H&K USP: The 1990's Pistol Pioneer

[@WhiskeyThree]

My first handgun was a usp 40 in the late 90s. I still love it. I swapped to a lem trigger a few years ago and it was a big improvement. I'm willing to bet if hk updated the usp with am optics cut and a 1913 rail, they would sell like crazy

[@p90man]

Would rather just buy a GG&G rail adapter and call it a day for the rail .

[@roywall5231]

Its called a P30.

[@bcimb1]

That's what the HK45 is... a "modernized" version of the USP. However, from reviews ive seen online, the USP is still superior

[@ProjectSerpo90]

The LEM trigger is so good. Absolutely love the P30 i picked up recently but I definitely would love to add a USP 9 to the collection. They are bombproof and beautiful.

[@yellowlt6]

It actually still sells very well with out that.

[@adamg574]

Selling my USP45 is my biggest firearm related regret, and now we have a “handgun freeze” here in Canada. Pure pain.

[@Chrisblau]

We all have one sadly

[@johnnydanger1305]

Biggest regret you should have is being Canadian

[@Chrisblau]

@@johnnydanger1305Canada is a great country man. Great people beautiful landscapes. Some jerks ruin it for other much like here in the US.

[@adamg574]

@@Chrisblau our biggest problem is our parliamentary and electoral system that allows the greater Toronto area to effectively decide every election, and the federal nature of our firearms laws. If gun laws were provincial rather than mostly federal, sort of like how gun laws are mostly determined at a state level down there, places like Alberta would likely have gun laws comparable to Arizona, Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, and etc.

[@travryger635]

Yea I feel your pain. That is the only gun worth the risk of catching a smuggling charge for. Lol

[@JDR1971]

My first gun was a USP .45 v2 that I bought in the '90s(I still have it). It cost twice what I paid for the car I was driving at the time. 😂

[@brokenwrench404]

I was a full on HK snob. I had all of the usp configurations and calibers. Had a lot of fun with them in the 90’s and early 2000’s. I even made ipsc mag extensions for them. The good ol days

[@rossifumifan1]

I can watch this video, like the one on the 1911, over and over er and over again. And I do. Great videos. Thank you.

[@1911syndicate]

🍻🍻

[@briankern6644]

Tonight on 1911 Syndicate: Jake drinks tea and talks loudly in a library, Chris shoots a rectangle at some rocks, James disassembled the rectangle and explains how it's better than all other rectangles....In the world.....

[@1911syndicate]

Those rocks deserved to get shot

[@Chrisblau]

Hahahahah

[@FergusScotchman]

This was the first firearm I bought for myself about 30 years ago. USP 45. It is, and I think always will be, the best and most enjoyable pistol I will ever own. It makes a great home defense weapon, but not carry. Don't like the mushy double action trigger, but the single action is good. You field strip it to maybe four components so easily. It's inherent engineering genius makes it just look so simple. I'd never think about selling it.

[@bunk95]

Not for carry? Who are you hiding it from?

[@FergusScotchman]

@@bunk95 Go ahead and carry it if you like.

[@joshklaver47]

Maybe try the LEM trigger if you don't like the standard double action.

[@msims1250]

This HK focused series has been really enjoyable. I have been a huge USP fan since they came out. I have little single handgun safes, one in the kitchen, one in my office. Both house USP45s and a spare magazine. I just recently bought an Expert in 9mm, and it is fantastic. Very accurate. Great video, guys.

[@Dirtkid98505]

For factory unmodified guns the USP, P99, and P226 I think are some of the finest guns ever made. Probably the most tested handgun platforms tested through LEO, State, and Military endurance and reliability testing like no other handgun platforms. My favorite aspect of these guns is they are the perfect blend of old and new thinking. Thought for total war Red invasion all supply likes cut off and counter terror high focus on supply chain and logistics too. Simple things like double strike capability, end of the world durability, but provisions for mounting lights, ergonomics, good triggers, light weight materials etc. All a mainstay in my systems.

[@elcidcampeador9629]

Still the king of service pistols!

