One of my very first handguns was a HK USP. They were new at the time and I never really warmed to it. The other day, I ran across a 1997 USP 40 compact that looked like it had sat unused since it left the factory. I couldn’t let that stand and picked it up. Handling it brought back memories of that first USP, so I also picked up a full size USP 45 with a 2022 date code.

Today I took them both to the range. That big 45 is every bit as big and blocky as I remember, but for some reason I didn’t find it objectionable. Rolled the target out to ten yards and fired 5 quick rounds from low ready. What a pleasant gun to shoot. Rounds landed right where the sights said they should.

I had the exact same experience with the .40.

I cranked of 50 quick rounds out of each gun. No malfunctions. Other than a couple of shots I pulled getting in a hurry, both pistols were dead on. These are the kinds of guns that make me look better than I am. I like guns like that.

Yes, that double action is heavy. I’ve felt worse, and you can carry cocked with safety on if you like.

The USP isn’t the latest and greatest, and it doesn’t have the ergonomics of the newer HKs, but don’t overlook them. That big 45 is probably going to end up getting a fair share of holster time.

The USPc 9mm was my second non-issue gun. I think I got it around 1997 and was shooting the newly formed IDPA. 25 years later I still carry a USPc in 9mm. Not the same gun I got back in the day, but it's still the same ol tank reliability that's hard to beat.

The USP45 is a brick. But it shoots. Only issue lately is I want a semi-drop holster for it, and the only one I found that I like is in Austria, and between the cost and their refusal to ship to the US, back to square one.

^ Never gonna let H&K live that down, huh?

I always like that ambi mag release that can be activated by the trigger finger.

I still have the USPc45 that I purchased new in 2000. I will never get rid of it. The USP45 fullsize that I had on the other hand, was just too big for me grip wise. That one I got rid of. I also have two other HKs. An HK45C and a HK P30 SKS. All my HKs are great pistols!

quote:

Originally posted by Rawny:
^ Never gonna let H&K live that down, huh?

I always like that ambi mag release that can be activated by the trigger finger.

Those are HSTs so they'll feed fine.. . Geez I want another H&K. Not sure if the USP .45 or 9mm. I also like their P30 pistols.

Yup! My USP45 is my home defense gun. For me it is the perfect "non-carry" gun in a quick release safe...even if it seems as heavy as a small carbine.

I too have a love for the USP.
First one was a USP 45 Compact and one I used to carry a lot but gave up the carry due to weight.
However, I am about to transfer to a USP Compact nine when I don't need a smaller conceal.
Having nine USP's in one flavor or another I'd say I'm a fan.
My most accurate handgun is my USP Elite 9mm ~ it is a long sucker but dead on.
BUT ... that may change as I just received a CZ Shadow 2 but have not shot it yet - so still it reigns champ.
PS I put Hogue Handalls on all of them ~ just a habit.

quote:

Originally posted by IrishWind:
Only issue lately is I want a semi-drop holster for it, and the only one I found that I like is in Austria, and between the cost and their refusal to ship to the US, back to square one.

I'm sure you looked into this, but does Safariland not make a holster for it that you can put on a mid-ride UBL and get the clearance you're looking for?

My only USP experience was with my wife's former boss' USPc45
Side by side with his P220ST, I preferred the Sig, but the USP was a nice shooter as well.
Been years since I've handled one & am not up on HK models, but could see one in the safe, preferably in 357Sig

My USP40 was the first pistol I purchased. I got it in 1994 right before the Assault Weapons Ban took effect. I got it with standard capacity magazines. I still have it and use it for home defense along with a Glock 20 and Sig P229 in .357 Sig.

I love my USP 45 and this may sound silly but it is one of my "grail" guns. Hope my wife buries me with it.

USP’s are fantastic pistols! I’ve had the USP 9SD & USP C .357sig, both of which were excellent. Currently I have the HK45 & HK45CT. If I can find a USP C .45 for the right price I’ll take it home no questions asked.

Found a lightly used USP-C 45 a couple years ago. Kramer made me a great horsehide IWB for it, and it is now my everyday carry. Put it back around 5 o'clock and it goes away. I love Sig 45s, but the HK is several ounces lighter due to the polymer frame. Also have a USP 40 that got me started on them.

I always check the LGS and classifieds for a USP 9 used one day it will show up. One of you HK people will decide to sell or trade it.

I just installed the gray guns flat trigger on my USPc 9mm. Now I'm looking for a LEM conv kit. Love the versatility and the gun shoots very well.

Fantastic guns, well ahead of there time.

IrishWind, I was just looking at your photo and I realized that the cartridges were loaded backwards. Did you do this on purpose? I was just thinking to myself "What's wrong with this picture?"

quote:

Originally posted by Klusk2:
IrishWind, I was just looking at your photo and I realized that the cartridges were loaded backwards. Did you do this on purpose? I was just thinking to myself "What's wrong with this picture?"

It's an old H&K joke. I'll let him explain.

By the way, H&K, because you suck and we hate you.