HK USP .45 Review: Authentically Amazing... But...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- The Heckler & Koch (H&K) USP .45 is a truly--and authentically--amazing handgun in terms of its quality, reliability, durability and precision. But is there a catch??
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LINKS TO MY OTHER REVIEWS:
Beretta 92F - • Beretta 92F Review: Mo...
S&W 5906 - • Smith & Wesson 5906 Re...
Sig P239 - • Sig P239 Review: Comba...
Br. Hi Power - • Original FN / Browning...
Walther P5 - • Walther P5 Review: A L...
Walther P88c - • Walther P88-C Review: ...
S&W 4506-1 - • Smith & Wesson 4506-1 ...
E.G. Makarov - • 1962 East German Makar...
Sig P229 - • OG Sig P229 Review (in...
FN HP-DA - • FN HP-DA / BDA-9 Revie... 2022 Gun Collection - • 2022 Gun Collection Sh...
Beretta PX4 Compact - • Beretta PX4 Compact Re...
Walther P99 - • Walther P99 Review: De...
Colt Trooper .357 - • Colt Trooper .357 Revi...
Sig P245 - • Sig P245 Review: Don't...
HK P9S - • HK P9S Review: 9mm Nir...
Ruger P89 - • Ruger P89 Review: For ...
Sig P226 - • Sig P226 Review: Tacti...
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - Overview
5:33 - The "But"...
6:56 - Historical Context
12:07 - Shooting & Handling
22:25 - Conclusions
Thank you so much for watching! If you feel so inclined, please like and subscribe--it really helps the channel grow.
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#hecklerandkoch
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Was always a Holy Grail handgun to me. My mom was in the hospital with complications from cancer for 5 weeks over Christmas of 2020. She hated that she couldnt go out and get me a christmas gift so she asked me what she could get me. I, of course, told her not to worry about it and it was fine. This turned into a conversation asking about a handgun that my late father always wished that he had ( a Colt 1911 GI issue ). "How much are those?" She asked. Of course i replied theyre quite expensive and i cannot allow that. I added that "if i was going to get a .45 handgun it would be a HK USP .45".
How much are those she asked. Wayyyyy too expensive, thats kind of an HK thing i replied. She asked me again so i told her. She proceeds to write me a check for well over the estimated price, says merry christmas, and tells me to find one.
So i did and furthermore had more than enough left over to convert it to a USP .45 Tactical.
It currently sits in its custom holster and, i suppose, will be passed down.
Its not my best shooting or most ergonomic, but it definately has the most important lore. Thats why the USP .45 is my fav handgun.
I hope she is still with us
@@chocolatemilk4437 she sure is. Approaching 5 years cancer free. 👍👍
@@ltphoenix54cGlad to hear that man. Beautiful story.
Wow. Thanks for sharing. Yeah... I would find it difficult to part with any handgun that had a backstory like that. And, regardless of the sentimentality... it's a fantastic pistol that will never let you down. Not my personal first choice, but it's hard to argue against the excellence of the USP. Also great to hear your mother kicked the cancer... you need to take her to shoot that USP! Thanks again for the comment and all the best to you and your fam.
🥳 ❤️
It might not have the best capacity, recoil, ergo's, weight, or size. But I'll be damned if it aint the best looking handgun ever produced and one of the most reliable which makes the Usp my favorite gun ever made
I can't disagree. The thing is a monolith of Germanic operator-level badassery. Thanks for the comment, man!
