Range Report: Hk USP Compact (.357 Sig) - The pistols of my carry rotation: Episode 3

[@thetexasgunvault]

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[@Cmikul25g]

My favorite pistol in my favorite caliber. You’re not alone.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am glad I am not the only person who thinks so.

[@EventHorizon1776]

My favorite pistol cartridge. Just got a USPC and wish they still made one in .357 Sig.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I agree. They need to bring them back.

[@MDpolo]

Interesting timing. Your video on the HK USP Compact popped up this afternoon as I was at my workbench cleaning my 29 year-old HK USP 45 and USP 45 Compact. Love them both. Thank you for the video.

[@thetexasgunvault]

It is amazing how stuff like that gets timed so perfectly.

[@literallynobody1515]

A superbly based caliber for a superbly based handgun.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes it is!

[@literallynobody1515]

@@thetexasgunvault Btw, I have the same pistol in the light LEM (V7) and match trigger hybrid. It *really* improves the trigger pull and gives it a predictable, defined wall and crisp trigger break. With LEM, you can very easily stage the trigger to the wall because it's practically weightless until you reach it. I highly recommend it if you want to improve its trigger and shootability. You can also buy the GG&G Picatinny rail adapter for relatively cheap and mount any modern accessory on it.

[@factsoftheconfederacy7151]

@@literallynobody1515 yeah, 357 SIG is amazing. I’m a .45 ACP guy myself, and I have been carrying an HK45c for a while now. I own a SIG P320 X-Compact in 357 SIG that I carry from time to time.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

Excellent video! I started with a Beretta 92FS in a 34 year career on the sheriff’s department. After about 8 years, i switched to the Hk USP 45 when it was finally authorized for us to carry. I just never cared for the feel of the gun. Not saying it’s an incapable firearm, but I didn’t care for it. If your thumb rests on or under the manual safety with some pressure while pulling the trigger, the gun suddenly stops shooting. It binds the trigger. Under “real world” stressful shooting incident, that could be a problem. The other issue I had was that my USP’s empty magazines would occasionally crack at times along the spot welded zig zag seam by the witness holes, when dropped on the ground during range reloading sessions. I never had Beretta nor Glock magazines crack like that ever. Once cracked, the magazines were useless. I went through a handful of those magazines during that 6 year period I carried and trained with it. So I then went back to the Beretta for a while until finally the M&P 2.0 9mm was issued to us. Then Glocks got approved near the last few years of my career and so I switched to the Gen 5 Glock 17. I liked the M&P, Beretta and Glock Gen 5 all better than any of my Hk’s. I carried a P2000sk for off duty for years until going with the Glock 43X. I also have a P2000 and a VP9. Again, Hk’s perform, but they’re just not my go to brand. All of my Hk’s are safe queens now. It’s a Ford vs Chevy thing for me. Now freshly retired, these days I primarily carry a Glock 27, 23 (40) or 32 (.357sig) as my ccw EDC.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Nothings wrong with that. Thank you for sharing your experiences and story about this pistol. I love hearing how other people handle them. It is why I am glad so there are so many options for people these days.

[@SharmutaCartel]

I just bought a Sig P320 in .357 Sig and that’s one bad ass caliber!

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes it is! I love it.

[@oldmusclecars9419]

I bought a HK .357 compact USP back 98-99 . It was serial# 0000117 and it was stolen out of my vehicle in 2002. I immediately went and bought another one because I loved it so much. I locked the second one in the gun safe and started carrying around something less expensive in my vehicle. It’s probably my favorite weapon.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am so sorry to hear about your pistol! It breaks my heart and I hope one day that you will get it back.

[@oldmusclecars9419]

@@thetexasgunvault thank you for the well wishes. Doubt I ever see the first one again. I was just stating that I love this particular weapon so much that I had to buy another one just like it and lock it up to keep it safe lol

[@michaeljones5986]

I used to have a Glock 31 in .357 SIG. One spicy round with a lot of recoil. But I loved the speed of the round.

