It still features the traditional 3 dot sights with the rear sight adjustable for both windage and elevation. Americans have traditionally been enamored with innovation and technology, but technology alone cannot replace that which is of proven efficacy unless it improves upon it. The USP had to function in temperatures as low as -51O Fahrenheit and as high as +145O Fahrenheit. Moreover, management realized that as good as their pistols were, several, such as the P7 were unconventional, although most people who purchase handguns are essentially conservative, preferring more conventional designs. Another feature of the USP frame is the molded in grooves for mounting accessories such as laser, tactical lights, optical sights, or muzzle compensators. In Germany, Heckler & Koch is entering into IPSC Competition and has developed a “full-race” version of the USP for use by its IPSC team. Essentially, the recoil reduction system consists of two concentric springs held in place by a guide rod. Joined: Nov 27, 2008 Messages: 349 Location: Zurich / CH. Designed for special operations—with an emphasis on lethality, durability and reliability—pistols like the HK45 could help the big-bore cartridge keep a … Whether they were professionals or simply serious enthusiasts, they preferred a handgun of conventional design. The durability of the .40 cal Gen 1-3 is lack luster; it didnt function … The fact that the USP went into production after the Mark 23 prototypes were delivered to the US Government for testing is not indicative that the USP design was derived from the USSOCOM handgun. To the author, at least, this is a much more natural movement than pressing in. The change to .45 ACP caliber was not as simple as changing barrel, slide and recoil spring. Design development began in September 1989 and took nearly two years. (The USP Compact is shipped with two magazines - one with a flat, flush-fitting floor plate for maximum concealability and another with an extended floorplate to provide maximum comfort for those with large hands.) The reader can determine the specific features of USP variants by referring to the chart accompanying this article. I was told that since most HKs specifically the USP are not as reliable as lets say Glocks because they have alot of parts and moving parts and complex internals. It combines the best of traditional firearms with the best of state of the art firearms technology. Six of the nine USP variants have a manual safety/decocker. Reliability. I compare HKs to Glocks because Glocks is all I am familiar with to compare it to. One mishap in 32,000 rounds fired. Actual production of the USP40 was undertaken in February 1993. I also hear that completely detail stripping a USP or other HK is pretty difficult...... Yea that is a field strip, I'm talking about completely taking the gun apart. The pistol became available for sale in May of that year. I also hear that completely detail stripping a USP or other HK is pretty difficult. The … Now, almost 30 years after its introduction, that reputation endures. As of this writing in early 1998, 32 states have “shall issue” concealed laws which mandate that any citizen of good character who applies must be issued a license to carry a concealed weapon, usually a pistol. Yea right. On early USPs, the recoil spring could be removed from the guide rod, but in September 1994, a “captured spring” design was incorporated, which makes USP disassembly and reassembly easier and safer. Oh but Glock. Hello, I was wondering about the HK reliability. Discussion Starter • #1 • Aug 7, 2010. After each 10,000 rounds, the slide was manually cycled 1,000 times. All USP pistols incorporate these two passive mechanisms. Two versions of the USP which are not available in the United States are H&K’s German military P8 and P10 pistols. The outer recoil spring is a lower rate than the inner buffer spring, which slows the slide at the end of its recoil movement, prevents the slide from impinging against the frame of the pistol and buffers the unlocking of the barrel from the slide during the first three to four millimeters of movement. Compact versions of the USP for concealed carry were therefore virtually inevitable. The HK45 was supposed to be a more refined and updated version of the USP. Chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, the H&K P30 V3 features a traditional DA/SA … This has engendered a demand for compact pistols and many manufacturers have begun producing pistols designed for concealed carry. First, of course is the fact that the pistols are smaller both in height and in length for concealment. It has since had several thousand rounds fired through it without a single stoppage. Ergonomically, the HK USP is not suited for small handed shooters. The P30 is a bit more pricey, and has a shorter barrel. This will be further discussed in the section on the Mark 23 which follows. Aside from the shorter length and height, there are minimal differences between the compact USPs and their full-size sisters, most of which have already been