HK USP Tactical

HK USP Tactical Review

It doesn't take an Navy SEAL to be aware that the MK23 from H&K is a bad ass pistol. It's a great weapon. It's also beneficial when it comes time to own one. Navy SEALs are paid for their services by sweat, blood and tears. Uncle Sam gets a deal. Civilians will have to pay $2300 or so to get the privilege. In reality I'm not as likely to buy an H&K MK23 as Kerry McGregor is to go swimming in an old gunny bag. This is why you can consider the H&K USP Tactical then, is a less expensive variant that is part of MK23. MK23 Development program.

Its USP (Universal Self-Loading Pistol) line was born after H&K's participation in the Special Operations Offensive Handgun Weapons System (OHWS) tender. The process gave the Special Operations command the DA/SA MK23 gun, which was engineered way beyond the norms of the time-worn duty guns. A year later, in 1993 Heckler & Koch began production of their USP line.

The majority of the metal components found on the USP are resistant to corrosion. The outside metal surfaces are protected by H&K's exclusive "hostile environment" Nitride finish. Metal parts inside are coated with an Dow Corning anti-corrosion chemical to reduce wear and friction.

The MK23's manufacturer tested its recoil mechanism using over 30K rounds of ammunition +P, followed by 6k high-pressure proof rounds. Following dismantling the weapon,, the Germans observed no wear or damage to any of the parts.

The ballistic scientists froze the USP to -42°C (-43.5 degF) then fired it, then froze it once more. They warmed it up to temperatures of 67 degC (152.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and then fired it. They cycled between these temperatures numerous times. They exposed USP to the standard NATO rain and mud abuse. They submerged the USP in water before spraying the surface with sea water. They dropped it six feet, first hammering on a concrete steel-backed slab.

H&K employees intentionally inserted one of their bullets in the barrel before sending another bullet through the pipe. The second shot cleared the obstruction and caused just a small bulge in the barrel. They loaded the magazine to capacity and fired the gun once more with the barrel bulging. The result was only 4 in deviance at 25 meters, the same standard for new guns are fortunate to be able to carry.

The short version is that Heckler & Koch testers confirmed that there was only one way that this thing could be fired was by placing your fingers on the trigger and the gun completely in battery. Also, it was guaranteed to work no regardless of.

The USP is available in a range of calibers and sizes, including 9mmand .40 as well as .45 all included. Its USP Tactical version features a threaded barrel, as well as a high front sight that can be used in conjunction with suppressors.

The removal from The USP Tactical is slightly more complex than the typical Glock/XDM/M&P, however, it is much simpler than the 1911. It is simply a matter of pulling the slide back a bit , and then take out the lever that holds the slide. Also, you must take off your barrel's thread protector in order to get the barrel out of the slide to clean.

Ergonomics

It is important to note that the USP Tactical is not a gun designed for those with small hands. Although this USP Tactical is a slimmed down version of the MK23 however, it requires a large or medium paw for effective use. (Edit In Germany the backstraps can be interchanged to suit your.It's a good thing that you can interchange them. The USP's grips are quite well-designed and provide ample palm support and ergonomic comfortable. The image below illustrates how the double stack compares to the USP (left) as well as the SIG P220, a single-stack.

A typical feature of German sights for target shooting These have a blade and slot design. They are black with none of the contrast dots, no tritium and anything. The rear sight can be adjusted for windage and elevation. Front sight are especially tall, rising eight millimeters from the edge of the slide (a typical front sight typically falls within the 3.5-4 millimeter range).

It's a suppressor-friendly setup. The USP's front sight is high. It makes up for the extra 8.75" of length that the same amount of ammunition (say it's something like the AAC Ti-Rant suppression). It is possible to successfully shoot close-in targets with no suppressor obscuring your sight view.

Trigger pulls upon the USP Tactical is 11.5 lbs. with double-action (DA) in double-action (DA) mode and 4.5 pounds. in single-action (SA) mode. The same pull is used in single-action (SA) mode as MK23 in single-action (SA) mode. MK23 in DA, but a little lighter in SA. When you're in single-action mode, it has a little bit of take up, maybe a quarter of an inch, or less--before the hammer is released. Just like you'd expect from an match-grade trigger, the trigger is as smooth as a Porsche Turbo's steering wheel and as controlled.

A reset within Single Action mode is very similar to SIG's Short Trigger. The adjustable trigger of the USP tactical allows you to adjust the amount of over-travel you want. It sounds higher-end than it really is it actually is. The adjustment extends a small knob that is located at the rear of the shoe to adjust the distance that the go pedal is able to travel before it hits the front of the guard.

Accuracy

There's not much here that the opponent below won't be able to say for me. It's a ten-round cluster with a 20-foot distance.

The USP features a mechanical recoil reduction mechanism that is integrated into the spring assembly for the recoil. It is designed to minimize stress and wear on your gun as well as . . . Reduce recoil. A claimed 30 percent reduction in recoil.