[@thetexasgunvault]

It is one of my favorites.

[@squib3083]

I’m also a 357 Sig fan as it’s incredibly easy and cheap to reload. Apparently nobody wants the brass cuz it’s dirt cheap. My loads take a full case fill of accurate #9 which helps prevent bullet setback. Also 357 Sig pistols provide full chamber support as opposed to straight wall cartridges like 40/10mm. My G31 is one of the finest pistols I own. Glad to see you’re also a 357 Sig fan. I hope the cartridge stays alive!

[@thetexasgunvault]

Great information! Yeah, I love .357 Sig and wish it was more popular.

[@JadedGLORY2689]

Have you ever chronographed any of your 357Sig reloads? I really would like to jump into the reloading game, specifically to reload my 357SIG. I also feel like some of the major manufacturers ammo is sort of watered down compared to what it's true potential is, with some exceptions of course.

[@JayBeezy22]

Took me over 10 years of continuously looking to find one, but a few months back I was finally able to pull it off. I was talking with HK at an event about the USPC357 and asked why they were discontinued so early in their life and the reason surprisingly made sense - they weren’t originally intended for the civilian market, they more so to compete with the P229 357 for governmental and agency use. Ultimately they were never wildly fielded by any Dept in The States so they did away with them. Civilian sales weren’t great either, rounds weren’t common for them back then and were extremely pricey to add. The P2000 357 took off really well for European Police agencies, but again flopped on this side of the pond. A quite rare, but awesome pistol - shameful it never quite landed over here in America.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you for this information. All of that makes complete sense.

[@werewally3156]

Pretty sure Chris Bartocci at Small Arms Solutions said that the USP was tested by HK to 80k rounds before small parts failure. Thats NUTS.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I have heard that story too.

[@Lexicologist1971]

I've broken a couple of Sigs. I haven't broken anything on my H&Ks.

[@Phenixrising-p1p]

I have the uspc in 9 and was able to easily fix the complaints you have. Parts you need. Standard hammer Nicole plated hammer/search spring Replaced 12 pound hammer spring with a 10 pounder. I did it all my self it's not hard if you're mechanically inclined. I also installed new night sights on mine. I bought the tool since I own a few usp's My trigger pull with the 10 pound hammer strut spring dropped about 2 pounds. The nickel plated spring smoothens out the gritty trigger. Hope that helps give people some ideas. I've been working on guns most of my life, almost 60 now, and wouldn't recommend someone who doesn't have the tools or the mechanical ability to do the job. Have a gun smith do it. If they try and charge you for more than an hour of their time, they don't know what they are doing.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you for the information.

[@thedumbguncollector5546]

I stumbled on one of these in .357 as a LE model nearly unused for cheap (relative)about three years ago. My only .357 sig

[@thetexasgunvault]

You are lucky. They are pretty rare in general.

[@thedumbguncollector5546]

@@thetexasgunvault you spot these things at the most random times and never when you’re actually looking for them

[@JadedGLORY2689]

You are so lucky. I've only ever found LEO Sig 229s and 226s trade ins, chambered in 357sig. I would love a USP in .357Sig.

[@katanapr3]

I got hooked on 357sig back in 1998 when I bought my Sig SP2340 in 357sig. Over the years I have managed to grow my 357sig collection with a P229, SP2022, a 357sig barrel for my M&P Performance Center CORE 40L and lastly my HK's. I love the USP but never own one, I do own 2 VP40, one of them is chambered in 357sig.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who appreciates this caliber.

[@hivelsword]

I've got a SIG P239 in .357 SIG and it's always in my carry rotation. I actually plan on direct mounting a "K" red dot into the slide. I also use Galloway Precision +1 bases giving me 8+1. Buffalo Bore, Double Tap or Underwood loads only though. If it says "1,350 fps" on the box then I don't want it. I get 1,496 out of my 239 barrel on average. I plan on converting a 6" RIA TAC Pro Ultra to .357 SIG someday. Looking forward to see how fast those loads get.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Good points and it sounds like you have a very nice pistol there!

