The HK USP 45

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The HK USP 45 is in my mind one of the most iconic pistols to have ever been designed. Along with other legendary handguns like the 1911, Browning Hi Power, CZ75 and others it falls into a category of handguns that endures despite the passage of time. In many ways it is certainly eclipsed by newer designs - but despite that I feel that many are still drawn to this behemoth 45 Caliber pistol. In today's video we'll talk at length about HK, the USP 45 and a lot of the considerations that brough this weapon to fruition to include the MK23 SOCOM program. :)
00:00 CSGO HK USP 45 Intro
0:41 HK USP 45 Cinematic Intro
1:58 Some guns design last forever
3:22 Sponsors :))))
5:27 HK USP 45 Overview/History MK23
9:58 Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
13:58 Griffin Armament Cam Lok Suppressor system
15:35 HK USP 45 Slide
17:00 Sights
17:20 Recoil System
18:00 Accessory Rail
18:57 Teutonic sized Slide Release
19:50 Safety
20:52 Paddle Magazine Release
21:45 How to Reload the HK USP 45
23:01 Ghost that Trigger together
24:57 Magazine is the same as MK23 (almost)
26:40 End thoughts for the HK USP 45
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[@TrangleC]

This man is such an operator that he naturally grew a beret on his head.

[@maddog8004]

The new beret haircut looks a bit no a lot like a wig go ahead embrace the boldness

[@mikestrunk3282]

Nice observation! Ha...ha

[@CTLOGT]

Its even formed better than most berets I've seen! Haha

[@christopherpeterraby]

lol

[@ThePatriotParadox]

I heard it was naturally green 😂

[@Nordheide]

German paratrooper here. The P8 (a variant of the USP 9mm) is used by the German military since HK built it. Most of the pistols we use are from the very first production. They got treated like shit, dropped hundreds of times and shot over 100.000 rounds (150gr!). And they still work absolutely fine. Crazy engineering.

[@thatchsmash]

Amazing weapon!. My first ever purchased handgun was a USP compact some 20 odd years ago. Not a single issue or malfunction after many thousands of rounds. I have a Paratrooper son with the 173rd....maybe he'll get to jump with y'all one day.

[@Nordheide]

@@thatchsmash Yes, it is. Would love to own one, but I live in Europe… Congrats to your son! I already jumped with a few of the 173rd during the exercise „market garden“.

[@thatchsmash]

@@Nordheide sucks with the gun laws over there.....but you have a beautiful country and people. Was in Munich area Germany a decade ago for several months and when I came back home I immediately felt like I just came back to a dirty third world dump where no one could drive. And absolutely none of the "beer" here has tasted right to me ever since 🍺

[@Nordheide]

@@thatchsmash Haha yh I think I can agree with that. It’s good that you guys can own and carry guns, cause you really need them. I’m kind of glad that not everyone is allowed to own guns over here, cause we also have a lot of people that would do stupid shit if they had access to guns. Then everyone would need them here, too. But I understand you guys want to keep your rights and I support that. And tbh, if good US citizens would drop all of their guns, the bad ones will keep them and then the good ones are fucked.

[@sugandesenuds6663]

N FALLI, aber ist objektschutz infanterie?

[@jerryz6438]

Little known design fact about the USP 45. During a speed reload with the slide locked, if you slam a loaded mag in at the natural angle the slide will release forward without hitting the slide release. It takes a little practice, but when you master it, you have the fastest reloading gun.

[@J.Young808]

CZ P-10’s also do this

[@SH00T1NGM0NK3Y]

My fnx 45t does this aswell. Love it.

[@icecoldkilla2504]

if i smack my glock19X magazine inside sometimes it sends the slide forward

[@tomisamish]

Gen 1 s&w m&p's do this so reliably they "upgraded" the gen 2 to get rid of it.... smh

[@justindurand9110]

Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of shooting the USP, hopefully I will someday. However, I can say that most pistols will slam load. At least the ones I have owned and shot will.

[@ButtKickington]

The USP is one of the best guns in the game since it allows the CT to more easily win pistol rounds.

[@duychung3314]

only if you can aim with it lmao, because if you can't hit your shots, you're still ded lol

[@NekoTalk]

@@duychung3314 that goes for every gun in cs

[@robertomorais4216]

yeah but we are not AI Bots dude ...

[@robertomorais4216]

the HK USP plataform is such a gem pistol man make fell capable and tactical but the caliber is the big issue, I know 45 lovers gonna hate this but the P8 variation in 9mm still my choice in a real life danger situation

[@jbird9218]

@@robertomorais4216man they are both great capable rounds. As always, stick with what you shoot best/are most comfortable with.

[@toddcarter156]

The USP has the qualities of a strong German woman, very dependable, aesthetically pleasing, and thicker than a bowl of oatmeal.

[@thunderring8056]

Then what’s the Mark 23, a taller body builder?

[@bombomos]

And has long reach ;)

[@grimproteusverum]

@@thunderring8056 Her older sister that's DTF but unfortunately, unintentionally intimidates everyone in proximity due to presence alone?

[@GryphonIndustrial]

@@grimproteusverum You win.