I've never had one and don't have any plans to get one. I would buy the USP Expert though. Either 9mm or .45. Unfortunately it doesn't come in .40 s&w. A caliber I don't currently have but would like to have and a USP.40 is built ground up as a .40 and that has shown to be the best method for producing a gun in that caliber. The Beretta PX4 & Sig P229 being free of problems that 9mm pistols stuffed with .40 were starting to show. Beretta even dropped their model 96 and made the 96A1. Also designed as a .40 from the get go but to look like the 92. It's dimensions are different than the 92FS. Also ended up with the 92A1. A overbuilt 9mm for anyone who might want that kind of thing. But the USP Expert is not available in that. If it was or un .357 Sig its a gun I'd already have. So I'll probably get the .45 Expert as it's usually cheaper and more available than the 9mm. I also don't have a .45 either. But it's on the back burner. I once had a Mk23. Worked in a gun shop and one came in used. We had this thing listed at $1700. It sat for months. Everyone wanted to check it out but nobody wanted to buy it. Not even the customers who repeatedly threw down big money on guns that they thought were just cool knowing they had no practical use would buy this thing. I myself had a hard time being enthusiastic about it during my pitch. I was damn good at selling guns. I became the assistant sales manager within 2 months after the sales manager taught me how to sell and trained me on doing trades. But I got to be believing it myself to do a good pitch. I refuse to lie but honesty also cuts both ways. Honestly having no enthusiasm doesn't help a sale. I got sick of looking at it. My bonus was coming. A significant amount of store credit on anything used based on your sales numbers and double that amount for myself and my boss. If we wanted the cash we could take the profit from anything sold used and keep doing it until our bonus was used up. We worked in a Gunn store dealt primarily in used guns and we got the best. Nobody who worked ever converted the bonus into cash. Myself included. So I asked the owner what my price on the HK would be. We also got major employee discounts. The lady who did all accounting also did payroll. Our purchases were marked as employee discounted to show the IRS or ATF the reason why the price was much lower than market value. To show no funny business was going on if either checked. But several times when she added things up it turned out we paid the owner to be able to work there. So when I showed the owner the HK to get me my special price he said "OMG. That fucking thing!? $1200 and get it out of here. " I was pleasantly surprised and thanked him for the generosity and mentioned that I was thinking $1400 would have been a good deal so I really appreciated it. The he says that is what he paid for it so Happy Birthday. Which was in a few days. I had it for 3 weeks. Never even shot it. My friend comes over amd sees it. He doesn't have any guns but thinks they're cool. But he's poor and has other expensive hobbies. He asks if thats the gun from Metal Gear Solid. I say it is and no, I do not have the silencer as I know he's about to ask. He is completely enamored with it. I laugh a little and say "well I'm glad to see tgay somebody is super jazzed about it" He's shocked that I am not. Then he says he wants it. I rightfully tell him that's not really a good choice for his first gun. He says he's violated that good first choice rule all his life in favor of just going for what he wants. That it's come back to haunt him over and over but the few times it worked out best for him were well worth the suffering. He told me of a girl who liked him in middle school who was just hot and every guy wanted her. While he liked her just fine there was another girl he was partnered with in science who he thought was very pretty and really nice. Girl next door type. Not the porn kind, but real one. Like for real. He decided to ask her to the spring dance at the end of 8th grade. He said they both had the best time and both enjoyed their first kiss together. That he believes because of her he experienced real love while everyone else was consumed by lust. I didn't have the heart to tell him that choosing her was actually the best first choice. The fact he didn't see that also just amazed me. He told me this story and the whole time he's closely examining the MK23. So I told him $1200. He says "NO WAY! These things are like $2500!" I then said "Not today man, also if you need some time to get the money together it will still be $1200 " Took him a week to get the money. That was 20 years ago. About 10 years ago he runs into the 8th grade sweetheart. They get married and have 2 kids now. He got rid of the Mk23. Bought USP and a AR with the money. When he showed the USP his wife was there. She told me " I can actually shoot this thing to. He didn't have to sell that other one but he wanted me to be safe if he's not home. Isn't that so sweet? He really did love that other one"
Then I thought about the time he bought it from me and hearing of her the first time. I said I was going out to my truck to have a smoke like it was some kind of emergency and I laughed my ass off for about 5 minutes straight. When I got back she said that I didn't have to go to my truck and that I can smoke on the porch. I'm glad she didn't say it before I smoked.
@jodylivengood4061 pretty great story of seeing a behemoth graciously transfer between friendly hands! Ironically a week ago, I found my very own grail mk23 used at Cabela's! It's a very first year production (KG marking which designates 1996) with the super glossy deep black slide finish. I've hunted for this finish on an early year mk23 for maaaany years. It was listed at $2,000 but I work in the firearms industry and we sell to Cabela's so I got a slight friends and family discount :) I'm super excited to have the opportunity to wield one of my own and hope it has a great story like yours, thanks for telling it!
@@jodylivengood4061I got both the expert and regular full size usp both in 45 I like the regular full size over the expert it’s the perfect size especially for iwb carry, the expert is just too big and the slide is too long
Looks like a high point. Y’all are crazy.
Best handgun ever idgaf
In some ways... I can't disagree. The thing is a beast. Thanks for the comment!
Agree
Absolutely!
Yes yes y'all yes the best.
