HK USP 9 for IPSC ??

[Ak Guy]

I currently shoot some IDPA w/ USP 45's and P7's, and would like to shoot more IPSC. What are your thoughts on getting a USP 9mm, mainly for IPSC ?? I don't really aspire to be a world champion; I just want to have fun and get some practice and trigger time, and would like to keep it in the HK family. Your thoughts, please.........thanx......

 

[Jim Watson]

USP 9mm would be an adequate Production gun, shot DA-SA.

But so is a P7 and USP .45 is an ok stock L10 gun so you must just want to buy a new gun.

 

[raz-0]

Well fortunately the p7 has been added to the production legal guns. I'd suggest you try that instead of the USP 9.

The USP in general has a logn gritty DA pull, and a so-so SA triggger. The real disadvantages it has are a high bore axis, a lot of it's weight being in the reciprocating mass of the slide, and the dual stage recoil system doesn't like light loads. So you can shoot it for fun, but you put yourself at a disadvantage. Getting high C with it is no problem. B is probably doable. Beyond B, you are likely going to be fighting your gear a fair bit.

If the p7 is the m10 or m13, i'd say just drag that out if you are looking for fun rather than buy a new gun. But if capacity is less than 10 rounds, you'll be at a significant disadvantage. Reloads will be a bit of apin too with a single stack.

Maybe it's just me, but if I'm going to show up and shoot something less than optimal, the P7 sounds like a lot more fun, even with less than 10 rounds. Also from a social aspect, the p7 should start more conversations than a USP.

Plus it saves you several hundred dollars of gun.

 

[Morgan]

The P-7 is fine for Production, but if it's an M8 you'll be screwed on capacity, and have to make reloads in odd and timely places in the courses of fire.

The USP .45 is good for L10, especially if you download your ammo to about 170pf.

I think the USP40 is probably a better choice for L10, for cheaper ammo, mags, etc.

With a Match Trigger Group ($100), the USP9 would be a fine Production gun. With the stock trigger it's DA pull is OK, but not great. The Match Trigger is worth every penny on a L10 or carry gun, too.

 

[Ak Guy]

Thanx for the replies.....especially Jim Watson.....I think you hit the nail right between the eyes ! I really do just want the gun, and I'm trying to justify it w/ IPSC use !! So why pretend? I think I'll order it tomorrow !! And just go enjoy shootin' the hell out of it ! (Are you a cop, Jim Watson ? You saw right through that in a heartbeat !!).

 

[sigstroker]

He can't use light loads anyway because he has to make Minor. I think the worst thing about a USP is finding a good holster. Are any extra high-cap mags made for it? It's been awhile since I had a USP. If not, you're at some disadvantage there as well.

 

[raz-0]

most production 9mm is noticabley over minor power factor. How well they will work with a USP's dual stage recoil spring, who knows. Even winchester white box comes in about 134-135. Loading 147gr to about a 130-132 power factor with a fast burning powder yields a much softeer shooting round.

 

[mete]

I shot for years the P7 PSP and P7 M10 in Ipsc. Worked fine , I didn't need a 20 rd mag. In fact they couldn't figure out how I could reload so fast !!!

 

[Sunray]

"...I just want to have fun..." Stop right there. That's what shooting is about. IPSC and IDPA are shooting games. Period. Lots of fun, but neither have anything to do with reality. I want a 9mm USP, is reason enough to buy one.
"...he has to make Minor..." No, he doesn't. Ak Guy, shoots because it's fun. And all power to him. Shooting isn't about making anything. It's about having fun and the people. Nothing else matters.

 

[raz-0]

if you do pick up a full size 9mm USP, I recommend the blade-tech dropped and offset holster for IPSC/USPSA. It's a very nice holster, and fits the full size just right.

Don't buy the fobus holster. The only USP holster they have is for the compacts and doesn't meet requirements for USPSA.

as for making minor, you HAVE to make the minimum power factor to shoot. For fun, shooting over minor power factor in production is your choice, but you do have to exceed the minimum power factor.

 

[ChristopherG]

I recommend the blade-tech dropped and offset holster for IPSC/USPSA. It's a very nice holster, and fits the full size just right

Can you use a dropped and offset holster in Production division?

 

[raz-0]

yes you can as long as it doesn't drop it below the specs set out in the rulebook. Which essentially says no more than 50mm away form the body, and the butt of the gun must protrude above the level of the belt.

IDPA is a whole different matter, so don't confuse the two. In IDPA holster regs are like a religious war with new gods appointed every rule revision.

 

[harmon]

published loads with titegroup and 147s make super sweet competition loads.

4.0 grains titegroup and a 124 Montana gold JHP at 1.145 OAL is what i use for Production....147s seem sluggish when shot aggressivly, but some folks like that.

the 147s take the steel down pretty good though.