First Handgun: H&K USP .40?

[The Undertaker]

Hi all.

With just a hundred more days until my 21st birthday, I have been amassing funds for a variety of firearm-related purchases.

Although I am no novice with self-loading pistols, this will mark the first time I have purchased one. Past experiences have steered me toward the .40 S&W caliber, and I have been stockpiling ammunition in that caliber - Hornady XTP 180-grain JHP for self-defense, Federal American Eagle 180-grain FMJ for dual practice/defense use, and USA Ammo 180-grain FMJ (remanufactured - fired once before) for practice only.

My choice is currently the H&K USP .40. It is the service pistol of my local sheriffs' department and I have never heard of any complaints from the officers (I worked for a local PD for a short time).

Would the USP reliably handle the three types of ammo mentioned above and beyond? I am looking at a $900 investment, and the last thing I want is an expensive lemon that I can never get to work quite right. Please offer your feedbacks, suggestions, etc. All will be much appreciated. Thank you all.

 

[CTGunner]

I think the USP has a very solid track record but to your point they are expensive. If you are set on the USP you may want to look for a used one. One thing to consider is HK's customer service. I don't know from experience if it's good or bad but I have heard that it's not quite as good as Springfield, S&W, Sig, etc. Good luck.

 

[REAPER4206969]

A very fine choice.

 

[David E]

It'll handle the ammo fine.

While it's a good quality gun, it has a high bore axis, long/hard/gritty trigger pull coupled with a long reset. They're difficult to shoot well as a result.

But at least, they are overpriced.

Were it me, I'd look at a Smith & Wesson M&P 4", or maybe the newly introduced 5" .40, among others.

I couldn't sell my USP fast enough.

 

[NG VI]

My first pistol, and first gun, was a 1996 built USP .40, bought in late 2005, it never let me down, superb gun.

As far as your ammo choices, XTP is a great bullet, but I would go ahead and relegate that American Eagle FMJ to practice ammo. Unless you have tons of aggressive 100-200 pound animals in your area, built thick and tough, I would just use that FMJ for targets.

And most importantly, Lord was I ever guilty of this little folly, don't overthink things too much. Modern, reputable pistols are close enough to one another that you don't need to worry about buying a crappy pistol. Buy whatever you like the most, that feels like it fits you best, that shoots best for you, the differences between guns is really overstated by many people.

Yo've got a lifetime of shooting ahead of you, if you have the money for it, buy whatever pistol will make you happy and shoot the crap out of it.

Figure out what is *perfect* for you down the road. It isn't urgent.

 

[Bovice]

Have you actually tried a USP yet? I absolutely HATE the magazine release. I don't have small hands by any means, but my thumb just could not reach far enough to push the lever on the trigger guard down. When most every other gun has a simple button to depress, it was a no brainer for me. I won't ever own a gun with a "European" style magazine release. Squeezing the button on a traditional system is just second nature to me.

The .40 is an excellent choice. Do be careful what you choose to shoot it out of, it's a snappy round as I'm sure you've already read. Pick something that really fits your hand well. You're going to need a good grip on it to control it enough for rapid aimed fire, if you're so inclined to do so. Some people, like my Dad, couldn't care less about this and think of the gun as a range toy. Me, well, I'd rather be a great shot. It's easy to be a "good shot" just taking your time, firing slow. To be great, you need speed and accuracy-but accuracy must come before speed. Then practice, practice, practice.

 

[vaupet]

I own Two USP (9mm and .45 acp in match version) and I love them.

I would advice you thought to first trie out a lot of guns because the feeling of the gun is very personal. First shoot it, then buy it.

Have fun

Peter

 

[benderx4]

An OUTSTANDING choice!!

Keep in mind that the HK USP40 was actually one of the only guns made today designed around the 40SW cartridge. Over the years, I've owned and shot many of these fine guns, and I've yet to have a malfunction of any kind. So yes, it will safely fire ANY of the rounds you mentioned.

BTW, in compact form, this is the exact gun issued to FFDOs by the Department of Homeland Security. So yes, these are the guns trusted on a daily basis in our airline industry's cockpits to prevent another "9/11" episode.

