HK .45 Meticulous Detailed Review. Best .45 Made? You Want One! Weapons Education

Published on September 10, 2021
Duration: 23:13

This detailed review of the HK45 handgun, presented by a firearms instructor with over a decade of experience, highlights its quality, ergonomics, and performance. The instructor emphasizes the pistol's reduced recoil compared to other .45 ACP firearms, its high-quality German manufacturing, and specific features like the Variant 1 trigger system and effective night sights. The review suggests the HK45 is a top-tier semi-automatic pistol suitable for self-defense and collection.

Quick Summary

The HK45 is highly regarded for its manageable recoil, with a system designed to reduce felt recoil by 30%, making the .45 ACP round feel similar to a 9mm. Its Variant 1 offers DA/SA operation with a decocker, and its non-polygonal barrel provides an efficient gas seal. These features, combined with German manufacturing on some models, position it as a top-tier self-defense and collector's firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to the HK45
  2. 00:10Is the HK45 the Best Semi-Automatic?
  3. 00:21Why You Want an HK45
  4. 00:33Instructor's Decade of Video Creation
  5. 00:48The HK45 is a Must-Have
  6. 01:02Recoil Comparison: .45 ACP vs. 9mm
  7. 01:24HK45: 30% Less Recoil
  8. 01:39Unboxing and Initial Impressions
  9. 01:43Color Configuration and Aesthetics
  10. 02:07Detailed Review Approach
  11. 02:15Instructor's HK Collection
  12. 02:22HK USP Mention
  13. 02:32Finding More HK Videos
  14. 02:47HK Quality and Reputation
  15. 02:55Top Firearm Manufacturers: HK, FN, Sig
  16. 03:16Why HK Stands Out in Semi-Automatics
  17. 03:26Special Color Configuration
  18. 03:31Acquisition Details and Price
  19. 03:54Rarity of the Dark Earth Brown Frame
  20. 04:16Gorgeous Aesthetics: Black Slide
  21. 04:21Verifying Rarity Online
  22. 04:29Changing Landscape of Pistol Purchases
  23. 04:44Ammunition and Pistol Availability
  24. 04:51Genuine Recommendation (No Sponsorship)
  25. 04:54Dedication to Video Production
  26. 05:02Excellent Self-Defense Pistol
  27. 05:08Potential for Hunting with .450 SMC
  28. 05:18Double Tap Ammo Mention
  29. 05:26High-End Quality Ammunition
  30. 05:31The HK45 as a 'Monster'
  31. 05:33Reliability of the HK45
  32. 05:38Magazine Capacity: 13 Rounds
  33. 05:46Beautiful Design
  34. 05:53Achieving 14 Rounds
  35. 05:59Magazine Drop Mechanism
  36. 06:03HK's Signature Magazine Release
  37. 06:07Thumb-Activated Drop
  38. 06:14Intuitive Magazine Release
  39. 06:18Included Magazines: Two 10-Rounders
  40. 06:25Factory Magazines
  41. 06:28Difficulty Finding 13-Round Mags
  42. 06:41Additional Goodies and Accessories
  43. 06:45Taking Time for Detailed Reviews
  44. 06:49Investment in an Expensive Product
  45. 06:56Current Price of the HK45
  46. 06:58Ammunition Requirements
  47. 07:01Recommendation: 1000 Rounds of Ammo
  48. 07:03Current Ammunition Pricing
  49. 07:09Estimated Ammo Cost
  50. 07:12Importance of Multiple Magazines
  51. 07:13Magazine Costs
  52. 07:16High Cost of Magazines
  53. 07:20Total Investment in Firearms Setup
  54. 07:24Value of Detailed Reviews
  55. 07:27Audience for In-Depth Content
  56. 07:32No Affiliation with HK
  57. 07:35Passion for the Product
  58. 07:37HK's Role in Instructor's Firearm Journey
  59. 07:46Carrying Case and Accessories
  60. 07:50Magazine Carriers
  61. 07:53Price of Magazine Carriers
  62. 07:58Contact Information for Accessories
  63. 08:03Minimum Purchase Quantity for Mags
  64. 08:06Difficulty in Acquiring Magazines
  65. 08:10Organizing Magazines
  66. 08:13Pistol Placement in Case
  67. 08:22Carrying Method
  68. 08:30Contents of the Case: First Aid
