Anyone tried the H&k USP Compact 9mm?

PhotoFeller · 10-06-2012, 22:56

Every once in a while its fun to venture outside the box (the Glock box) by trying a different brand pistol. I yearn for a good quality 9mm in an easy to carry configuration. While I was looking around today, I came across the H&K 9mm lineup.

The USP Compact model looks like an excellent pistol with features I would enjoy. A polymer frame with stainless slide is very appealing. This pistol has a safety feature that I haven't studied, but I'm interested in an external safety. The suggested retail is about $1,000.

I'd like the benefit of some first hand experience with H&K, and info about the USP Compact would be much appreciated.

Corrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frame
Grooved target triggers
Polygonal bore profile for increased velocity, easier cleaning, and longer barrel life
Can be converted to any of nine trigger firing modes
Specially designed captive recoil spring assembly with polymer absorber bushing
Choice of corrosion resistant “Hostile Environment” blued finish or stainless steel slide
No snag, bobbed hammer
Flared recurve trigger guard
Universal mounting grooves for installing accessories
Ambidextrous magazine release lever
Contoured, extended slide release
Extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator
Patented Lock-Out Safety device

fnfalman · 10-06-2012, 22:58

Those things still cost $1000?

Well, I have zero experience with the USPC9, but I have a USPC45 for damn close to ten years now. Pretty happy with the gun's performance - accuracy and reliability. However, I don't know about the USPC9, but the USPC45 is compact as in the sense that it's smaller than the USPF45. Otherwise, it's about the same size as a normal full size gun from other manufacturers.

MadMonkey · 10-06-2012, 23:29

I have a USP45 and USPc9. I can't shoot the 45 worth a crap, but I adore my little compact.... nice SA trigger, accurate and hasn't hiccuped since I bought it. Yes, it's a little chunky, but it still conceals nicely OWB with a cover garment.

***12131*** · 10-06-2012, 23:41

The USP9c is one of my favorite cc pistols, although it's been tucked away for home emergency.

Pluses:
Extremely reliable
Very well built
It just looks good

Minuses:
The trigger is not anything to write home about. The SA pull is ok, but the DA pull is just crappy.
There's nothing universal about that mounting groove. It's proprietary. They do make aftermarket picatinny adapter for it, though.
Expensive, but not $1,000 expensive.

PhotoFeller · 10-07-2012, 00:08

The $1,000 price tag is suggested retail, so market price is probably what, 20%-25% less?

I thought it was DAO, so maybe I'm not quite as interested after all. However, the specs say the trigger can be converted to 9 different firing modes, so maybe DAO is a possibility. Anybody know the answer to that?

fnfalman · 10-07-2012, 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

The $1,000 price tag is suggested retail, so market price is probably what, 20%-25% less?

I thought it was DAO, so maybe I'm not quite as interested after all. However, the specs say the trigger can be converted to 9 different firing modes, so maybe DAO is a possibility. Anybody know the answer to that?

Yes, the trigger mechanism can be modified for a variety of modes and DAO is one of the modes.

I find it interesting that HK still makes the USP series consider that they came out with the other P series several years back.

bac1023 · 10-07-2012, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

Every once in a while its fun to venture outside the box (the Glock box) by trying a different brand pistol.

I never understood how people ever got "inside the box" in the first place.

If all I had were dime a dozen Glocks I probably shoot myself with one of them.

PhotoFeller · 10-07-2012, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

I never understood how people ever got "inside the box" in the first place.

If all I had were dime a dozen Glocks I probably shoot myself with one of them.

Maybe my statement was a bit gratuitous since this is the place where mostly Glock fans hang out. My perspective is a bit broader, including Sig, Colt, Les Baer, S&W, Walther and others. I do, however, enjoy my "dime-a-dozen" (your term) Glocks.

bac1023 · 10-07-2012, 02:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

Maybe my statement was a bit gratuitous since this is the place where mostly Glock fans hang out. My perspective is a bit broader, including Sig, Colt, Les Baer, S&W, Walther and others. I do, however, enjoy my "dime-a-dozen" (your term) Glocks.

Sounds like you have some diverse handguns.

I like my Glocks as well, but like so many pistols these days, they are dime a dozen in my opinion.

H&K 4 LIFE · 10-07-2012, 05:51

I have the USPc in 40S&W. Great gun. I mainly run it cocked and locked to avoid using the DA trigger pull.

Accurate, and need I say it, very reliable.

With the newer model HK's available, you shouldn't pay anywhere near $1000 for a USP these days.

longhair · 10-07-2012, 06:01

Had a USP Compact 40 many years ago. While it was a nice weapon, I couldn't shoot it accurately. Gave it to my brother.

PhotoFeller · 10-07-2012, 06:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by H&K 4 LIFE

I have the USPc in 40S&W. Great gun. I mainly run it cocked and locked to avoid using the DA trigger pull.

Accurate, and need I say it, very reliable.

With the newer model HK's available, you shouldn't pay anywhere near $1000 for a USP these days.

What is the comparable model in the new H&K lineup? I'm looking for a top quality mid-size pistol in 9mm, something comparable size wise to a Glock 19. Ability to attach a light or laser isn't important.

