A History of the HK USP 

I went shopping for shotgun shells last April, it was raining. Figured I’d look at pistols, out of curiosity. Guy showed me a bunch of guns I either didn’t like or found too expensive. Was about to walk away, then he mentioned he had an HKUSP40, for $500. I racked it once and told him to start the paperwork.

Chris, you'll probably find this interesting... That recoil reduction system is the same theory that is used in off-road racing suspensions. They have springs with a dual spring rate. The lower 2/3 of the spring has a relatively soft spring rate, while the upper 1/3 is VERY stiff. So when they are running along a dry riverbed or doing some rock crawling, the softer part of the spring can soak up all of the little imperfections and the suspension can articulate. However, when they land off of a 10 foot drop going 75 mph, the softer portion fully compresses, this engaging the stiffer portion. That way, the suspension never fully bottoms out (in theory), which saves on parts where, and saves the spines of the pilot and co-pilot. Anywho, I thought you would find that interesting. Thanks again for another awesome video, and I'm sorry I didn't get around to watching it sooner!

You and Ian should do an episode together on something. I enjoy your vids. No silly theatrics, just facts told in an interesting way. Thank you for the content!

I had a VAR 1 USP 45 when they came out. I got the first one my local gun shop had gotten. I’m a 1911 guy from way back, but the H&K USP won me over. The best 45 poly pistol ever made!

Great history lesson on these amazing weapons. The only handgun I have ever purchased was an H&K USP .40 back in 1995. I also got a JARViS .357 SIG Barrel for it. I inherited a Colt 1911 Mark IV Gold Cup National Match from my dad, but still shoot the H&K more :-) My next might be the H&K VP9. Semper FI

Been in love with this pistol since Metal Gear Solid 2

Thank you for the very informative and no nonsense video. Your presentation rates a 10. No stupid music, no stupid antics, just bare facts. Much appreciated!

Solid snake's second favorite handgun since the socom.

For near twenty years, I have own a USP .45 Tactical (variant 1). I cannot laud it too highly. Quite simply, it is THE BEST full size autoloader I’ve ever shot/owned, including semi-custom and custom 1911A1s and many other top-tier semiautomatic such as Sigs, CZs, M&Ps, and Glocks. I’ve been shooting for over fifty years and - for me - the H&K USP really is without peer. THANK YOU for an outstanding, informative and thoroughly professional video.

I finally found a MARK 23 (Feb 2024). I've been looking for years for one of these because I grew up playing Metal Gear Solid, and Rainbow Six. And it completes my HK handgun collection, expect a VP70. My MARK23 was made in 2023 according to the date code. All MARK 23 come with the black lacker finish which is different than the standard USP hostile environment finish. It comes with a chrome lined polygonal barrel, and everything is nickel plated. All of these features are for salt water corrosion resistance. The main difference in a civilian HK MARK 23 and the military version is the slide engraving. Military models were engraved with MK23 US-GOVT SOCOM or MK23 USGOVT. Civilian models are engraved with the full word, MARK 23, and no govt designation. Other than the engraving, they retained the same features as the military models (chrome lined barrel, lacker coating). AMAZING guns!

I did replace my recoil spring on my USP40. It was my first pistol. I had it for 20 years before I got around to buying something else. I bought a Sig 1911 Ultracompact. The slide broke at around 5000 rounds. Sig replaced it promptly. I started replacing recoil springs at 1200 rounds. It broke again a year later. After that, I got a new spring for my H&K. It does feel a tad softer but I suspect it would have been fine for a while. I now carry an H&K.

I owned a HK45 and a HK USP Tactical 45 . Had to sell one because I wanted to get an AR . I sold the HK45 and kept the USP , It had the HK in the slide not laser on , plus the USP recoil reduction system is superior to the HK45 recoil spring and buffer and it just felt better in hand .

The USP 40 was the first pistol I ever bought. That was back in 1998. It’s still my go-to carry gun. Only problem I ever had was a broken firing pin spring and they fixed it for free.

Great upload, long live the USPs and long live H&K.

