[MMcCall]

1) Can a full-size USP hammer be used on a USP Compact if I don't like the bobbed one?

2) How easy/difficult is it to get the parts and make the conversion so the weapon has an ambi safety, yet remains "Variant 1", i.e., Safe/Fire w/ decock.

Any insights greatly appreciated.

[Bobarino]

1)yes the spurred hammer can be put on a compact.
some versions of the compact (9and 10 i think) come with a spurred hammer.

2)the ambi-safety can be done also.

there is even a company that sells the ambi control lever kit for $85 http://www.stgsupply.com/uspsmall.htm

however, if you can find the parts, which is difficult, and you do it yourself, it will void your warranty. HK only sells conversion parts to HK armorers, or so i've been told by two separate armorers in my neck of the woods.

'tis best to contact your local HK arormer and have them do it for you. or if you're not in a hurry, send it H&K and have it done in house. that way your warranty stays in tact.

Bobby

[Bergeron]

I would just send it to HK themselves to have done.

When I broke my firing pin in two, and managed to seperate several small pieces of the gun from the frame, I was quoted a 4-6 weel turnaround. Got it back in just 3 weeks, including shipping.

[10-Ring]

l would send it to HK as well. You keep the warranty valid & you're guaranteed the parts & work are done to factory spec.

[Onslaught]

Theoritically speaking.... If someone converted a V1 to V2 or Ambi, or bobbed hammer to spurred, etc.... and didn't botch the job or leave scratches, how would HK know that an Armourer didn't do it? How would HK know anyone did anything to it at all, armourer or otherwise?

[larryw]

I had a damaged mag release on a smith modified USP fixed by HK. I told them it was modified and out of warranty. They wouldn't take my money: warranty repair.

A friend had a second-hand P7's gas system fixed after some defective ammo damaged it. As the warranty only applies to the original buyer, it was out of warranty. As the gun was damaged by defective ammo, it was out of warranty. They wouldn't take his money: warranty repair.

An acquaintance detail stripped his USP for cleaning. Couldn't get it back together so he sent the gun (box 'o parts) to HK. They put it back together. They wouldn't take his money: warranty repair.

HK's warranty enforcement policy is very customer friendly and their service is outstanding.

Fountain Firearms (http://www.fountainfirearms.com) is the company that HK referred me to when I wanted to buy my first "user installed" ambi control kit. These guys know their stuff and the shipping is fast.

[MMcCall]

HK's warranty enforcement policy is very customer friendly and their service is outstanding.

See, that runs in direct contrast to what I've heard about HK's customer service.. I've heard they won't give you the time of day if you're not LEO affiliated, their turnaround times suck and they're impossible to get a hold of. It's encouraging to hear that's not the case.

After some further thought and a good conversation last night, I've decided to go ahead with the ambi kit, but not the hammer; I don't want it hanging up on the draw.

It would be nice if there were some checkering or even just a couple lines on top of the bobbed hammer to get a grip on if you accidentally decocked and need to get that hammer back.

[10-Ring]

From my experience, they've been really good to work with. It really depends on how you approach them. Talk to the c/s rep calmly, respectfully & professionally you should get a satisfactory resolution to your problem. Start off talking to them in a confrontational manner, you're probably on the quick road to perma-hold & frustration ;)

[larryw]

See, that runs in direct contrast to what I've heard about HK's customer service.. I've heard they won't give you the time of day if you're not LEO affiliated, their turnaround times suck and they're impossible to get a hold of. It's encouraging to hear that's not the case.

Another Internet myth bites the dust. And as 10-Ring said, in life, attitude is everything.

[Shake]

I have only good things to say about H&K customer service. . .

Shake

[MMcCall]

Talk to the c/s rep calmly, respectfully & professionally you should get a satisfactory resolution to your problem. Start off talking to them in a confrontational manner, you're probably on the quick road to perma-hold & frustration


Well, speaking as the Customer Service Manager for a manufacturing company, I'd say you're preaching to the choir :)

I've come up against another sticking point, though.. as much as I like them, It's hard to justify the HK pistols when they want $700+ for them new.

[10-Ring]

It's hard to justify the HK pistols when they want $700+ for them new.

Yeah, the price of admission is a steep but worth it. But, you might also want to look at a used USP 9 too. I bought mine last year. It is a KE date coded gun ('94). I only paid $485 for it. When I got it, I changed out the recoil spring and hd a match tigger installed. I'm 3000+ rounds through it and counting.

Yeah, I deal in the world of c/s too. It's amazing how much gets accomplished when customers follow the golden rule (the do unto others one!) :)

[MMcCall]

Most of the customers I deal with think the Golden Rule is "I am giving you my gold, therefore I get to make the rules" :)

I take the middle ground on the whole 9mm vs .45 thing, my preference being .45 simply because of familiarity. I just don't see why a used USPc 9 will go for ~$500-$550, and people are asking $650+ for KH and KI era USPc .45's.

Too bad the P2000 is fugly and has some questionable features.

[10-Ring]

I currently own 4 USPs in various sizes and calibers. I guess you can call me a fan :) The cost is a big hurdle to overcome, but worth it. At least you're not looking at a P7M8 or one of their long guns...now those are pricey ;)

[MMcCall]

I've been looking at, reading about, fondling, and occasionally even shooting the P7 since they were introduced, and I have yet to see the magic. They're cool, and the design is a masterstroke, but I guess I haven't drank enough of the Kool-Aid yet ;)

I wouldn't mind having an SL8 to hack up as a project, but now that HK is building a plant here, I'm holding out for a semi-auto G36c.

I'm not holding my breath :)