler & Koch HK45 Compact (HK45C) is designated the Mark 24 and used by SEAL Team Six operators.

See also

*Heckler & Koch P30 - Chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and 40S&W, it shares Heckler & Koch's current design aesthetic with the HK45.

References

External links

Official HK45 page from Heckler & Koch USAOfficial HK45C page from Heckler & Koch USA2008 Heckler & Koch Military and LE brochureReport on the 2007 Shot Show, featuring photos of the HK45 and HK45CHK45 video review on YouTubeReports on a Heckler & Koch P45 .45 ACP endurance test over 50,000 rounds conducted by pistol-training.com

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heckler and Koch HK45
.45 ACP semi-automatic pistols
Heckler & Koch pistols
Short recoil firearms