To get a real-world comparison I pulled into the P220 Super Match, a incrediblely accurate gun that is roughly the same that it does the USP Tactical. Like you'll see in the P220's target below and the USP's target below, the USP has blown it away with the Super Match away (at least in my hands)

Reliability

I've had this HK USP Tactical for over one year. I've fired over 1,000 rounds of different types of ammo with no difficulties. In the test firing I used the USP took through a full mag of my normal range ammunition without issue. Then I fired Hornady .45 auto +P 300 grain XTP.

After the second trigger pull the trigger pulled, but nothing happened. The slide wasn't completely into the battery, but was hanging back approximately 1/4 inch or about. Tap, rack, bang. The brass that was discarded ejected but nothing happened on the next pull of the trigger. I shook the gun's rear and the slide was able to slide back into the battery. Wash, rinse, repeat.

The USP did not have any issues with the normal Hornady hollow point ammunition. The issue seems to be with the +P ammo which exerts a greater stress on the recoil spring -- I'm thinking that my issue could be the recoil spring is about to be removed.

I spoke to H&K Tech support, and you can guess what - there's an issue that H&Ks has with some of the Hornady's ammunition. Hornady admits that some items are too in size, and that has been producing issues. The problem was supposed to be fixed in June of 2012, however my ammunition was purchased prior to June 2012, and that's why I'm experiencing the issue. I'll try another Hornady in the near future however, if the issue was fixed in the month of June I will be patient and confirm that the new product is available.

Being the sceptical person me, I was able to find a few different ammo options. My bag contained Remington's Golden Saber 185 grain +P and Federal's Tactical HST 230 grain +P ammo. The USP was flawless in both ammo types. In this light I'm inclined, however, to take H&K's word that the issue was with Hornady's part, not the USP.

Aftermarket Options

It's the German USP Tactical uses a 12-round double stack magazine. As it's an H&K and you'll have to pay a hefty price for additional magazines; around $50 for each. Mags with ten rounds are also available for those who reside or travel to (or move to) limited capacity states.

It is unfortunate that H&K is compatible with the USP with a special rail made to accommodate H&K accessories as well as H&K accessories. There are a number of affordable conversion rails that can be clipped onto this H&K rail. Then, you can attach standard Picatinny accessories to this USP Tactical. This method can be used to add weight.

Holsters are a second issue. Few manufacturers produce anything which can fit the high front sight blade that is found on the USP Tactical. It is possible to replace the gun's front sight by a smaller blade, however, this can compromise the performance of the sight when you use suppressors.

Comp-Tac has a holster available which can accommodate the USP Tactical's sights, but it won't fit when you use an adapter for rails that isn't made by the aftermarket. If you choose to add an adapter for mounting an illumination or laser device to aim it,, you're contemplating a custom-made gun holster.

In terms of suppressors H&K chose to use a left-hand thread on the barrel. A majority of the standard suppressors won't fit (including ones designed specifically for the MK23 which has the typical right hand thread). Many manufacturers of suppressors have suppressors that work with the H&K and include the highly-respected AAC Ti-Rant.

Summary

In the north of one million dollars at a grand, the USP Tactical is hardly a bargain firearm. It's not a hand-crafted masterpiece. It is an ultra-rugged firearm with more than just adequate accuracy , designed to meet the high demands from American special operations. American military special-operations community. God is the reason you'd require that much durability from handguns. There are cheaper guns that are equally robust (cough Glock cough). If I had to pick just one gun for a real SHTF scenario, this would be the gun I'd like to have by my side. Even if it's just for motivation.

Specifications:

• Length 8.64 in
• Height 5.9 in
• Width 1.26 in
• Weight w/mag 2.05 lbs.
• Capacity: 10 or 12
• Trigger DA/SA
• MSRP: $1,301 (street price around $1,100)

Evaluations (out 5 stars)

The overall rating cannot be the combination of the individual ratings

Style

The gun is stylish with a plethora of style. Yes, it's black on black , and the sights look boring (aside of the rear sight that can be adjusted) however, just knowing the history of this gun and who its elder brother is, makes it a great conversation piece.

Ergonomics Ergonomics

For a gun this big it's surprisingly small. The 1.26" length is just .16" bigger than my SIG P938 compact pistol, and the USP is capable of firing big-boy .45 bullets. It's heavy and yet should you plan to shoot +P rounds further downrange, you'll be able be grateful for all that weight. It also helps keep the gun's balance, should you decide to include an suppressor.

Reliability * *

In addition to the previously discussed Hornady ammo issues as well, the USP took everything I fired at it, and returned to eat more. Assuming Hornady resolves their ammo issues and this gun is capable of handling any bullet you'd like to throw through the pipe.

Personalize This * *

Holsters are difficult to locate. You must purchase an adapter from the market to attach Picatinny-compatible accessories.

Overall RATING * *

I use guns in the same like Imelda Marcos did through shoes. However, the only way to taking this gun away for me to take it out of my dead cold hands. If you choose to attempt using this gun in my hands, the it's likely that those cold dead hands are yours.

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