They don't have to be pretty

[rdnzl]

Maybe not the greatest in the looks department, but it's a serious defensive handgun.

The H&K USP 45, variant 1.

Can be carried cocked and locked, or the hammer can be dropped to ready the pistol for a DA first shot.






A handful of gun, but lots of fun to shoot. Recoil is very mild, and its very accurate.

[myronman3]

sorry to say but they are overrated.  used to own the same gun.   then i bought a kimber 1911 and it ran laps around the usp, in every regard except capacity.    

sent the hk down the road;  the kimber remains.

[rdnzl]

I don't know why you would say that.

I've owned MANY Kimbers, and THEY are all "down the road".

I would say that if one wanted to use the term OVERRATED, it would apply quite well to Kimber. I have a $400 Springfield that is a better 1911 than the $1000 Kimbers I had.

As for a double action semi auto pistol, in full cap mag configuration, I don't think there is a better pistol than the USP. 1.5 inch groups at 25 yards is good enough for me!

I like the USP much  better than a Glock 21 or a Sig P220.

[myronman3]

not trying to aggravate you.  but i will tell you why.

I don't know why you would say that.

1.  price magazines.  compare that price to the price of glock, 1911, beretta, or what have you.  tell me honestly how they can charge that much for them and still sleep at night.  and dont tell me it is taxes or import costs, because if that were the case the glock mags would be comparable in price.  

2.  mushy trigger.  h+k have super mushy triggers.  it is about impossible to learn it, cause it breaks at a different place each time.  

3.   reliablity.  hk touts their weapons as reliable.  mine would malfuntion at least twice in a box.  

4.  chambering offerings.  they are really missing the boat here.  9, 357 sig, 40 and 45?   how about a 10mm, if their guns are really that strong.   glock kicks their butt all over the place.  

i loved the controls on the hk, but that is before i realized that all hk did was use the 1911 placement of controls.   and i am twice as good with my 1911.  

maybe i had a bum gun.  that has been known to happen.  maybe i have learned to expect more for my buck.   maybe i am just bias.  

i figure there are two kinds of people.  those who think the 1911 is god's gift to handgunners and those who dont.   i guess i am one that thinks highly of the 1911.  

lastly, i am glad you think so highly of your hk.  i hope you get many years of reliable service and enjoyment shooting from it.   i wasnt trying to harass ya.  it has been slow around here and i have the kids all weekend by myself while the wife works.   so i am itching for a conversation with someone over the age of 4!  

[RedRyder21]

Maybe not the greatest in the looks department, but it's a serious defensive handgun.

The H&K USP 45, variant 1.

Can be carried cocked and locked, or the hammer can be dropped to ready the pistol for a DA first shot.

A handful of gun, but lots of fun to shoot. Recoil is very mild, and its very accurate.

About how much $$$'s will I have to dig out of the wallet for one like in the picture NIB? :grin:

[rdnzl]

I've been told that the DA trigger pull gets much better with use. Mine won't get used much. I will use the SA mode for cocked and locked carry.

While this is my first USP, I know personally two other guys who have fire countless thousands of rounds through theirs, and have had ZERO malfunctions. I hope mine will do the same.

I've seen the full caps for $40. A bit pricey, but once I have a couple more, that expense will be long forgotten.

I agree....this would make a helluva 10mm. It can handle 45 Super as it is, so why won't they make one in 10mm?  I'd definitely buy one!

I am also a 1911 person. My comments about the Kimbers I used to own are what made me rethink the "more expensive means better" philosophy. Its not always true. A buddy has a Baer 1911 that we both consider a dog......

 I don't think a guy can have too many 45's, and I like the USP, as well as 1911's. I like Glock 21's, but I like the grip on the USP better, as well as the external hammer and the safety system.

As for price....it varies greatly, but if you look around I think you can find one for six bills.

[myronman3]

It can handle 45 Super as it is, so why won't they make one in 10mm?

where did you get this information?  i dont recall reading that in the info that came with the gun; but then again that was most likely before the 45 super was announced.    really curious about that.

[rdnzl]

I have seen quite a few articles about 45 Super and the USP.

I don't think H&K officially endorse 45 Super......

Do a Google search on "USP 45 SUPER"

Here is some info I found:

    "The .45 Super would likely be my first choice for those who are infected with "power disease" and who don't hear magic in the word "magnum". This round does not have the power of the .460 Rowlan, as can be seen on the table below, but it is still well within magnum territory. The trade off is one between power and flexibility. The .45 Super loses about 100-200 fps to the .460. What it gives back is the ability to use standard .45 A.C.P. ammunition. Externally, the case is dimensioned exactly as the standard .45. Internally, it is quite a bit stronger, particularly at the base. This is not a criticism of the Rowlan; it is a fine cartridge. I consider the Rowlan to be a great hunting cartridge, but it's lack of true interchangability with the old .45 A.C.P. would, to my mind,  make it a cartridge unique to itself, rather than an extension of the .45 A.C.P. The exception to this rule would bee the new Dan Wesson revolvers chambered for the Rowlan. These guns should be able to fire the .45 A.C.P., the Rowlan, using half moon, or full moon clips, and probably the .45 Long Colt as well.
    Listed below are some of the standard loads to be found in the various incarnations of the .45 auto. Some loads will not work in some guns. The .45 Rowlan will not chamber in a standard .45 auto barrel, though a standard .45 will chamber in a .460 Rowlan barrel. A standard .45 will not have the energy to work the spring of a .460 Rowlan. The .45 Super will chamber in anything, and should have the power to work a spring in a .460 Rowlan pistol. The .45 Super should only be used in pistols modified for it's use, with the exception of the H&K USP, and certain models of the 1911 from Springfield Armory, which will fire them without modification.


Here is a link with some 45 Super information:

http://www.realguns.com/archives/020.htm