A History of the HK USP

I went shopping for shotgun shells last April, it was raining. Figured I’d look at pistols, out of curiosity. Guy showed me a bunch of guns I either didn’t like or found too expensive. Was about to walk away, then he mentioned he had an HKUSP40, for $500. I racked it once and told him to start the paperwork.

Chris, you'll probably find this interesting... That recoil reduction system is the same theory that is used in off-road racing suspensions. They have springs with a dual spring rate. The lower 2/3 of the spring has a relatively soft spring rate, while the upper 1/3 is VERY stiff. So when they are running along a dry riverbed or doing some rock crawling, the softer part of the spring can soak up all of the little imperfections and the suspension can articulate. However, when they land off of a 10 foot drop going 75 mph, the softer portion fully compresses, this engaging the stiffer portion. That way, the suspension never fully bottoms out (in theory), which saves on parts where, and saves the spines of the pilot and co-pilot. Anywho, I thought you would find that interesting. Thanks again for another awesome video, and I'm sorry I didn't get around to watching it sooner!

You and Ian should do an episode together on something. I enjoy your vids. No silly theatrics, just facts told in an interesting way. Thank you for the content!

I had a VAR 1 USP 45 when they came out. I got the first one my local gun shop had gotten. I’m a 1911 guy from way back, but the H&K USP won me over. The best 45 poly pistol ever made!

Thank you for the very informative and no nonsense video. Your presentation rates a 10. No stupid music, no stupid antics, just bare facts. Much appreciated!

Great history lesson on these amazing weapons. The only handgun I have ever purchased was an H&K USP .40 back in 1995. I also got a JARViS .357 SIG Barrel for it. I inherited a Colt 1911 Mark IV Gold Cup National Match from my dad, but still shoot the H&K more :-) My next might be the H&K VP9. Semper FI

Solid snake's second favorite handgun since the socom.

Been in love with this pistol since Metal Gear Solid 2

For near twenty years, I have own a USP .45 Tactical (variant 1). I cannot laud it too highly. Quite simply, it is THE BEST full size autoloader I’ve ever shot/owned, including semi-custom and custom 1911A1s and many other top-tier semiautomatic such as Sigs, CZs, M&Ps, and Glocks. I’ve been shooting for over fifty years and — for me — the H&K USP really is without peer. THANK YOU for an outstanding, informative and thoroughly professional video.

Great upload, long live the USPs and long live H&K.

I finally found a MARK 23 (Feb 2024). I've been looking for years for one of these because I grew up playing Metal Gear Solid, and Rainbow Six. And it completes my HK handgun collection, expect a VP70. My MARK23 was made in 2023 according to the date code. All MARK 23 come with the black lacker finish which is different than the standard USP hostile environment finish. It comes with a chrome lined polygonal barrel, and everything is nickel plated. All of these features are for salt water corrosion resistance. The main difference in a civilian HK MARK 23 and the military version is the slide engraving. Military models were engraved with MK23 US-GOVT SOCOM or MK23 USGOVT. Civilian models are engraved with the full word, MARK 23, and no govt designation. Other than the engraving, they retained the same features as the military models (chrome lined barrel, lacker coating). AMAZING guns!

I did replace my recoil spring on my USP40. It was my first pistol. I had it for 20 years before I got around to buying something else. I bought a Sig 1911 Ultracompact. The slide broke at around 5000 rounds. Sig replaced it promptly. I started replacing recoil springs at 1200 rounds. It broke again a year later. After that, I got a new spring for my H&K. It does feel a tad softer but I suspect it would have been fine for a while. I now carry an H&K.

I owned a HK45 and a HK USP Tactical 45 . Had to sell one because I wanted to get an AR . I sold the HK45 and kept the USP , It had the HK in the slide not laser on , plus the USP recoil reduction system is superior to the HK45 recoil spring and buffer and it just felt better in hand .

The USP 40 was the first pistol I ever bought. That was back in 1998. It’s still my go-to carry gun. Only problem I ever had was a broken firing pin spring and they fixed it for free.

I enjoy hearing the history of firearms; it gives you a perspective on how firearms have evolved to meet the needs of law enforcement, the military, and the civilian market. Thank you.

Thanks for uploading the oldies but goodies Heather!

This was such an excellent viewing experience. I’ve been a USP person since the late 90’s, mainly due to my hand size. It has never failed to do exactly what it is supposed to do. It just runs, in spite of the operator. Thank you for that history lesson. It was a joy to watch.

It's great to have your videos back on YouTube! Can't wait to see your history of Pmags video again.

Awesome video !!!! I've owned the same H&K USP Full size for 15 yrs. Hundreds of rounds through it over the yrs and only jammed maybe twice in all those yrs. Remarkable weapon !!!!!

Thank you for reuploading this, lots of good info and history here.