[@grimproteusverum]

@@GryphonIndustrial Cheers. I refrained from traumatizing everyone unlucky enough to see my comment with a worse image involving Angela Merkel...

[@muddyram]

James is an absolute stellar human being and a walking wiki of HK knowledge. He helped me quite a bit when I was searching for my first MP5. A legit gentleman and scholar and outstanding Marine.

[@alonzokincaid1362]

AGNÉZ huh? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@peterharmon7852]

Auto? I wanna try! Haha living the dream

[@rocko7928]

Who is james

[@enotina777]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHWwqaaaptRgY6M

[@muddyram]

@@rocko7928 James Williamson. Friend of mine who probably knows more about HK than HK does at this point. Very professional. This is his KZbin channel kzbin.info/door/Dy7rfk9VQhT2249lgbEBhw

[@MrCooper89]

I would love to see H&K run a special-run of USP's with an optics cut and an updated mount for lights.

[@hunterprokurat9909]

They could do so much with it, its a shame they just make fun of customers

[@funnyyylock]

@@hunterprokurat9909 To be fair this is one of their many endeavors. I'm sure they don't care to much.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

and, you know, a rail...

[@icupopavictorsierra3138]

Wonder if a machine shop could mill the rail to 1913?

[@LIONTAMER3D]

@@icupopavictorsierra3138 at this point, it's better to go with a better 45 acp platform entirely; one that has a rail, more capacity, more aftermarket parts & services, etc....

[@phukit-lol]

I bought my USP .45 in 2005. I have never had a misfire or any problems with the pistol or magazines. Very reliable weapon!

[@CoolSmoovie]

USP45. A early game designers favorite weapon to model since it’s basically two rectangles forming an L

[@LeadFarmer_84]

Glock: "Am I a joke to you?!"

[@Xerxes1688]

And so it's the Glock, since it's even more squared than the USP.

[@julian23561]

Its a sexy gun. A glock is a tupperware, where as the USP is fine China and silverware.

[@yalebaisley3899]

And it feels like it too! Lmao

[@texasbeast239]

Daggum polygon programmers.

[@doorcharge0]

It's the standard issue service pistol here in Ireland. Pretty solid gun, from my COD4 experience

[@Gallboynarossan]

@Charlote i wonder do these ever work

[@haydenvowell6532]

By far the funnest pistol in cod4

[@hoppinggnomethe4154]

@@Gallboynarossan don't click

[@theone-tg4ey]

Lel

[@BudgiePanic]

@@Gallboynarossan No, its a zombie account that spams this all over KZbin until it gets banned

[@paulcabinatan2390]

USP was the gun I always wanted, after growing up playing Metal Gear

[@joshuasmith6346]

Get one

[@KennethSchmitt]

I got mine also because of metal gear and many other games/movies. It’s 100% worth it. I opted for the 45 to take full advantage of the recoil system and for it being a big gun

[@jefftraboulsy8631]

The USP line of handguns and also the Mk23 are absolute STUDS of a pistol. They're ridiculously insane and quite frankly, Just. Too. Cool.

[@P90XGetRipped]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate the effort and quality Mike and his team put into these videos? Thanks Mike and team for producing this great content!

[@eligranados9515]

That intro...

[@soonerfrac4611]

Steven Spielberg is jelly at this point.

[@JordanJimmyDavison]

Yes let’s all simp for flannel daddy!

[@JordanJimmyDavison]

@stovepipe wow you put maximum effort into that comment. Congratulations 🎈

[@calvinthomas1642]

I love that they captured that slow-ass .45 truckin' downrange in the intro. Fine camera work, gents 👌

[@rustyshackleford17]

The firing pin on my USP9 broke around 70,000 rounds. Never had a problem since. It's beyond me why H&K has never bothered updating the gun with a 1913 rail. It's the only thing that hasn't stood the test of time with that gun.

[@pranavkamath4329]

The updated USP is the p30, nearly the same internal with updated ergonomics and a rail

[@IWillSmurfYou]

@@pranavkamath4329 P30 doesnt come in .45

[@workingguy6666]

@@IWillSmurfYou Yeah, I just spent the time based on Pranav's post, and found the same. Pranav, why you lying?

[@pranavkamath4329]

@@IWillSmurfYou Original comment was talking about a 9mm USP, so that’s what was running though my head

[@IWillSmurfYou]

@@pranavkamath4329 yeah but the video is about .45 so I wanted to point that out for anyone unsure. But I guess HK45 is basically P30 in .45 right

[@robertsmith9156]

I purchased mine in1995 when the USP 45 was first available. I still have it to this day. I bought the UTL light for it as well as a match trigger group from HK. I also added the tactical HK threaded barrel when I mated it with an Advanced Armament suppressor. It sounded like dropping a bowling ball on the ground. I have gone through a number of firearms through the years but I would never give up my USP 45. When the gun was new, I took it to the range and the first 3 rounds went through the same hole. Accuracy is always superb. Awesome pistol!

[@AA-le3xe]

Pretentious.