[@hivelsword]

@@thetexasgunvault it’s such an underrated cartridge. And it’s incredibly disappointing that SIG abandoned their own creation. I mean, I love 9mm and trust it with my life but it can’t and never will be true .357 SIG.

[@dandutre]

Great video as always

[@thetexasgunvault]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TXGRunner]

The 357 Sig is a horribly under appreciated round: it feeds better, more reliably, generates far more energy than even 9mm+P+ while having less felt recoil. I am actually quite upset at Sig for stopping production of P226, P229, and 1911 in 357 sig while they produce crazy cosmetic variations with very narrow appeal. Used Sig 1911 Nightmare Carrys (357 Sig) sell for over $200 above MSRP in 2020. Conversion kits for 357 Sig on P226 and P229 were last available in 2020 for just over $300 are now going for over $550 on eBay, used. I've seen lots of 357 Sig pistols at ranges, but I have yet to see a ZEV or ProCut in real life. At least in part, I think Sig reduced their product offerings, especially ammo offerings (they dropped 357 Sig, 38 Super, and 1 or 2 others), in order to fulfill massive government contracts. With ongoing supply issues for critical components, I am guessing they had no choice but to cut some ammo production. Or, maybe they're just led by jerk accountants who are not gun people and don't understand or care about their civilian customer base. Whatever the reason, a sizable (albeit not huge) group of shooters who like and carry 357 Sig will find ways. There are still plenty of good factory options for ammo and pistol conversions continue. I have two Browning HiPower 40s being converted to 357 Sig. I converted a Sig P229 SAO to 357 Sig (involves modifications for safety to clear slide), and I recently bought a Dan Wesson Valor bobtail (10mm, commander sized) I will have converted to 357 Sig also. Needless to say, I am very interested in a H&K USP and USP compact in 357 Sig.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am so glad to hear that there are other .357 Sig lovers out there like me.

[@gixsix6270]

My favorite police pistol. Never had a malfunction, ever.

[@thetexasgunvault]

They are built like tanks.

[@Ali-ym8ny]

Thank you Very useful information

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@tigerman3]

If H&K triggers didn't pinch my finger, I would own several. (I used to own a HK 45C, P30SK and a VP9 over the past 10 years or so.) I believe that they manufacture some of the finest polymer arms on the market.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes they do. They make some of the most robust ones as well. They are tested like few others.

[@Lexicologist1971]

My EDC is a P2000 chambered in 357 Sig. I bought it used with a 40 and 357 barrel. I've since done the same with a USPC and P2000SK.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Those are great pistols for sure.

[@Lexicologist1971]

I do like the USPC a lot. The P2000 is 100% ambidextrous with adjustable grips. The trigger isn't as good as the USPC, out of the box. Thanks to Bill Springfield, the triggers are now really close.

[@norcalmex]

Sold my stainless steel 40 compact. Kick myself for 6 years then got an all black 40 now I’m looking for a 357 oem barrel. But I will always miss my two tone. 😢

[@thetexasgunvault]

Those two tones are great looking pistols.

[@norcalmex]

Got a 9mm stainless steel slide.😃

[@Machi74005]

Interesting. I have a USP in 9mm and also 45acp. It is my understanding at one time the Florida State Police carried .357 Sig chambered pistols.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I did not know about the Florida State Police. I did know that Texas DPS used Sigs P226s in .357 Sig.

[@jimchambers7548]

I think if Sig would've called the round 9mm Magnum itd be sells through the rough. That HK is a sweet pistol, I have the other OG pistol designed for 40S&W. The early 90s Geramn 229. Enjoyed watching 👍

[@thetexasgunvault]

I think that is a really good idea actually and you are probably right.

