Heckler & Koch HK45 Compact V7 LEM Semi-Auto Pistol .45 ACP 3.94" Cold Hammer Forged Polygonal Barrel (1)-8Rd Magazine 3-Dot Sights Black Polymer Finish
Smaller in length and height than the standard HK45, the HK45 Compact (HK45C) uses a slim-line grip profile, otherwise is nearly identical in features to the full-size HK45. Like the HK45, the HK45 Compact was developed as a possible candidate for the Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) and Combat Pistol (CP) programs administered by the U.S. military in their search for a new service handgun. These programs were suspended before completion and no pistols were selected. The HK45 Compact uses an HK proprietary O-ring barrel for precise barrel-to-slide lockup and optimal accuracy. HK45 barrels are made using the famous HK cold-hammer forging process for superior performance. Using HK’s unique internal mechanical recoil reduction system reduces the recoil forces imparted to the weapon and shooter by as much as 30%, improving shooter control during rapid firing and increasing component service life. Capable of firing standard .45 ACP ball through +P ammunition, the HK45 Compact has an 8-round magazine capacity but can also use 10-round magazines, including those designed for the full-size HK45. The HK45 combines the accuracy, modularity, reliability, and minimum 20,000 round service life of the renowned USP45 Compact with the improved ergonomics of the P2000 series pistols. HK45 Compacts can be also be fitted with threaded barrels for use with muzzle mounted sound suppressors. Each HK45 Compact comes standard with an extra backstrap for a custom fit for each shooter’s hand. Both the HK45 Compact and full-size HK45 use an improved USP-style control lever, a combination safety and decocking lever. The control lever is frame mounted and is quickly accessible; it has a positive stop and returns to the “fire” position after decocking. By using the modular approach to the internal components first pioneered by HK on the USP, the control lever function of the HK45 and HK45C can be switched from the left to the right side of the pistol to accommodate left-handed shooters (additional parts required). Left and right mounted control levers provide safety and/or decocking functions as required and can be fitted to the pistol simply by changing parts. For true ambidextrous use, a control lever can also be mounted on both sides of the pistol if required. Well-suited for personal defense use, the HK45C is available in, or can be converted to, a wide variety of variants that use different trigger firing modes, including double action/single action (DA/SA) and DAO (double action only). The DAO mode uses the unique Heckler & Koch LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) firing system, providing an enhanced double action trigger pull.
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Gun Type: Pistol: All Types, Pistol: Semi-Automatic
Model Series: HK45
Caliber/Gauge: 45 Auto
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 3.94 in.
Minimum/Overall Length: 7.24 in.
Safety: Manual Safety
Chamber Length: 0 in.
Frame Finish: Black
Front Sight: 3-Dot
Rear Sight: 3-Dot
Grips: Interchangeable Backstraps
Features: Ambidextrous Slide Release
Finish: Black
Firing System: External Hammer
Frame Material: Polymer
Magazine Type: Double Stack Magazine
Barrel Configuration: Single
Barrel Description: Cold Hammer-forged, Polygonal
Rifled Barrel: Yes
Forend Rail: Picatinny Rail
Minimum Pull Length: 0 in.
The information below comes from our Gun Caliber Dictionary and is for
general reference only. It does not describe the specifications of this
particular item.
The 45 ACP (45 Auto) was designed by John Browning in 1905 for his prototype semiautomatic pistol that eventually became the legendary Colt 1911, using a .452-inch bullet. Browning proposed a 200-grain bullet; U.S. Army Ordnance, smarting from reports of poor performance of the 38 Long Colt in the Philippines, increased bullet weight to 230 grains for greater stopping power...and the 45 ACP as it is today was adopted in 1911. It remains an iconic and popular handgun cartridge for personal defense and competition, and was used by the U.S. military in submachine guns (Thompson and M3) through the 1970s. Although largely replaced by the 9mm for military use and the 9mm and/or 40 S&W in the law enforcement community, the 45 ACP is still used by the U.S. military and numerous law enforcement agencies in various applications. The standard load remains a 230-grain bullet at 780 to 850 fps, but lighter, faster bullets from 165 to 200 grain, delivering a bit less recoil, are also available.
—
Craig Boddington