  69. 08:33Additional Magazines in Case
  70. 08:39Future Video Topics
  71. 08:41Focus on the HK45 Gun Itself
  72. 08:46Color Configuration vs. Gun Quality
  73. 08:51Quality is Paramount
  74. 08:55Discussing Different Variants
  75. 09:00Identifying the Current Variant
  76. 09:03Reference Chart
  77. 09:06Zooming in on the Chart
  78. 09:19Online Availability of Variant Information
  79. 09:23Searching for HK45 Variants
  80. 09:25Full-Size vs. Compact
  81. 09:28Preference for 13+1 Rounds
  82. 09:33Factory 13-Round Magazines
  83. 09:39Acquiring Multiple 13-Round Mags
  84. 09:43Variant 1: DA/SA Operation
  85. 09:51Control Lever Placement (Left Side)
  86. 09:53Ambidextrous Control Lever Option
  87. 09:57Required Extra Parts for Ambidexterity
  88. 10:02Demonstrating the HK45
  89. 10:04Other HK45 Variants Reviewed
  90. 10:09How to Find Other Variant Videos
  91. 10:14Search Terms for HK Videos
  92. 10:19Extensive HK Video Library
  93. 10:24Variant 1 Explained Simply
  94. 10:28Decocker Functionality
  95. 10:30Understanding Decockers
  96. 10:31Decocker Video Tutorial
  97. 10:36Safety Check: Empty Chamber
  98. 10:40Racking the Slide
  99. 10:44Hammer Drop Option
  100. 10:47Designed to Drop the Hammer
  101. 10:50First Shot: Double Action
  102. 10:56Double Action Trigger Pull
  103. 10:59Trigger Control Importance
  104. 11:03Analogy: Archer's Fingertip
  105. 11:10Precision in Shooting
  106. 11:15Mastering the Trigger
  107. 11:20Thousands of Rounds of Experience
  108. 11:24High-End Firearms Training
  109. 11:28Running and Gunning Drills
  110. 11:30Shoot House Training
  111. 11:34Learning Trigger Discipline
  112. 11:36Index Finger and Trigger Interaction
  113. 11:41Developing Trigger Feel
  114. 11:45Accuracy and Aiming
  115. 11:49First Shot: Double Action Pull
  116. 11:53Decocked State
  117. 11:55Decocking Safety Feature
  118. 11:56Decocker Prevents Accidental Firing
  119. 11:59Minimal Hammer Engagement
  120. 12:01Primer Contact
  121. 12:05Double Action Pull Weight
  122. 12:06Approximate DA Pull Weight
  123. 12:12Second Shot: Single Action
  124. 12:14Single Action Trigger Pull
  125. 12:18Short SA Reset
  126. 12:23Audible Reset Click
  127. 12:25Rapid Firing Capability
  128. 12:27Boom Boom Boom
  129. 12:30Trigger Reset During Reloads
  130. 12:33Short Trigger Travel
  131. 12:35Trigger Play and Feel
  132. 12:38Importance of Trigger Play
  133. 12:40Guitar Analogy for Trigger Feel
  134. 12:42Learning Chords and Feel
  135. 12:48Trigger Feel is Crucial
  136. 12:51Aiming and Trigger Control
  137. 12:55HK's Mastery of Trigger Design
  138. 13:01Safety Lever on Variant 1
  139. 13:03Variant 1 Safety Feature
  140. 13:08Instructor's Carry Method
  141. 13:11Carrying with Hammer Back
  142. 13:14Hammer Down vs. Hammer Back Carry
  143. 13:17Red is Dead (Hammer Back)
  144. 13:21Carrying Condition
  145. 13:24Why Not a Different Variant?
  146. 13:27Availability Issues
  147. 13:30Rarity of Other Variants
  148. 13:32Desire for Limited Edition Model
  149. 13:36Limited Edition German Production
  150. 13:39Increasing Value and Collector Status
  151. 13:45General Safety Reminder: Trigger Discipline
  152. 13:49Safe Pistol Handling
  153. 13:53Universal Pistol Safety Tips
  154. 13:57Sharing the Video
  155. 14:00Channel Growth and Longevity
  156. 14:03Request for Likes and Shares
  157. 14:08Importance of Notifications
  158. 14:11Challenges in Reaching Audience
  159. 14:15Disassembly Process
  160. 14:18Two-Step Disassembly
  161. 14:20Lightweight Polymer Construction
  162. 14:23Advantages of Polymer Frames
  163. 14:26Light and Strong Design
  164. 14:29Recoil Spring System
  165. 14:32Recoil Reduction Mechanism
  166. 14:3730% Recoil Reduction Claim