Just got one. My brother in law bought it new in 94. He decided to sell it,and I wanted 40,so I bought it. I have several 1911 style pistols and love them. That said,I am really liking this gun. One of the few I have ever shot that I was fairly proficient with,without a lot of practice.

Thank you for reuploading this, lots of good info and history here.

Thanks for uploading the oldies but goodies Heather!

It's great to have your videos back on RU-vid! Can't wait to see your history of Pmags video again.

I enjoy hearing the history of firearms; it gives you a perspective on how firearms have evolved to meet the needs of law enforcement, the military, and the civilian market. Thank you.

My Dad thinks The Mark 23 is THE gun. I’d love to get one for Him some day.

Truly thankful for your thorough and extremely well done presentation here. As a long time fan of the H&K USP series pistols, I greatly appreciate all of the work put into this.

This was such an excellent viewing experience. I’ve been a USP person since the late 90’s, mainly due to my hand size. It has never failed to do exactly what it is supposed to do. It just runs, in spite of the operator. Thank you for that history lesson. It was a joy to watch.

Awesome video !!!! I've owned the same H&K USP Full size for 15 yrs. Hundreds of rounds through it over the yrs and only jammed maybe twice in all those yrs. Remarkable weapon !!!!!

Shot a friend’s 45 years ago and like it. Picked up an oldie but goodie for 800 about three months ago. It was well tricked out with large silencer luminous sights. Worked some drills and fell in love. Carry it it with a Clipdraw as as concealed carry. About a week ago I picked up a new one in 9mm. Ordered some night sights for it and waiting eagerly to try it.

I really enjoyed this video! Great historical content of the firearm.

Thanks for putting this together. Very informative.

Thank you very much for this video. I’ve watched numerous videos re HK pistols and could have saved a lot of research time-spent had I just watched your first. Hands down, most informed review of USP pistols yet!

Awesome piece. Thanks for putting this together. Very informative.

Fantastic history and presentation!

Very informative. Brings back good memories of my USP pistols. Thank you!

Recoil reduction system drew me to the full sized over the compact, and the fact it was designed around the .40 drew me to that over my ordinary go to caliber, the 9mm. Love it. Now I just need a LEM trigger in it.

This is one of the most interesting and informative videos for the HK series of pistols that I’ve seen.Though I own and shoot a variety of upper tier handguns including the USP 45 & USP 40 compact, I’m certain that all serious hand gunners would appreciate the depth of research needed to produce this video. Though I’ve only carried in HK on duty for a brief period of time, I’ve come to appreciate the advanced engineering and ingenuity involved in the design and manufacturing of of these fine handguns.

40:25 In Denmark its only the Hunter Force (Jægerkorpset) that use it. The other guys use the SIG 210 (because money is no problem, I guess), The SIG 210 is being replaced by the SIG P320.

This is a college-level survey of HK USP pistols. Thank you, professor! You obviously know your subject matter. I'd like more.

You sir are now my USP guru. You are extremely knowledgeable on this subject

Thanks for the history. I too own a 9mm USP, first pistol I purchased when it first came out. Still have it. It’s one of those pistols I like to keep and use to shoot old ammo. I had some 7 year old ammo my PX4 just would not shoot without jamming after each round. Put it all in the USP and fired it all no issues. I also trained my son and daughter to shoot using my USP as they both liked how it felt. It’s a large gun but they felt more comfortable with it. I keep it because it’s a SHTF type of pistol for me.

Nice. I have an old KF 25-018XXX pistol I bought back in the 90's. Lots of round through it.

A great video - love the history videos - thank you for it!

Outstanding presentation !

I bought my USP compact .40 police version the week they arrived in USA. I also bought the HK collector knife no. 1 Love your very informative video 👍👍

Excellent video!!! You not only entertain but educate.

I recently came across a USP 40 at my lgs after a little trying to make up my mind on needing yet another pistol my buddy at the store shot me a price that I could not resist i just had to have her been on my bucket list for a while and now she's all mine goes well with my 45c and p30sk absolutely love her ❣️

Very cool and thorough information. I love my USP C 45.