I have a ‘94 usp in 9mm that is a tack driver. Loving this channel. Validates my collection of older hammer fired pistols
Thanks, man! That's cool to have such an early one--probably pre-polygonal rifling. Neat.
Great video, content like this deserves more subscribers. Down to earth presentation and well-informed perspectives seem to be a rarity anymore. Well done ✅
Thanks, my friend! I really appreciate the compliment. “Perspective” is generally what I look for in reviews-not just features and specs. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, again!
Love your videos and info. Thank you for what you do!
Thanks so much, my friend! Hopefully I'll be able to keep a more steady pace of posting this spring. Take care, and I appreciate the support.
This is a Man’s gun. Hands down my favorite pistol ever made. Great review 👍
Can't argue with that, mah man. Unfortunately my manliness is not commensurate with my girly hands. Nevertheless... the USP still kicks ass. Thanks for the comment!
Excellent honest review of yours. My husband and I collect German / European firearms. We have four HK USP pistols and no issues. Only issue is the size of you want to CCW.
Thank you so much! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Yeah, I feel like any fan of higher-end European pistols needs to at least experience the USP. It's a fantastic pistol. Just... not my cup of tea, in the end. Have you ever tried a Walther P5 or a P88? Those are two of my faves. Thanks again!
Awesome channel! Definitely subscribing. Cool musical intros as well!
Something to consider: not sure how much longer usp production will continue, especially in Germany so it might be worth hanging onto.
Thank you so much, my friend! Really appreciate the kind words… and the sub. I’ve got so many tracks half produced… need to finish more and get ‘em out there. And, Yeah, you have a point. They’re not gonna make the USP forever. But… I already moved it on. I’ll probably regret it, one day… but… until then… I’ll shoot the Archon Type-B I bought with the USP funds 😎
@@HipsterTactical Awesome! The Archon has always interested me. Also Is there anywhere to listen to your tracks? And do you happen to use any hardware or do you use software? I’m a synth/drum machine gear head as well.
@@arcrid8440 No shit!? Cool. I figured there was someone else out there interested in guns and beats. Here’s my SoundCloud link: on.soundcloud.com/wWS6Tg9cyMW4sJ7B9
It’s in the description, too, if this one gets jacked-up. I use all software VST synths, at the moment: Omnisphere, Keyscape, Exhale, Kick 2 plus a few drum samples. DAW is FL Studio. Hit me up on HipsterTactical.com if you wanna share tracks! Thanks!
Like your content man! I have a few USP's in my collection, all 2004 or older because I prefer that frame style. Personal opinion...the full size USP 45 Tactical is the peak out of all the variants HK offered/offers.
Thanks so much, buddy! Really appreciate the kind words. Hmm... I wasn't aware there was a difference in the frames. I know some markings changed (e.g., USP/ Patent Pending on the grip etc.)--but that's interesting. Really cool guns. There's a magic... an allure... just not worth it for me to keep, in the end. Yeah, I bet the 45 Tac is dope. That has the elite trigger in it, right? Thanks again!
@@HipsterTactical Yea sorry I could have worded that better. The difference in the grip markings is what I was referring to. After '04 (to the best of my knowledge, and on every example I've seen) on the full size variants, they switched to having USP on both sides of the grip. The 45 tac comes with HK's "match trigger" (which is the same one used in the USP expert and elite variants.) To me it's nice. Mine breaks at 3.5lbs on my wheeler gauge and dialing out the over travel with the adjustment screw that comes on the trigger shoe really makes it feel like something more special than a production pistol. I've owned and sold most of the USP variants, but the 45 tac and the expert 9mm are the two that I will likely never part with. I'd still like to get my hands on a USP 45ct though. That's one that has eluded me(mostly due to the prices they're bringing because from what I've been told 2015 was the last time HK imported a batch). Kicking myself for not buying one back then when I had the chance lol
I was super stoked to see you having a review coming down the pipe for this gun. The USP is a gorgeous pistol. It has it's quirks but for me, the bulk of its charm lies in its history and testing. It isn't the gun in my collection that i can run the fastest. The mags are stupid expensive. The trigger is kinda meh. But my faith in it is unshakeable, and i can't wait for my can stamp to come in and complete my USP9tac.
Yeah, I think faith and trust really capture the sentiments the USP inspires. Honestly, I found the trigger pretty good. Just didn't love the feel and ergos. And it showed in my groups. Thanks for the comment!
