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USP
How is the USP compared to the Glock/SIG/Beretta/etc.?
This is the one question I always get via email (as if I'm going to be able to give a totally unbiased answer! Here are some basic differences:
Which caliber should I get?Glock The Glock has the SafeAction(tm) trigger mechanism which means every pull of the trigger is the same, much like a single action gun, except the safety of the Glock is built directly into the trigger. This makes some people nervous, as there are no other externally operated safeties (such as a slide mounted one.) The USP, however, is a double action/single action pistol (though double action only variants are available) which means if you are carrying in double action mode, the first trigger pull will be much longer and heavier than the following single action pulls. Both guns have very durable polymer frames and very tough finishes to endure harsh environments, and both have undergone some seriously tough torture tests. Also, the USP is the only pistol that has a built-in buffer spring which significantly reduces wear on the frame and helps reduce recoil and muzzle flip. Both USP and Glock have polygonal rifling.
SIG There are many different models of SIG pistols out there, and all of them are of very high quality. The SIG line of pistols are DA/SA, like the USP, but do not have a safety lever. This means there is no way to safely carry a SIG "cocked and locked," while the USP gives you that option. The SIG P229 has an aluminum alloy frame while the USP has a polymer frame. Generally speaking, polymer frames help absorb recoil better because they tend to flex more than steel or alloy frames. The SIG has conventional rifling, while the post 1994 USP's have polygonal rifling. Remember that the SIG comes with a 3 year warranty while HK warrants the USP for the lifetime of the original purchaser.
Beretta I don't have much firsthand experience with Berettas though I have found they shoot very well. The safety of the Beretta is mounted on the slide, while that of the USP is on the frame, like the 1911.
Ultimately, shoot as many guns as you can and choose which one you find most comfortable to shoot accurately and consistently. All three guns 9listed here are reliable, quality firearms, and you can't go wrong with whatever you choose.
The USP is available in 9mm, 40 S&W and .45 ACP. There are pros and cons to each caliber. The USP9 and USP40 have a slightly smaller frame than the USP45 and don't have some of the newer features of the USP45. Some of these include a rubberized hammer spur, more streamlined magazine releases, and a smoothed up double action trigger pull with half cock trigger position.
Help! I can't reach the magazine release with my thumb!As far as difference in bullet size, the .45 ACP has been a proven stopper in combat situations for many decades. However, the much newer 40 S&W cartridge has won the hearts of many pistoleros and have very similar stopping statistics as the .45, but has a greater magazine capacity if you are lucky or wealthy enough to afford high capacity magazines. The "anemic" 9mm has its advantages as well. Though it doesn't have the sheer power of the other two calibers, 9mm ammunition is available all over the world, and is generally cheaper than .45 or .40 S&W ammo.
Unless you have super long thumbs, you may have this same complaint. The best thing for you to try is to actuate the ambidextrous mag release with the index finger of your shooting hand on the opposite side of your thumb. You'll find this to be just as fast (if not faster) than a traditional thumb release.
My gun cleaning solvent dissolves the painted on markings!
Several people have complained about this when using strong gun cleaning solvents such as Birchwood Casey's Gun Scrubber. I haven't experienced this, but I use MP-7 gun cleaner which appears to work even better than some of the stronger smelling cleaners such as Gun Scrubber. At times, I will also try Remington's Rem Action Cleaner which doesn't dissolve the paint either.
My slide slams forward when I insert a loaded magazine. Bug or feature?
This has been the topic of much debate on rec.guns and the HK Mailing List. Answers have ranged from saying that this is a "feature" to "dangerous defect." For those of you that didn't bother to read the manual that came with your USP, let me quote for you page 23 of the Operator's Manual:
What is polygonal rifling and how do I know if I have it?