[@vais3]

The USP’s are some of the best pistols on the market. Definitely a well thought out and designed duty firearm. The update done to the HK45 series is also very well thought out. Definitely need an HK45 to add to the collection.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

it was designed as a primary weapon, not a "back up" pistol lol

[@Albertalorian]

The HK 45 is my absolute favorite, USP and Beretta 92's tied for second.

[@lefonwastaken3393]

HK45 tactical is such a beautiful pistol!

[@JamesBairdJr]

I bought the HK USP 45 Tactical. Took the weapon through SWAT school, and fired almost 1000 rounds in a day. Never cleaned it that day, and never had a problem. Still accurate though the end of the day. Cleaning it that night sucked, but it NEVER malfunctioned. Carried for many years until we were issued 1991s. Still have it.

[@hansrichter5607]

USP! Grüße aus Deutschland!

[@lucastonoli3256]

You were issued 1911?? Why? Seems so random.

[@JamesBairdJr]

@@lucastonoli3256 our tactical team was issued 1911s to carry

[@andyhenderson441]

I put 950 rounds through an FNX 45 in about 3 hours. Not saying it isn't a feat, but it isn't unique to HK.

[@JRock3091]

@@JamesBairdJr Tell them to shove that old pos where it doesn't shine USP is a superior pistol

[@Cmikul25g]

USPc was my first gun. After years of adding in all other “popular” guns I realized I really like the USP the most. Sold all my guns and bought more USP’s.

[@mj.arkhenium6853]

Based

[@f308gtb1977]

You can’t have too many USP’s.

[@christofonobrown3659]

And whenever the frenzy starts calming down you can find them at pawn shops for $500.

[@crumply5959]

Its like getting your first girlfriend and then breaking up and going through many relationships until your on the verge of jumping off a bridge and then realizing that your first girlfriend was one and u marry her.

[@m00seknucklejohnson45]

I agree with This line of thought. My first was also usp 45 compact and it kinda ruined me I never really got on the glock bandwagon because of this.

[@oldesertguy9616]

Carried an HK USP45 for my last 11 years in uniform, and the Compact version while in plain clothes. Great weapons. Every time I shoot one I remember why I fell in love with it in the first place. My department just recently went to the Sig 320 after carrying the HK for 20 plus years, most of them originally bought in 1999 and 2000. We still had spare parts I bought in 1999 that were never needed.

[@billyboyd418]

My first handgun was a USP45 followed by a HK45C, great guns and they always work without fail. Great video.

[@abefroman4953]

Traded up my 1911 for a USP 45 as a duty weapon in the late 1990's and I've never looked back. Literally thousands and thousands of rounds with zero issues.

[@impracticality2312]

Now that is what I call reliability Awesome Sexy German Firearm

[@Yan_Rasso]

My father swears by his. It’s a smooth and rugged Pistol I have no idea how many rounds he’s put through his but it’s for sure 20 years old or so

[@btumminaro]

My first airsoft gun back in 2002 was the MK23. I’m basically a Navy SEAL. Obviously.

[@jason4147]

Let’s go Brandon!

[@Centermass762]

I have a MK25/226 Navy that was auctioned off for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. I can tell you're basically a SEAL because I am as well.

[@Aphabet21]

I played call of duty and own the M13. That makes me British SAS. Obviously.

[@Saanonymous80]

I see your MK23 and raise you a MK3/MOD 0

[@Centermass762]

@@Aphabet21 thank you for your service, sir.

[@FergusScotchman]

My first self-bought firearm was a HK USP 45 about 30 years ago for about $600, and it is still my favorite pistol of all time to shoot. It's just amazingly simple technology that just works and works. Could never ccw it though! For home, it's awesome. Mushy trigger is def the weak point, especially for such an accurate firearm.

[@tedracine3029]

I’m happy you had an enjoyable and positive review. That’s a USP Tactical btw with its threaded and O ringed barrel. I got my plain 45 in ‘98 and loved it but longed for a better trigger. It was at the time the only pistol with a factory light attachment point and light made for it which showed its worth in a dark house 360 shoot at the Firearms Academy of Seattle. With its ultra reliable magazine I never had a hangup in nearly 30,000 rounds of reloads. At the time pre 9/11 there were 2 small outfits that made magazine extensions for it bumping capacity to 17 +1. In 2001 I upgraded to an Expert 45 with an O ring barrel and match trigger. Bruce Gray, formerly of Team HK tweaked my trigger to 2 lbs and modded a 40 jet funnel to really smooth reloads. All in all this is one of my favorite 45s and shooters. While I haven’t shot this in about 5 years I’m wanting to bring it back into competition. I agree it’s a sexy Rexy to have while that barrel while having 100,000+ rounds once hit steel out to 100 yards 8 out of 10x standing 2 handed. So glad others enjoy this blaster as much as I do- it’s a keeper.

[@WTFisTingispingis]

Remember, switchin' to your sidearm is quicker than reloadin'. - Gaz, 2007.

[@MrTomWaffles]

*switchin' to your pistol

[@volusian95]

Knoife da wauhmelon

[@El-Burrito]

It's quicker to switch to your knife and switch back again to your L96 instead of operating the bolt.

[@M3PH11]

errrrrr i hate to tell you this kid but i said that back in 1998. I wish you to edit you comment with the correct atribution. Thanks. Also Boom. HEADSHOT!

