{"id":799,"date":"2023-03-18T12:19:07","date_gmt":"2023-03-18T12:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=799"},"modified":"2023-03-18T12:19:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-18T12:19:07","slug":"review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=799","title":{"rendered":"Review: Heckler &#038; Koch USP \u2014 Universal Self-Loading Pistol"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"breadcrumbs\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/\">Home<\/a> \u00bb <span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/category\/firearms\/\">Firearms<\/a> \u00bb <span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/category\/firearms\/handguns\/\">Handguns<\/a> \u00bb <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">Review: Heckler &amp; Koch USP \u2014 Universal Self-Loading Pistol<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>One thing I can say right up front about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/handk\/firearms\/handguns\/?brand=H&amp;K=&amp;utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HK USP<\/a> is that it feels like a big gun. However, when I compare it to something like a Glock 19, the grip and trigger reach are about the same. The longer barrel on the USP makes it seem much bigger, I guess. HK\u2019s promo information about the USP says it\u2019s the first HK pistol designed specifically for the demanding needs of the American shooter with features favored by the U.S. civilian, law enforcement, and military users.<\/p>\n<h2>USP Features<\/h2>\n<p>The design of the USP is said to have been influenced by the 1911, including the ability to be carried cocked and locked. This is facilitated by what HK calls the \u201ccontrol lever,\u201d which is a frame-mounted, combination safety and decocking lever. The control lever has a positive stop and returns to the fire position after decocking. It can also be switched from the left side to the right to accommodate left-handed users.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"HK USP .40 S&amp;W handgun, left profile\" class=\"wp-image-86642 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"HK USP .40 S&amp;W handgun, left profile\" class=\"wp-image-86642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-2.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The design of the USP is said to have been influenced by the 1911, including the ability to be carried cocked and locked.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The USP uses a modified Browning-type action with a recoil reduction system designed and patented by HK. It is built to take the punishment of +P loads. The size of the gun helps the shooter handle those loads, as well.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-2 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest?utm_source=CTD_Blog_AD&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=blog_range_day_friday_mobile&amp;utm_content=square\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/rdf_mar23_ad_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/rdf_mar23_ad_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The recoil reduction system is incorporated into the recoil\/buffer spring assembly located below the barrel. It\u2019s basically a wider, rounded notch where the barrel interlocks with the frame. This recoil reduction system buffers the impact of the slide on the frame, as the barrel unlocks and the slide travels rearward. The system works regardless of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/ammunition\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ammo<\/a> type and does not require any adjustments by the user.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/rdf_mar23_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/rdf_mar23_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The USP has a cold hammer forged barrel that has HK\u2019s unique polygonal bore profile. Polygonal bores increase muzzle velocity and reduce barrel wear. The polymer frame of the USP uses the same high-strength and corrosion-free material as used in firearms designed for military use. Metal components used in the USP are also corrosion resistant. The external metal components are protected by an extremely hard nitro-gel carburized black oxide finish.<\/p>\n<p>The design characteristics of the HK USP provide a lot of flexibility in how the gun is set up for the user. For example, my gun has a DA\/SA trigger with everything set up for a right-hand shooter. A knowledgeable gunsmith or HK armorer can convert it to a DA-only trigger, and the control lever can be moved to the right side of the frame.<\/p>\n<p>The magazine release lever is ambidextrous and is fit within the trigger guard so that it is impossible to inadvertently depress the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/parts-and-accessories\/magazines\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">magazine<\/a> release. The magazine release can be activated by the thumb or index finger of the firing hand without adjusting the firing grip. The extended slide release allows for easy actuation without adjusting the grip of the shooting hand.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"HK USP .40 S&amp;W handgun, right profile\" class=\"wp-image-86649 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"HK USP .40 S&amp;W handgun, right profile\" class=\"wp-image-86649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-9.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Metal components used in the USP are also corrosion resistant. The external metal components are protected by an extremely hard nitro-gel carburized black oxide finish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Size<\/h2>\n<p>I mentioned the size of the gun. My .40 S&amp;W weighs 29.83 ounces, is 7.64 inches long, 5.35 inches in height, and 1.26 inches wide with a trigger reach of 2.74 inches single-action and 2.95 inches double-action. That\u2019s one reason I like the idea of carrying it cocked and locked. I found an IWB <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/parts-and-accessories\/holsters\/?utm_source=blog.cheaperthandirt&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holster<\/a> from N8 Tactical that fits the USP well and has a high enough back to keep the rough texture of the USP\u2019s grip from rubbing against my skin. That rough texture on the USP grip, along with the stippled front stop and back stop, provide an extremely secure hand purchase when shooting the gun.