hk uspt User Guide

HK USP Operators Manual

USP 9mm x 19mm • USP Caliber .40 S&W

USP Caliber .45 ACP

In a world of compromise, some don’t.

Including USP Tactical and USP Expert

SAFETY RULES

Please read this operators manual before handling your firearm

The following safety rules are placed in this manual by Heckler & Koch as an important reminder that firearms safety is your responsibility. Firearms can be dangerous and can potentially cause serious injury, damage to property or death, if handled improperly.

1. Never point a firearm at anyone, or in any direction other than a SAFE direction, i.e. downrange.

2. Treat all firearms as if they are always loaded.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until your sights are aligned on the target.

4. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard while loading or unloading the firearm.

5. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard while pulling the firearm out of the holster or while returning it to the holster.

6. Be sure of your target and the back stop beyond.

7. Never give a firearm to or take a firearm from anyone unless the action is open and the magazine and/or chamber are free of any ammunition or brass.

8. Be sure that the ammunition you are using is factory loaded, is of the correct caliber for the firearm in which it is to be used, and that it is not damaged in any way.

9. Before firing, remove the magazine from the firearm, lock the slide open, make sure the chamber is clear of any ammunition or brass, and check the barrel of the unloaded firearm for any possible obstructions.

10. Before firing any firearm that is unfamiliar to you,make sure that you understand exactly how it functions. A lack of familiarity with the firearm can result in serious accidents. Attend a certified training course on any firearm which you intend to use or with which you are not sufficiently familiar.

11. Always wear hearing and eye protection when using your firearm.

12. Keep all body parts, especially the hands and fingers, away from the muzzle to avoid injury or burns.

13. Be sure that no part of either hand touches or interferes with the slide. The slide is moved backwards by the recoil force of the pistol during firing and may cause serious injury.

14. Firearms should be stored separately from ammunition and beyond the reach of children, and/or any untrained individuals.

15. Avoid the use of any alcoholic beverages or drugs before and during the use of any firearm.

16. Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas,cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead, a substance known to be associated with birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times.Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

STOP! KNOW HOW TO CLEAR THIS PISTOL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE.

CLEARING THE PISTOL

The HK USP is not considered “clear” or safe unless:

1.The control lever (if applicable) is on “SAFE” and;

2.The magazine is removed from the pistol and;

3.The slide is locked to the rear and;

4.The chamber is free of brass or ammunition

To Clear the HK USP:

1. Make sure fingers are outside of the trigger guard and the pistol is pointed in a safe direction at all times!

2. Engage control lever (if applicable) - press the safety lever upwards until the “S” aligns with the reference line located on the frame.

3. Remove magazine - depress the magazine release lever and remove the magazine from the pistol.

4. Open and lock slide - while keeping the pistol pointed in a safe direction, lock the slide open by pulling the slide rearward as you press the slide release upward.Watch for a cartridge or empty case to be ejected from the pistol.

5. Inspect chamber - inspect chamber for the presence of a cartridge or empty case by:

• Visually viewing chamber through open ejection port and;

• Physically inserting finger into chamber through ejection port to check for the presence of a cartridge or empty

case.

• Remove any cartridges or empty cases from the chamber or from within the pistol.

The HK Universal Self-loading Pistol is now considered “Clear”.

(May 2001 Edition)

HK, Inc., 21480 Pacific Blvd.

Sterling,Virginia 20166-8903

United States of America

Telephone (703) 450-1900 • Fax (703) 450-8160 • www.hecklerkoch-usa.com

Specifications and models subject to change without notice.

All USP Pistols comply with NIJ Standard – 0112.00

WARNING:A firearm has the capability of taking your life or the life of someone else! Be extremely careful with your firearm. An accident can occur at anytime and is almost always the result of not following basic safety rules.