[@CybrSlydr]

And it's quicker to run with your knife.

[@thedumbguncollector5546]

USP is probably the most insanely overbuilt handgun ever…except for the MK23.

[@MRsolidcolor]

its the good and the bad of hk.....

[@chrisoffutt8968]

USP is kind of a Mk23 compact

[@23GreyFox]

Just like old times.

[@nobody-ye9rx]

Mk23 is an over engineered USP, change my mind

[@nobody-ye9rx]

@@killdizzle if I recall correctly the “refinements” were simplifications to the design, which doesn’t change my belief. However I’m not a huge HK nerd so I’m probably wrong on that

[@TheUserUnknown]

Years ago I passed up a USP .45 for a German P226 in 357SIG + a .40 barrel. I kinda wish i had got the USP but a proper max pressure 357SIG round is no joke. I still get regrets times like these.

[@Jackedhobbit]

If you’d like to fix that mistake I know a guy.

[@Nash7.62]

0990

[@joe3USA]

Very first handgun that I bought at 21 years old. Still my favorite handgun I own 25 years later. I would love it if HK made a USP 2 with a standard rail and optics cut out.

[@andrew-rn9ui]

Just get a 2011

[@tsuchinoko9417]

​@@andrew-rn9ui you're suggesting a man instead of getting a remix of a gun get a remix of a gun

[@HKGunPlay]

Same here I bought my first one at 21 and have had it for over 17 years now. It’s never malfunctioned and is beautiful.

[@AA-le3xe]

Such real-world predicaments you have, huh?

[@Buth838]

I have a ‘95 USP45 and it’s been through hell and back, most reliable and still dead accurate, wouldn’t trade it for the world and will always remain in my collection

[@basedWisco715]

I also have a ‘95 45, made the same year I was born. You physically cannot tell the difference between it and the one I purchased brand new in 2019, except for the “pat pend” on the grip lol

[@LIONTAMER3D]

the finish on this pistol is impossible to "wear out"

[@Buth838]

@@LIONTAMER3D you haven’t owned one and put it through the ringer. No finish is indestructible. This one has held up greatly but the barrel finish on the first year models is trash tbh. Still it does it’s part and doesn’t rust except the barrel hood where it’s bare metal.

[@usersatch]

Me too! Love it!

[@GrimrDirge]

I switched to a P226 after 10 years of carrying a USP 9MM, simply because I like the grip feel better. Still, I have great love and respect for the USP which never malfunctioned once in about 6k rounds. Staggering reliability.

[@scottie4849]

Toss it. That one malfunction might be the death of you

[@TheOneWhoSimps]

@@scottie4849 🤦‍♀️

[@thesituation5315]

@@scottie4849 Reading comprehension.

[@darksu6947]

@@thesituation5315 Subtle humor*

[@spook407]

@@scottie4849 the comment literally said *never* . As in, zero malfunctions

[@kellybe2228]

It’s my duty weapon and was my SWAT weapon for the last 17years. It’s never failed to feed, eject and has never double fed👍🏼 I also have the VP9sk which feels like a mini USP 45👍🏼 Great hand cannon‼️

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

I had the HK USP 45 C, the compact version of the pistol you reviewed. I regret having sold it. It was an awesome concealed carry piece. Lots of firepower in a small, easily controlled package.

[@bri13wvu1]

very cool, that was a cool gun and I think they are pretty desirable/rare now. The .45 USPC was a little bigger than the 9 and .40. There was also the USP 45 CT (compact tactical) that had threaded barrel and suppressor height sights. I had the opportunity to get one of those years ago and wish I had. Kind of a predecessor to the HK45 compact & tactical variants but better grip and blockier.

[@triprack]

I'm sporting a USP 45 Tac with an Octane 45K on it and it is serious accurate and stupid quiet. Hands down favorite of all my handguns, and there are a bunch...

[@garytraylor4920]

I started out with the HK USP 40 as a duty weapon in Dallas County. I fired thousands of rounds thru ion the range. I loved the smoothe power and accuracy of the USP 40. I transitioned to the HK USP 45 later on. I love the power and accuracy of the weapon. I never have had a jam on either weapon. The reliability is outstanding, and worth every Penny when your life is on the line. The USP 45 has more recoil and requires more recovery time, but I was able to adapt after practice. The tactical team here all use H&K weapons for the reliability.

[@jakeyarbrough7315]

Man, love your videos. Been wanting a v1 for a long while and this has made up my mind.

[@Bayrunner87]

I feel like this particular review video came deep from the heart. You can just see the love

[@user-ri4uu4hs7c]

The official service pistol in Greek police (9mm) among with the compact version. Very reliable! Greetings from Greece

[@Dusk.EighthLegion]

Apologies if this is a stupid question, but do Greek police have them in all of Greece, islands included? Or do they only have them on mainland Greece?

[@ThePatriotParadox]

USP in 9mm is one of my favorite HK's and the VP9

[@EXP234]

As a proud USP owner, this video made me incredibly happy especially reading all the comments of fellow USP owners. In my area its 1911, Glock or bust, definitely feel like a black sheep.

