[czgunner]

I am a newbie here, but a "veteran" pistol shooter. Spent 4 years in the Army, and have loved shooting pistols since 1999. I have owned: Makarov, Walther P99, Taurus PT92, Kahr P9, SIG P239 SAS and HK USPC.
I recently picked up an HK USP compact in .40.
Nothing really "wrong" with the pistol, I just don't enjoy shooting it like I LOVE shooting my SIG P239 SAS in .40/.357 (gotta love the barrel swap!).
I have spent about 2 years looking at the Steyr pistols, and am considering trading this HK for one. I have a few reservations though...how is parts availability? Is this pistol (MA1) running flawlessly yet? I remember hearing about quite a few hickups, and I can't have that in a self defense gun!
Can the .40 and .357 swap barrels?
How is the size compared to the P239? I was actually suprised at how thin the HK is...I've got "baby" hands and thin is in for me.
Finally, how is quality compared to the HK?
Any suggestions?

 

[aubie515]

You can swap 40/357sig barrels. I am in the process of buying a 357 sig barrel for my M40. I am not large man, so I like the compact sized pistols. If you can shoot the USPc you will not have any problems with the Steyr pistols. I have an HK USP45c and the Steyr is smaller. You will like the recoil on the Steyr pistols...compared to other pistols that I own in the same caliber...there is a significant difference in felt recoil. If you buy the older S/M series...you should almost be able to get 2 Steyrs for your HK. I just had my M40 hard chromed and the finish looks just as good or better than my SS USP. If Steyr ever comes out with a 45, I will probably sell my HK for a Steyr 45.

 

[Wulf]

Hiya CZ

Yeah, the M357-A1 can swap strait across with the 40SW barrel. I have had the opportunity to shoot both and the 40SW barrel has more recoil and is less accurate for me. Sounds like you like doin' the back and forth thing tho so you'll have no problems likin' the M-A1's. If ya like the P239, you'll really like the feel of the M357-A1 in your hands. Give us a range report after you've put a few rounds through 'er.

Wulf