[@HKSyndicate]

My first pistol was the HK USP .45 Tactical in 2013 that started my HK addiction, fast forward to today I now have a few lol USP 9 FS, USP 9 Compact, USP 9 Tactical, USP 9 Expert, USP 9 Elite, USP 45 FS, USP 45 Tactical, USP 45 Compact, USP 40 FS, HK45c, HK VP9, and two Mark 23's. I think that's all of them but maybe forgetting one or two. Hands down the most reliable and best shooting "combat" pistols I've ever fired! I'm still putting the VP9 through it's paces but so far it's been flawless as well.

[@billassande7628]

First USP was one of my HK Grail guns the USP Expert 9mm. A couple of years later I picked up a USP 40 on a impulse, up to that pointed I hated .40 s&w. I had James convert that pistol to LEM sometime back and it goes to the range every trip. I deeply regret not jumping on the USP40 Expert LE trade ins a couple of years ago.

[@billassande7628]

The only real complaint I have about the USP is that they did not update the molds for a picatinny rail as that became the industry standard.

[@robosdrumworld]

@@billassande7628I agree with this. The light rail system is annoying.

[@BRE4CHnCLE4R]

Man, you guys read my mind. I just purchased a USP a few days ago. Great minds think alike. Another high quality content drop. Best channel in the game for sure.

[@johnnydanger1305]

Yea they read your mind and said, “ hey! Skip just bought a usp!!! Lets make a video about the usp because skippy just bought one!”

[@MrGetarealgun]

Best pistols I’ve ever owned, USP .40, .40 compact, USP .45, Mk23. HK for life!

[@gprojectnoob4779]

Absolutely love my USP45, first handgun i ever bought in 1998, only have about 8k rounds through her, shes still like new....

[@1911syndicate]

It’s a tank

[@jonnytestnj2668]

My first pistol I bought was a USP .45 back when I was stationed in va. I was obsessed with the mark 23 growing up, but I didn’t want to spend that much.

[@Zzero5728]

I love the LEM system, absolutely brilliant.

[@mwizardm13]

Thank you for taking my call today and following your suggestion and after watching all your videos highlighting the USP I feel bad for interrupting your day. If I had watched your USP videos first I would not have felt the need to call you as you answered all my questions and some I did not know then to ask. I appreciate your dedication to the cause, your generosity, and the unselfish sharing of the needed information that those of us within the industry rely on to accurately represent HK products that we talk about and sell on a daily basis. You are appreciated! That said, it was good to speak to you in person today and thanks.

[@civednoel1388]

I have both the USP 45 and 9mm- both with a dedicated suppressor bought in the 90s and still have it. Also have the USC converted to a UMP with dedicated suppressor and an SL8.

[@joshklaver47]

Time to convert the SL8 to a G36 and have the full set...

[@ac.1.1.z-a]

I’ve watched this video 3 times. Man the HK Usp is definitely an ultimate handgun! I love hearing about all their highlight facts that went into it. And not to mention its performance on trials to see its durability ✅ its a Frankenstein beast of a gun!

[@fanman8102]

I have a USP 40 and love it. It is the OG and I can promise you, if you can’t shoot this gun accurately during rapid fire it’s not the pistol, it’s you!

[@alexdavalos3083]

The USP 40 was the very first gun I bought in 1995. I still have it and would love to make it LEM.

[@jacobbrown1520]

As an open HK fanboy…. This is probably one of my new favorite videos on the internet.

[@1911syndicate]

My friend, the next couple weeks you’re in for a treat

[@Chrisblau]

Thanks Jacob you’re the man we appreciate the support 👊🏼

[@sundin5646]

@@1911syndicate hk45 ftw

[@maxfit68906]

The USP line is legendary. I’ve owned 2 of them for years. I’ve stayed away from the P series because for me the USP line reigns supreme and has everything I want. The USP till today commands a lot of money. You wouldn’t think so with the current firearms that’s available today but they do. The P series on the other hand are much more affordable running between $600-$700 in any caliber. The USP line even used starts at $900 and goes up from there. The USP will continue to be relevant but may be out of reach when it comes to cost.