This is the best video I have ever seen on the HK USP, and probably ever produced by anyone imho. Thank you for making this vid 👍. As a side note, how did you get so many sponsors for that back brace ? If I ever break my back, I would like HK, Magpul, LMT, ect. to sponsor my injury as well 😎👍. Just kidding, and I must say for you to create this vid, and then actually go out shooting in your current condition says volumes about your character and passion for the firearms industry, not to mention that I find your knowledge to be a huge asset to people everywhere and second to none that I have found as of yet. People like you are of huge value to everyone and in very short supply. Thank you again sir!!

Best USP video ever. Thanks!

You are blessed brother. One of each you got your own Grey room started!

Watched the whole video man, very informative and interesting sir. I have always had a fascination with the USP lineup and this video did a great job answering questions I have had. Great work man 🙌🏼🍻

this is the quality review that i love and respect

Even today the USP is still among the finest sidearms in the world.💪

Cool Mark 23, I used to own 23-8572, stupidly sold it. The earliest commercial pistols said 'Mark 23' instead of 'MARK 23' like all of them now. Sadly I missed the boat on buying one of the USSOCOM slides that were all over gunbroker about 8 years ago. Building a Mk24 kit now. Appreciate the content!

Not a USP, but I have an HK45 which is very similar to these and I found this fascinating. Proven design!

AWESOME VIDEO! I have owned a HK USP45 Compact since they came out here in the U.S. back in the middle of 1997 and I has a 29-00xxxx serial number that is a very nice shooter but definitely not a very compact pistol but after years of hunting down a HK USP45 Expert I finally was able to get one 2 years ago. I do wish that HK had used the same Magazine in the Full Size and Compact USP45. While I served in the US NAVY 2003-2009 and was stationed in the Norfolk Virginia area I did a couple of tours of temporary duty with a Security Squadron that did allot of training with the SEALs from Little Creek Amphibious Base because we were trained to engage security issues in both Helicopters and Fast 30ft Boats. While we trained with them and me being a weapons guy I saw many of the SEALs with USP45 Experts and Full Size because they hated carrying the Mk23 because and I quote: "The Dam thing is the size of a Desert Eagle but I can do the Same Work with an Expert or Full Size while saving on weight and still have a suppressor!" I believe they were using Jarvis or maybe HK special order barrels but either way the pistols were Extremely Accurate. Being someone that owns Glock 21 and 41, SIG P220 and P227 in 45acp, SIG 1911 TacOps and even the SIG P320 45 Full Size and Carry, SW 645, 4506-1 and WV PSC 4566TSW plus both the USP 45 Compact for over 26 years and recently added the USP45 Expert two years ago plus Springfield Armory 1911s. The USP45 is like you said a Combat Proven Pistol in about every environment in the Planet which is something that not many pistols can say. Going from the 45 Compact to the 45 Expert was like going from a Land Rover Defender 90 to a Ferrari Super Car because the Recoil System in the Expert is the same as the Tactical model. I did upgrade the outside spring from the factory 14 LBS Spring to a 19LBS Spring because I do use the Expert as Concealed Carry pistol and I use Underwood Plus P which the factory spring felt recoil was a bit snappy and the heavier spring made it a Joy to shoot even the 45SUPER 185gr JHP from Underwood which is a very nice defense load. I did add the Meprolight Adjustable Night Sights to my Expert and Trijicon HD to the Compact. Do you happen to know why the USP45 Compact and Full Size use TWO different types of magazines?

Thanks for another great video. Honestly, I didn't feel like it was too long as I was absorbed in the content. I bought a USP Compact .45 ACP V1 in 1999. It literally spoiled me for purchasing any other brand. I recently purchased a P30 SK Light LEM 9mm for EDC. Both pistols fit and function identically in my Safariland 578 GLS Pro-Fit holster.

One hell of a great video, great job.

You have one of the best reviews of hk pistols

Very good narration on your part. I love my H&K USP .40 Thank you.

I had my own USP40 and later my dept. Weapons wonderful pistols. They were great Dept. Handguns.

I just started getting into hk... the vp9 opened the door for me. I want a usp9, this was a great video. Starting to like the mark 23 as well.

it's funny how the police dept said it's too expensive then they started constantly switching firearms like it wasn't more expensive to do that.

