HK USP

The HK USP was introduced in 1993 in the 9mm and .40 S&W calibers, and later in 1995 in the .45 ACP as well. The USP is perhaps HK’s most well-known gun today. This pistol is a workhorse and one of the most torture tested pistols on the planet, and is well known for its excellent reliability including when under stress. The .45 ACP version holds 12 rounds, the .40 holds 13 rounds, and the 9mm holds 15 rounds. HK purposefully makes their magazines hold 1-2 rounds less than their competitors in order to reduce the odds of the springs wearing out faster, thus making them last longer.

The USP in 9mm has been most notably adopted as the standard issue pistol of the German military, replacing the previous Walther P38 in 2004. However, the .45 ACP version of the USP is in service with special forces units.

The USP is noted for its very large size with oversized grip controls and a larger trigger guard in order to easily accommodate a gloved hand, which special forces and tactical operators are sure to appreciate. An even larger version of the USP, called the MK 23 in .45 ACP, took this concept even a step further and was developed as an offensive weapon.

All in all, the USP is a supremely made pistol and one of the finest sidearms ever made. It may be a large gun, but it’s also a gun built to take and sustain a lot of abuse.