The Heckler & Koch Universal Self-Loading Pistol, or USP, is one of the most popular pistols on the market. The HK USP is typically known as a 45 ACP pistol; although a wide range of varying configurations are available. Heckler & Koch makes USP Tactical pistols, USP Compact pistols, USP Elite pistols, USP Expert pistols, and many more varieties. The USP pistols have been torture-tested with extreme temperatures and conditions and have proven the reliability and durable design of these remarkable firearms.

The HK USP Compact series have been ideal for concealed carry owners, with the Law Enforcement Modification (LEM) trigger, which works as an external safety. This trigger system also allows for faster trigger resets and faster shooting ability. A number of users have discovered with a new barrel they can modify their 40S&W firearm to a 357 Sig pistol while using the same magazines.

The Heckler & Koch USP has been featured in movies, video games, television shows, and just about every other media outlet. The tactical advantage of these remarkable firearms crossed from shooting communities to mainstream, and has surprisingly become the first pistol of many new shooters. Although the HK USP has been leading the way for tactical pistols, Heckler & Koch is releasing their new 45 pistol.

The new Heckler & Koch 45C is the newest pistol on the production line; these pistols were designed for Elite US Special Forces operatives, as the primary sidearm of tactical operations. Although the new HK 45C is on its way to the civilian market, the HK USP is showing no signs of aging, even with its big brother coming to the scene.

Despite further development of the HK45 series pistols, the designs are still fundamentally similar to the Mark 23 SOCOM pistols, which is the father of the USP. All of these firearms use O-rings, to ensure enhanced accuracy and prevent wear from the slide. By preventing slide contact, these firearms are known for their like-new condition, even after years of avid shooting.

A drawback to using O-rings is the need for replacement every so often to keep cracks or breaks from forming in the O-ring. An O-ring costs around five dollars; I consider this to be a small price to pay for having one of the most efficient precision pistols on the market. During testing of the USP, dropping, weather, and acts of extreme cruelty did not keep this remarkable firearm down; it just won’t stop.

After all my experiences with the Heckler & Koch firearms, I see no reason not to take advantage of the anticipation of the new release, and get a great deal on the old, faithful HK USP. Despite the trend to have the newest and most innovative, I know with my USP pistol that I am already there. All my friends and associates who have purchased the HK USP have all given it the same outstanding review, and I’m sure that it will remain a dominate, high-quality pistol for the foreseeable future.