[@trevtravel]

We are black sheep when it comes to finding AIWB holsters for the gun lol.

[@azdesertmedic1904]

@@trevtravel or any holster period. I’ve been rocking a Blackhawk serpa since I first bought mine.

[@trevtravel]

@@azdesertmedic1904 I bought a SafariLand OWB off of Amazon for like $40. It's great. But the IWB holsters are so hard to find, especially the AIWB. I have an Alien Gear that's meant for 4 o'clock or small of back, but it just doesn't work for appendix.

[@maryethequene240]

People have a hard time grasping the fact that the USP is the greatest handgun ever made.

[@darkheathen6765]

The fudds and poors don't understand

[@christopherdavisson617]

The first handgun I ever purchased was an HK USP 45 compact. I still miss that gun. I always wanted a full sized USP 45. Went with the compact because it was my every day carry and the full size was just a huge pistol to conceal. That being said, my USP Compact was a very robust, reliable, and durable pistol. The USP will forever be my all-time favorite polymer semiauto. Beautiful, tough, and ahead of its time. I will have one someday. Great video as always. Thanks, Garand Thumb!

[@kapota8681]

Still my favourite video on your channel! I watched it like 10 times lol I just love the vibe of that intro and THE USP TACTICAL OH LORD I just love how this gun looks

[@jonathandurham816]

Watched this video several times, think I have to agree

[@AA-le3xe]

Please do something more productive than watching this video 10 times.

[@kapota8681]

@@AA-le3xe Well now its about 20 but how about doing something more productive than giving poor advices to strangers on youtube lol

[@chach3]

The first gun I ever bought was a USP 40. The USP holds a special place in my heart.

[@phillypreppers6652]

I own lots of guns but my USP .40 is the one I’d bet my life on to run perfectly every time. And yes I’ve owned Glocks, Sigs, and just about every other major manufacturers pistols.

[@timunderbakke8756]

Same for my dad (well, first pistol), but the compact .40. I grew up in high school shooting a usp compact so it holds a special place for me. I’m in my 30s now and hope I’m the kid that gets it in the will someday.

[@fritzd2116]

My first 40 cal weapon was a USP-40 I bought waayyy back in 1994. Love that gun.

[@PaulAmerican]

If the ups wasnt the size of a rocket launcher then I wouldnt have a problem carrying one full time

[@CrashRacknShoot]

@@PaulAmerican well yeah, you're doing it wrong by holding a big brown truck.

[@thedude5241]

Bought a HK USP 9mm Match while stationed in Germany back in 2000. Still my favorite and most accurate pistol, even after well over 20k rounds.

[@liquidsteel]

I did also when stoned over there but in .45

[@Dedncide]

Opening sequence is great. Your editors are on top of their game.

[@crwoodjr]

Thanks for the detailed overview and history! Very interesting

[@patrick0823]

Important piece to remember: the USP in 9mm was also designed for the german Military! Thx adopted it as the P8! Was trained on it, during my time in the german navy. The P8 hast the Same dinensions Like the USP 45, this means it ist just massively overbuilt! (Which helps with reliability)

[@timberwolf2459]

In Germany, there is no such thing as "over-built". There is sufficient... ...and there is insufficient.

[@matth7029]

It wasn’t designed for the German military. H&K simply came out with a 9mm offering (as most manufacturers in the 90s did with their .40 S&W models) and the German military adopted it as the P8. The P8 comes with land and groove rifling and manipulation of the safety is reversed (down for safe).

[@braunlajon]

In words of Boris the Blade: "Heavy is good, heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work, you can always hit him with it!"

[@HubiD]

And the dimensions are not identical. The .45 ACP is slightly larger than the ones chambered in 9x19 and .40 S&W

[@YummiestEver]

I've had a usp for 17 years. Never misfires. Literally never. It's just as good as the day I purchased it

[@shaunharrison9618]

Same

[@mrs.vasquezz]

Well yea, you probably never shoot 😋

[@YummiestEver]

@Mrs. Vasquez III you're reading into it too much

[@mrs.vasquezz]

@@YummiestEver probably. My Apologies

[@YummiestEver]

@@mrs.vasquezz lol

[@PeterGKO]

Absolutely love this gun. The Mark23 is epic, and has so much history to talk about, but at a $2,000+ price tag and very limited numbers produced each year, they are a bit out of reach so to speak. At less than half the price of the Mark 23, USP45 is absolutely a good alternative.

[@smptactical259]

Totally agree, love my HK USP 45 Tactical, threaded barrel, o-ring for precise barrel lock up, and improved SA trigger.

[@tyw2675]

I carry a USP Compact in 9mm. It is the most accurate weapon I own. When I first got out to the range to test it two years ago, it had been a long time since I trained, but I was driving nails. Absolutely incredible firearm. I don't even care if it's "obsolete" by today's standards. And I agree - the USP is a beautiful weapon.

[@drdre4397]

If it shoots well and you like it then it ain't obsolete.

[@Zigtyr]

Who the hell is calling it obsolete? It is the pinnacle of modern handguns.

[@trevtravel]

It does take extra training to manage that DA trigger pull on the first shot. Something I work on every time I'm at the range.

