H&K USP .45

The H&K USP .45 pistol is a very dependable, lightweight pistol that has the "knockdown" power that gun enthusiasts are looking for. It offers a modified Browning, linkless, Peters-Stahl type action with short recoil. The sights are of a fixed patridge style that are adjustable for windage and elevation. The total length is 7.87 inches and the barrel measures at 4.41 inches and the pistol weighs approximately 1.96 lbs.

The H&K USP .45 was originally designed for the American market but has found international acceptance as an accurate and ultra-reliable handgun. The pistol offers features favored U.S. law enforcement and military users, which were used in the design of the pistol. The controls of the pistol are uniquely American which are influenced by other famous designs such as the Government model 1911 pistol. The USP series of pistols offer 9mm and .40 caliber variants along with the .45 caliber pistol; All USPs use fiber-reinforced polymer frames that are stiffened by stainless steel inserts at areas subject to stress and friction.

The USP control lever, a combination safety and decocking lever, is frame mounted and quickly accessible, unlike the slide-mounted safeties common on many semi-automatic pistols.
Using a modified Browning-type action with a special patented recoil reduction system, the USP recoil reduction system reduces recoil effects on pistol components and also lowers the recoil forces felt by the shooter. This same recoil reduction system has been tested and proven in the HK Mark 23 pistol developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command. The USP recoil reduction system is insensitive to ammunition types and requires no special adjustment or maintenance. It functions effectively in all USP models.

The modular design of the USP's internal components allows the control lever function to be switched from the left to the right side of the pistol for left-handed shooters. The USP can also be converted from one type of trigger firing mode to another. This includes combination double-action and single-action (DA/SA) modes and double action only (DAO) modes.
The USP is available in nine trigger/firing mode configurations and three calibers. 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

Features:
• Corrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frame
• Polygonal bore profile for increased velocity, easier cleaning, and longer barrel life
• Can be converted to any of nine trigger firing modes
• Corrosion resistant “Hostile Environment” blued finish
• Oversized trigger guard for use with gloves
• One piece machined slide made from nitro-carburized steel
• Universal mounting grooves for installing accessories
• Ambidextrous magazine release lever
• Extended slide release
• Patented Lock-Out Safety device

USP Variants:

Variant 1:
 Double action/single action with "SAFE” position. Control lever (manual safety/decoking lever) on left side of frame.

Variant 2: 
Double action/single action with "SAFE” position. Control lever (manual safety/decocking lever) on right side of frame.

Variant 3: 
Double action/single action without "SAFE” position. Control lever (decocking lever) on left side of frame.

Variant 4: 
Double action/single action without ”SAFE” position. Control lever (decocking lever) on right side of frame.

Variant 5: 
Double action only with ”SAFE” position. Control lever (manual safety) on left side of frame.

Variant 6: 
Double action only with ”SAFE” position. Control lever (manual safety) on right side of frame.

Variant 7: 
Double action without control lever (no manual safety/decocking lever)

Variant 8: 
Double action without control lever (no manual safety/decocking lever)
SPECIAL VARIANT FOR GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Variant 9: 
Double action/single action with control lever (manual safety/no decocking function) on left side of frame.

Variant 10: 
Double action/single action with control lever (manual safety/no decocking function) on right side of frame.

Suggested Retail Price:

$902 (9 mm and .40 S&W DA/SA with control lever),

$952 (9 mm and .40 S&W LEM enhanced DAO model without control lever),

$983 (.45 ACP DA/SA with control lever),

$1, 033 (.45 ACP LEM enhanced DAO model without control lever).

I highly recommend this weapon and consider it one of the best weapons on the market today. I own the USP .45 variant and have been extremely satisfied with it. I was lucky to purchase this weapon for an amazing $625 brand new. For more of my reviews on the best weapons, check out my Best Weapons Hub on Hubpages.