HK USP Shopping Help Please

[happydude]

I've decided I need a USP, the question is which one? In additon to casual shooting, it will be used for some local IDPA matches, and perhaps IPSC one day. I recently tried out a USP tactical in .45,which I shot rather well and took a liking too. I noted that the tactical in .40 appears to be production legal, and I would image that the recoil would be a little less (not that the .45 was difficult to handle though, just thinking that since the .40 is production legal that will broaden the use of the gun). The .40 tactical appears on the HK USA website, but not on the HK.de one, which makes me wonder if there actually a tactical in .40. I couldn't find one at any of the major dealers either. I've also noted the existance of a "USP 9SD" which again appears to be the tactical but in 9mm (also apparantly production legal). Unfortunately, since I didn't note any problems with shooting a .45, I'm not opposed to a regular USP in.45.

So I need some help narrowing down the model and caliber. I'm looking at regular USP's in 9mm, 40, and 45, and well as the USP Tactical in 9mm or 40 (if someone can confirm their existance that is). Are there any great advantages, realistically that is, in getting the tactical model as opposed to the regular USP's (better trigger, something about getting all the conversion plates for the DA/SA/DAO etc. with the tactical, more accurate, etc.)? Also, I assume that I should be looking at chosing a caliber and advice would be appreciated. It should be noted I only have a .22 handgun, and I am set up for reloading (not progressive though).

 

[capp325]

.40 cal Tactical is available in the U.S., so I can't see why it wouldn't be available here as well. Except for the caliber it does not differ from the .45 version in any way. 9SD is just a regular USP with an extended threaded barrel. It does not have the other two key advantages of the Tactical – adjustable sights and match trigger.

Personally, I think that the Custom Sport would be a better option than the Tactical. It has adjustable sights and match trigger like the Tactical but costs several hundred dollars less. It does not have a threaded barrel but considering that we can't legally own suppressors anyway, that's not much of a loss. The Custom Sport is available in all three calibers.

 

[USP]

I would get a regular USP in 9mm.. if you want different sites later on, or a match trigger you can buy them all later.

I prefer 9mm as its cheap to shoot and ammo is plentiful. I shoot IPSC production and dont reload so theres no advantage in shooting a higher calibre.

as well in 9 and 40 the mags are plastic and cheaper and probably more durable then the .45 steel ones.

 

[happydude]

.40 cal Tactical is available in the U.S., so I can't see why it wouldn't be available here as well. Except for the caliber it does not differ from the .45 version in any way. 9SD is just a regular USP with an extended threaded barrel. It does not have the other two key advantages of the Tactical – adjustable sights and match trigger.
Personally, I think that the Custom Sport would be a better option than the Tactical. It has adjustable sights and match trigger like the Tactical but costs several hundred dollars less. It does not have a threaded barrel but considering that we can't legally own suppressors anyway, that's not much of a loss. The Custom Sport is available in all three calibers.

Well I can knock out the 9SD then. According to Wolverine's price list, the Custom Sport and Tactical (.45 though) are about $200 apart, and taking into account that we can't own supressors and tracking down a fake one would be tricky, I'm not sure that a threaded barrel is worth that much to me . Can't say I'd considered the custom sport but I'll reconsider.

I would get a regular USP in 9mm.. if you want different sites later on, or a match trigger you can buy them all later.
I prefer 9mm as its cheap to shoot and ammo is plentiful. I shoot IPSC production and dont reload so theres no advantage in shooting a higher calibre.
as well in 9 and 40 the mags are plastic and cheaper and probably more durable then the .45 steel ones.

What kind of difference does the match tigger make? Anything noticeable or is it just marketing hype? I'm happy with the standard F/S/Decock that the standard USP has so I'm not likely to change that out now that I think about it.

Narrowing down caliber might be more difficult. 9mm is cheap and plentiful, but I'll reload it anyway, though it has less kick. .40 seems to have more snap which will make it easier to knock down steel targets, but I fight it snappy to fire (tried it in an XD). The .45, well, it's a .45. I didn't find it a handful to fire in either a Glock or the USP, granted it's also bound to have more kick in addition to being more expensive. Though .45 brass is also supposed to last forever (not sure with repspect to other pistol calibers).

Thanks to capp325 and USP for their great responses thus far. Edit, now checking out the HKPRO website found in USP's sig line.

 

[USP]

lol yeah..the hidden white link to the USP homepage... btw.. I use it on steel in production all the time..no problems. So do many others. The match trigger? I dont have one, but I have found after many many rounds that I am happy as is. As Maurice, he has used both extensively. From what I gather initially you might like it better...but longterm as the regular gun breaks in anyways..it might not be a factor..

For 9mm 124. seems about the best accuracy wise. However I use 115s alot and have no issues with steel or long distance hits on plates..

 

[smgcon]

The 9SD has adjustable high profile sights, as they are designed to clear the suppressor. I know as I have one.

It does not have a match trigger or an "O" Ring. It is also not available in Canada any longer - or so Wolverine Supplies told me when I purchased the last one John had.

 

[maurice]

get a custom sport. Little more money than a regular, but less hasle. replace the front sight with an Ameriglo unit made for the tactical (same sights), or replace the entire sights with the PSI fibre optic adjustable set.

 

[locgo]

Go with a simple bare bones 9mm or 40 S&W USP. Either will serve you well in the casual plinking and LCF departments. If you really do have the TIME and INCLINATION to do more organized shooting.....well, then you have a VALID excuse to by the hot & ###y fully loaded versions. Hehe.

 

[TheCanuck]

I tought the grip on the 45 was bigger than on the 40?

I would like to try a tactical 45 as well. I like it, and couldnt care less if supressors are not legal in canada. It's what i WANT.I fired a regular USP in 40sw and liked the fit to my hand. If the grip was biggeron the 45 tactical, i might have to get a 40 tactical.wouldnt be a big problem, but it WILL be a Tactical

 

[maurice]

the .45 grip is larger than the .40 and 9mm

 

[happydude]

Still debating a Tactical in .45 vs. the regular USP's in 9mm or .40, but I've got it narrowed down to those 3 at least. The mags for a Tactical are about twice the price (as I was quoted) which is a slight factor.

Edit: Pretty much decided against the tactical. Now must chose between 9mm or .40SW.

 

[Sinasta]

Still debating a Tactical in .45 vs. the regular USP's in 9mm or .40, but I've got it narrowed down to those 3 at least. The mags for a Tactical are about twice the price (as I was quoted) which is a slight factor.

Twice the price? The only difference is the extended floorplate...

 

[UncleWalther]

In the USP line-up the best value for money is the USP Custom Sport.

 

[maurice]

Twice the price? The only difference is the extended floorplate...

Well, the extended floorplate is only meant to be used on full capacity mags. Not sure why is would be more expensive? But, this is Canuckistan..

 

[maurice]

In the USP line-up the best value for money is the USP Custom Sport.

+1, you get the match trigger installed, and the only thing you really have to replace (IMO), is the front sight with a fibre optic unit, or an AMERIGLO Tactical Tritium unit.