Heckler And Koch HK USP Compact Pistol Operators Manual

1
Operators Manual 
Calibers .45 ACP
.40 S&W 
.357 SIG
9mm x 19
HK USP Compact Pistol
In a world of compromise, some don’t.
® 

SAFETY RULESPlease read this operators manual before handling your firearm. The following safety rules are placed in this manual by Heckler & Koch as an impor-
tant reminder that firearms safety is yourresponsibility. 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...

STOP! Know how to clear this pistol before attempting to operate.
Clearing the Pistol  The HK USP Compact  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 Compact:
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...

© Heckler & Koch, Inc., 9/96, 8/97, 6/98, 6/99 (revised May 2000) 
All rights reserved
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. 
® 

This manual applies to pistol types USP9 COMPACT (9mm), USP357 COMPACT (.357 SIG), USP40 COMPACT
(.40 S&W), and USP45 COMPACT (.45 ACP). The handling and operation of all three pistols is identical. 
The illustrations show the USP40 COMPACT. 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...

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................7
Section 2 Nomenclature  ..................................................................................................................................................12
Specifications...

7
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
The HK USP Compact is a small frame pistol capable
of firing the most powerful cartridges in .45 ACP, .40
S&W, .357 SIG, and 9mm x 19; including all +P 9mm
ammunition. Based on the full size HK USP (Universal
Self-loading Pistol), these handy pistols are a 
reasonable synthesis of compact size and effective
shooting capabilities. Unlike some subcompact semi-
automatic pistols that use a difficult to shoot “two-finger
grip” frame, the HK USP Compact uses a narrow, full
hand grip...

8 The polymer frame of the USP Compact was designed
using technical experience gained by HK engineers in
the development of the world’s first composite material
pistols, the  HK VP70Z and P9S. These same high-
strength/corrosion free materials are used in the MK 23
.45 ACP handgun produced by HK for the U.S. Special
Operations Command.
Major metal components like the one-piece, machined
steel slide are also corrosion resistant, treated with a
special “HE” (Hostile Environment) protective finish. The
HE...

9 or without the control lever/manual safety engaged.
à DA/SA without “safe” position with control lever
(decocking lever) on the left side of frame 
ÕDA/SA without “safe” position with control lever
(decocking lever) on the right side of frame 
Variants Ãand Õprovides 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...

10all USP Compacts have an ambidextrous magazine
release lever which is shielded from inadvertent
actuation by the flared trigger guard. 
The magazine release lever can be pressed with the
thumb or index finger of the firing hand, in most cases
without adjusting the firing grip.  
Low profile 3-dot sights, adjustable for windage and
elevation, are standard on the USP Compact. Optional
tritium sights are also available.
The USP Compact uses metal magazines to keep grip
size to a minimum. These magazines...