The Heckler & Koch Semi-automatic Pistol

The Heckler & Koch Universal Self-Loading Pistol (USP) was put on the market in 1993 and is used by law enforcement and armed forces. This semi-automatic service pistol was developed by Heckler & Koch, the German maker of military weapons, to meet the needs of American users. Rather than being made of metal, the HK USP is made of polymer.

Heckler & Koch has been in business since 1949. Originally, the company produced a number of metal parts, including sewing machine components. HK's product line changed in 1956, when the company was hired to manufacture a rifle for the German Army. HK now manufactures an impressive line, including:

Developing this semi-automatic pistol took some time. Previous versions of HK pistols included the following features:

One important feature of the HK USP is the fact that it can be carried "cocked and locked" with the safety engaged. The designers took inspiration from the work of John Browning when they developed the semi-automatic pistol's link-less locked breech action.

 

This German gun can be modified in a number of different ways to suit the needs of the user. The trigger mechanism can be changed to make the gun a more comfortable fit for a left-handed shooter. Depending on the consumer preference, the Heckler & Koch USP is available in double action and single action, as well as double action only styles.

 

With a sighting range of 80 meters, the Heckler & Koch semi-automatic pistol is most effective for small targets. Since this gun has a range of effective fire of up to 100 meters, it is not the weapon of choice for long-range targets. The Heckler & Koch USP uses cartridges with .40 and .45 caliber bullets. This German gun can also be outfitted to use .357 ammunition or a 9 mm Luger cartridge.

Besides the full-sized USP, users can choose one of the following variations of the original model:

As the name implies, the USP Compact is a smaller version of the Heckler & Koch semi-automatic pistol. A standard feature of this military weapon is the bobbed hammer, which reduces the chances of the gun getting caught on clothing, or a holster when the user draws the weapon. Another feature of this pistol is the fact that Heckler & Koch can provide a separate part (for installation by a trained gunsmith) to make the safety function ambidextrously.

 

When United States Special Forces personnel need a small hand gun, they use the HK USP Compact Tactical. The following organizations in the United States have Special Operations Force Units:

The Combat Tactical was designed specifically to meet their needs, and has been dubbed the "CT," for counter terrorist. Even though this model is easily concealed due to its small size, it still provides the same features as the larger version.

 

The USP Tactical gives users an adjustable rear sight, an elongated thread barrel and a front sight positioned above the suppressor (the silencer). This model is designed with a barrel that needs to be tightened in a counterclockwise fashion; it is not compatible with suppressors designed for another model produced by HK, the MK23 Mod 0.

 

The USP Expert is a very similar model to the USP Tactical. The main difference is that this HK product does not have a threaded barrel. It has a steel slide and adjustable target sights.

 

Not all Heckler & Koch semi-automatic pistols are meant for military use. Target shooters will appreciate the fact the USP Match's barrel weight gives counterbalance to the gun's recoil after firing. Fans of the films "Tomb Raider" and "Underworld" have seen the USP Match used in both productions. This exposure, along with the fact that this model is no longer being produced, has driven up the purchase price for one of these units. An individual looking to buy one of these HK semi-automatic pistols can expect to pay a minimum of 3,000 dollars.

 

The USP Elite combines features of the Match, Expert and Tactical models. The Elite has an elongated barrel and extended slide. The front and rear sights of the Elite are fully adjustable.

 

HK's USP has the features police and military users want. Best used for close-range targets, the USP can be modified to fit any special requirements.

Enemy Forces (n.d.). Self-loading pistol "Heckler & Koch" USP. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from the Enemy Forces Web site: www.enemyforces.com/firearms/hkusp.htm.

 

Streetpro (n.d.). Streetpro FAQs. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from the Streetpro Web site: http://www.streetpro.com/usp/.