[@no_regerts5176]

Carried the USP as a duty gun for several years. I still hear it in my head: “scan, decock, safe, reholster”

[@HKGunPlay]

I have an uk usp 40 compact and have had it for over 15 years and it’s still one of my top favorites

[@tristonloux966]

Very cool to see some in depth details on these guns. Also I’m digging the beard

[@BPeterson730]

I chose the HK 45 over USP. I couldn’t pass it up because of the price and both guns I purchased had some cool significance by having sequential serial numbers..Thanks for the video Mike!

[@dontfallyoumighthurtyourse4694]

@Mk18 No, unless you're suppressing.

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

Both are great. Nightstand gun USP 45. Carry gun HK45 (or HK45 Compact).

[@DrSkrungle]

You chose wrong

[@M2fiftycal]

I got the HK45C and picked up a USP 9. Both in LEM. Just all around great guns.

[@andrewreil3938]

@Mk18 yes.

[@evangreen7562]

Love the video. Incredibly detailed discussion on the development and nuanced features of the pistol. I’ve owned HK polymer pistols the Mk23, and USPs for nearly 20 years and learned alot. Also appreciate the advice on winter exercise! Very important that we stay trained up and ready! God speed sir!

[@timsimmons9995]

Your video quality has vastly improved! Very cool.

[@bobjones-bt9bh]

USP .45 is the smoothest shooting gun I've fired. I own a Shadow 2 Orange as well along with a mid-tier 1911, PPQ and several others from various makes. My Ranger student concurs about this. Have shot so many different firearms over the years and am still impressed by how this thing runs even after 25 years of ownership. Truly the most durable and reliable autoloader ever built. Precision machine. I've given it to Glock guys (another of my students runs exclusively Glock 9s) with +P 230gr HSTs and seen them shoot tighter groups string after string than with their own Gs having never shot the USP before. Add a match trigger to it and it improves it that much more. An all-time firearm. Built around the .40 but it has that mojo in .45.

[@CharlieTPete]

Picked up a USP .45 5 years ago after wanting one since I was 10 and got to shoot one at a range. I will never get rid of it, it's such a solid pistol and so aesthetically pleasing. What an icon.

[@glassjar7814]

I remember my dad carried a 9mm USP for most of my childhood and young adult life. Definitely my grail handgun to own

[@RrRr-or5tw]

I don’t know why but I read his childhood instead of my childhood was a bit confused for a second.

[@dainwalkup7612]

Anyone wanna talk about that amazing angle from Micah, catching the round in slow mo travel to that steel target and spall in the water? Beautiful.

[@peterlee7844]

I'm new to this channel, and so far my favorite part, is that it's like having weapons explained to you by Christian Bale. It's awesome. Thanks guys!

[@wagonteeth4837]

USP trigger is easily improved with HK nickel sear for around $10. Can be made even batter with the match trigger kit. +2 and +3 extensions are available as well.

[@astromoosie]

The extension is for the 45 or 9mm? Good info!

[@joseramirez9599]

Would the match trigger kits reduce the USPs reliability?

[@WallyBGoode]

Agreed...The match trigger in my expert model is a dream to click

[@pranavkamath4329]

@@joseramirez9599 doesn’t change the actual way the trigger works, just some nicer surfaces and slightly different springs. It’s also an HK factory kit, so I’m confident they tested it extensively

[@spark6033]

match trigger with the short reset from grayguns is pure sex

[@MossA-ox7ys]

HK should really update this pistol with larger mag release paddles and a 1913 rail system (I know you can buy the G&G rail adapter but it makes the light hangs a little lower than where it should be)

[@servicerifle16]

You can also install an HK45 mag release to make the paddle larger. It's a "must" upgrade on all my USPs and P2000s.

[@MossA-ox7ys]

@@servicerifle16 good to know, im still in the market for a USP 45 Tactical. Once I find one for sale, I'm getting it

[@IronAntOilpatch]

Extended mag releases are just aftermarket parts to expect to buy. Firing pin, fire pin spring, trigger pack spring worth buying too.

[@mrkeogh]

Or buy an Insight UTL. Retro lights FTW! 😉

[@mrkeogh]

@@servicerifle16 IIRC the entire fire-control system is the same except the HK45 safety-decocker levers are different.

[@waldo4133]

Love my usp 45 ! Best gun I’ve ever shot and most reliable amongst plethora of service weapons I’ve had

[@AceFalken]

was getting into that workout grind extremely solidly after a break up but then i get hit with SRV and been dying for a week now. USP 45 has always been one of my dream guns.

[@krugerdw]

I’m always baffled when people say “USPs are way too big and heavy” when they’re lighter than a Sig 226 or a Beretta 92 and are almost the exact same size. I have average sized hands and the full sized USP feels great. I absolutely love the combination of safety/decocker and the ability to convert to different safety configurations, but the lack of a 1913 rail is disappointing and the trigger guard doesn’t need to be the size of Connecticut.

[@f308gtb1977]

Lack of 1913 or P2000-style rail is the USP’s single [and huge] liability.

[@philweed1603]

Big trigger guard design for use with gloves. Duh.