HK USP Operators Manual

USP 9mm x 19mm USP Caliber .40 S&W USP Caliber .45 ACP includes USP Tactical and USP Expert

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................................7

Section 2 Description ....................................................................................................................................................................................12

Nomenclature ..............................................................................................................................................................................12

Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................................13

Section 3 Function and Operation ..............................................................................................................................................................14

Clearing..........................................................................................................................................................................................14

Operating Controls and Components ......................................................................................................................................16

Sights and Sight Adjustment ......................................................................................................................................................19

Section 4 Ammunition ..................................................................................................................................................................................20

Section 5 Instructions for Use ......................................................................................................................................................................22

Clearing..........................................................................................................................................................................................22

Filling and Emptying the Magazine ............................................................................................................................................23

Loading ..........................................................................................................................................................................................23

Firing ..............................................................................................................................................................................................24

Unloading ......................................................................................................................................................................................25

Selection and Use of a Holster....................................................................................................................................................26

Storage and Transport ................................................................................................................................................................27

Section 6 Disassembly and Assembly ........................................................................................................................................................28

Section 7 Cleaning and Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................38

Cleaning ........................................................................................................................................................................................38

Inspection ....................................................................................................................................................................................39

Lubrication ..................................................................................................................................................................................40

Troubleshooting Problems and Repair ......................................................................................................................................41

USP Accessories ..........................................................................................................................................................................42

Section 8 Exploded View and Parts List (.40 S&W & 9mm)....................................................................................................................44

Exploded View and Parts List (.45 ACP) ..................................................................................................................................46

Section 9 USP Tactical ..................................................................................................................................................................................48

USP Expert ..................................................................................................................................................................................52

HK LOCK-OUT Device ..............................................................................................................................................................56

Firearms Service Record ..........................................................................................................................................................58

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of an HK USP pistol.The Heckler & Koch USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol) is the first HK pistol designed especially for the demanding needs of the American shooter.

Features favored by US civilian, law enforcement, and military users provided the design criteria for the USP. Its controls are uniquely American, influenced by such famous and successful designs as the Government Model 1911 pistol— and like the Model 1911, the USP can be safely carried “cocked and locked”.

The control lever, a combination safety and decocking lever, is frame mounted and quickly accessible; unlike the slide mounted safeties common on many pistols.The USP control lever has a positive stop and returns to the “fire” position after decocking.

Using a modified Browning-type action with a patented HK recoil reduction system, the USP is built to take the punishment of the most powerful +P loads.

The polymer frame of the USP was designed using technical experience gained by HK engineers in the development of

the world’s first composite material pistols, the VP70Z and P9S.This same high-strength and corrosion free material is used in the Mark 23 .45 ACP pistol designed by Heckler & Koch for the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Major metal components on the USP are also corrosion resistant. Outside metal surfaces are protected by an extremely hard, nitro-gas carburized black oxide finish. Stainless steel models are also available. Internal metal parts are coated with a special Dow Corning anti-corrosion process that reduces friction and wear.The HK USP is presently available in calibers .40 S&W, 9mm Parabellum, and .45 ACP.

The design characteristics of the HK USP provide a wide range of flexibility for users. By using a modular approach to the internal components, the control lever function of the HK USP can be switched from the left to the right side of the pistol to accommodate left handed shooters.

The USP can also be converted from one type of trigger firing mode to another.This includes combination doubleaction and single-action (DA/SA) modes and double action only (DA-Only) modes.

The USP is available in the following trigger/firing mode configurations (see Figure 9).

NOTE:Trigger/firing mode conversion can only be made by a HK certified armorer.

➊ DA/SA with “safe” position and control lever (manual safety/decocking lever) on left side of frame ➋ DA/SA with “safe” position and control lever (manual safety/decocking lever) on right side of frame

Variants ➊ and ➋ allow the user to carry the pistol in a single-action mode (cocked and locked) with the manual safety engaged.This same pistol, without modification, can be carried in double-action mode, with or without the manual safety engaged.

➌ DA/SA without “safe” position with control lever (decocking lever) on the left side of frame ➍ DA/SA without “safe” position with control lever (decocking lever) on the right side of frame

Variants ➌ and ➍ provides the user with a frame-mounted decocking lever that does not have the “safe” position.This combination only allows the hammer to be lowered from SA position to DA position.It does not provide the “safe” position

to prevent the pistol from firing when the trigger is pulled.