  167. 14:39Barrel Examination
  168. 14:43Removing the Barrel
  169. 14:47Visual Comparison of Barrels
  170. 14:52Close-up on Barrel Rifling
  171. 14:56Left: Non-Polygonal Barrel
  172. 15:04Right: HK Barrel
  173. 15:07HK Barrel Quality
  174. 15:09Reading Barrel Information
  175. 15:12HK Barrel Gas Seal
  176. 15:15Polygonal vs. Conventional Rifling
  177. 15:17Shallower Edges in Polygonal Barrels
  178. 15:19Smaller Bore Area in Polygonal
  179. 15:22More Efficient Seal
  180. 15:24Combustion Gases Behind Bullet
  181. 15:35Barrel Cleaning Comparison
  182. 15:40Ease of Cleaning
  183. 15:44Acknowledging Other Great Barrels
  184. 15:46Not Claiming 'Best Barrel'
  185. 15:51High-Quality Barrel Construction
  186. 15:56Trigger Guard Examination
  187. 15:58Size of the Trigger Guard
  188. 16:01Cold Weather Considerations
  189. 16:02Gloved Hand Use
  190. 16:05South Florida Climate
  191. 16:10Trigger Guard Size for Gloves
  192. 16:18Importance of Large Trigger Guard
  193. 16:21Factors to Consider When Shopping
  194. 16:24Bottom of Trigger Guard Design
  195. 16:26Company's Attention to Detail
  196. 16:29Wide, Stable, Strong Design
  197. 16:34Accessory Rail
  198. 16:37Mounting Lights or Lasers
  199. 16:41Grip Stippling
  200. 16:44Grip Comfort
  201. 16:47Difficulty of In-Person Testing
  202. 16:49Relying on Video Reviews
  203. 16:58Quality of Stippling
  204. 17:00Grip Performance in Sweat
  205. 17:03Shooting in High Heat
  206. 17:06Importance of Non-Slip Grip
  207. 17:09Gun Slipping and Sliding
  208. 17:13Perfect Grip Security
  209. 17:17Perfect Grips
  210. 17:21Sights Examination
  211. 17:22HK Factory Sights
  212. 17:26Sights Praised as Awesome
  213. 17:29Safety Check: Gun Clear
  214. 17:32Demonstrating Sights
  215. 17:34Dimming the Lights
  216. 17:36Zooming in on Sights
  217. 17:41Sight Illumination
  218. 17:45Glow-in-the-Dark Properties
  219. 17:48Sights Glow for Extended Periods
  220. 17:51Daylight Glow
  221. 17:54Brightness of Sights
  222. 17:56Using a Flashlight with Sights
  223. 17:58Importance of a Quality Flashlight
  224. 18:01Flashlight as Part of Carry System
  225. 18:04Mistake: Not Carrying a Flashlight
  226. 18:06Recommended Flashlight Brand: PowerTac
  227. 18:08Enhancing Sight Brightness
  228. 18:10Flashlight Illumination Effect
  229. 18:12Addressing User Concerns
  230. 18:14Emergency Flashlight Use
  231. 18:17Optional Flashlight Enhancement
  232. 18:22Opportunity to Enhance Sights
  233. 18:24Extra Brightness
  234. 18:27Best Night Sights in the World?
  235. 18:35Recoil System Highlight
  236. 18:37Recoil System Details
  237. 18:41Recoil Reduction by 30%
  238. 18:45Recoil System Function
  239. 18:49Consulting Notes
  240. 18:51Fairness to the Audience
  241. 18:54Recoil System Design Goal
  242. 18:58Reducing Recoil by 30% on .45 ACP
  243. 19:01Shooting Impression
  244. 19:04Feels Like a 9mm
  245. 19:08Double Tap Ammo Recommendation
  246. 19:11Comfortable Shooting Experience
  247. 19:149mm Recoil Comparison
  248. 19:17Engineered for Comfort
  249. 19:19Value Proposition
  250. 19:23What You're Paying For
  251. 19:25Interesting HK Feature
  252. 19:26HK Lettering Explained
  253. 19:31Detailed Video on Lettering
  254. 19:35Decoding Serial Numbers vs. Letter Codes
  255. 19:40Meaning of HK Markings
  256. 19:42Example: 'CA' Marking
  257. 19:46'CA' Does Not Mean California
  258. 19:51'CA' Stands for Year of Manufacture
  259. 19:54Year of Manufacture Chart
  260. 19:56Decoding the Year Code
  261. 19:59Example: '2' for 2020
  262. 20:02First Letter Code Analysis
  263. 20:05Code 'A' for 0
  264. 20:08Manufactured in 2020
  265. 20:10Chart Availability
  266. 20:14HK Manuals and Website Resources