[@ngreene5929]

Gun was so ahead of time. The platform was actually designed around the .40 cal. I am lucky to own a USP Tactical 40. I don’t think there’s a better 40 in the world. The expert, elite, 45, tacticals, etc. it truly is one of the best pistols series ever. Only knock is the USP compacts are slightly inaccurate for me

[@ridnthawave708]

@N Greene. Compact are tough for me as well. Which HK would you carry if not the compact?

[@ngreene5929]

@@ridnthawave708 I prefer the P2K

[@ridnthawave708]

@ N Greene, Thanks. I’ll check those out.

[@ugatobekittenme]

My favorite handgun ever made :) saw a gif of it one time from Neon Genesis Evangelion and that introduced me both to the anime and the gun, two things have have changed my life

[@sivanbdr]

My USP bought it in 1996 still going strong with 0 issues and its been through alot.

[@65charliemopic]

I bought my first USP in 1994. I now have 9mm, 357 Sig, 40 S&W and 45 ACP in full size, except the 357 Sig, and all in compact along with two in Expert, 9mm and 40 S&W. The compacts along with a P30SK and VP9SK see rotation for my CCW..

[@bodejbutler8484]

Still have my .40 cal USP from 95-96. Never getting rid of it. Great pistol, the OG.

[@paxtonjohanson8594]

I love his Heckler and Koch shirt!!!

[@prazcuray1388]

I’m adding one to the collection for a steal. I always wanted an HK and it’s a dope gun.

[@mikevarnerzski]

I purchased my first gun in 1994 after reading about the USP in an issue of American Handgunner. It had some great photos and talked about the design and development of the USP guns.

[@Steve_MP5]

It really gives you a better appreciation for HK overall. You know they make quality stuff, but when you hear the history things behind it, it makes my love for them that much more! 🍻🤘🏻

[@smallmantis]

Always wanted a USP and this year I realized they were taken off the CA roster in 2022. Coworker from work had one and I always talked to him about it. On his last day there we got drinks and told him we had to hit the range, I just had to find a USP first to match his. He said his always sat in the box and offered $250 for it. I ended up paying him $350 and it came with 4 mags. Put some trijicon night sites on it and went to the range to get most of my groupings at the head of the target. Best firearm purchase I've ever done.

[@1911syndicate]

Oh no way? I didn’t know they got dropped from the roster

[@lemonycactus8687]

Holy hell you robbed him. Crazy deal!!

[@toiletpaper5770]

I owned a brand new 1200 dollar Sig 1911, then a brand new Glock 23, and settled for a used USP. After I sold that gun I immediately started looking for another and found it. USP is the gun I used to look at in gun stores, never thinking I was gonna own one. My favorite pistol.

[@sink009]

My USP45 was bought because of Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare’s first mission on the boat. Couldn’t get the LAM, but did get the proper UTL with the old school incandescent bulb, and gonna be honest, it was worth every penny.

[@TexasToast712]

GG&G Picatinny rail adapter solves the proprietary rail issue and is excellent for mounting a light. It's what I use.

[@bladeflyer6]

This has one of the best intro sequences I’ve ever seen.

[@1911syndicate]

Thanks 🍻

[@cbogan15678]

Agreed. Great song choice.

[@paulhomsy2751]

The music is too loud, it covers the words.

[@clonebaw_]

One of my favorite pistols of all time. Finally got me USPc 40. Im so happy. And "75 lumens we thought we owned the night."

[@D00MerJohn]

I'm my opinion the LEM trigger , once you install a gray guns short reset kit the THE best hammer fired trigger if you don't intend to carry cocked and locked. My P30L with that upgrade is phenomenal.

[@pg2661]

I have an HK USP compact in 40SW, it is out of the box a tac driver, nothing short of an amazing gun

[@Sharpkravmaga]

Another great one, always a plus when someone explains with such clarity on a subject. Adding to my knowledge on guns I’m learning to admire.

[@Chrisblau]

James absolutely crushed the whole Hk series.

[@Sharpkravmaga]

@@Chrisblau I have to agree, H&K handguns flew under my radar until now, not anymore 😉

[@Chrisblau]

@@Sharpkravmaga same dude. I’m mad I wasn’t more into them earlier. Just overbuilt tanks that are classic and still applicable today.