Generally, my opinion is that if this were a "feature" for gunfighting, the slide would always slam forward when you inserted a mag, not just when you slam it. However, this is where training comes in. The idea is to get intimately familiar with your pistol so that you know exactly how hard you need to insert the mag to do what you desire the pistol to do. Also, this "feature" is not known only to USP's. I've seen SIG P229's do the same exact thing when you slam home a loaded magazine.WARNING! Forcefully inserting a loaded magazine into the USP may cause the pistol's slide to close, chambering a cartridge and making the USP ready to fire.
Polygonal rifling differs from conventional rifling in that instead of lands and grooves, the shape of the interior of the barrel resembles that of a polygon. The advantages of polygonal rifling are that it gives a better gas seal with less bullet deformation resulting in slightly higher muzzle velocity, slightly better accuracy, easier cleaning characteristics, and a prolonged barrel life. USP's manufactured around February of 1995 have polygonally rifled barrels. And no, HK does not offer free upgrades to owners of conventionally rifled USP's.
It's easy to tell if you have a polygonally rifled barrel. Safely field strip your weapon and remove the barrel from the slide. Look through the breach and look at the resulting shape of the interior of the barrel. If it looks like a hexagon, then you've got it.
Compact USP
When will it be available?
The Compact USP has been available in 9mm and .40 S&W since December of 1996. It comes equipped with two 10 round magazines and bobbed hammer. The .45 ACP variant will not be available until sometime in the latter half of 1997. I don't know of any plans to develop a .357SIG or 10mm version.
What's with the plastic bushing?
Instead of the second buffer spring inside the main one (like it's full size brothers,) the Compact USP has a nylon bushing that fits around the main recoil spring. This helps reduce recoil effects and more importantly, significantly reduces wear and tear on the frame. The service life of the nylon bushing is 20,000 rounds. After that, call HK Service for replacement.
I got my USP Compact. Why can't I find any holsters?
This gun is just 1 month old! I agree that holster manufacturers should get their act together and develop holsters so that they ship at the same time as the gun does. However, this isn't always the case. Your best bet may be to start with Uncle Mike's and see what they have that fit. It's almost certain that Safariland and Bianchi will soon follow suit with custom holsters.
SOCOM Pistol
Tell me about the civilian version.
The civilian version of the Special Operations Forces' Mk 23 Mod 0 is called the Mark 23. Except for a few changes for the civilian market, the Mark 23 is identical to the military version, and even shares the threaded barrel. The only differences are the missing US Government markings, no suppressor, no laser aiming module, and 10 round civilian magazines. It has been shipping since late November of 1996, but there are more people on waiting lists than there are owners of the Mark 23. The civilian SOCOM's are overflow from military production, so unless HK decides to build more specifically for the civilian market, these are guaranteed to appreciate in value. Retail price is $1995.
How is the Mark 23 different from the USP45?
The Mark 23 is basically a USP on steroids. It is significantly larger than the USP45; in fact, it is comparable in size to a Desert Eagle .44 Magnum. Instead of steel reinforced plastic guide rails, the entire guide rail assembly of the Mark 23 is steel. Near the front of the barrel is an O-ring bushing that gives the Mark 23 superb match-grade accuracy. The HE finish on the Mark 23 is significantly tougher, the Mark 23 trigger is smoother and crisper than the USP45's,
Are there high capacity mags available for the Mark 23?Though the USP and Mark 23 also share many similarities, such as the dual recoil buffer springs, polymer frame material, and design inspiration, remember that these pistols are completely different guns designed for two different purposes. The USP45 is designed as a defensive handgun for the American firearms market, while the Mark 23 was designed to be used under specific conditions as specified by US Special Operations Command.
There are a few high capacity magazines for the Mark 23 available for civilian ownership. They were manufactured before the high capacity magazine ban and are legal to own and use. However, these are very rare and command a premium price. Beware of altered Law Enforcement Only magazines as these will land you in a federal prison. Magazines for the Mark 23 will fit and function in the USP45 but the opposite is not true.