Beautiful video. Had one 1996 usp45; i bought it after HK45 and Mk23; the only one i kept is the HK45. The usp is terribly accurate, but simply i didn't care for the 2x4 grip and the brick aesthethics (on the par with glock for this). However if you want a true double stack 45, no doubt that it is an excellent choice due to its design.
Yeah, I really need to get a full size HK45. I almost bought one, instead of this USP... but... the USP has a certain appeal that I just couldn't get over..... until I shot it ;) Kidding, kidding. It's a BAD shooting gun. And I think for some people, it probably fits great. But... it's just a struggle for me. Thanks for peer pressure to get an HK45 :)
Back then in the late late 90’s we bought them and actually did what the advertising did. We dunked it in water for a week, threw it in mud left it for a week, and finally put it in the freezer and forgot about it for a month, it never had any rust or corrosion on it. Worked flawlessly. All is great but boy it has a not so well behaved recoil manner at least on the 45 acp version.
Wow. I believe it. These things are the real deal. The recoil is... bouncy. But not unpleasant. I just found the difficult to handle, given the size and the ergos. It's a great pistol, though. Thanks!
The usp45t is the cat’s meow. What sets it apart from the og besides the tb is the adjustable match trigger and bbl o-ring.
Yeah, I bet the match trigger is excellent. Honestly, I liked the trigger as is... I can only imagine what it's like, upgraded. Thanks!
I love mine. I love the ones that I’ve had and have regretted getting rid of. I’d prefer a slightly larger safety/ control lever for carrying it cocked and locked and a slightly better trigger (USP 9 Expert excluded), but it does everything that I could ask of it. This is a pistol that you definitely have confidence in equipment with when carrying.
Yeah, confidence is certainly an advantage of the USP. I would never for a second think a USP would fail me. It's a fantastic pistol... just not my fave in terms of ergos. Thanks for the comment, my friend!
One tough pistol. HK USP pistols are amazing. 🙏
They really are amazing... authentically, so ;) I'd trust it completely... I just shoot other guns better. Thanks for the comment!
Well HELLOW!!
I love my USP 45 Elite with 6.02". Sold my CZ 97 because I felt the USP handled better on a side by side range session.
Now!!, a Sig P227 Elite might be coming home in 2 days. Then I'll see if the H&K USP 45 Elite is going to stay? or maybe go to consignment? Thanks to you 4 classic 22_ Sigs have moved into my parlor. H&Ks polymer is so heavy that it's close to alloy. ✌️💥☮️👍
Really? That's interesting. I've off and on about getting a CZ-97 for a while. I held one once... the trigger reach in DA was about the longest I'd ever felt, on any handgun. That said, with a non-decocker model, I could just roll cocked and locked never use the DA. But... the USP is a great gun. Just ended up not being for me. Thanks for chiming in, my friend! I know you've left a ton of other comments--I appreciate that. I've been so busy with work I haven't had time to keep up. Take care!
I feel you on that DA trigger pull, the Compact is somehow smoother from my experience with owning a 2021 USP40 and my 1996 USP40c which is the only one I currently own now. Just wish HK would actually update the damn light rail so that I can get a modern light and holster for it smh.
Interesting. I do remember the trigger on my USPc .45 being a bit nicer than the full size. Either way... the trigger wasn't my issue with the FS USP--it was just the ergos. Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical My bad, I thought you mentioned it earlier
The USP is a proper military pistol, If you ever get a chance to check out one of the “P8” versions (they are being imported currently through 3rd parties) it’s a little different with its controls. Most people wouldn’t like it as the safety is a little jank :) of course like all USP’s you can change the control variations fairly easily. Another great video!
Yup. It gets shi_ done and doesn't ask questions. I've seen some pics/videos on the P8. Definitely cool. But... I've given the USP platform a few chances. At the end of the day, I just don't think it's my cup of tea. But they're super cool pistols and they have a unique, influential place in handgun history. Thanks for the comment!
How do you think the Walther PDP PRO SD stacks up to the gold standard feel of the Beretta 92, in your opinion?
I love this pistol because of how tough and reliable it is, but feel and trigger quality are very nice in the same way a naturally aspirated staight six that's low compression is very durable but not as fun as a high revving V12 that has a lot of maintenance, more work and difficulty to work on, and many potential failure points.
