HK USP And HK USP45 Compact Pistol

The HK USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol) is the first HK pistol designed especially for American shooters. Features favored by the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian users provided the design criteria for the USP. Its controls are uniquely American, influenced by such famous designs as the Government Model 1911 pistol. The control lever, a combination safety and/or decocking lever, is frame mounted and quickly accessible, unlike the slide mounted safeties common on many semi-automatic pistols.

Using a modified Browning-type action with a special patented recoil reduction system, the USP is built to take the punishment of powerful +P and +P+ loads. The recoil reduction system lessens recoil effects on pistol components and also lowers the recoil forces felt by the shooter. The USP recoil reduction system is insensitive to ammunition types and requires no special adjustment or maintenance. It functions effectively in all USP models.By using a modular approach to the internal components, the control lever function of the USP can be switched from the left to the right side of the pistol for left-handed shooters. The USP can also be converted from one type of trigger firing mode to another. This includes combination double-action and single-action (DA/SA) modes, double action only (DAO) modes, including the HK proprietary LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) enhanced trigger system. The HK USP is available in both full-size frame and compact models with ten trigger/firing mode configurations and four calibers.45 ACP, .40 S&W, 9 mm, and .357 SIG (special order).


Major metal components on the HK USP and USP Compact are protected from wear and corrosion by HK’s special Hostile Environment (HE) finish. All USP and USP Compacts have polygonal barrel profiles made by cold-hammer forging ensuring increased barrel life and optimal accuracy. Reinforced polymer frame. HK pioneered the use of composite materials in production handguns more than thirty-five years ago with the development of the VP70Z and P9S pistols.The USP & USP Compacts can be con vert ed from one type of trigger firing mode to another. This includes com bi na tion double-action and single-action modes and double action only modes. USP and USP Compacts are cur rent ly avail able in three calibers and ten trigger / firing mode con fig u ra tions, including the enhanced double action LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) mode.

Several USP, USP Compact, and specialized USP models are available for use with sound suppressors. “Slick-sided” LEM trigger mechanism the proprietary HK Law Enforcement Modification trigger system has no control lever and ensures an enhanced, smooth DAO trigger mode. LEM function is available on most HK pistols. The USP45CT is a compact .45 caliber handgun developed for U.S. special operations use. The HK USP45 Compact Tactical combines the proven features of the full-size USP45 Tactical pistol in a smaller, more concealable package.HK USP45 Compact model is only 5% larger than 9 mm and .40 caliber USP Compact models. The extended slide release is con toured to reduce wear and tear on clothing when the pistol is carried con cealed. The control lever has a positive stop and automatically returns to the “fire” position after decocking. The control lever, featured on many variants of the USP and USP Compact, allows these pistols to be safely carried “cocked and locked.” HK proprietary mount ing grooves al low a variety of ac ces so ries to be mount ed with out mod i fi ca tion to the pistol. USP/USP Compact ambidextrous magazine release lever is shielded by the trigger guard from inadvertent actuation. It can be easily operated using the thumb or index finger without changing the grip of the firing hand.

A frame-mounted control lever allows these pistols to be safely carried “cocked and locked.” Single control lever function can be changed to the opposite side for left-handed users. Control levers can be installed on both sides of the pistol for complete ambidextrous function. The USP’s patented recoil reduction system was tested and proven in the HK Mark 23 pistol issued to the US Special Operations Command. On the shorter USP Compact Pistol, the mechanical recoil reduction system found on full-size USPs has been replaced by a specially designed flat compression spring contained in the captive recoil spring assembly by a polymer absorber bushing. Service life is still engineered to exceed 20,000 rounds. HK pistols feature the patented HK Lock-Out Safety Device. When engaged, it locks the handgun’s action by blocking any movement of the hammer strut and slide. The handgun is locked and cannot fire until unlocked.