  267. 20:17Determining Manufacture Year
  268. 20:19Historical Data Range
  269. 20:21This Pistol's Manufacture Year
  270. 20:23Manufactured in 2020
  271. 20:26Origin: Germany
  272. 20:29Summary of HK45 Package
  273. 20:33Don't Tune Out Yet
  274. 20:35Additional Information
  275. 20:38Reminder: 13-Round Magazines
  276. 20:40Availability of 13-Round Mags
  277. 20:43Made in Germany
  278. 20:47Acquiring 13-Round Magazines
  279. 20:50Included: Two 10-Round Magazines
  280. 20:53Made in Germany (10-Round Mags)
  281. 20:56HK Manufacturing Plants
  282. 21:00Global Manufacturing Footprint
  283. 21:04US Manufacturing Plant
  284. 21:06Georgia, USA Plant
  285. 21:09Limited Edition Claim: 200 Units
  286. 21:14Color Configuration Rarity
  287. 21:17Extreme Close-up Request
  288. 21:19Flashlight for Detail
  289. 21:22Visible 'Made in Germany' Marking
  290. 21:24Zoom Request for Marking
  291. 21:27Maximum Zoom
  292. 21:33Confirmation: Made in Germany
  293. 21:37Value Added by German Origin
  294. 21:39Future German HK Production Uncertainty
  295. 21:42Personal Opinion on Future Production
  296. 21:45Not Blaming HK
  297. 21:47Confidentiality
  298. 21:50Topic Avoidance
  299. 21:54Final Recommendation
  300. 21:55Get an HK45
  301. 21:59Shoot It and Feel the Difference
  302. 22:029mm Recoil Comparison Revisited
  303. 22:05Excellent Value
  304. 22:09Call to Action: Like and Share
  305. 22:13Encourage Subscriptions
  306. 22:16Impact of Sharing with One Friend
  307. 22:18Channel Audience Growth
  308. 22:21Importance of Viewer Engagement
  309. 22:24Viewing the Content
  310. 22:31Challenging Circumstances
  311. 22:34Current Environment
  312. 22:37Urgent Request
  313. 22:39Tell One Person to Subscribe
  314. 22:42Audience Doubling Goal
  315. 22:44Subscribe Request
  316. 22:46Doubling Audience Size
  317. 22:48Audience Growth
  318. 22:50Thumb Up Impact
  319. 22:53Instructor's Name: Tom
  320. 22:55Hammer-Fired Pistol
  321. 23:00Lifetime Satisfaction
  322. 23:04Blessings and Thanks
  323. 23:06Thank You for Watching
  324. 23:10Farewell

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the HK45's recoil manageable?

The HK45 features a specialized recoil system designed to reduce felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to other .45 ACP firearms. This engineering makes shooting the .45 ACP round feel more akin to shooting a 9mm, enhancing comfort and control.

What are the key features of the HK45 Variant 1?

Variant 1 of the HK45 is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol equipped with a decocker. This means the first shot is fired in double-action mode with a heavier pull, while subsequent shots are in single-action mode with a lighter, shorter pull.

Is the HK45 a good choice for self-defense?

Yes, the HK45 is presented as an excellent self-defense pistol due to its reliable performance, manageable recoil, and comfortable ergonomics. Its robust construction and effective sights also contribute to its suitability for defensive use.

What is special about the HK45's barrel?

The HK45 utilizes a non-polygonal barrel that provides a superior gas seal around the projectile. This design traps combustion gases more efficiently behind the bullet, contributing to its performance and potentially easier cleaning compared to polygonal barrels.

What is the significance of the 'Made in Germany' marking on some HK45 pistols?

The 'Made in Germany' marking on certain HK45 pistols, particularly limited editions like the dark earth brown variant, is considered a mark of quality and adds to its collector's value. The presenter suggests that such markings may become rarer in the future.

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