[@MrKingArthurhk]

I have a Glock 40 caliber competition model, optics ready, I put an aftermarket.357 sig. barrel.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Does it perform well? I bet it does.

[@MrKingArthurhk]

@@thetexasgunvaultIt does.

[@MrKingArthurhk]

⁠It does.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

DA pull on the u_s_p 45 is a beast.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes it is!

[@Lexicologist1971]

I have no issues with it. I've used my hands for most of my life.

[@craigbenz4835]

I have the 357 Sig barrel for my P226 in 40. Fortunately, it doesn't have 40 on the slide or frame.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yeah, I like the markings to match the caliber too.

[@georgemacewan9674]

I'm with you. .357 SIG is THE Round. I have this same pistol and it's a real keeper. Is this DAO ? Mine is DA/SA with a nice hammer spur. It's easily concealable and comfortable to carry. I always have two mags on me when I carry it. Prior to this I carried my duty, a SIG 229 but in .357 SIG. The USP is just simply a little more comfortable. Love it. I train for the most part in .40 S&W, but always carry in a very hot .357 SIG load. I love it!!

[@thetexasgunvault]

This one is SA/DA.

[@45forall]

Interesting fact is that this particular 357 slide is missing the graved or lasered production year markings (like your BC stamped 40 slide, which is made 2012) on the side. Some goes for the the serial number. Never seen something like this. 😮 Nice Video 😊🎉!

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yeah, they only did that on parts that were put on guns and pressure tested.

[@stottsfineart9481]

You do a great job on your videos. You speak well and very informative. I have a question maybe some don't ask, but what about the 357 sig and other calibers and hearing damage if you have to fire it without hearing protection? I'm assuming they are louder because of the higher speeds. I already have hearing damage from growing up as a teen in the construction business before hearing protection was provided.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Good question! I am not an audiologist. Any gunshot will hurt your hearing, but .357 is not much more than .40. In small doses in a self defense scenario, it will not do much more than any other caliber.

[@stottsfineart9481]

@@thetexasgunvault thanks for the input.

[@dandutre]

Right now you can buy a new Beretta 92 for less than $500

[@kevinrichardson8859]

Where??? Can you get a new Beretta 92 new for less than $500??

[@dandutre]

Classic firearms.

[@dandutre]

@@kevinrichardson8859 classic firearms website

[@thetexasgunvault]

That is a good deal.

[@leodoingthings1706]

strange, my upsc hammer is completely different and i can cock it

[@thetexasgunvault]

It seems like some were made different.

[@leodoingthings1706]

@@thetexasgunvault mine is release model, it got even different slide and markings. First year of USPC, you can only find those on early 90s catalogues. My tritium is fading;)

[@ehornad]

Slow Clap 👏

[@thetexasgunvault]

Is that good or bad?

[@matusmikoviny]

2 bad none of them in eastern europe to buy

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am sorry.

[@matusmikoviny]

@@thetexasgunvault Now i am left with worst dilema ever, USP Compact in .40 or glock 32 in .357 😅

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning, Jason, 357 Sig is an interesting calibre. Which I am set up to reload on one of my Dillion's. At this moment I don't own one. But I do have two 1911 frames with my favourite gunsmith Victor Precision. I was originally planning on a 10mm, then a 38 Super build, but I may have to make the 10mm a dual calibre gun. Problem is the barrel; I will need to start looking. By the way I am impressed with its accuracy. I have been told the round is a flat shooter.! I am willing to give you a 5 Roo review 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

[@Edward-wd5gl]

Making excuses for an overpriced Fudd gun 🫤

[@thetexasgunvault]

Fudd? I think you are the only person in history to call a Hk a Fudd gun.

[@TXGRunner]

I don't think that word means what you think it means. In addition to never having seen Elmer Fudd with a pistol, I doubt very much the "guns are only for hunting" crowd are H&K's target market.

[@Lexicologist1971]

If you squeeze the DA trigger slowly, it won't feel nice. Shoot it like you mean it and it performs.