➎ DA-Only with “safe” position and control lever (manual safety) on the left side of frame ➏ DA-Only with “safe” position and control lever (manual safety) on the right side of frame ➐ DA-Only without control lever (no safety/decocking lever)

For the DA-Only user, variants ➎, ➏, and ➐ of the USP operate as double action only pistols with a bobbed hammer always returning to the DA position (forward) after each shot is fired.To fire each shot, the trigger must be pulled through the smooth DA trigger pull.Variants ➎ and ➏ have a manual safety lever.

No control lever is provided on variant ➐.

➒ DA/SA with “safe” position and control lever (manual safety) on the left side of frame ➓ DA/SA with “safe” position and control lever (manual safety) on the right side of frame

Variants ➒ and ➓ allow the user to carry the pistol in a single-action mode (cocked and locked) with the manual safety engaged. Unlike variants ➊ and ➋, the control lever

Figure 9

Fire Modes and Control Functions by Variant

Variant 1 Variant 2 Variant 3 Variant 4 Variant 5 Variant 6 Variant 7 Variant 9 Variant 10

Double Action

Single Action

Double Action Only

Control Lever (Left Side)

Control Lever (Right Side)

Control Lever (Manual Safety)

Control Lever (Decocking)

Control Lever (No Decocking)

Caliber Availability

USP

FIRE MODES & CONTROL FUNCTIONS

(conversion by HK certified armorer only)

.45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm .45 / .40 / 9mm

can not be used to decock the hammer.These variants are the ideal choice for users who prefer shooting the pistol in single-action (SA) mode with the thumb placed on top of the manual safety.This same pistol, without modification, can be carried in the double-action mode and provides second primer strike ability to single-action shooters.

Due to this innovative design approach,it is possible to modify an HK USP into any one of the listed variants.

Changing the trigger/firing mode of the pistol is accomplished by installing a different set of component parts. Not only can the control lever function (safety/decocking) be switched from one side of the pistol to the other, it is possible to have a single-action/double-action (SA/DA) version converted to a double action only (DAO) version,or to any other configuration listed. Optional ambidextrous controls are available and are standard on USP Expert models.

This unique design allows the HK Universal Self-loading Pistol to be configured for a variety of purposes depending on the requirements of the user, without having to purchase a new pistol.

In addition to a wide selection of trigger/firing modes, the HK USP has an ambidextrous magazine release lever which is shielded from inadvertent actuation by the design of the trigger guard. It is possible to depress the magazine release lever with the thumb or index finger of the firing hand, in most cases without adjusting the firing grip.

The metal reinforced polymer magazine is stronger and lighter than conventional metal magazines and will still drop free of the frame when the magazine release is actuated. By using metal magazines in the USP .45, grip size is kept to a minimum. Magazines have a series of viewing holes on the back side for counting the cartridges remaining inside. Magazine floor plates can be easily removed without tools during disassembly.

The extended slide release is positioned to allow easy actuation without adjustment of the grip of the shooting hand.Another useful feature is the absence of a magazine lock-out device.

CAUTION: The USP will fire if the magazine is removed, a cartridge is in the chamber, and the trigger is pressed.

One of the most important unique design features of the

HK USP is the mechanical recoil reduction system. This system is incorporated into the recoil/buffer spring assembly located below the barrel. Not only does this system reduce the felt recoil to the shooter but it also reduces the recoil forces to the components of the pistol, thus greatly extending the life expectancy of the USP.

This recoil reduction system buffers the impact of the slide on the frame as the barrel unlocks and when the slide travels rearward. This same system was incorporated into the HK .45 ACP Handgun designed for the US Special Operations Command. Its buffering effect plays a major role in extending the service life of the HK USP, especially when considering the punishment inflicted on any pistol when firing powerful +P cartridges.

The recoil reduction system employed in the HK USP is insensitive to ammunition types and requires no special adjustment or maintenance. It functions effectively in all models of the USP.