[@Mountain_Yeti]

The 45 is a bit beefier than the usp9 and takes some getting used to but it’s very smooth shooting and yeah, you’re spot on about the size and weight. The FNX is a close 2nd but the trigger on the USP is so much nicer, especially the match version in the expert.

[@77professional]

The USP 45s grip is big, but the paddle mag release allows a shooter without gorilla hands to change mags easily.

[@f308gtb1977]

@@77professional yup I have medium hands and have always just used my trigger finger on the paddle. Easy peasy.

[@hiramabiff28]

My 2nd pistol I had purchased was a USP 45 Tactical. Still shooting it to this day. It's a work horse! Still shoots amazing after putting sooooo many rounds thru it.

[@pewsandpews]

I bought my two-tone USP 45 years ago as my first “fighting pistol”. Some hardships made me sell off several others, but I always kept my USP. At one point, I found an exact match for sale, and bought it just for the fun of double-wielding (which I never did). Instead I gave it to the man who taught me to hunt. I hope he still feeds her from time to time.

[@dougalbert9070]

For me it is my favorite, my dad(glock guy lol) bought it and hated it. He gave it to me as a birthday/Christmas gift which was awesome. It’s been almost 20 years. I’ve put a red dot and osprey suppressor and a light on it. It’s my “shit is going down” sidearm. It makes me happier than any of my sidearms to shoot. In the hands of a USP operator, it is surgically accurate! Final note! Did you really quote Cyrus?!?!?!?!?!?!? Good stuff and great videos!

[@anthonydelatorre9046]

My first handgun was a glock 35 and I had well over 1000 rounds on it before I got the usp45 as my 2nd handgun. It was awkward at first because I was so used to the glock, but after getting a bunch of practice on it, I much prefer the trigger and ergonomics of the usp. To this day It's still my favorite handgun. I also love how you can swap out some simple parts to change the safety/decocker and left handed/right handed characteristics. Way ahead of it's time.

[@crimsonsr20]

USP 45 was the first gun I bought. This was due mainly to the fact that I was a big Resident Evil 4 fan, and the protagonists main pistol borrowed from alot of designs, but mostly the USP 45. That gun handled th .45 ACP recoil very well. I still have yet to shoot another pistol chambered in .45 that shoots as good as my USP did. That being said, it being my 1st gun, I knew nothing of ergonomics, and my trigger finger would drag on the trigger guard of the USP. After 2-300 rounds on a range day, this would leave the side of my index finger pretty raw. Great pistol, really cool looking, just not the best fit for my hands

[@mlghassan]

yeah. i also always felt that Leon's "Handgun" shared lots of resemblance to the USP 45 especially the slide. Dope game and dope gun.

[@crimsonsr20]

@Random Pickle It was my 1st expierence with the RE games. Ive gone back and played the originals and difficulty factor is way higher on the old games, but I honestly get frustrated with the camera angles on the older games

[@mlghassan]

@Random Pickle you are right but damn the gameplay of Re4 is so fun and engaging

[@Jebotito]

The ups45 shoots awesome but the mk23 shoots even more smooth imho

[@23GreyFox]

Red 9 still best!

[@ryand.3858]

I’ve done some work on my USP9 to modernize it a bit: sights, HK’s match trigger kit, jet funnel magwell and the 18 round jet funnel metal mags. Gun is a beast at the range and a lot of fun in classes I’ve taken. I prefer it to the P30 I had, although I still miss that gun sometimes. BTW that mag release is intended to be operated by the trigger finger. Feels a little strange at first but once you train yourself a bit it feels very natural.

[@me2ontube]

is that trigger n bigger mag also available for the 45

[@vibhupathak6638]

Amazing video as always kudos mate

[@gwandana]

I've had my USP with original Insight UTL tac light since 1996. I've upgraded mine with threaded match barrel, match trigger, Leupold Delta point on custom mount, custom extra tall front sight, and AAC TiRant suppressor. Love it. Most accurate pistol I own. Only problem is...try finding someone to make a holster that fits it.

[@yuskoholic13]

I have a Tier 1 holster for my USP 9. No accessories on mine though, just bare pistol. The holster works great, fits well and is pretty comfortable

[@trevtravel]

I know 😭 Haven't found any good AIWB for my USP-C. How is the match trigger compared to stock, and where did you get it from?

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Might need to itch the holster and go for a briefcase with belt loops.

[@gwandana]

@@trevtravel The trigger is just the adjustable match trigger from the USP Tactical. Got it from HK Pro parts. Works great.

[@neubert500]

The agency I worked for issued these with the stainless steel slide, and years later when they changed to Glocks, I bought mine. It is sitting just ahead of my right hand as I type. It NEVER let me down in any way. I consider myself lucky to have it. Plus I have one of the awful 20 rnd mags that a certain company made for them. Took a LOT of fitting, but it works in mine now!

[@plinkerjon]

My favorite 45 pistol that I own. I have big paws and love how great this pistol feels. Well balanced and shoots like a dream come true.

