Opinions on H&K USP

[seang]

I have been considering for sometime switching away from the Glock to a Sig or H&K for duty carry. We can only carry a .40 or .45. I realized I prefer a DA/SA or LEM type trigger pull for duty use. I also shoot them just as well if not better than the Glock, especially when shooting at a distance.

I have read of many QC issues with recent production Sig's and would most likely find a older, but good condition Sig for duty carry should I decide to switch to a Sig. A few months ago I rented an H&K USPC .40 and enjoyed shooting that almost as much as the Sig's. I am just curious as to why the H&K USP doesn't seem to be a more popular option among shooters or other law enforcement officers? I know of not one single agency or officer that carries the H&K USP anymore. I'm sure there is one.

Besides price and the past lack of service from H&K customer service, is there something I am missing? From my understanding the customer service is much better now. I also have noticed no one seems to compete seriously with a USP in IDPA. What are your opinions on the USP series?

I really liked the P30 9mm, but I don't care for it in .40. I found the H&K 45 to big for my hands, so that leaves me with the USPC in .40 or .45 in the USP series.

The M&P .40 is my department issue firearms and I have shot the hell out of it and can't bring myself to like it. Even with a Bowie trigger job the trigger leaves a lot to be desired.

[skyugo]

USP's? total junk.

jk...
great guns. I hear HK customer service has gotten quite a bit better also. Parts are definitely harder to get than for say, glocks, but honestly you don't need parts very often. (possibly never, depending on how much you shoot)
biggest downside is the pricey mags.

[JonInWA]

If you're considering an HK in .45 ACP, you might also want to expand your consideration towards the HK45C, which is considered to be a significant ergonomic improvement over its USP/2000 predecessors, and downsized from its HK45 brother-and with a different grip (similar to the HK 2000).

You also might want to wait until the Gen4 Glock G21 arrives, which should be in the imminent future-particularly if you already have your muscle memory, holsters, and magazines built around a Glock.

The analysis/comparison can then be concentrated on whether or not you prefer the respective triggers/actions, safety set-ups/options, grips, sights/sight options, and magazine availability and cost.

Best, Jon

[chilic82]

Even with a Bowie trigger job the trigger leaves a lot to be desired.

If you don't like a M&P with a Bowie trigger job, I don't see how you will ever like a USP trigger. The trigger is one thing most agree is the worst thing about HK pistols. I have owned a couple of USP's and find them top heavy, over engineered, and don't like the high bore axis or trigger on them. They are solid and reliable guns, but most service auto's are these days. If it fits you I say get one.

[AR15thur]

I've owned a full-size USP 9mm for a few weeks now. I was in a similar situation as you, I liked the Sig, but not the recent rep. that they had.

I saw a good deal on an online dealer site (a little north of $600 new) and went for it.

I've only had it to the range twice, both for competition. My scores and times have vastly improved compared to what I was doing with the M&P or Glock. It's the most accurate handgun that "I" have ever used.
I accidentally began a very hard stage yesterday in DA mode, and made a 25 yard steel shot with complete ease.

The only negatives to me are the cost of the mags, and not having a standard light rail. Other than that, I love the pistol, and don't feel the need to 'improve' upon it, like I did with my M&P and Glock.

I wouldn't want to use it as a carry gun though. It is fairly large, even the compact, but that's just my opinion. I have found the M&P Compact to be the best solution for me in this regard.
But, for range and competition, I'm enjoying the USP immensely.

[GotAmmo]

i traded my USP 45 recently for a M&P... i couldnt handle paying 80 dollars for a magzine and it was a bulky son ofa gun, would have just been even more bulky with a light attached

[jwperry]

If you are looking at Hk pistols in .40 or .45 and you didnt' like the USPf45 nor the P30/P2000 in .40, I'd limit myself to the USP .40 Tactical, USP 45 compact or HK45. The USP Tactical series have match triggers installed and are very, very nice IMO. The HK45 is a tank, with a decent trigger and gaining popularity so you will have more options for aftermarket accessories. The USP45 compact is a 45 that you can add a rail adapter to that would enable you to be able to use more popular weapon mounted lights. All of those pistols leave you stuck with $60 spare magazine cost though.

The only thing that would deter me from using the HK45 compact is the selection of weapon mounted lights. If a weapon mounted light is not important to you, the HK45 compact would be my number 1 selection for duty use with the HK45 a very, very close second.

[6933]

The HK USP Tac .45 is an excellent weapon. Just make sure it's not too big for your hands. I love mine, but am switching to the G17 since it's a little smaller; easier manipulation for me.

[variablebinary]

Good gun, but bulky with a brick grip, expensive to buy with expensive mags.

Trigger is terrible. The LEM trigger is nicer, but I still found it lacking on the USP

I'd personally get an M&P or Gen4 Glock over the USP at this point. It isn't 2002 anymore and there are nicer options these days. I like the P30S more than USP currently.

[ECAM]

I've been issued the USPc .40 LEM since 2004 as my duty weapon. After the learning curve associated with the LEM (for me at least), I've been very happy with it. Mine is stock and armorer-maintained. I have had very few issues with it. It has in excess of 25K through it. Only problems were broken firing pins and that was solved after HK redesigned the pin. The mags are about on par with SIG for cost. You can usually find 10-rounders pretty cheap for practice. I also understand that CS at HK has improved considerably in the past 12-18mo. The internals are a bit more complicated than say a Glock, but certainly seem durable. I bet my life on it every day without question.

Hope this helps.

Be safe.

Also....there is a thread on the HK here somewhere...pretty comprehensive IIRC.