Heckler And Koch HK USP Tactical, USP Expert Operators Manual

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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...

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SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION
USP NOMENCLATURESlide 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 GuardSlide Release Axle
Finger Recesses
Figure 12B (above) FrameLanyard
Loop   

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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.)...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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metal inserts (locking insert and guiding part) cast into the
frame during production. The slide rides on these metal
inserts during operation. The frame contains mounting
grooves for accessory attachment and finger recesses
located to the left and right of the magazine well for manual
extraction of the magazine, if necessary. The serial number of
the pistol is engraved in the metal insert incorporated into
the front of the frame in front of the trigger guard and on
the left side of the slide.
Sights...

2. Prior to loading the magazine and chamber, carefully in-
spect all cartridges for the following abnormalities:
•  Cracked, split, dirty or corroded cases
•  Improperly seated projectiles and/or primers
•  Damaged projectiles
3. Do not attempt to fire a cartridge in which the projectile
has been forced back into the case. Upon firing, this
condition may result in increased chamber pressure
above safe limits.
4. Do not fire ammunition through the pistol that:
•  Is reloaded, remanufactured, or hand...