Beretta92guy · 10-07-2012, 06:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

I never understood how people ever got "inside the box" in the first place.

If all I had were dime a dozen Glocks I probably shoot myself with one of them.

good one bac!!!!

Wonder140 · 10-07-2012, 06:28

I've got a H&K USP 40 and an H&K USP 40 Compact. Love em both way more than the Glock. Both are V1 setup. Carry the Compact off duty virtually 90% of the time now. It's just a fantastic firearm.

bac1023 · 10-07-2012, 06:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by longhair

Had a USP Compact 40 many years ago. While it was a nice weapon, I couldn't shoot it accurately. Gave it to my brother.

You must be a good brother.

PhotoFeller · 10-07-2012, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonder140

I've got a H&K USP 40 and an H&K USP 40 Compact. Both are V1 setup.

Sorry, I don't know what "V1 setup" means. Is that term unique to H&K or one of general use?

I've always considered H&K to be a cut above most brands, but I haven't owned one or researched them extensively. Is H&K considered to be an "upper class" brand among the field of non-custom pistols? How would new model H&Ks compare, quality wise, to Sig, Walther and other non-1911 brands?

CBennett · 10-07-2012, 07:35

I love them, I just cant afford them. if I could id own one..IF I could get around the FACT(that IMO) they are not WORTH what they cost. It was one of the(in limited use maybe 150 rounds through one)most accurate 9mm id used.

IMO these HK's are not worth a dime over $600 range as again IMO they are better but not THAT much better than most of the rest out there which if you look you can mostly pick up at $650 or less many around $500 +/-

Bruce M · 10-07-2012, 07:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by bac1023

...
If all I had were dime a dozen Glocks I probably shoot myself with one of them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

Sorry, I don't know what "V1 setup" means. Is that term unique to H&K or one of general use?
...

V1 or Variant 1 http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/usp_general.asp

Gary1911A1 · 10-07-2012, 07:52

HKs' are great pistols. Not sure they are worth the asking price though as the DA triggers are heavy, mags are expensive, and they still don't feel as good in my hands as a comparable Sig. I've never needed customer service, but I've read it's poor even for LE.

barth · 10-07-2012, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotoFeller

Every once in a while its fun to venture outside the box (the Glock box) by trying a different brand pistol. I yearn for a good quality 9mm in an easy to carry configuration. While I was looking around today, I came across the H&K 9mm lineup.

The USP Compact model looks like an excellent pistol with features I would enjoy. A polymer frame with stainless slide is very appealing. This pistol has a safety feature that I haven't studied, but I'm interested in an external safety. The suggested retail is about $1,000.

I'd like the benefit of some first hand experience with H&K, and info about the USP Compact would be much appreciated.

Corrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frame
Grooved target triggers
Polygonal bore profile for increased velocity, easier cleaning, and longer barrel life
Can be converted to any of nine trigger firing modes
Specially designed captive recoil spring assembly with polymer absorber bushing
Choice of corrosion resistant “Hostile Environment” blued finish or stainless steel slide
No snag, bobbed hammer
Flared recurve trigger guard
Universal mounting grooves for installing accessories
Ambidextrous magazine release lever
Contoured, extended slide release
Extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator
Patented Lock-Out Safety device

I had USP 45 Compact in a previous life and she didn't agree with me.
Didn't really keep the gun long.
And may not have given her a fair chance to bond.

Personally I'd recommend looking P30 or P2K.
I own and love both.
The P30 has the Picatinny rail.
And state of the art ergonomics that are best in the business IMHO.

Both guns come in HKs outstanding LEM DAO configuration
that has to be shot to be appreciated.
This is a game changer for me.
And addresses the HK mediocre trigger that some talk about.
HK springs are available to adjust the pull weight from ~5, ~7 and ~8 lbs.

Rent and shoot the guns if you can.
At the LGS the P30 felt best to me.
But I shoot the P2K better.

Good Luck!

grecco · 10-07-2012, 18:40

The hk uspc,
Is a very well made pistol,
If you are patient, you will across a used one at a good
Price.

**FiremanJim** · 10-07-2012, 19:14

I have tried to keep a couple of USP9 compacts but I am so used to the G19 I sell them within a month

fastbolt · 10-08-2012, 00:57

The USP 9c is the only Hk USP that ever felt "just right" in my hand.

Decent pistol. Less 'brick-like' than other USP's. Nicely slim.

As mentioned, the triggers aren't anything particularly noteworthy, but it's a service compact, not a target pistol.

DRJ1911 · 10-08-2012, 07:12

Check out a p2000. I have one with the LEM v2 trigger and really love it.

Doyle

ohio1425 · 10-08-2012, 09:44

I'm a total HK convert. All my HK's have LEM triggers, which you either love or hate. Two are light LEM, 2 standard LEM.

Most recent purchase was the P2000sk 9mm. If you are considering an HK for EDC check it out. IMO the perfect carry gun for size, weight and reliability.

I've carried 1911's, HK P30, HK45c, and a CZ 75 and the P2000sk carries better than any of them, IMO.

Well worth the consideration.