[@thomasmason9070]

Had mags sights and holsters been more readily available, the USP-C would still be my carry gun. Personally I did find it to be perfection, loved the variant 9 setup.

[@1911syndicate]

Absolutely

[@natemiller448]

Still carrying a stainless USPc since '04 CompTac CTac or Crossbreed Supertuck

[@joshklaver47]

Trijicon makes night sights, and Renaissance Firearms should be able to hook you up with a nice kydex holster.

[@thomasmason9070]

@@joshklaver47 this was decades ago my man. Myself and the majority of the free world has moved on to the Glock 19.

[@joshklaver47]

@@thomasmason9070 Hence why militaries and law enforcement agencies, along with private citizens, are moving to pistols like the SIG P320.

[@jonathanfrost944]

Very cool. I have many Hk pistols, including 4 USP's. James is the go to guy for all thinks Hk.

[@Chrisblau]

You’re not wrong his encyclopedic knowledge really added so much to this whole series

[@RabidPrimeape]

I have a USP40 compact in SS. Love that pistol!

[@Cmikul25g]

The USP was my first pistol. I've been very fortunate to have had VERY good luck. I've bought 4 USP's and never paid over 400 for any of them.

[@stevemendez3535]

The mark 23 is my Make-A-Wish Gun. This is what I am hoping to purchase after I save it’s just hard to find an original one from the 90s. That’s the one I’m looking for keep your fingers crossed.

[@1911syndicate]

New MK23 you should be able to find though

[@Alltracavenger]

I was in your shoes and had to move mountains on a very tight timetable(my state was considering an AWB that would have included pistols with threaded barrels) and spent a small fortune on a maritime finished, 2000-dated MK23 with a ton of accessories and spare mags. Got it in the day before they announced the AWB ban fell through. Now, I still want a USP45 Tactical and a USP40 to complete the collection, but those weren't quite as 'bucket list' as the MK23.

[@muddyram]

I bought the full-size and compacts in 9mm, .40 and .45 and I love them all

[@CajunMarine33445]

Totally love my USP .45!! Awesome in its Variant 3 configuration

[@warrenrhinerson6373]

First gun I ever bought was a Glock 19 Gen 3. Unfortunately I was forced to sell it. But the gun I bought just because of movies was my all time favorite pistol the Walther P99AS

[@duaneolson316]

I've kept a usp .45 as a nightstand gun since it came out. Not because of Tom cruise, because of its reliability and it was the first hk that cost less than a $1000.

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

Own 4 USPs in 45 and 9mm and a FNX 45 and I love them Vedder made my IWB for my USP 45 full size and it carries well

[@jamesstafford3961]

I never thought I’d see an overproduced KZbin gun review! 😂 You guys go all out!

[@gunsandcars3648]

I try to buy every , literally every , used USP I see , have 4 in 45 ,45c, 9mm and the reason for it to exist, .40 Smith, which is its forte.

[@kennethbaker5223]

Awesome tribute to the USP! My favorite tack driver!

[@1911syndicate]

🍻

[@c.edwardbrice3470]

Love it when they have James on

[@1911syndicate]

Maybe he will come one day

[@joace8575]

USP 40 is the best 40 ever assembled.

[@ammomeister]

when I saw the USP came out in the 90s it was the pistol that I would own and replace my S&W....it took me to the year 2005 to get it.....still have my large frame USP and enjoyed taking it to the range.

[@MichaelThompson-sp1hi]

The first time i saw this gun in a movie, which i haven’t heard anyone bring up was “Way of the Gun”. Carried by our two baddies.

[@rugertaz9994]

James Williamson from Teufelshund Tactical is a walking encyclopedia on H&K, great video.

[@1911syndicate]

He’s the man

[@caseysimpson1806]

Expert review. Very well done. Looking at a USP now.

[@shadewulf]

I've owned five USPs over the years. I'm down to two .45s right now. Biggest regret was letting my USP Compact in .357 SiG go...still lookin for a couple UTLs. As an aside, streamlight has an adapter for their TLR-4 and GG&G and other companies make Picatiny rail adapters as well.