Good question. I haven’t tried a PDP-but P99s feel good, PPQs feel great… I can imagine the PDPs are sublime. I also respect the USP for its absolute reliability and durability. But I think under 95% of conditions… a Sig P226 or Beretta 92 is probably just as reliable and more than durable enough. And they both shoot better in my opinion.
@@HipsterTactical That's why I also like metal CZs. The P-01 and 75 Compact seem like they'd be easier to carry than others due to being a bit smaller and less likely to snag. I might have to get a 92 with wood grips.
Dumb.
Apples, and oranges.
Mine is the tactical model with a red dot and can.
Most accurate and reliable gun I own. A tighter grip will solve your recoil issues along with stiffin your wrist
What recoil issues? The gun recoils like a pillow filled with marshmallows and jello. It’s laser accurate and reliable… I even find the trigger excellent. It just doesn’t work for me in terms of ergonomic inputs. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an amazing gun. Glad you dig yours.
Traded two g_ns I never shoot to get the u_s_p. Today I noticed at the range it was key holing about one or two rounds per magazine. I didn't see any dings on the crown so I don't know what's up.
Hmm. Weird. Was it .45? I feel like some .45 loads tear the paper vertically a little so it kinda looks like keyholing. But… that’s just a hypothesis.
@@HipsterTactical yes, it was the 45. I hope you are correct in that hypothesis but it definitely looked like keyholing. Literally a vertical rectangle .
@@nolagospeltracts8264Curious if it’s ammo related. Low velocity with heavy bullets can do that
I agree 110 %
Thanks, my friend! Appreciate you watching and appreciate the comment!
Hard same.
I carry the compact version daily. I have larger hands and it’s comfortable for me. Sig feels better in my hands I feel tho. But this is a tank I can’t give up.
I hear ya. I went back and forth on selling mine. But... I can't afford to keep expensive guns around that I find just kinda "meh." Anyway... thanks!
Did you try to upgrade it with Greyguns triggers
I didn't upgrade the trigger on mine. Honestly, I thought the trigger was perfectly serviceable, as is. Just wasn't crazy about the ergonomics.
I bought a USP 40. The front strap was annoying so I nocked the "cheese grader" down a bit. I Like the trigger shape and reach, however it's 8 #'s, which I'm not happy with. A conversion kit runs about $200 + gunsmith install. Now it costs me about $1400. I tend to pull shots / groups to the left by about 2 - 3"s at 10yds..
Yeah, I also thought about shaving down the cheese grater stuff and rolling ahead. That definitely would have helped. But... at the end of the day... I just didn't think it was worth lowering the resale value of a gun I'd probably end up selling anyway (which I did). And yeah--the elite tirgger ain't exactly cheap. Though I could have worked with the trigger, as is. In SA, I honestly thought was good. DA was... liveable. If I would have loved the gun, I would have def. sprung for the upgrade. But... here we are... Thanks for the comment!
Your right about the veal tenderizer back strap. Thats what the HK rubber band is for. Keep it ip jogh to save your skin. Guess the texture was designed for winter and gloves. Really rough indeed.
I've read that it was indeed designed with gloves in mind. And I definitely feel like I should wear some, when I shoot a USP :) Like I said, it could probably use some grip tape.
What...You let it go?! WTF? Geeeeez! My 1st handgun was a USP 45 and I still own it. It is the one and ONLY one I want in my hand should SHTF. Its absolutely fantastic! I have 7k rounds through it with just 2 flubs. 1 FTE with a round I found on the ground all beat up. Bullet shot, yet dent messed up ejection. The other was a friend limp wristing the gun. USP 45 is a beast. I have so many others but the USP is my nightstand love. No way I would ever let it go. It is just a reliable work horse.
It's a great gun, no doubt. It's just too much money (for me, anyway) to be "meh" as far as the shooting experience. In terms of withstanding abuse and neglect, I'm not sure anything surpasses it... but... I think Sigs and Berettas come pretty damn close. And, to me, they handle and shoot better. I need to try a full-size HK45. It's the last of the .45 HKs I haven't tried. Thanks for the comment!
I am eye banging a usp 45 that is on consignment at the local range. My Mark 23 is my favorite handgun of all time and I have owned many many handguns. HK has quickly become my handguns of choice. Followed by Glock as far as reliability is concerned.
@@Catgat37 If its in good condition, you can not go wrong for a full size 45. I know there are fan boys for everything BUT I have witnessed this thing be amazing. Its the 1st handgun I owned. I own other stuff now and I like them all. Each fits a different niche. The USP 45 fits my Doomsday what would you want in your hand for a last stand niche. You can watch a cool torture test on youtube by the military arms channel. I saw it 6yrs ago when I was 5.8k rounds through mine. Sucker was a tank.