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve steered away from shooting .40s lately, due to the arthritis and bursitis pain in my arms and shoulders. I wanted to shoot the USP enough to get a true picture of its reliability as well as accuracy, so I took a couple of extra shooters along for the fun. We packed an assortment of reloads, JHP, and other types of tactical ammunition, plus several brands of ball ammo. I was the first to shoot the gun, standing 10 yards back from the targets we set up.<\/p>\n<p>The gun came to me with five magazines. Three of them are 10 rounders. The other two hold 13 rounds and are stamped \u201cRestricted Law Enforcement \/ Government Use Only 10 \u2013 94.\u201d Hmmm\u2026 This gun must have first been sold in California.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"Field Stripped HK USP .40 S&amp;W handgun\" class=\"wp-image-86650 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Field Stripped HK USP .40 S&amp;W handgun\" class=\"wp-image-86650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-10.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The USP uses a modified Browning type action with a recoil reduction system designed and patented by HK. It is built to take the punishment of +P loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Range Time!<\/h2>\n<p>I live in Texas and ain\u2019t nobody going to tell me I can\u2019t load and shoot a 13-round magazine in my gun. But 10 rounds was all I felt like, so I loaded it and started firing. An incredible thing happened. My 10 rounds pretty much clobbered the center of the target.<\/p>\n<p>Each of my buddies had the same result. Not only is the USP amazingly accurate, but it is also built in such a way that shooters can easily make the best of what it has to offer. What do I mean by that? I mean shooters who don\u2019t always shoot outstanding targets seem to do much better with the USP than with other guns. Wonder why? I\u2019d say it\u2019s a combination of great sights, an easy and consistent trigger pull, a hand grip that\u2019s made to assist the shooter, and the recoil reduction system helping them get on and stay on target.<\/p>\n<p>I enjoyed watching the other shooters almost as much as I enjoyed shooting the USP. There was an appreciation spreading among us I didn\u2019t expect to see. We fired something like 300 rounds between us, and there was not one failure of any kind.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"523\" alt=\"HK USP .40 S&amp;W pistol on a paper bullseye target with bullet holes and a box of Federal Syntech 175-grain ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-86647 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?resize=300%2C245&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?resize=640%2C523&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?resize=640%2C523&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"HK USP .40 S&amp;W pistol on a paper bullseye target with bullet holes and a box of Federal Syntech 175-grain ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-86647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?resize=300%2C245&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HK-USP-DF-7.jpg?resize=150%2C123&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Shooters who don\u2019t always shoot outstanding targets seem to do much better with the USP than with other guns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>After all, the gun has been around for a while. However, this one was residing in the safe of one of my friends. I remember when he got the gun, but I\u2019d forgotten about it. When he told me he needed to reduce his inventory, I offered to take this gun and a couple of others off his hands. I really didn\u2019t do it because I wanted the gun. It was more like I bought it because he offered it to me at a price that I knew to be a bargain.<\/p>\n<p>The USP has been in HK\u2019s catalog for a number of years. My gun was manufactured in 2004. The USP is available in three models: Standard, Compact, and Tactical \u2014 chambered in 9mm, .40 S&amp;W, and .45 ACP. If I were buying one now, I\u2019d buy the 9mm Compact. With that gun, I\u2019d have a heck of an EDC gun. As it stands, I doubt I\u2019ll carry this gun, but I know it will hold its own as a household defensive gun or a truck gun. I\u2019m watching some of my grandsons grow into much bigger lads than their dads or me, so who knows, one of them might find this .40 USP just the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/what-size-handgun-should-i-carry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right size<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>I wouldn\u2019t be surprised to find some of our readers have an HK USP. I would love to hear from you how the HK USP fits your needs. Share your review in the comment section.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"tve_leads_end_content\" style=\"display: block; visibility: hidden; border: 1px solid transparent;\"\/><!-- AI CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=review-heckler-koch-usp-universal-self-loading-pistol\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Home \u00bb Firearms \u00bb Handguns \u00bb Review: Heckler &amp; Koch USP \u2014 Universal Self-Loading Pistol One thing I can say right up front about the HK USP is that it feels like a big gun. However, when I compare it to something like a Glock 19, the grip and trigger reach are about the same. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":800,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gun-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/799","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=799"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/799\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/800"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=799"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=799"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}