discussed. This addition to the USP product line will appear in the second half of 1998. It is clear that the USP45 Tactical was designed for military and law enforcement use, but this requires some explanation. Just wanted to see what your opinions is on this. The USP45 was never manufactured with conventional rifling. This is not to say that the American market is hostile to innovation - far from it. After their market study, Heckler & Koch compiled and prioritized the characteristics of what would eventually become the Universal Self-loading Pistol, now simply known as the USP. In the words of one special operations requirements officer, “The Mark 23 isn’t a bad pistol; it simply doesn’t meet our requirements.” The fact is that USSOCOM does not directly speak for all special operations forces, nor can it require them to purchase a pistol that does not meet their individual service requirements. Is any of this true? Be sure to check out custom made HK USP Kydex Holsters. Longue ligne de mire (env. It almost seems as though HK's are a boutique brand compared to Glocks and I can't really find too many torture tests except their factory video online. The most requested reliability or torture test has been the HK VP9. I just wanted to see if there was any justification to this. A unique feature of the USP is its recoil reduction system, again virtually identical to that used on the Mark 23 USSOCOM Pistol. I own a fullsized HK USP 9 and got me wondering if my HK is just as tough and reliable. Pulse Member. The P8 replaces the Walther P1 (modernized P.38) in Bundeswehr service, while the P10 is being issued to German police. The precise makeup of the polymer frame is proprietary, but it is glass-fiber reinforced with metal guide rails on which the slide runs. While the Mark 23 is not a member of the immediate USP family, it is a first cousin and must be included in any discussion of the USP’s development. Comments have not been generated for this article. Americans appreciate the reliability and quality of the products from Oberndorf especially. I too own this firearm and it is my duty weapon that replaced my HK USP-T 40. 363 Posts . The polymer frame of the USP is virtually impervious to wear or corrosion, but the USP, like all firearms, also incorporates metal components, which are subject to corrosion and wear unless protected. . For ammunition compliance testing, USPs were tested using every type of commercially available ammunition. Both are versions of the USP9 and USP9 Compact, respectively, but with two differences in comparison to other USP versions. Reliability: * * * * * More than 3,000 rounds and no malfunctions, suppressed or unsuppressed. Magazine capacity is 13 rounds in .40 S&W, 15 rounds in 9x19mm and 12 rounds in .45 ACP, except for civilian use pistols, which are all equipped with the silly federally-mandated “politically correct” ten-round magazines. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It is a short recoil, modified Browning system similar to that used in the Browning M1935. I can somewhat see why alot of parts would make things less reliable as there is more to go wrong or break with a complex system. The USP from Heckler & Koch is regarded as one of the best pistols ever devised. . One of the major trends in the US firearms market has been engendered by the spread of “shall issue” concealed carry laws in the majority of the states. The tests of the USP paralleled the NATO military test protocols of the Mark 23, which are much more stringent than commercial standards. The new recoil reduction system can be retrofitted into earlier USPs without modification. H&K had noted that some .40 S&W pistols that were modified from 9x19mm designs had durability problems and they wanted to ensure that there were no such problems with their new pistol. The control lever can easily be set up for left hand, right hand, or ambidextrous use. A bullet was driven into the forcing cone of the USP barrel, a live round chambered and the pistol fired. La détente LEM est en fait la version de H&K de la détente DAK de SIG et vice-versa. There were no primer indentations in any of these tests. All magazines drop free when the release is pressed, contain “round count” holes with numbers and can be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance by the owner, even the “politically correct” ten-round civilian-use magazines. Heckler and Koch’s Universal Self-Loading Pistol, better known as the USP, is a true firearms success story in what has become a highly competitive worldwide handgun market. A second pistol that caught my attention after reading what others had to say about it was the HK 45 compact. Life of this polymer buffer is stated to be over 20,000 rounds. Once was a light primer hit, the other was a broken trigger return spring. In the box with the Heckler & Koch USP9c, you will receive … H&K also decided that the pistol would be initially chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge with other calibers to follow. Originally designed for the American market, the USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol) has found international acceptance as an accurate and ultra-reliable handgun. The magazine well is beveled and stepped to facilitate reloading. .40 S&W and 9x19mm USP Compact pistols were introduced in early 1997 and a USP Compact .45 followed that autumn. Les pistolet HK concernés étaient le HK P2000 ainsi que sa version sub-compact, et l’USP Compact/LEM [23]. Is any of this true? Oh but it costs so much. At this point, it is worth noting the testing process that the USP underwent in the final stages of its development. The USP passed or exceeded all tests and the .40 caliber pistols were placed on the market in the United States in April 1993. I was hoping for at least a 4" to get the most out of the .40. Magazines of the .40 S&W and 9x19mm pistols are of polymer with a stainless steel insert, while that of the USP45 is steel. Another bullet was driven 30mm into the muzzle of the pistol and the pistol fired, again with no damage or degradation in performance. In order to succeed in this arena, a handgun must not only meet the criteria for which it was designed, but must actually exceed most of them. In fact, H&K had no pistols other than in 9mm caliber and the company came to realize that if it was to maintain its viability in an increasingly competitive handgun market, it would have to expand and diversify its product line. Moreover, the USP is a traditional pistol in the American idiom, while at the same time taking full advantage of the most modern materials to achieve levels of reliability and longevity that would have been unimaginable just 25 years ago. Accordingly, H&K conducted a market survey to determine the preferences of American handgun shooters of all types, including military, law enforcement and civilian. Dimensional differences may be found in the specifications tables. The different versions into which the USP can be configured are shown in Table 1. HK polymer since the USP in my significant experience is the top shelf for reliability and durability. The USP’s texturing is very similar to that of the Mark 23 and incorporates stippling on the grip side panels and deeply embossed grooves on the grip front and backstraps. The author had the opportunity to test one of the USP45 Compact pistols in October 1997 and shortly thereafter purchased one for personal use. Several US military special operations forces did not purchase the Mark 23 and continue to use modified M1911A1 pistols, which are reaching the end of their service lives, despite having been rebuilt by military special operations armorers time after time. I'm leaning toward a Glock 30 due to the known reliability of Glock and it's competitive price. The USP incorporates three or four separate safety mechanisms, depending on variant. It’s lightweight and comes with plenty of features that make it stand out from the crowd. The .45 magazine design is virtually identical to that of the Mark 23 USSOCOM Pistol. I also hear that completely detail stripping a USP or other HK is pretty difficult. The Tactical Model USP is essentially a “cross” between the Mark 23 and the USP, incorporating the best features of both. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Jim Schatz of Heckler & Koch, Inc., without whose assistance thisarticle would not have been possible. This enhanced trigger feature was incorporated into all USPs in early 1995. First is reduced felt recoil to the shooter, resulting in reduced muzzle “flip” quicker recovery time after each shot and increased accuracy. These holsters allow your H&K USP to be concealed deeper and allow you to wear any type of clothing above it . +1 Your going to question H&K reliability on an H&K forum.They are second to none in reliability. During the test firing, The USP tore through a full mag of my regular range ammo without issues. The polymer frame of the USP continues a Heckler & Koch tradition that dates back to the mid-1960’s VP70, P9S and other H&K firearms. I will also be covering the differences I have spotted between the older model (2005 manufacturing date) and the new one I got in to update the review (2016 manufacturing date). By late 1991, the first prototype of the USP had been constructed and the USP name assigned to the new pistol. That’s a Mean Rounds Between Stoppage of 25,000 rounds… ten times the industry … Selon la firme, la détente LEM permet d’effectuer des tirs plus rapides et de revenir plus rapidement en position sur la cible qu’une détente double action standard, ceci en raison … The IPSC pistol, called the “Expert Model” goes on sale in Europe in late June and if it achieves success in European IPSC circles, it may well be added to the American USP product line. The next iteration of USP is the USP45 Tactical Model, shown at the 1998 SHOT Show and officially put on sale in April, although the USP45 Tactical Model will not be available in quantity until May 1998. M1911-type pistols must be modified to reliably fire the .45 Super cartridge. Reliability testing on the USP prototypes was unfinished