.45

Question
Mr. Lohmeier,

 What type of handgun would you suggest (not neccesarily carry)?  I am looking for exceptional accuracy and reliablity.  I have heard good things about the HK USP.  I know quite a bit about rifles but am fairly new to handguns.  
Thanks,
Sean

Answer
Sean,

There aren't many bad things to say about HK's USP line of pistols; about the only complaint that could be made is the price.

If you're not concerned about price, then among the best out-of-the-box pistols in terms of accuracy are Sig Sauer handguns, Kimber 1911-style automatics, Smith & Wesson's TSW series and the USP from HK.

All of those pistol types get a lot of hand-fitting done at the factory, making sure the frames, slides and barrels all mate-up with just enough tightness to make the guns accurate without making them terribly jam-prone (Kimber advises a 500-round break-in period for their guns as they are quite tight from the factory, but are bona-fide tack-drivers).

Sig pistols' accuracy is further enhanced by guide rails that run the full length of the frame, locking the slide/barrel assembly to the frame tight.

As the subject line of your email was ".45" I'm guessing you're looking for an auto in .45 ACP. Naturally, all Kimber 1911s are available in .45 ACP. Sig and S&W TSW (Tactical Smith & Wesson) series pistols are also available in .45 ACP.

I'd hesitate to say the USP is more accurate or reliable out of the box than Sigs or S&W TSWs, but they do incorporate a lot of features not found on either of the other two. Sigs have no safety, just a decock lever. TSW pistols are available with decocker only, double action only or standard double action. USPs feature a decock/safety similar to those found on many traditional double action automatics, but that same lever can also be thumbed upward when the hammer is back, like a 1911's safety, allowing cocked-and-locked carry with a thumb safety engaged.

Well, hopefully I've been of some help. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask a follow up.

Sorry for the delay in answering. I was in Las Vegas all last week and forgot to tell All Experts I was gone.

Kyle