[@chrislawson8568]

This series on H&K has been awesome fellas!! I was curious when we'd all get another cheap gun challenge series though?? Those have always been my fav 😎

[@Civilian_Patriot]

I’m about to pick up a heavily used USP9 LEM for $600, just because. I love how worn it looks. I absolutely love my VP9 tactical, HK, Sig, FN top 3.

[@scottallen184]

My first pistol i bought as an adult was a 1994 marked usp 40 cal with lem trigger and was da only. It was owned by a secret service officer. I bought it in 1999. I now own 5 usp's in 40 cal all date coded in 1994. Bought each of my daughters 1994 usp 40 cals for thier 18th bdays. Also own a mark 23, 45 expert and 9mm in compact and sud compact lol.. but rarest one i own is the 357sig usp.....

[@bradleyfair4824]

I have both a USP 9MM full size and a P2000 midsize in 9MM Also. I love them both. They are great guns.

[@matthewsmiley3630]

I LOVE the way USP’s look

[@andrewbates6840]

Love the USP. Had a dozen of them in different configurations at one point. They are all now gone upon discovering the custom 1911.

[@1911syndicate]

Both are awesome

[@TheLegoJoker]

I can totally relate to that.

[@nickstavropoulos9918]

I can imagine a .40S&W V7 , nightsights and Vortex red dot, streamlight TLR 1 on it, Safari leg holster , 5 mags on the belt…that’s a weapon system right there.

[@billassande7628]

You forgot the jet funnel magwell and 16rd mags.

[@yabaovoy5314]

What a video. Love the first two minutes!!

[@Chrisblau]

Thanks for watching and the kind words dude 👊🏼

[@robosdrumworld]

I still have my USP40 LEM I almost got rid of it but nope! That’s my favorite out of all my handguns. My duty weapon is a Glock 17 and I love I also have a Glock 19. BUT I keep my USP40 at my bedside!!

[@JakeSchlade]

Excellent content, thanks. Special thanks to Mr. Williamson.

[@scottboyle7547]

I love my USP still!

[@brettnaegele158]

Ok found you guy today, glag i did, now ive gone down a rabbit hole for the last 3 hours, my first HK was a USP 45 C in the mid 90's

[@keebs_yo787]

HK USP 9mm was my first gun purchase. Sadly, I sold it because at the time (circa 2003) I was a broke Airman with orders to Korea; needed the cash and couldn’t take it with me.

[@1911syndicate]

Super bummer

[@maverick_edc4014]

Got the USP 45 expert and she shoots like a dream

[@SlimeSquare]

HK's USP series was 20 years ahead of its time.

[@Chrisblau]

Right? Thank you for saying that so true dude

[@fredstr70]

Great intro with ispiring music and desert views. Very knowlegable HK guy. Love this video ! 😊

[@michaelbillstrom170]

Ive owned a number of hk’s in the past and currently own a uspc in .357sig. Ill never sell that pistol. Ive also purchased the lem kit for my uspc and installed it myself. I just wish i could find a threaded .357sig barrel so i may have to purchase a 9mm slide assembly/mags because i love the way usp/c’s look suppressed. Im also a lefty and really like the paddle style mag release. I personally feel the usp line looks the best compared to the newer models hk has released.

[@rossifumifan1]

Excellent information in this video. Thank you.

[@xboxisbetta]

I’ve actually haven’t bought a gun because of a movie, but video games. I think that is really common now within a certain age group.

[@shaunsnow192]

Snaaaaaaaaaaaake!

[@Chrisblau]

fair point Jake always references movies i reference video games. Dude is old as dirt

[@1911syndicate]

I’m sorry what

[@xboxisbetta]

@@1911syndicate it is my belief that video games will help bring in the younger generation of gun owners. Games like MW2 launching this year will get people interested in owning real firearms.

[@tacticalprepper9980]

Still carry my HK USP 45. Best handgun ever made!

[@DIYDad1]

Oooh now do the P2000 next. We've seen so much hot HK action on here lately!