Two metal inserts are molded into the polymer frame on which the slide recoils.These inserts are not subjected to the full recoil forces of the cartridge due to the buffering action of the recoil reduction system. The HK USP is an extremely safe firearm, with no less

than four safety features, some passive and some active in nature. Simple to field strip and maintain, the USP is a reliable and trouble-free pistol.

The special “HE” (Hostile Environment) finish employed on major metal parts of the HK USP resists even the worst types of corrosion and wear, including prolonged exposure to salt water. Stainless steel models are also available for users who prefer the appearance and corrosion resistant properties of that material.

NOTE: Holster wear of the finish is normal and not covered under warranty.Any finish may wear over time.

The barrel of the USP is cold hammer forged for strength and durability.USPs are fitted with barrels that have HK’s unique polygonal bore profile. Polygonal bores increase muzzle velocity and reduce barrel wear.

Finally, a pair of universal mounting grooves are incorporated into the front of the polymer frame.These grooves allow various types of accessories and targeting devices, such as the HK Universal Tactical Light, laser aimers, and optical sights to be mounted on the HK USP without modification to the pistol.

NOTE: Improperly designed or installed accessories may result in damage to the USP mounting grooves and/or the USP pistol. Such damage is not covered under the limited lifetime warranty. Be certain to use only HK Authorized Accessories and follow installation and precautions carefully.

At Heckler & Koch,form follows function.All HK pistols are designed and manufactured to meet the operational requirements of demanding users. The Heckler & Koch USP is no exception. In a world of compromise, some don’t.

SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION

USP NOMENCLATURE

Slide Release

Hammer

Slide

Serial Number

Ambidextrous

Magazine

Release

Magazine Floor Plate

Barrel

Locking

Block

Rear Sight

Extractor

Figure 12A (below)

Control Lever

Front Sight

Trigger

Reference Line

Universal Mounting Grooves

Trigger Guard

Slide Release Axle

Finger Recesses

Figure 12B (above)

Frame

Lanyard

Loop

SPECIFICATIONS

USP (.40) USP (9mm) USP (.45 ACP)

Caliber .40 S&W 9mm x 19mm Parabellum .45 ACP Operating Principle Short recoil Short recoil Short recoil Action Type Modified Browning type, linkless Modified Browning type, linkless Modified Browning type, linkless

Sights Fixed patridge style, adjustable for windage and elevation. Standard 3-dot or optional tritium. Total Length 194 mm (7.64 in.) 194 mm (7.64 in.) 200 mm (7.87 in.) Barrel Length 108 mm (4.25 in.) 108 mm (4.25 in.) 112 mm (4.41 in.) Sight Radius 158 mm (6.22 in.) 158 mm (6.22 in.) 158 mm (6.22 in.) Twist Length 380 mm (14.96 in.) 250 mm (9.84 in.) 406 mm (15.98 in.)

Height (Total) 136 mm (5.35 in.) 136 mm (5.35 in.) 141 mm (5.55 in.) Width of Slide 29 mm (1.14 in.) 29 mm (1.14 in.) 29 mm (1.14 in.) Width of Frame 32 mm (1.26 in.) 32 mm (1.26 in.) 32 mm (1.26 in.) Weight (with empty magazine) 840 grams (29.63 oz.) 752 grams (28.47 oz.) 840 grams (29.63 oz.) Weight of Empty Magazine 50 grams (1.76 oz.) 55 grams (1.94 oz.) 50 grams (1.76 oz.) Slide Force (to retract slide) 9 kg (19.85 pounds) 9 kg (19.85 pounds) 9 kg (19.85 pounds)

Trigger Travel (rest to hammer release)

Single-action 6.3 mm ( .25 in.) 6.3 mm ( .25 in.) 6.3 mm ( .25 in.) Double-action 11.3 mm ( .45 in.) 11.3 mm ( .45 in.) 11.3 mm (.45 in.)

Trigger Reach (center of trigger to back of frame)

Single-action 70 mm (2.76 in.) 70 mm (2.76 in.) 70 mm (2.76 in.) Double-action 75 mm (2.95 in.) 75 mm (2.95 in.) 75 mm (2.95 in.)

