HK USP Variants

[giggitygiggity]

I like Glocks because they do not have a manual safety. However, I also like HK guns. I have been looking at the various HK variants. Variant 3 does not have a manual safety and is DA/SA. Does this mean that the first shot will be DA and then all subsequent shots will have a lighter SA trigger pull? How does the trigger pull on the USP compare to Glocks? Also, what is the decocking lever. On the HK USP Variant 3, it is supposed to be on the left side. I am right handed. Is this what I want? Thanks.

 

[usp9]

Variant 3 does not have a manual safety and is DA/SA. Does this mean that the first shot will be DA and then all subsequent shots will have a lighter SA trigger pull?

Yes.

How does the trigger pull on the USP compare to Glocks?

They feel much different, there really is no way to equate them. The SA is a bit heavy, the DA is much lighter, reset is quick. Glock is what all Glocks are.

what is the decocking lever

It safely lowers the hammer and puts the gun into DA mode from SA. It's on the left where your thumb can work it.

Is this what I want?

I don't know. Finding one may be a problem. Mostly you see V.1 The USP is a great gun, but if I were buying a new HK, it would be a newer model...the P2000 or P30.

 

[giggitygiggity]

They feel much different, there really is no way to equate them. The SA is a bit heavy, the DA is much lighter, reset is quick. Glock is what all Glocks are.

Did you mean to write that the SA is much lighter?

 

[usp9]

Did you mean to write that the SA is much lighter?

Brain fart...sorry. Yes, the USP DA is about 11 lbs, the SA is about 5 lbs. HK measures them in Newtons. I like the HK trigger from the standpoint of being a very safe carry trigger. If one wants a much better trigger in a USP then HK makes an excellent match trigger that can be installed. The SA match trigger is very light and crisp with an amazingly short and smooth reset. IMO it is not made for carry but rather for range work only.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I saw that match trigger for sale. Will it still allow the Variant 3 to still retain DA/SA status? Also, by how much will it reduce trigger pull or how much will it crispen the trigger? Thanks.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I never noticed a difference between the match and regular USP triggers. If you can shoot a Glock straight, the USP should be no problem with the regular trigger parts. I didn't like having a trigger stop on my Tactical, they are problem waiting to happen on a defensive gun.

Any variant that includes a SA pull can have the match parts added.

Which gun are you looking at?
I just ordered an HK 45 (non-USP) variant 1.

The trouble I had with USP's is reaching the control lever, the new model has much better ergonomics for me.

Have you shot or handled USP's much?

 

[usp9]

PO2Hammer has a good point about the trigger stop and that's one reason I said it may not be the best for a carry gun, but the stop can be removed if it became a real concern. We differ however on our opinion of the difference between normal and match triggers. The SA pull feels about a pound or so lighter but it is the smooth nature and the sudden break with no stacking that I notice. The break is very clean, IMHO. The reset is very quick...only about 1/8" return travel resets the trigger. Reset is much longer on the normal trigger.

The lightened LEM trigger is the closest to a Glock trigger that HK makes. It is a constant pull, 5.5 lb., as opposed to the 8 lb. or so normal LEM. Like the V.3 USP, I've never seen a light LEM from the factory...only modified triggers after purchase. One could be ordered though.

My carry gun is a P2000sk DA/SA, which I like very much. As I said, I think the HK triggers are good the way they come, not too heavy, not too light. I'm not sure I'd want the match trigger on a CCW. There's no "adrenaline buffer" so to speak.

I have two USPs, an Elite and a USPc DA/SA, both have a safety/decocker. If you want to leave off the safety from your pistol, then the P2000, the P30 or the LEM trigger may be the way to go. Both the P2000 and P30 come in DA/SA without a safety, but do have a decok button next to the hammer.

 

[giggitygiggity]

What is this trigger stop that you guys are talking about? Also, you are saying that the LEM model has a 5.5lb trigger? Also, does the HK45 come in a variant without any manual safety?

 

[benderx4]

There are two versions of the LEM made by HK. The standard one, and the lighter one, for lack of better names. I think the only difference is the trigger return/ pivot spring weight. The lighter one is supposed to be more similar to the Glock, but I can't vouch for this since I've never shot a Glock.
I can tell you, however, that the HK triggers are much "different" than the Sig triggers as well. TO ME, they are crisper, with less stacking. I never could get used to the "spongy" feel of a SIG trigger. Guess it's what you're used to.
Match triggers (which are standard on Tactical, Expert, and Elite models) allow you to adjust the trigger stop for quicker reset and follow on shots.



Look closely on my USP9 Expert behind the trigger and you can see an adjustable screw sticking out - thats the overtravel screw on a match trigger. This trigger is, IMHO, much lighter, crisper, less creep, and quicker reset than the regular USP trigger. Not sure I'd want this on a carry gun either.

I carry a P7, so you've got a 12 pound "cocker" you've got to squeeze, and the trigger must be pulled (not necessarily in that order), before the gun will fire. The safest "carry" system around - again, my opinion only.

As far as 45s go, I can't think of a better all around gun made right now than the HK45. Ergonomics, comfort, felt recoil, accuracy, and reliability are all TOP NOTCH with this gun. Unfortunately, it is only available in Variant 1 (SA/DA) with dococker/safety. I'm looking for another right now just to have a spare.



Good luck with your choice and happy shooting!

 

[giggitygiggity]

How does the P7 work exactly? Do you actually rack the slide or do you have to squeeze something in order to cock it?

 

[PO2Hammer]

No experience with the P-7, but the Hk 45 is available in all variants including LEM.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I see Park City Tactical is back up, a good p-7 site.

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/

 

[benderx4]

but the Hk 45 is available in all variants including LEM.

I stand corrected, the HK45 is now also available in DAO, or LEM (Law Enforcement Modification.)

After inserting a mag into a P7, the slide must be racked just like most "autos". At this point, the gun has a round chambered, but it is not "cocked" until the front part of the grip (cocking lever) is squeezed. It takes about 10-12 pounds of force to do this, but once cocked, it only takes about 1 pound of force to keep it cocked. At this point, the trigger can be pulled and the weapon fired.

After the 8th and final round, the slide will remain back in the open position just like normal autos. Depending on what model you have, you drop the mag using the heel release, or the normal HK mag release near the trigger guard. Slap in a new mag, squeeze the cocker (this will slam the slide closed into battery and peel off the first round), and you're ready to fire.

This video will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about a P7:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6239098748148707308#

Be careful, it's VERY TOUGH to purchase only one of these amazing pistols.