All USP’s use a fiber-reinforced polymer frame stiffened by stainless steel inserts at areas subject to stress and friction. HK pioneered this use of polymer materials in the production of handguns more than 30 years ago with the development of the VP70Z and P9S pistols.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.
Type: Pistol: Semi Automatic
Model Series: USP
Model Specific: USP Expert
Caliber/Gauge: 45 Auto
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 5.19 in.
Minimum/Overall Length: 8.7 in.
Safety: Manual Safety
Frame Finish: Black
Front Sight: Luminous
Rear Sight: Black Serrated
Grips: Fixed
Slide Finish: Black Nitro-Carburized Steel
Finish: Black
Magazine Count: 2
Firing System: External Hammer
Frame Material: Polymer
Magazine Type: Double Stack Magazine
Barrel Configuration: Single
Barrel Description: Cold Hammer-forged, Polygonal
Rifled Barrel: Yes
Forend Rail: Proprietary Rail
Caliber Dictionary
The Below Information Has Been Provided From Our Gun Caliber Dictionary And Is Meant For Informational Purposes Only. It Is Not Intended to Describe The Unique Specifications For This Ammunition.
The 45 ACP (45 Auto) was designed by John Browning in 1905 for his prototype semiautomatic pistol that eventually became the legendary Colt 1911, using a .452-inch bullet. Browning proposed a 200-grain bullet; U.S. Army Ordnance, smarting from reports of poor performance of the 38 Long Colt in the Philippines, increased bullet weight to 230 grains for greater stopping power...and the 45 ACP as it is today was adopted in 1911. It remains an iconic and popular handgun cartridge for personal defense and competition, and was used by the U.S. military in submachine guns (Thompson and M3) through the 1970s. Although largely replaced by the 9mm for military use and the 9mm and/or 40 S&W in the law enforcement community, the 45 ACP is still used by the U.S. military and numerous law enforcement agencies in various applications. The standard load remains a 230-grain bullet at 780 to 850 fps, but lighter, faster bullets from 165 to 200 grain, delivering a bit less recoil, are also available. — Craig Boddington