You gotta add the Expert models brother!

Dude, you are incredible. Thank you.

USP master race

Incredible, thank you.

Best video as usual on this topic

Got a USP 45 in the late 90's. Firing pin broke while dry firing at the TV. Sent it back to H&K, they put an updated pin in, test fired the gun and sent it back with a new hicap mag. Big gun maybe over engineered a little. Still a very nice gun.

My Mark 23, date code CA for 2020, has a chrome-lined barrel. Also has what appears to be a black lacquer type finish. It’s not anything like the gray hostile environment finishes on any of my other hKs.

Great video My Brother in Arms

Just picked up a USP 9 variant 1! Sweet sweet pistol.

H&K has always impressed me ever since I fired my father's H&K USP .40 S&W compact 24 years ago It still has the patent-pending marks on the grip. I must say that you did a great job with this video especially since you look like you're in pain.

The USP Tactical 45 is my favorite also! It has a magical quality to it, that is difficult to quantify. I also love my MK23 & CT!

Excellent information.

Good set

I love my 9 mm Hn K USP GOT it in 2001 abouts in San Diego California. Still here

By far my favorite manufacturer. I have a USP 45and VP9 and for the life of me, cannot stop looking at P30LEMs, P7M13s, Hk45, etc. That Mk23 is ABSOLUTELY beautiful. Up on top of my list to get along with the P7.

Chris, great video my friend. This has to be one of the most detailed and informative USP pistol videos on the Internet. I have to say that the USP just does not get old. Il I’ve the fun as much today as I did back in the 90’s. This pistol is as relevant today as it was back then. Still well built and can holds its own against any other pistol on the market and it’s built like a tank. Optics Ready would be the only edge some of the newer contenders would have on this pistol. On all other counts, USP excels and just like Glock, you know when you pull the trigger it is going to go bang.

Such a cool pistol! I'd love to have one, especially since they were one of my favorite ones to use in COD when I was a kid.

Love my USP. I don't think I'll ever sell it.

This is my favorite video, very informative.

Very interesting. Thank you.

Great vid , thanks

Just picked up a USP 9mm Expert....tack driver. Var1 and Lem included! Shoot my USP45 Tactical Suppressed frequently. Awesome pistols. Carry a P30SK or 45 Compact

Great vid, great knowledge

This is such a good video. I've watched it many times and may have already commented on it, but I love my USP .45. Mine is an imported version never sold in the US. It has the match trigger and adjustable sights but lacks the o-ring and/or threaded barrel. It shoots light out and is super smooth. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I hope to one day acquire a tactical model in either .40 S&W or 9mm...or both, lol.

Just picked up my Expert in 9mm this morning. I've never shot a handgun this well in my life; I freaking love this pistol!!

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I learned a lot! Just ordered the HK USP .40.

You are a wizard! Amazing video.

I love your videos a lot of good information.

Great vidio. I love your full history vidios.

I sure love my USP 9 Expert best 9mm I have ever shot get one . I had to wait 2 months for mine now I am as giddy as a baby on a swing.

Nicely done discussion. Im a USP hound, nice talk you put on here . 11:25

Excellent, thanks

Excellent.

Great video, btw! Love these freakin' guns.

This has been the most informative video on pistols I have seen in a long time. I am in the market for an HK USP Tactical.45. What’s the biggest difference between the USP and the Tactical. That’s what is going to help determine my choice. I want to suppress whichever I purchase. Thank you so much for your knowledge and videos!

Fantastic. !!!!!! But there are also the commercial / civilian versions Expert and Elite.

I bought one for my duty weapon but a USP40, best weapon I had in my 35 years. I wanted after my retirement USP 40 Compact, they are expenses and they don't make them in 40 cal .

I have the HK USP 45. The HK factory extended Tactical barrel works in these well. Great pistol! Too bad HK has not yet come out with one in 10mm.

Just got a usp compact 45. I can’t wait to go shooting. I normally Carry Glock this is my first H&K

Their usp pistols had the first light rail and proprietary light the utl

I dont really like guns but I do love to hear about the history of guns.