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 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. 
						

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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.)
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. 
						

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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 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 consid-
ered “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 
						

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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 next cartridge from the maga-
zine 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 re-
sult 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. 
						

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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 fired in the single-
action 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 mag-
azine. 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 
						

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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 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    
						

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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 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 followeror 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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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 and Sight Adjustment
The sighting system on the HK USP is the
proven 3-dot arrangement first made
popular on earlier model HK pistols. By
aligning all three dots horizontally on the
target, with the front sight dot centered be-
tween the rear sight dots, the operator can
quickly and easily engage the target with a
high degree of accuracy (See Figure 19).
With the optional tritium sights installed,
precise and rapid target engagements are
possible under low light conditions as well.
The rear sight can be adjusted for windage
by drifting the sight to the left or to the
right, depending on the desired shot place-ment. Bullet impact on target will move in the same direc-
tion that the rear sight is moved. Be careful not to damage
the slide finish when adjusting the rear sight.
Adjustments for elevation are accomplished by exchanging
the front sight with a higher or lower sight, available from
HK. The height of the front sight is indicated on the under-
side. The front sight must be removed by using a drift punch
or an HK USP sight pusher. The accessory HK sight pusher
can be used to install, remove, and adjust the front and rear
sights on all USP and USP Compact pistols.
To raise the bullet impact on target, a shorter front sight is
installed. To lower the bullet impact on target, a taller front
sight is installed. Installing the next higher or lower front
sight will change the point-of-impact 2 inches at 25 meters,
depending on the ammunition used. All HK USPs are
function fired and zeroed at the factory at 25 meters, point-
of-aim, point-of-impact.Your actual zero may vary depending
on the ammunition used and/or your style of shooting. USP
Expert and USP Tactical models are fitted with click
adjustable sights without the 3-dot arrangement. These
optional adjustable sights are available with and without self-
luminous tritium dots for all full size USP pistols.
Figure 19  
						

							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 loaded
•  Is foreign and/or outdated military surplus   
•  Is assembled with corrosive primer and/or propellant
•  Is loaded specifically for use in submachine guns.
•  Is exposed to oil, grease, water, or direct sunlight.
Remove contaminants if possible before use and cool
down ammunition exposed to direct sunlight or heat.
(Exposure to sources of heat could raise the chamber
pressure of the cartridge above safe limits.)
20
SECTION 4  AMMUNITION
WARNING: Heckler & Koch specifically disclaims any
responsibilities for any damage or injury that should
occur because of, or as a result of, the use of faulty,
remanufactured, or reloaded (hand loaded)
ammunition, or of cartridges other than those for
which the pistol was originally chambered for.
The HK USP is designed to fire quality, factory loaded am-
munition loaded to SAAMI specifications for use specifically
in handguns. For use with ammunition with hard primers (i.e.
some NATO spec. cartridges), a special hammer spring is
available.
The following guidelines should be considered when select-
ing the correct ammunition for your pistol.
1. Be sure the ammunition you have chosen is compatible
with your pistol – proper caliber, cartridge, bullet weight,
etc. Caliber markings on the USP appear on the left side
of the slide and on the barrel locking  block, visible
through the ejection port on the right side of the slide.