I've owned all the other brands as well, and the trigger is right on par, or better, than your basic Beretta, Sigs, and CZs. Could it be better? Sure, but for your basic combat pistol, it's perfect.

I too, would recommend that you not rule out a used gun. HKs are built like tanks and will last well over 50,000 rounds without replacing major parts. (See torture tests at HKPro.) You could find a very lightly used HK USP40 (less than 500 rounds) for $600 - $650.

Good luck and congrats again on an excellent choice!! (Here's one of mine)

 

[REPOMAN]

FWIW I am very pleased w/ my H&K USPcompact .40...... When I purchased this in 2000 or 2001 they sold for +- $600 when Glocks were going for +- $400..... They are very expensive now but will digest any S&W .40 placed in their magazine and w/ 3-4 thousand rounds thru mine w/ no hiccups, I'd be glad to recommend H&K....HAPPY SHOOTING

 

[NG VI]

As far as the magazine release goes, yes it's different than a push button, but I always use my index finger of my shooting hand and it is a great system, since that is the only finger that needs to move when changing magazines my grip stays the same. I love it personally, and wish more pistols had reversible magazine buttons so I could keep it simple.

 

[Demitrios]

The USP is a terrific pistol and a great choice. However would you mind sharing with us how you came to the conclusion that this pistol is the right one for you? I'm not trying to challenge you or belittle your choice but perhaps we could give you a few other points to consider before making your first purchase. Otherwise if you're absolutely, firmly stuck on an H&K then there's only one thing I can say, "No Compromise".

 

[Rodman579]

i think the H&K USP is a very good gun. i have owned several in the past in various calibers. i would definitly try out more guns though before you commit yourself to one particular brand. i have owned everything under the sun and shot the heck out of them all. i carried an H&K USP for a duty weapon when i first was in LE as soon as i was off probation i switched though. they are good reliable guns but they wouldnt be my first choice. i never liked the mag release or big old paddle of a slide stop. i also think and this is just my opinion that they are way over priced. i have never paid more than $600 for one used in like new condition. but good luck in you decision.

 

[REAPER4206969]

I absolutely HATE the magazine release. I don't have small hands by any means, but my thumb just could not reach far enough to push the lever on the trigger guard down.

The HK/Walther mag catch is to be depressed with your trigger finger.

 

[zhyla]

I claim it's your middle finger that is supposed to work the mag release. But yeah, if you're using your thumb you're doing it wrong.

Love my USP, wouldn't trade it for anything else I've shot so far. Bore-axis, schmore-axis. The trigger does take some practice.

 

[The Undertaker]

I have tried a few self-loading pistols before - Glock, SIG, 1911, and HK. Since I have relatively small hands, the double-stack Glock in .45 is a bit much - I can control it fine, but like previously mentioned, shooting at a range is far different from say, shooting in a defensive situation.

I liked the SIG P220 and the 1911 in terms of handling, but .45 ammunition is both scarce and expensive in my area. I need a weapon I can afford to routinely and actively train with. This left either the .40 or 9 mm calibers.

The USP40 seemed to be the best solution. The particular gun I used did feel a little sluggish, but I attribute it to being new and not yet broken in. .40 ammunition is plentiful, and like I said before, it is the standard law enforcement round in my area. Also, the USP40 itself is standard issue with sheriffs in Santa Barbara County. In the back of my mind, in case of a SHTF situation, I have the option of resupplying from, say, a PD armory.

Judging from you guys' reports, I deem the USP40 a good sidearm. Barring getting a lemon, I think it should be fine. A hundred more days and I will be getting one. Thanks for all the inputs, guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[Jason_G]

While it's a good quality gun, it has a high bore axis, long/hard/gritty trigger pull coupled with a long reset. They're difficult to shoot well as a result.

Bore axis is almost identical to a 1911, so not that high.

The trigger does leave something to be desired. The double action pull is l-o-n-g and pretty heavy. Not Sigma heavy, mind you, but pretty heavy. The SA pull is not that bad. There is a fairly long reset, but I don't have any "gritty" feeling in my trigger.