@@TiredOfApathy yeah. I have watched all the things. I am just trying to convince my wife lol.
I'm smol hands as well. I can just BARELY reach the edge of the slide stop. More modern guns with backstraps/optics plates are probably gonna be a better bet. But I weirdly love the USP 45.
I'm glad they never updated the proprietary rail.
The only thing I can really knock it for is the price. Especially the steel .45 mags; they use a very basic matte finish and they don't even bother hiding the stamping/welding.
Then again, they're still as tough as the pistol itself. You have to make a deliberate effort to even put a dent in those things.
Yeah, like I said... I wasn't really trigger reach/reaching controls that bugged me. It was just difficult to completely control the gun as well as some others. I mean, it's hard gun not to love--so much going for it. But, as much as it costs, I wanted to looooove the way it shot. Just didn't. But the gun is incredible and there's really nothing else on its level. Thanks a lot for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical i've had that happen, some guns "just didn't do it for me"
Thanks for the video!
I'm getting that it's so good and reliable that it is boring.. I kinda feel the same about the CZ P10 series, I put goon tape on my 9mm and .45 P10F and it's a little better. I hope to run into a USP either in 9mm and or .45
Promag makes mags for them. And the ammo company is remington.
Yeah, I realized ProMag does. The ammo company was actually Federal--I updated in a caption.
FWIW, I have a lot of HKs and almost all of them share a common feature, crappy triggers. An exception is the USP Expert. That trigger is incredibly smooth! While that is all well and good, the obvious question is: why doesn’t HK make all their triggers like this?
Good pistol, but the biggest complaint from me are the OVERSIZED handgrips! LOL
Yeah, it's a great pistol... but I agree--the grip is just too big (ie, deep) for my hands. Thanks for the comment!
I had a USP Expert 9mm recently and had the same disappointment. You know you could take it to hell and back but it was too top-heavy and the trigger was mushy and unsatisfying. That said, the USP45T makes a pretty good suppressor host.
Yeah, given my past experience with "modern" HKs, I was wondering if this would be the one I'd finally hang onto. Sigh. Guess not. I need to grab an HK45 at some point. Maybe a P30. I think the USP was too aggressive and blocky... the P2000 was slick and impotent feeling... maybe the finally got it right with the Spiderman grip. Thanks!
Coolest pistol that's just so "meh" to shoot. At least the USP 9 I had. The dual recoil spring makes it feel so floppy and weird
Yeah, that sums it up, I think. With the .45... I can see the utility of the beefy recoil system. But, at the end of the day... it feels like driving a 1995 Camry. A really, really nice 1995 Camry.
Any love for the P2000?
You know, I had one in 2022 briefly. I think I put in two range trips and sold it. It was fine... but compared to a Sig P239/P229 or a Beretta PX4... just no comparison (for me, anyway) in terms of shootability. I just didn't feel the need to keep it around. Really nice guns, though. I need to try the P30/HK45s. I think the ergos would definitely suit me better. Thanks for the comment!
I'm in the same boat. I've handled a P30 and HK45 a number of times at the store, but have never fired one. I did find a used p30sk locally for a good price. We'll see what happens after i handle it.
switched to H&K years ago. All USP. Full size 9mm, Compact 9 mm, LE .45 ACP, Compact .45 ACP. Also P30 L. I was a dedicated 1911 .45 ACP, Sig Sauer, Colt and S & W revolvers: 442 Airweight .38 +P, Model 66 Combat Master, Model 686 , Model 586. When I leave home, 2 H & K 's go with me in the same caliber. Not sexy. German functionality. My first pistol was a 1950 Browning High Power. Loved it, and will get one to replace it someday. My point is, H & K hits where you point hit, and I have had zero malfunctions in all conditions. Thanks for the video.
Yeah, the USP will never let you down. It's a hardcore, tactical tool that goes the distance. I would be surprise to see any that had any malfunctions. Thanks for the comment!
No Doubt USP is a beast but my hands prefer the P226
Word. Me too.
I enjoyed mine for a few years, the only thing I didn't like about it was the marshmallow trigger. Some like it, but it wasn't for me. If they would make one in 10mm (I've since largely converted) and put a 1911'ish "crisp" trigger? Take my money!!! But I'm not holding my breath.
