HECKLER & KOCH USP COMPACT

Posted May 19, 2023

Heckler & Koch has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected firearm companies in the world. Over the years, it has produced some of the finest semi-automatic pistols on the market. The Heckler & Koch USP Compact is no exception. Developed in the early 1990s, the USP Compact has become one of the most popular concealed carry handguns available today. It combines the popular features of the full-size USP with a frame size that is comfortable for everyday carry. The result is a well-balanced handgun with excellent ergonomics, quality manufacturing, reliable function, and accuracy.

Ergonomics

When it comes to concealed carry handguns, owners want a firearm that is comfortable to shoot and has natural pointing characteristics. The Heckler & Koch USP Compact excels in this regard. It has an ergonomic frame that fits comfortably in the hand and makes it easy to gain a secure grip on the gun. The polymer frame also absorbs some of the recoil, making it even easier to control. The USP Compact also has an extended beavertail that stops the gun from riding up your hand during rapid fire.

The USP Compact’s magazine well has been lowered to the same level as the magazine release, making for a very comfortable and secure grip. The extended magazine release is also ambidextrous. While not necessarily something necessary for a concealed carry gun, it gives the shooter one less thing to worry about while shooting.

The trigger guard is generously sized, allowing even those with larger hands to fire the gun comfortably. The trigger itself is flat-faced and has a crisp 4.5 pound breaking point. This allows the shooter to avoid any potential accidental misfires while still getting a positive reset for quick follow-up shots.

Quality

The quality and craftsmanship of the HK USP Compact is apparent the moment you take it out of the box. It is incredibly well-made and built to last. All of the components are machined from high quality steel, giving the gun a consistent look and finish. The exterior has a matte black finish that helps to reduce the chances of light reflection. This makes the gun perfect for concealed carry, as it won’t give away your position.

The magazine that comes with the USP Compact is also made from steel and has a 10-round capacity. Magazine extensions are available, as well as other aftermarket accessories, for those who for any reason need more capacity.

Function & Reliability

When you buy a handgun, whether it’s for concealed carry or anything else, you want something that you can rely on. The HK USP Compact is no exception. It is renowned for its reliability and has a reputation for functioning perfectly right out of the box. Even after thousands of rounds, it still manages to work without any issues.

Not only is the gun reliable, it is also relatively easy to maintain and clean. All of the components are easily accessible, which makes cleaning and making repairs a breeze. It is also important to note that the USP Compact is a short recoil-operated, locked breech pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system. This makes the gun extremely reliable and means that the gun will cycle perfectly with any sort of ammo.

Accuracy & Sights

The HK USP Compact is a surprisingly accurate handgun, even when fired from a distance. It comes with three-dot sights that are well-designed and easy to pick up. The rear sight is adjustable, which is a nice touch and allows for more accurate shooting. The front sight is also removable, allowing you to install other aftermarket or red dot sights.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Heckler & Koch USP Compact is an outstanding handgun that is perfect for self-defense or range use. It is incredibly well-made and reliable, and it has excellent ergonomics and accuracy. This is one of the best concealed carry handguns available today, and it will no doubt serve you well in any situation.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Compact: This compact handgun has a short frame and has a 15-round magazine capacity, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry or for individuals with smaller hands.

• Design: Made from reinforced polymer frame, this handgun is both durable and lightweight. It is also equipped with a crisp and light trigger pull that makes firing easier.

• Safety features: The USP Compact features several safety features such as a mechanism lock, a magazine disconnect, and a firing pin block. Furthermore, it also includes a Picatinny rail beneath the barrel, allowing you to add a variety of tactical accessories.

Cons:

• Cost: The HECKLER & KOCH USP Compact is one of the more expensive handguns in its size class, with prices typically well above $800.

• Weight: Despite its smaller size, the USP Compact still has a higher weight than similar handguns. This added weight makes it a bit less comfortable to carry for extended periods of time.

• Maintenance: The USP Compact is known to be more complicated for the average user to take apart and perform basic maintenance.

Who Should Buy

The HECKLER & KOCH USP COMPACT pistol is a great choice for anyone interested in a handgun for self protection or sport shooting. It is accurate and reliable and suitable for most shooters.

However, it should not be bought by someone inexperienced with guns. It is important to take the time to learn the basics of gun safety, handling, and shooting before purchasing a firearm. Additionally, it is important to understand the laws and regulations that apply to owning and carrying a firearm in your area.

Comparisons

Gun	Caliber	Capacity	Barrel Length	Weight (oz)
HECKLER & KOCH	9mm	10rds	3.58”	23.3
CZ 75 P-01	9mm	10rds	3.8”	25.7
Beretta PX4	9mm	15rds	3.2”	24.4
S&W M&P Shield	9mm	7rds	3.1”	19.9
Glock 19	9mm	15rds	4.02”	21.1

Features / Specs

• Caliber: 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP

• Magazine Capacity: 12+1 (9mm Luger), 10+1 (.40 S&W), 8+1 (.45 ACP), 12rd extended (.45 ACP)

• Barrel Length: 3.58"

• Overall Length: 6.81"

• Weight (unloaded): 1.54 lbs (9mm); 1.70 lbs (.40 S&W, .45)

• Action: DA/SA, DAO, LEM

• Safety/Decocker: Ambidextrous Safety Lever, Firing Pin Block, Reversible Magazine Release

Popular Accessories

Holsters: Most people choose to have a holster to make it easier to carry and access the USP Compact without having to take off their clothing. There are a variety of types and styles of holsters available for the USP Compact, such as inside the waistband (IWB), outside the waistband (OWB), shoulder, and ankle holsters.

Magazines: Having a few extra magazines handy can make shooting the USP Compact much more enjoyable and convenient. The USP Compact has a capacity of 10 or 13 rounds and magazines are easy to find, usually being manufactured by Mec-Gar, HK or even ProMag.

Lights and Lasers: Illuminating the target area can be helpful for target identification and accuracy, so lights and lasers are popular accessories for the USP Compact. Laser sights project a bright beam onto the target, making it easier to shoot accurately even in low light, while weapon lights are a great way to make sure you have plenty of light while shooting without compromising visibility.

Grips: Many shooters choose to customize the feel of their USP Compact with different grips. This can provide a more comfortable feel in the hand as well as a unique look. There are many choices available including factory H&K grip panels as well as aftermarket offerings from companies such as Talon Grips.

Trigger Upgrades: One of the easiest and most popular upgrades to make to the USP Compact is to the trigger. There are a variety of upgrades available from companies like Taran Tactical, Grayguns, etc. that can reduce pre-travel and reset, making for a smoother and cleaner break on the trigger.

Accuracy

The HECKLER & KOCH USP COMPACT is a popular pistol among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement officers alike thanks to its impressive accuracy. The USP Compact has a 4.25” cold hammer-forged barrel that's designed to provide excellent accuracy and reliability thanks to its polygonal bore. This handgun also comes with adjustable rear sights for precision shooting, making it a great option for target shooting. The USP Compact is also seen as the ideal choice for concealed carry and self-defense due to the high levels of accuracy and reliability it offers. With the combination of a lightweight and high-quality construction, the HECKLER & KOCH USP COMPACT is a great choice for those who want excellent accuracy in a reliable and easy-to-carry handgun.