at the time of the design “freeze,” but since both pistols had fired 10,000 rounds of their 20,000 round reliability test without incident, it was decided to freeze the design and proceed with production planning and formal introduction of the USP at the January 1993 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades (SHOT) Show. Shortly thereafter, in August, H&K began design work on the Offensive Handgun Weapons System (OHWS) for the United States Special Operations Command. The USP recoil reduction system is “transparent” to the shooter; it is insensitive to ammunition, requires no maintenance and has an indefinite service life. The safety/decocking lever, called a “control lever” by H&K, is positioned at the same relative location on the frame as that in both the M1935 and M1911 pistols, and functions in the same fashion - up is “safe,” down is “fire.” There is one difference, however. Grip circumference and trigger reach are also reduced for improved handling. The popularity of the USP has caused after-market manufacturers to begin producing similar accessories for the USP pistol family. And finally, the science of ergonomics would play a large part in design of the new pistol. Avec ce pistolet de sport, HK répond aux attentes de l'élite mondiale. The HK VP9 is a popular and affordable pistol that I once carried for a year. HK45 compact vs USP compact 45ACP? Its price moves between 560$ and 760$, so it’s best to figure out whe… Period. Reliability: There’s almost no way the HK45 could have proven more reliable. In November 1994 the rifling was changed from conventional lands and grooves to polygonal rifling, an H&K innovation. While development of the Mark 23 pistol was concurrent with that of the USP and the final products shared many similar characteristics, they were developed independently within H&K. You dont think that the extra parts could cause reliability issues? While Variant Eight is listed in the chart matrix, it was never produced except in very small numbers for US Immigration and Naturalization Border Patrol testing. Muzzle velocity is increased versus standard rifling due to a tighter gas seal. Caveat emptor! Recently, HK has developed the HK 45, a much more contoured pistol based on the P2000, P8 and P30 models. A stainless steel slide is available for all USP models. Affordability was another major concern. Other changes in the compact pistols were the previously discussed recoil spring and buffer mechanism. Detail stripping to clean out old lube build up or dirt build up from heavy duty usage or harsh environments. The 9mm USP followed in September. Unlike many “scaled down” pistols, the grips of the USP Compacts accommodate the entire hand of most shooters, even without using the extended floorplate magazine. The USP-CT is lighter and is capable of fitting a suppressor, making it a prime choice for Special Forces on covert operations. As previously mentioned, the grip has “tear away” grooves to enable the shooter easy access to the magazine floorplate in case the magazine does not drop free when the release is pressed. Caractéristiques. your H&K is just … The HK45's Reliability Proves Why It's One Of The Best Pistols Out There . Most people recommend completely taking the gun down about every thousand rounds for a more thorough cleaning. At the time of this writing, a Knight’s Armament Company stainless suppressor and a Brugger & Thomet aluminum suppressor are available for the USP45 Tactical. In terms of overall size, the USP Compacts are very close dimensionally to the Colt Officer’s ACP except for the slide, which is slightly thicker. Testing was successful and the basic design was “frozen” in December of that year. Also, a pistol designed from the outset for .40 S&W would have no problem accommodating the less powerful 9x19mm cartridge. It has superior ergonomics (i.e. The lever then automatically returns to the “fire” position, enabling the USP to be operated in the double action mode for the first shot. (Since I have been shooting HKs for 20 years now, the ambi … Unlike the system used in the M1935, the H&K locks on the front and rear edges of the ejection port, rather than using locking grooves machined into the slide and barrel. I was told that since most HKs specifically the USP are not as reliable as lets say Glocks because they have alot of parts and moving parts and complex internals. In fact, the USP was the first pistol specifically designed for the .40 S&W cartridge. JavaScript is disabled. Variant eight was essentially a Variant Seven USP with European tritium sights. In essence, a good firearm is synergistic - it is greater than the sum of its parts. USP45 Tactical threads, however, are left handed to prevent installation of the Mark 23’s suppressor, which was designed for a heavier slide. The recoil reduction system was lengthened to accommodate the longer .45 ACP cartridge while providing an identical 30 per cent reduction in recoil forces. The fairly hefty asking price for a new pistol remained the only bone of contention for a long time.