Yo Homie...
Haha. Yo, Dan! Hope you’re doin well
I like HK hammer fired handguns. They’re rugged, overbuilt, and extremely reliable. I’ve owned several. And I’ve gotten rid of ALL of them. HK hammer fired guns are great but they have one glaring problem. The triggers suck! Especially the double action trigger pulls. The trigger shoe itself is made from very flimsy plastic and has entirely too much flex in it to give a good feel. At least that’s the way it felt to me. Your mileage may vary. I also don’t like the placement of the slide stop/slide release. It’s in the way and with my grip, it induced malfunctions. It’s not as big of a problem as the trigger but it’s enough to bother me.
HK LEM is phenomenal. The DA/SA P30 is just meh. My Mark 23 is actually a pretty damn good double action....albeit a 12lb pull. And the single action is very crisp with very short reset.
As someone who has owned a lot of HKs, including the USP, I'm in about the same boat as you here. It's a cool looking gun, but it's very much painfully stuck in 1993. Dan reviewed his USP40 a few years back, and he had the hot take that he'd rather shoot an XD. I did a history/shooting impression article on the Mark 23, in which I give input for the USP too. I'd rather have a USP over the Mark 23, but that's not really saying all that much.
I think that the USPc is the best USP that HK has made, since the grip just works better for most shooters. Coupled with metal magazines for the 9/40 guns, I just think it's a better package. Still very much stuck in 2000, but a gun that I like more.
Glad to see the upload Matt!
Thanks, Paul! Nice to hear from you. Yeah, your take definitely echoes mine. As capable as the gun is, I just couldn't get past its shortcomings in terms of human inputs. And yeah--I can't imagine the Mark 23 is any better. I wouldn't mine trying a 9mm USPc, at some point. I actually had the USPc in .45... but it's more of a single stack, vs. the double-stack 9mm/40 compacts. And, honestly, I disliked the grip on that gun even more than the full-size .45; it just felt too skinny for how deep it was. Like, zero side contact and all front/back strap. Ugh. I need to try a P30 / HK45 (full size). Those seem to have the best grip ergos, as far as modern HKs. Anyway... thanks for the comment, dude! Hope you're doing well.
I own a USPC 40cal. Agreed
@@HipsterTactical I enjoyed the thin grip and extra beefy slide on the USPc, but that’s a preference thing. The P30L is a gun that I put a lot of time into during 2017-2019, and well, I am conflicted. The grip ergos are great, but everything else is bad. Slide releases are too larger, trigger is horrible unless you do extensive work to it, and until recently, the guns were very hard to mill. I’d very easily prefer shooting a 92 over the more modern HK hammer guns. VP9 is an entirely different story however.
I’m doing well! Having some shakeup at my day job, but have otherwise got nothing to complain about. We’ll have to have a call together in the future, I think it would be a fun time.
@@InfuzeDcyphR My first USPc was a .40 model that I bought during the gun market bottoming out in 2018. Got a first year model, police trade in gun for like $400. Easily one of the nicest .40 guns that I’ve ever spent time with. Shot very well.
I think ets makes a mag for these
Huh. That's surprising--you're right. Well, I see them for the VP9... not the USP. But I'm surprised to see that. Thanks for the tip!
I also have that pistol and I am not very happy with the grip. Even my CZ 75 B has a better grip in comparison with HK 45 USP. But the matter is it is very very very reliable in combat and I always prefer to take it with me against clear and present dangers. It is no comfort gun and there is very little importance of comfort when the matter is life or death. No objection for the grip issue.
Yeah, you can't argue with a USP's reliability. For me it wasn't just the grip... I just didn't connect with the gun, overall, in terms of feel/handling, etc. I think other guns are as reliable under 95% of conditions. I find myself willing to forgo absolute torture-ability for some added feel and shootability. Thanks for the comment!
Classic German styling
Yes, sir. It's a beautiful piece.
P30L is the best HK pistol next to this
Yeah, I’d like to try a P30L. The P30/HK45 style grip definitely feels the best vs. the USP and P2000 grip ergos. Thanks!
I had a HK USP in .45 Never had any issues with it and it was my CCW when I lived in Virginia. Sold it when I got married and before I moved to NY. Wish I could get another, but not going to submit to NY's commy laws on purchasing a handgun so video's will have to do occasionally. It's a shame you need to get 3 people to vouch for your credibility to purchase in this state...totally wrong. I owned title 2's in Virginia, but in NY you have to get a neighbor's blessing for a handgun. THis place sucks for guns!