[@jimmyd1232]

THE MARK 23 AND THIS ARE YOUR BEST WORK YET!!!! YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO ROMANTICIZE THESE TRUE GEMS! What Christopher Nolan did for Batman you guys did for HK👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@scottiron6444]

Worth the cost, I bought one of these yalears ago, tone of rounds through it, any ammo type, never jammed once.

[@Gundoctor913A]

My first pistol was a USP-45 (bought by my dad, with my money, at a gunshow in 98’ when I was 16). Being ignorant of gun laws, I used to carry that pistol in my truck for years including to my first state-side duty station where it was confiscated (because I was still under 21🤦🏻‍♂️). I’ve owned a USP-45 Compact Tactical since and I currently own a USP-45 Compact with the stainless slide (just because I think it’s pretty). Mine have been great shooters.

[@920WASHBURN]

Hey this guy's much more handsome than I thought. Cleans up nice

[@apizzaparty]

If I could only have one gun to trust my life and my family’s for the rest of forever in a normal or even apocalyptic world it would be my USP. I trust my life with it more than any other firearm on this planet

[@ac.1.1.z-a]

Appreciate the cool content on a classic, iconic, beast, goat, best, bad a#&, coolest, and dopest handgun that drew me into the gun culture. I’m a collector now, and never get tired of hearing how true and durable they👍

[@lucion511]

Got myself a nice tasty beverage. Been waiting for this video to drop. Excellent work.

[@1911syndicate]

Thank ya sir

[@lucasfillman5965]

My first Gun and im German had to be a USP.45. I now have a VP9 and Im looking to get a USP compact 9mm and Ill be satisfied.

[@youpwnt]

Hey fellow german! :) It took H&K *ages* to ship my USP .45 Tactical. Had to buy another gun in the meantime, because my "Voreintrag" was about to expire.. :D A VP9 (SFP9) also is right on top of my list - but I really want it in the match configuration. Still can size it down with conversion kits later.

[@DeflocksLabs]

I know this video is 2yrs old now, but damn does this pistol just relates to so many people on a pure emotional level…

[@GuilePatrick]

I cant get my mind off Blood Diamond and Collateral now... Really love the look of that pistol...

[@1911syndicate]

It’s an awesome one

[@GuilePatrick]

​@@1911syndicate Crispy, the music you use always leaves me in awe.... I needed to emphasize that...

[@jblack128]

2:50 shooting into the dirt vibes, nailed it 😂

[@thequietmerc]

Collateral influenced me too lol.

[@1911syndicate]

Same

[@racer3212]

Have 3 and MK23 love them

[@ibpositivemostly7437]

Cool video thanks.

[@Chrisblau]

thank you 👊🏼

[@michaelw2263]

The USP Compact has and always will be one of my all time favorite firearms. Not unsurprisingly, most of my favorite firearms are from HK. Still need to acquire the holy grail of a P7M8, but in due time, I suppose.

[@Chrisblau]

Great firearm and plan on getting one after this review and working with James and Hk.

[@cadian122]

The USP series is legendary in it's own right.. Def a quality and super well made rugged gun.. Back in it's hey day of the late 90s to early 00s it was a top 3 handgun choice along with the Gen 3 Glocks and the quality German framed Sig 226s/228s/229s ... Since its zenith in that point of time its prob moved from a top 3 list to a top 10 list, but still a relevant and durable firearm... Some of the downsides of the gun is that its really more suited to .45 and .40 over 9mm and within the last 10 to 15 years where lighter higher capacity 9mms have flooded the market its def diminished the role of the USP... And being held to 13 round .40 cal mags and 15 round 9mm mags while the other common guns carry 15 and 17 isn't helping either... In the year 2022 the most relevant USP is actually the .45 because a 12 round super durable and reliable .45 makes it a top 3 combat/duty .45 handgun along with the Glock 21 and CZ P10F .45.

[@tenther5019]

A USP 40 was my first pistol purchase, and was inspired by Rainbow Six. At the time, high cap mag bans made 9mm a pointless purchase. A great pistol, but long gone to feed my 1911 habit.