The Heckler & Koch USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol) is essentially the template that the MK 23 was built upon. First developed as a .40 S&W for the United States gun market, the USP was later released in 1993 alongside the .40 S&W version.
Then, about two years later, Heckler & Koch released a .45 ACP variant (USP 45). The firearm was originally designed for United States law enforcement, as well as commercial buyers. Since then, the USP has gained quite the following among international gun buyers. As you will soon discover, there’s a lot to like about the USP, but you should, nevertheless, check out all top concealed carry handguns, or other quality 9mm pistols out there.
Heckler Koch USP - Is It Worth the Money?
With its widespread use and acclaim, it's no surprise that the Heckler & Koch USP continues to be a highly regarded seller. There are several factors that make this polymer frame gun worthy of consideration. And if you haven't had experience with pistols before, check out how it fares as your first handgun, compared to others.
The German design of the USP is evident in its sharp edges, 45-degree slopes, and overall geometry, giving it a distinctive look reminiscent of what Arnold Schwarzenegger would be as a firearm. This exceptional firearm is simple yet robust, capable of functioning flawlessly over the span of two decades.
Alongside the Sig P226, it is widely regarded as one of the best handguns available. Furthermore, the USP offers exceptional accuracy and comfortable recoil management with the spring set. It can handle any type of ammo without malfunctions, and its reliability extends to using the same holster.
Let's take a moment to talk about the overall design of the Heckler & Koch USP and the components that make up this pistol. But first, here are the specs for your research.
Heckler Koch USP Specifications | Header |
|---|---|
Effective firing range | 50 m (9×19mm Parabellum), 30 m (.45 ACP) |
Mass (without magazine) | 748 g (1.65 lb) (USP 9 mm/.40) |
Barrel length | 108 mm (4.25 in) (USP 9 mm/.40) |
Length | 194 mm (7.64 in) (USP 9 mm/.40) |
Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds (9×19mm) |
Feed system | Detachable box magazine |
Action | Short recoil, DA/SA, DA/DAO |
Cartridge | 9×19mm Parabellum |
Maximum firing range | 100 m |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Sights | Patridge 3-dot type |
Variants:
- USP ✓
- USP Combat Competition
- USP Compact Tactical
- USP Compact
- USP Tactical
- USP Expert
- USP Match
- USP Elite
- P8 Pistol
Functionality and Performance
Upon firing the USP, it's easy to draw comparisons to a 1911 pistol. When you shoot the Heckler & Koch USP, the slide travels rearward as a result of the blowback the gun produces.
This also causes the barrel assembly to tilt upward while unlocking the chamber. You will find this system to be quite common among many of today's modern centerfire pistols.
Additionally, the USP compact has a substantially sloped breech. Modern USP barrels that were built after 1996 are designed with polygonal rifling that is very much similar to what is found on Glocks.
If you're unfamiliar with polygonal barrels, they are designed with having several cuts in the bore that form a spiral. The purpose of these cuts is to help grip the bullet as it travels out of the barrel.
Whereas the traditional threaded O ring barrel designs serve to cut the bullet, the USP does not. Fans of polygonal rifling maintain that they last a lot longer and are much easier to clean compared to a traditional model.
It is also believed that a polygonal ring barrel makes a noticeable difference when firing, improving both the accuracy and velocity of the weapon. Tests have even shown that the Heckler & Koch USP is capable of clearing a squib round from a barrel after getting lodged inside. This was done after firing another round immediately afterward.
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the reports stated that the gun survived the test and had only minimal bulging in the barrel.
Cleaning the USP is indeed much easier compared to a lot of the other handguns I've cleaned. It is faster to do so, even if only slightly.
Furthermore, the USP is forged by a cold hammer. This serves to benefit the pistol in terms of durability and longevity.
Reloading & Recoil
The reason for caution is due to the fact that cast lead bullets leave behind buildup that can seriously affect the accuracy of your shots. Moreover, you run the risk of damaging the polygonal barrel.
Now, with all that being said, it's worth noting that many USP 9mm owners report no issues with using lead bullets. However, since 9 mm rounds are pretty affordable all things considered, there's little reason why anyone shouldn't just err on the side of caution and stick with 9 mm.
The USP is notable for sporting a dual-spring assembly set up that acts as a recoil reduction system. Whereas most handguns during its time were made with a single recoil spring and guide rod, Heckler & Koch saw fit to innovative in the development stages and deliver a gun that is different from its contemporaries.
