Bought an HK USP Expert .45...Now What?

A colleague sold me an unfired USP Expert .45, Variant 1 with four 12-rd mags for less than half of the original retail cost. I see light handling wear so I assume it was an unfired demo gun that HK reps took to shows or government demonstrations. The gun still had a heavy duty tie-wrap on it when I bought it. Since I'm a sucker for a good .45 ACP shooter and I've never owned an HK, I bit. But HK is new to me. (I use SIG professionally and SIG, SA, & S&W privately.) I've only dry-fired this HK and field-stripped it. I noticed a couple of things I don't see on my other auto-loaders. There is an O ring on the barrel that HK claims it improves accuracy. Also, there is an ambi control that is a safety and de-cocker, a very interesting feature. One control can allow Condition 1 and de-cocking.

I know I'll need to replace the O ring and recoil spring. Who specializes in HK parts besides Brownells? What holsters fit the Expert? The trigger is not as smooth as my SIGs. What pistolsmith specializes in HK handguns? What should I have done besides a trigger action job?

Sorry for the battery of questions, but the more I stare at this handgun the more I wonder about it.

Thank you, 10-Ring. 12,000 rounds on the original O ring and recoil spring? Who da' thunk! That surprises me, since I would expect to change a recoil spring with much less use. And I'm thinking an O ring is like any other gasket on whatever that I would need to lubricate after every use and replace periodically. Obviously, you know your gun. I learned Grayguns works on the HK as well as SIGs, but the company is moving to OR. It won't hurt to find out what Grayguns or a master pistolsmith held in similar esteem can do for my gun. Then there are things about this particular gun I don't know. I've yet to fire round one through it. I find the grip comfortable, though. A post on another forum complained about the front strap, which seemed rough. The description almost made me think of gripping a wood rasp.

I emailed Scott (Flork) at Grayguns a couple of days ago. He is probably caught up in the move to OR right now. Scott has his following who endorse his HK work. I'll try again in a week or so if I don't get a reply. It might be worth waiting for him to get back to smithing.

Yes, I noted my USP Expert has a polygonal barrel, but I am unsure what that is and what restrictions it has. I would likely fire what I have always used, which is either FMJ 230 gr., JHP, or plated SWC. What is the problem with exposed lead for this pistol? For that matter, what is the advantage with a polygonal barrel?

I suppose I should sign up on the HK forum. I peeked a couple of times, but I wasn't able to get much. I probably need to become a member to search the archive and ask questions. Good to know from you how tough this pistol is. That is remarkable that you didn't need to replace the recoil spring until 30K rounds. Appreciate your help.

I assumed there was a restriction against using lead bullets in a polygonal barrel when I read the earlier post. I "googled" polygonal barrels and read this from Wikipedia on Answers.com:

"The manufacturer GLOCK advises against using lead bullets (meaning bullets not covered by a copper jacket) in their polygonally rifled barrels, which has lead to a widespread belief that polygonal rifling is not compatible with lead bullets. However, this appears to be due to other properties of the GLOCK barrel, as neither H&K nor Kahr recommend against lead bullets. The GLOCK barrels have a fairly sharp transition between the chamber and the rifling, and this area is prone to lead buildup if lead bullets are used. Since the GLOCK will fire while slightly out of battery (by design, as this increases reliabilty under adverse conditions), and since shooting lead bullets may result in failures to fully return to battery, shooting lead bullets can lead to an increased risk of a case head failure."

So I guess it's OK to use lead in my USP Expert if I wanted to, but I have lots of .45 ACP in FMJ, JHP, and plated SWC right now. It will be interesting to see whether this pistol likes plated SWC, remanufactured from either Lancer or Georgia Arms. My other semi-automatics don't. I use this PSWC in my revolvers without a problem.

Onmilo, I agree with you. Why risk it, even though HK didn't mention it? (I just might re-read the manual, though.) Personally, I can shoot what I have without assuming the risk.

BTW, I just compared my XD-45 Tactical with my USP Expert. They are almost the same size with the HK about a 1/4" longer at the rear of the slide and a tad wider at the frame and slide if I match them even at the muzzle. l have a Rafter S leather OWB holster for the XD-45 Tactical, which works fine, but the HK is too wide for it. So, I suppose I'll need a holster. I'll check out the Blade-Tech. I am sure I'll have plenty of time for that if I send the gun out for a trigger action job plus. Thanks.

Just checked my HK USP Operators Manual, April 2003 edition. Page 20, Section 4, Ammunition has no recommendation to use jacketed ammunition. It has the standard warning not to use reloaded, remanufactured, or handloaded ammunition. What is your edition?

Well, I received email from Scott @ GrayGuns. He is not taking on new work right now until the move is completed. He said he would get back to me soon. He gave details of what his work would be. I can hardly wait. He has a sterling reputation on the SIG Forum. Meanwhile, I've got to get to the range with this pistol, but the holiday chores and holiday functions are erasing most of what little discretionary time I have. Then there is my day job.

Appreciate the heads up on lead issue. Highland Ranger, I noticed Midway is out of stock of the Black Hills SWC, but expects to get more just after Christmas. Guys, you may be right about manufacturers not really producing new lead cartridges. The pickin's are lean. I might order some for my revolvers. They punch nice round holes in paper. I've had problems with SWC in my pistols. But I've plenty of FMJ and JHP .45 ACP for the pistols. Thanks for the parts source.

Where is a good source for the BladeTech holster?

Just a quick update. Found an email from Scott @ GrayGuns when I arrived home this evening. I'm in the queue for his work. He expects to get to me in about 3 - 4 weeks. He also agreed I should get acquainted with my HK Expert before I send it in. That works for me. The holiday frenzy and rush to clear business has me searching frantically for a day I can get to the range. I'll fondle it periodically, clean, and lube it until my fun day at the range arrives. This puppy looks and feels unlike a SIG...not a bad thing, just different.