Eck--sorry, man. Yeah, the USP is a tank. I think I need to get an HK45 for my next one. But... HK certainly makes excellent weapons. Thanks and good luck!
From what I saw in the brief range clip, you are jerking the trigger.
Ammo company that uses it for testing is Federal.
Yep. You're right. I corrected it with a subtitle in the video. Thanks!
@@HipsterTactical np at all, great content!! Keep up the good work brother!
A opinion is all you have the usp hk is the best
An opinion is all any of us have. And mine suggests there are more shootable options than the USP--but probably none more durable.
That thing is way too big for my 5'7" small build.
Yeah. I'm 5 10--it's a chore to hide. But it's my hands, mostly, that just don't fit the USP.
You really shoot with your head like that?
I'm cross eye dominant, homey--right handed, left eyed. People always tell me to "bring the gun to your eye"... but that completely changes the isometric tension of my hands and forearms. So..... I don't.
I am too. You don't need to tilt your head at all.
@@jerrygraham4496same here, and I compete. I just had my glasses changed to force right eye dominance.
Right handed lefty eye dominant..looks awkward
It's not. A little turn... a little tilt.. works fine for me!
They have updated it. It's the P30.
Fair point. Or, more specifically... the HK45. I meant to mention that in the video. Nevertheless, I feel like the Gen 3 HKs (P30, HK45, etc.) are different enough from the USP that they constitute a different experience altogether. I still think HK could offer a USP 2... or something... with a slightly updated texture, ergos, etc.
@@HipsterTacticalexcept other than the things you mention, the p30 and HK45 are identical to the usp.
Had to stop watching one minute in when I saw this guy shoot. Woof, that was hard on the eyes.
I realize you’re jealous. But don’t let my sexy Weaver stance, stoopid-fresh head tilt, and impeccable shot placement ruin your fun.
No modern HKs speak to you? Have you fired a VP9?
I've held them. Shot a P30, which has similar ergos--not bad. Triggers on the VP9s are nice and I think the ergos are definitely better than USPs and P2000s. To me, the VP9 trigger is too light without a safety. But... I could see myself trying a P30 at some point, for the right price.
P30 mainly is meh. Bought a P30SK V1 LEM and it is phenomenal.
I loathe the USP of any kind out of the box.
Replacing the sear spring with a nickel coated one from HK parts, then using a cotton polishing wheel and some flitz to lightly polish the sides and face of the hammer strut along with the trigger bar and sides of control surfaces make it a dream to shoot.
This is essentially a budget version of what Gray Guns does to P30's.
Also, for the love of god. I get that you're cross-dominant, but bring the sights to your eye. It's not difficult. Whatever you're doing, please stop 😂. And quit slapping the trigger.
Dude... I shoot more of a Weaver stance. Not fully, but kinda. Some head dip/turn is inevitable. Especially since I'm lowering the gun to get it in frame. No two people do things exactly the same way, in any sport. Have you ever tried to shoot like Bob Vogel? Fuck that. But it works for him. So... relax. And while the trigger wasn't exactly dreamy, I honestly thought it was pretty good in SA. And serviceable in DA. If I would have liked the gun enough to keep it, I definitely would have pursued the match trigger.
False.
There are aftermarket USP mags available.
You're right. There are ProMag mags. But I tend to think Promag just reverse engineers stuff without actual engineering specs. I've read that HK doesn't contract with 3rd parties (like MecGar) to make magazines, like many other manufacturers. Thanks for the info.
Promag magazines make mags for this.
Yeah, I saw that. Still.. they're almost certainly not licensed by HK. Probably reverse engineered.
My comment was deleted. WTF?
Really? When did you post it? I actually uploaded this video once in the morning... noticed a typo... then re-uploaded it and deleted the original. But it was only up for, like, 3 minutes and I didn't see any comments. Sorry dude--feel free to repost. I sure didn't delete anything.
@@HipsterTactical
Could've been deleted by YT.. I've been banned in the past few days.
@@jamescampbell4334 That sucks. Fingers crossed I stay in the good graces of the TH-cam "man" :)
Is your range style supposed to be funny? Tickling the trigger, head on your shoulder, it's all wacky. 😂
Google images of the "Chapman Stance" for shooting.