The result? Upon firing, the outer spring acts as the main recoil spring. Toward the end of the slide's engagement, the smaller inner recoil spring, ahem, springs into action. In doing so, it acts as a recoil buffer.
This all culminates into a more comfortable shooting experience. Heckler & Koch maintain that this system results in nearly 30% less flinch felt by the shooter. I'm not sure that I would go that far, but there is certainly a noticeable difference when compared to other pistols produced during the same era.
If I were to compare it, I'd say the recoil on this gun is pretty close to that of a Beretta M9. However, it's not something to brag about and definitely not a sole reason to buy the gun.
There is a noticeable difference, but it's essential to consider the time when this gun was built. If you're in the market for a comfortable handgun with minimal recoil, there are plenty of modern options available that outperform it.
In terms of the Recoil Spring Assembly function, the shorter spring is compressed only after the longer spring is mostly compressed and the lug on the bottom front of the slide hits the shoulder on the spring rod.
This compression of the shorter spring is what causes the locking block portion of the rod to move rearward on the cross pin. This patented feature contributes to the USP's exceptional durability and reduced recoil.
Trigger
Dubbed "Variant 1," or "V1," by Heckler & Koch, the USP has both double-action and single-action trigger firing modes. Law enforcement also gets its own variant that features a modified trigger.
The modifications made serve to create a double-action-only pistol, with lighter trigger pull and overall easier firing. With the double-action, single-action design changed, the difference that was made is quite remarkable.
It offers a much easier shooting experience comparatively. On the standard USP, the trigger pull is quite long. Still, it's incredibly smooth nonetheless.
I find the single-action pull to be light enough on its own. Had I never tried the modified variant, I would have never known the difference. Still, even after knowing how each one compares to the other, I have no issues with the traditional setup.
The trigger break isn't quite as clean, however, but this is negligible and doesn't affect the firing. The trigger face is quite good, too, offering a wide design that is easy to pull. You'll notice that the USP comes with a small lock located inside the grip by the mainspring.
This lock can be turned with a tool that's included with the USP. Upon turning it to the safe position, the gun will be prevented from firing. This lock doesn't get in the way in the slightest and certainly doesn't interfere with firing.
I've only been to the range once in my life and shot a bunch of different handguns, but the USP was the one that I felt most comfortable with. The grip, the weight, the trigger, the recoil—everything just felt like it was glued to my hand. I love my full-size USP 9. It’s a tack driver and my bedside gun. I can shoot it better than any gun I own. It's incredibly accurate and reliable.
Finish & Safety
This is a very simple yet beautiful pistol. True, it doesn't offer a lot of appeal in terms of innovative production quality, but it doesn't have to. In fact, I think the USP is better for it. Its basic construction is what makes it such a classic.
The USP is renowned for its sleek carbon nitride finish on the slide, providing exceptional durability. With its Hostile Environment finishing, you can rely on your USP even in harsh weather conditions, knowing it will remain protected.
The manual safety lever is conveniently located on the left side of the pistol, near the hammer. By simply pushing the lever to the left, you can engage the safety. The safety control lever is highly responsive, providing affirmative clicks to confirm its locked position.
Additionally, the safety decocking lever is easily activated by pushing the control lever beyond the red-colored "F." It's no wonder the USP is considered one of the finest pistols ever made, capable of firing 15 rounds continuously without compromising its sturdy frame.
Its elegant design includes a marvelous grip, while the entire pistol is coated with a concealable color. It flawlessly runs and feeds various types of ammunition, making it versatile and reliable for any situation.
The HK USP's torture test has convinced many, including myself, to invest in this exceptional firearm. As an owner of the USP 40 since 2010, it remains a trusted companion by my bedside every night.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, the USP is a very reliable handgun. Thanks to the polygonal barrel design, shooting is accurate and responsive. Its lightweight body makes it all the better for a wide range of uses. For concealed carry, it will serve you very well.
The exceptional trigger is going to be a big hit among shooters both old and new. So if you're looking for a dependable pistol that provides a positive shooting experience, the USP will not disappoint.
Although it has plenty of years on it, it remains one of the better firearm investments you can make. For someone wanting to buy their first pistol, the USP is an excellent choice. It's a breeze to shoot and feels great in your hands.
And thanks to its long-lasting build quality, you can count on this pistol standing the test of time and remaining your companion for years to come.