Triggs' - Heckler & Koch USP Guide

[triggs (SABR)]

This is a VERY quick overview of the various types and brands of the numerous Heckler and Koch (H&K) USP variants available; I will be attempting to keep it up-to-date if possible.

There are a number of variants of the G&K USP available:
USP-C = Compact
USP = Standard size .45
USP Tactical = railed frame and threaded barrel
USP Match = Compensator for decreased recoil

HFC USP C/45 Gas Blowback (GBB) = Original Design
Price: $100 - $120
FPS: 280 - 300
Mags: Proprietary HFC 18rd GBB midcap mag

Pros:
- Cheap
- Available in 2-tone and black
- Full auto capable
- Known as the M166, spare mags can be found easily from HFC
Cons:
- Proprietary design means there are no aftermarket replacements or upgrades

HFC is traditionally a lower quality clone company. With their M9 series a clone of TM upgrading and replacing is possible. However, their USP “M166” series is a simple starter pistol.

KSC/KWA USP C/45/Tactical/Match Gas Blowback (GBB) = Original Design
Price: $130 - $250
FPS: 300 - 440
Mags: Proprietary KSC/KWA 21rd (Compact) and 25rd (Standard) GBB midcap mag

Pros:
- Available in virtually every size from compact to match
- KWA NS2 system and KSC System 7 offer the highest recoil blowback of stock pistols
- Available in OD, Tan, and black

Cons:
- KWA Match series fires extremely hot, and can fire in excess of 400FPS limiting the use on some fields
KSC and KWA are well known for their high quality and excellent recoil. The USP series is no exception. The only notable issue is with the recent KWA USP Match series shooting extremely hot and well outside of safe FPS limits for CQB situations.

KJW USP C/45/Tactical Gas Blowback (GBB) = Tokyo Marui Clone
Price: $60 - $80
FPS: 270 - 300
Mags: Proprietary KJW 16rd GBB midcap mag

Pros:
- Full metal
- A fair number of variants available
- Cheap starter pistol

Cons:
- Fragile metal triggers are a known problem
- Poor quality seals lead to fast leaks

KJW is typically known for good quality TM clones. The USP is not one of them with common problems plaguing the triggers, and fast developing leaks. This is unusual for KJW, but it’s still a half decent starter pistol for the price.

Tokyo Marui USP 45 Automatic Electric Pistol (AEP) = Original Design
Price: $140 - $150
FPS: 200 - 240
Mags: Proprietary Tokyo Marui 30rd AEP midcap mag

Pros:
- Tokyo Marui quality
- AEP means dependable in all weather

Cons:
- Low FPS may be a turnoff for many
- Fixed slide means no blowback

Tokyo Marui is known worldwide as the standard in performance. Their AEP line is a low cost, low FPS alternative to the powerful and loud GBB line. AEP’s are generally avoided due to the low performance in comparison to the numerous GBB’s available.

UMAREX USP 45 Gas Blowback (GBB) = Rebranded KSC/KWA
Price: $140 - $170
FPS: 280 - 350
Mags: Proprietary KSC/KWA 21rd and 25rd GBB midcap mag

Pros:
- Same as KSC/KWA

Cons:
- Same as KSC/KWA

Umarex is the licensed distributer for H&K replica products. The only difference between the KSC/KWA branded USP’s and the Umarex version is the full trademarks and ease of importation.

Y&P USP Match Non Blowback (NBB) = Original Design
Price: $40 - $50
FPS: 300 - 350
Mags: Proprietary Y&P 22rd GBB midcap mag

Pros:
- Extremely cheap
- Match style for ISPC/IDPA style shooting competitions

Cons:
- Cheap ABS externals
- Low grade metal internals

Y&P is a little known brand, with low quality to match the low price. As a starter pistol they will fire, but will also break quickly.

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