Magazine Capacity 13 cartridges

15 cartridges

12 cartridges

(does not include cartridge in chamber) Safety Features 1. Manual safety lever (Variants 1, 2,5, 6, 9,10), 2.Double-action mode with hammer intercept notch, 3. Firing pin block, 4.Disconnector

* Specifications for the USP Tactical and USP Expert can be found on pages 51 and 55 respectively. ** Law Enforcement & Military only. Due to provisions of the 1994 Crime Bill, magazine capacity for U.S. civilian pistols is 10 cartridges.

SECTION 3 FUNCTION AND OPERATION

WARNING:Always clear the pistol before handling it.

CLEARING THE PISTOL

The HK USP is not considered “clear” or safe

unless:

1.The control lever (if applicable) is on “SAFE” and;

2.The magazine is removed from the pistol and;

3.The slide is locked to the rear and;

4.The chamber is free of brass or ammunition

To Clear the HK USP:

1. Make sure fingers are outside of the trigger guard and the pistol is pointed in a safe direction at all times!

2. Engage control lever (if applicable) - press the safety lever upwards until the “S” aligns with the reference line located on the frame.

3. Remove magazine - depress the magazine release lever and remove the magazine from the pistol.

5. Inspect chamber - inspect chamber for the presence of a cartridge or empty case by:

• Visually viewing chamber through open ejection port and;

• Physically inserting finger into chamber through ejection port to check for the presence of a cartridge or empty case.

• Remove any cartridges or empty cases from the chamber or from within the pistol.

The HK Universal Self-loading Pistol is now considered “Clear”.

GENERAL (Refer to page 12 for the location of the features described below)

Heckler & Koch Universal Self-loading Pistols are short recoil operated.They use a modified Browning style system, without a link, to lock and unlock the barrel.

Upon firing, the pressure developed by the propellant gases forces the slide and barrel assembly to the rear. After moving approximately 3mm,the locking block will stop the

rearward movement of the barrel.The barrel is pulled downward due to the engagement of the angled locking surfaces of the locking block with those located on the end of the recoil spring guide rod.

The locking block disengages from the slide and the slide continues rearward independently from the barrel.The slide extracts and ejects the fired cartridge case, cocks the hammer, and compresses the recoil spring.

Once fully to the rear, the compressed recoil spring pushes the slide forward feeding the next cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. If the magazine is empty, the magazine follower lifts the slide release into position where it can stop the forward progress of the slide and holds the slide open.If a cartridge is present in the magazine, the slide will push the cartridge from the magazine and into the chamber.

WARNING: Do not rely on the slide lock to determine if the magazine is empty. Always check visually and physically ensure the pistol is not loaded.

During the last 3mm of forward movement, the slide forces the angled surfaces of the barrel locking block against opposing angled surfaces on the recoil spring guide rod. This action pivots the locking block on the barrel up into engagement with the ejection port on the slide.The breech is now locked closed and the next shot can be fired.

The buffer spring dampens the impact of the barrel and slide on the frame during unlocking and when the slide is forced fully rearward, thus reducing wear and tear on many of the component parts of the pistol.

CAUTION: A pair of Universal Mounting Grooves located on the front of the USP frame allow for a variety of accessories to be used with the pistol. Improperly designed or installed accessories may result in damage to the USP mounting grooves and/or the USP. Such damage is not covered under warranty. Be certain to use only HK Authorized Accessories and follow installation and precautions carefully.

OPERATING CONTROLS & COMPONENTS

WARNING: The HK USP incorporates single-action and/or double-action modes of operation.Anytime the trigger is pulled with the control lever in the fire (horizontal) position and a cartridge in the chamber, the pistol will fire from either the hammer down or cocked positions.

