In the March 2021 issue of Gun Tests, Contributing Editor Joe Woolley evaluated a trio of polymer 45 ACPs.
They were the Springfield Armory XD-M, Heckler & Koch HK 45 Tactical, and Smith & Wesson’s M&P 45 M2.0. All three had threaded barrels for suppressors and suppressor-height sights.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD-M 45 TACTICAL
XDMT94545BHCE 45 ACP, $585
HECKLER & KOCH HK45 TACTICAL
745001TA5 45 ACP, $823
SMITH & WESSON M&P 45 M2.0
091219 45 ACP, $523
We’ve shot that HK 45 Tactical a lot more, so we wanted to do a follow up video.
Here it is. You can see it’s empty and safe.
The HK’s frame is modern reinforced polyamide — also known as polymer. The grip has three finger grooves and texturing that is not all that aggressive. The backstrap can be removed by pushing out a single roll pin.
The H&K 45 Tactical is about 8.6 inches long and 6.2 inches tall with the mag inserted. The barrel is about a half-inch longer than the standard barrel and comes threaded for a suppressor. A knurled nut protect the threads.
Two types of sights are offered on the HK, depending on whether the shooter wants to have them visible after installation of a suppressor. The front blade came with a tritium lamp installed, which was very visible through the large “U” in the rear sight.
An interchangeable backstrap allows the shooter to customize his or her grip on the HK 45.
The H&K’s safety allows it to be carried cocked and locked, hammer down on a loaded chamber and locked, or hammer down loaded and unlocked ready for DA pull.
The H&K uses an “O” ring to help tighten barrel to slide fit and aid accuracy. Extras are supplied.
The H&K’s extractor has a raised edge when a round is in the chamber, along with a red line to give visual and tactile indicators.
The HK Tactical is a very accurate pistol, but it is one that was designed for a large hand.
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As always, I’m Todd Woodard, editor of Gun Tests Magazine. We’ll see you at the range.