If the USP had a trigger like the Sig P220, it would be a beast, but IMO, the thing to check on before buying a USP is not the trigger so much as the grip circumference. The 9mm /.40 SW are not as bad as the .45, but they are all pretty large in the grip, and can make it tough for medium to smaller sized hands to shoot well.

You also need to decide if you are ok with the placement of the mag release and the safety. For me, the control lever (safety/decock) is in a pretty good location (similar to a 1911), but just slightly in the way. I have to adjust my grip a little to shoot it after I've been shooting 1911s. The mag release is probably what takes the most getting used to. You pretty much have to activate it with your pointer or middle finger on your shooting hand. No thumb release here.

Honestly, I love my USP, and it has been absolutely trouble-free, but for a 1st handgun, I would go for a nice 1911. Mags are abundant and pretty cheap, parts are interchangeable and widely available (if you get the right gun), and a tuned 1911 trigger is going to best any DA/SA trigger I can think of. You could even get a .40 if you are wanting that caliber.

Here's my USP45 for grins and giggles:



Decisions, decisions...

Jason

 

[LoneStarWings]

I would go with a S&W M&P 40 myself. Like the USP, it was designed with the .40 S&W cartridge in mind. I have both pistols and much prefer to shoot the M&P for its ergonomoics and trigger, but the USP is more concealable.

 

[Bovice]

The HK/Walther mag catch is to be depressed with your trigger finger.

DAMN. Really? It seems doable that way... but still really awkward. I'll keep that in mind if I ever shoot one so I at least don't look like an idiot trying to make my thumb reach all the way down. I think I'll stick to my thumb-button release. I can reload that way at the speed of light, I kid you not.

I like H&K in the respect that they make top tier firearms in the same way I have huge respect and love for my SIG. They're like the Mercedes-Benz of the gun world; smooth operation and precision. I might just have to go to the fun store and fiddle with a USP now that I've been properly educated on how to drop the magazine. Thanks Reaper!

 

[md7]

And most importantly, Lord was I ever guilty of this little folly, don't overthink things too much. Modern, reputable pistols are close enough to one another that you don't need to worry about buying a crappy pistol. Buy whatever you like the most, that feels like it fits you best, that shoots best for you, the differences between guns is really overstated by many people.

Great advice! Agree 100%. If the HK fits you the best out of other brands, go for it. They all work if you do.

 

[SigP229R]

Not trying to steer you away from the HK but, if you do decide to check out some other models I would suggest you look at the Sig Sauer P229 which is another pistol that was designed specifically with that round in mind. It will however be a bit heavier than the HK since the HK has the poly frame and the Sig is alloy. I have the 229 and wouldn't ask for anything any more accurate. Good luck on whatever you choose. Also any gun is only as safe as it's operator.

 

[Water-Man]

+1 Sig P229

 

[Hk Dan]

LOL--Sig over HK? Wht good does a carry gun do you if you don't carry it? Weight IS important. Now the 229 is a great gun, but compared to an HK,I'll take the HK every time.

Aside from the super mag release (yes, Virginia, use your trigger finger--think outside the box once in a while, dang it...LOL), the USP40 will be one of the softest shooting, fastest recovering 40s you can find, owing to the engineered recoil system.

It's going to be hard to beat the Sig for accuracy, but for a combat gun, they do very well.

You're making a good call. I have a USP in eery caliber, and doubles in a couple. THey are beautiful bulldozers, rugged, fast, and accurate. The folks who complain about price forget that over a lifetime, $200 ain't squat and you'll have it that long.

Dan

 

[CPshooter]

H&K?...Sig?...how about both?



I just bought the Sig CPO P229 .40 and it's an outstanding gun. Very accurate and feels great in the hand. However, if I had to choose just one, I'd go with the H&K. They are sooo reliable and well-built. You can't go wrong with a USP .40.

 

[Coltdude84]

THE HK USP is a fine weapon, I have a USP compact in 40 and I dont find the recoil to be snappy at all... the SIG 229 is also a outstanding platform, either one will serve you well, between the two I lean more towards a HK anyday..

 

[shibby]

I bought my USPc 9mm for $600 NIB

excellent gun, though the trigger is a bit heavy.