[@plinkerjon]

My favorite 45acp handgun in my collection. For 45s, I own a couple 1911 gov, a 1911 officer, HK 45CT, FN FNP45, and a HK USP45. The USP45 eats everything I feed it. Accuracy is fantastic. Handling and recoil management is stellar. I have nothing bad to say about it.

[@Alex_Judson]

Have a USP 45 and I love it. One of the best handguns I own. Super accurate, low recoil, reliable, everything you can ask for.

[@mannaphoto]

I was taught to slam loaded mags into my USP40 during reloads and that automatically drops the slide into battery. It works and removes one step from the process.

[@KaptajnKaffe]

Yea, I do that with my cz75 and the oldies on the range almost have a heart attack 🤣

[@seizethedaymt7637]

Our berettas used to do that. And when the slide didn’t go forward, you’d see guys slapping the bottom of the pistol instead of hitting the slide release.

[@KaptajnKaffe]

@@seizethedaymt7637 but that is the slide release!

[@justindurand9110]

Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of shooting the USP, hopefully I will someday. However, I can say that most pistols will slam load. At least the ones I have owned and shot will.

[@anraegodley-cooper6321]

Learn something new everyday, thanks it works.

[@lh8372]

Great video!! Keep them coming

[@sittingpanda8950]

I been waiting for this one to drop boi!

[@alecburchick9933]

Bought a usp 45c for my first carry weapon and it’s without question, the best choice I’ve ever made. It’s light, and accurate and overall just an amazing firearm

[@BlackWACat]

i absolutely fucking love the description of a 45 round being "gigachad junior" i'm stealing that and using it whenever 45 comes up

[@andysimpson5878]

love my usp 45 ct. I recently added a compensator and for me anyway, made it super easy to get back on target fast.

[@ragtimebillypeachesandther2603]

Excellent presentation. Yes, it is a special handgun and enjoys a legacy even as you g as it is. Thanks!

[@pocketbike698]

The one you've got there appears to be a standard USP 45 outfitted with the threaded barrel. The USP 45 tactical will have "USP tactical" engraved on the slide and will come with a MUCH better trigger and the suppressor height sights from the factory

[@iMetalocalypse]

This, kind of shameful to speak of the military pedigree of the USP but then neglect the factory match trigger that came on the tactical model 🤦‍♂️

[@Manco65]

I had a USPCT in .45ACP and regret selling it off

[@tobyndavis4710]

My thoughts exactly, I love the HK community.

[@AFatGuyILittleCoat]

how can you tell it hasn't been fitted with a better trigger? I've been thinking of going with the same trigger for my 45

[@bushmant6279]

@@AFatGuyILittleCoat the Tactical has an overtravel stop threaded into the trigger.

[@oscarshen6855]

1:35 I love that 45ACP is so slow that you can even see it on slow-mo, but it doesn't mean it's not good at it's intended purpose though.

[@jjanevski]

Legendary intro as always!🔥

[@matthewvasquez5902]

It’s fun seeing how much more energetic he is in these videos in the past year. If you look at the ones from 3+ years ago he was almost dry in his speech.

[@AA-le3xe]

You're observations serve no one but yourself; use that same energy for something more productive.

[@NJbassAngler]

Yet again you’ve outdone yourself the intros never let me down !!!

[@904Huntsman]

My first ever purchased firearm was a HK USP 45 compact and I have owned that sucker for over 20 years. I agree that even in today’s style and designs, it’s a gorgeous pistol that looks almost brand new. The slide coating is unbeatable!

[@Samos900]

Wow, I really needed mike’s “final thing” for this video. I got covid in December and completely fell out of exercising after going through quarantine.

[@sigspearthumb2313]

I just bought one for $350. Best moment of my life.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Give you 400 for it

[@cdawson198600]

For being a Bigfoot I thought you’d have a DE.

[@mattwood9678]

Ill give you $351 lol

[@flubyux2]

Thank you for covering this gem. I honestly fell in love with the mk23 (and Springfield operator) in metal gear and had to have one. When I realized how huge the mk23 was, it deterred me from a carry perspective. Didn’t want a safe queen. I ended up with a usp45t and loved every since day one. I even bought a second one... never should’ve sold that one. Might hunt down a real mk23 now that I have extra carry options. Ps, I Love this trigger. Almost as much as my worked g19 trigger.

[@twentyonearcticfoxs8533]

The cinematic intro. Top tier stuff

[@TheAustrianAvenger]

That intro was hilasrious! Love it.

[@russellsutherland8101]

The USP.45 has always been one of the ( in my opinion ) coolest guns ever made.

[@maverick_edc4014]

It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact lol

[@almonster2066]

Hey Garand Thumb, great videos! Love the attention to detail. How about looking into a video on longevity of polymer frames? E.g., Glock 17 Gen 1 and how it's held up over time. I think you audience would find it interesting.

[@sherizaahd]

thanks for the reminder about the M57 electrical firing device. I had totally forgotten about it.

[@GeoTrashPanda]

Just on the intro alone, thumbs up!!! LoL classic, mang!

[@mindandbody7971]

I like using the non-lethal version with tranquilizing rounds. Pretty good silencer on it for taking out lights and ctv cameras to avoid detection even from genetically modified soldiers with enhanced hearing. Former FOX unit here.