Double/Single-Action modes

In the double-action mode, pulling the trigger will cock the hammer and immediately release it firing the first chambered cartridge.All subsequent cartridges will be fired in the singleaction mode because the slide automatically recocks the hammer after each shot is fired.To fire the first chambered cartridge in the single-action mode, the hammer must be manually cocked before pulling the trigger. All shots after the first shot will be fired single-action because the slide automatically recocks the hammer after each shot is fired.

In the double-action only mode, the hammer always returns to the uncocked (forward) position after each shot. All shots are fired in the double-action mode.

Magazine

USP .45 magazines are all metal while .40 caliber and 9mm magazines are made from a high-strength polymer with a metal insert located in the upper third of the housing.The metal insert increases the strength and durability of the magazine. Cartridges are positioned within the magazine in a staggered arrangement but are fed into the pistol from a single row under the feed lips.The cartridges are visible through the numbered viewing holes located in the back of the magazine. For maintenance and cleaning, all magazine floor plates can be easily removed.

Control Lever

This manually operated lever is located on the side of the frame below the rear sight. This lever is operated with the firing thumb and can perform both functions of a safety lever and a decocking lever, depending on the parts installed.Note Some variants do not have a control lever.

Control lever as a safety lever - On HK USPs with the “SAFE” position (Variants 1,2, 5, 6, 9, & 10),the front of this lever is fully raised above horizontal so that the “S” on the lever itself aligns with the reference line on the frame. (See Figure 17A ) With this control lever engaged, the release of the hammer is blocked in the single-action mode of fire. In

Figure 17C

Control lever as a decocking lever - On HK USPs without the “SAFE” position (Variants 3 & 4),the front of the control lever cannot be raised above horizontal and the pistol will fire anytime the trigger is pulled with a cartridge in the chamber. The lever only functions as a decocking lever to lower the cocked hammer into the double-action mode. The cocked hammer is lowered when the decocking lever is fully depressed by the operator (See Figure 17C).This lever is spring actuated and springs back up into the horizontal (fire) position when released.

the double-action mode, the hammer will partially cock but will not release to fire the pistol.

Figure 17A

To fire the pistol, the front of the control lever is moved down into a horizontal position into the “FIRE” position. In this position, the “F” on the lever aligns with the reference line located on the frame. (See Figure 17B) With the control lever set on “F”, the pistol will fire if the trigger is pulled and a cartridge is present in the chamber.

Figure 17B

Control lever as a safety/decocking lever

On USP Variants 1 and 2, the control lever can be placed in the safe, fire, and decocking positions described earlier.

A USP fitted with this control lever can be carried as a single action or double action pistol, with or without the safe position.The control lever also allows the cocked hammer to be decocked when the control lever is fully depressed. (See Figure 17C). Optional ambidextrous controls levers are also available for the USP and are standard on the USP Expert.

CAUTION: The USP should not be carried in the single action mode without the control lever in the safe position.

Extractor

The extractor of the HK USP pistol does not act as a loaded chamber indicator, except on the USP Expert and Tactical models.

Slide Release

This lever is located on the left side of the frame directly above the trigger. This lever is used to lock the slide open, to release the slide, and to disassemble the pistol. As a slide stop, it is lifted upward by the magazine follower

or the operator’s finger as the slide travels rearward during recoil or manual manipulation.The slide release engages in the recess located on the left side of the slide at it’s midpoint.The slide release is spring actuated and is held down out of engagement with the slide until required.The slide release will automatically hold the slide open when the last shot is fired.As a disassembly lever, the slide release is removed from the left side of the frame when the slide is held partially rearward.

Magazine Release Lever

This ambidextrous, spring actuated lever holds the magazine in place within the grip by engaging in the notch found on the front of the magazine housing. Depressing this lever downward with the firing index finger or thumb will allow the magazine, regardless of the number of cartridges inside, to drop free of the frame.The magazine release lever is shielded from accidental actuation by the design of the polymer frame and trigger guard surrounding it.

Frame

All sides of the reinforced polymer frame are textured to ensure a firm grip, even with wet hands or under conditions of rapid fire. The trigger guard is extended and grooved to provide a firm grip when using two hands or gloves to fire the pistol. The frame is a one-piece molded component with

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