Getting an H&K USP .40 full size....need help with accessories. (newbie)

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rsalib

Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2004
Messages
7
Location
Southern California
I have figured out what gun to get. Now I need to know what accessories I need.

I know I'm going to need a gun case, ammunition case, cleaning kit, new grips, and night sights. What brands and products do you guys recommend.

I found that Browning makes really nice gun cases. Does anyone recommend another brand?

I know the trijicon night sights. But do I need them if I'm only shooting at a properly lit, indoor range?

Do I need a holster? Bianchi, I found was nice.
What kind of belt, holding pouches for magazines and etc. do I need? What Brand?

What about cleaning kits and tools. What do I need to look for in a kit? What cleaners, brushes, etc needs to be in one. Who makes the best stuff?

Thanks in advance,
Richard
 
If you're buying it new it will come with a nice case. If used, it should still have one of the older gray cases.

Ammo case? Who needs that? Buy 100rd Winchester White Box Value packs at Walmart if it's available and shoot em up. No real need for something like a .50 ammo can unless you plan on taking 1000+ rounds to the range at a time.

Your local gun store should have starter cleaning kits. It'll come with everything you'll need to clean a .40 S&W pistol. Just your basic bore brush, cleaning rod, patches and some all in one solvent/lubricant. You might also want to pick up some Eezoxx and Hoppes #9 oil.

New grips? You can't replace the grips on a USP. Consider picking up a Hogue Handall grip wrap for ~$10 at that same gun store. I've got one on my full size USP and love it.

Meprolight night sights seem to be of equal quality at a lower price than Trijicons. I don't have either, since I find them unnecessary to shoot at my local indoor range. If or when I do decide to get some, I'll get the Meprolight adjustable night sights.

Are you going to carry the pistol on the job? Is it for home defense only? Or personal protection/ concealed carry? How and why you're carrying a pistol will help narrow down the near infinite selection of holsters.
 
RE: Accessories

I'm just using it for recreational shooting at the local indoor range.'

I also plan on taking some tactical courses for sport and improving my skills. The courses can supply the holster and magazine carry pouches. I just know from other sports, having your own gear is always better than renting.

Let me know.

Richard
 
A new USP should came with a dandy little case. If you really want one though, try Pelican or Browning.

Ammo case? My case is the Wal-Mary sack the ammo leaves the store in. :D

New grips? Ain't none for the USP except wrap-arounds. Hogue makes good stuff.

A cleaning kit that will contain most if not everything you need can be found at Wal-Mart, an Outers kit will do your nicely. Basically what you need is a pistol rod, a patch jag, a .40 caliber bore brush, some patches, gun oil and maybe some solvent. Trijicons are good for a self-defense weapon, for target practice, meh. Won't hurt but I don't see a reason to install them.
 
Richard, where do you shoot?

I'd get 2 more mags, a magpouch and a holster.

I like Blade-Tech. I'm not a fan of nylon. Nightsights, Novaks and Heinies are good. So are Trijicons.

Take a course with FTA www.ftatv.com or ITTS www.intltactical.com before you start buying stuff for it. I found I was getting rid of stuff after classes because all the doodads and junk slowed me down because I bought a mess of stuff because I was overthinking things.
 
Above advice is on the money. You can't replace the grips on a USP. I've found the worst part of the USP's grip is the front-strap 'checkering'. It is brutal. That was why I put a Hogue Hand-All grip sleve on mine, although you have to have pretty big hands for that to be acceptable.

My list of what you really need :):

- Ammo, and lots of it. The above-mentioned WalMart 100-rnd Value Packs are a can't-go-wrong deal

- Training (sounds like you're planning on this). Start with an NRA Basic Pistol clas, then move right into the NRA's Personal Protection class. After that, look around for a defensive handgun class from someone that Skunk recommends in your area...and possibly think about getting involved in IDPA competition.

- Holster, mag pouches, belt: I'm all done with leather, myself, and your USP is only going to happy in a kydex rig. Of all the gear you're likely to find at a gunstore, I'd go with the BladeTech stuff. Get a holster and 2 pouches. Don't forget a good stiff belt. I'd order the basic cowhide belt from Rafter-S Gunleather.

- More magazines. You can never have too many magazines. Makes practice alot easier to have a whole bunch. The 10-rnd mags shouldn't bee too expensive.

And I'd forget about the night-sights for now. Lots of money you don't need to be spending that is better put to other uses.

- Gabe
 
Hey Skunk

I go to a place in HB, Fireline or Firing Line. Its an indoor range.

I am actually considering the general handgun course from FTA.

I'll check out those holsters you mentioned.

I'm super new to the sport, so I am really enthuzed and I am trying to get all the info I can at once.

Thanks
 
Get a tac-light! Nothing makes me feel tactical like a tac light. :)

Seriously I keep mine n the gunvault with the tac light on it. I love it. Not necessary for the range or stuff, and some would argue that a tac light is a bad idea, but for me I love 'em. I'd put it on the bottom of the list to be sure - learn how to use the gun, then consider a tac light. As an added benefit, it makes the gun heavier and in my experience, more accurate.
 
You really need a class III laser, that way you can shoot from the hip and never miss. You can also just aim it the bad guys eyes and damage them to where he can't see you.

:neener:


Seriously, as stated, just buy a lot of ammo and a carrying case that fits the pistol and your taste. As for a holster, you might want to have your instructor help you in picking out styles that fit you in how you wish to carry it. Nothing worse than spending forty to a hundred bucks on a holster that you will end up not liking and therefor not using.
 
Ah, the Firing Line. We'll have to meet up some time and I can show you what little I have in the way of accessories. Too bad you're not a girl :banghead: :(
 
I don't think a muzzle weight will make the gun more accurate- however, it could make the shooter more accurate by allowing a firmer, steadier hold to be applied- but too much weight will cause early fatigue.
 
Training
Ammo
Training
Cleaning Stuff
Training
More Ammo
Training
Holster/Belt
Training
More Ammo

Then you need to consider your sights, a range bag and other "Nice to have" things. Once you done the above, you may find that you would rather make do with the what you have. By the way, I think I still have a holster for a full size USP if you want it.


David
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top