HK USP Compact .45 Auto Help, Please.

[Rikki]

Well, I said I wasn't gonna be able to get one, but things changed dramatically, and I own a HK USP Compact .45.
It's ctgs were collected on 3-5-04... but I don't believe the gun was ever fired after that.
It's got the LEM trigger...pretty cool...kinda like the Glocks I'm used to, except with "second strike capability" if it don't go BANG the first time...
I bought some plain old Remington 230 gr hardball ammo...and took 'er out...
I gotta tell you- I WASN'T impressed.
It's alittle cold out, and I thought I'd cracked the hammer on the thing- but it's just where the "rubberized" back part of the hammer is separating from the actual steel part of the hammer...
Never DID get the slide to lock back on an empty mag...
Maybe it don't like the Remington 230gr MC L4AP4 ammo- but this thing ain't no tack driver...
Who can offer help??? Heck, I've dreamed of owning an HK for YEARS!
I gotta tell you..this thing ain't the gun my Glock 38 is...
Lets start with bullets- who has good luck with what???
Thanks..please help me save this deal.

[Rikki]

Sorry- cat got on the keyboard!

[ronin_asano]

if you slide doesn't lock open on the empty mag, you need to get new mag springs.

then maybe you just need to get used to the trigger, because my uspc .45 is an undisputed tack driver. points naturally, easy to shoot, eats anything i feed it with no problems.

also, if you are used to glocks, and don't have much experience with other guns, that funny glock grip angle can give you problems when you switch to other weapons.

[FoxMustang]

When I first got my UPS45C, I had trouble with the slide not locking back. Turns out it was my grip. I use a 1911-style high-hold with my HK, and one of my thumbs was just barely touching against the slide release under recoil. I had to loosen up my thumbs to avoid this.

As for the accuracy, for me commercial ammo has been hit-and-miss (pardon the pun). With handloads I get much more impressive results.

[Rikki]

THANK YOU for the replies!
One of the reasons I liked the gun was because I liked the trigger- I dryfired it a bunch before shooting it- I shoot Bullseye- and I'm the first to say if I think it's ME... and I gotta tell you- I'm outshooting this gun right now (With Remingtons)... I ran 5 of my 185gr SWC(lead) with 3.6 of Bullseye thru it- about a 2" group @25yds... I know I can't shoot lead in it all the time - and it didn't eject the cases, anyway... but with that Remington stuff it's about an 8" group!
Im thinkin' it might NOT like 230 gr...Anybody know what the twist is?

[ronin_asano]

Originally posted by Rikki
THANK YOU for the replies!
One of the reasons I liked the gun was because I liked the trigger- I dryfired it a bunch before shooting it- I shoot Bullseye- and I'm the first to say if I think it's ME... and I gotta tell you- I'm outshooting this gun right now (With Remingtons)... I ran 5 of my 185gr SWC(lead) with 3.6 of Bullseye thru it- about a 2" group @25yds... I know I can't shoot lead in it all the time - and it didn't eject the cases, anyway... but with that Remington stuff it's about an 8" group!
Im thinkin' it might NOT like 230 gr...Anybody know what the twist is?

well, i don't shoot remington because it's dirty as hell. i have fired many a round of 230gr doubletap, american eagle, and speer lawman through my uspc .45. the only hiccup i ever had was a hard primer with one american eagle cartridge. it fired the second time i dropped the hammer on it.

[Rikki]

That right there is one of the main reasons I bought the gun.
I wanted "second strike" capability....plus the fact that I have always heard the an HK was absolutely the top shelf pistol.
I'm gonna shoot it a little today- I'll load up a handful of something and report back...I guess I'd probably like to carry
Winchester Ranger's or Federal Hydrashocks in it- because I can
go to winchester's or Federal's "ball" ammo loads for practice and get the same fps...anybody have any experience with those loads?

[ronin_asano]

hk is absolutely top of the pistol world. that's why i own three of them. most of the time, it's the shooter. barring that, maybe there is something wrong with your weapon. have other people tried shooting and have the same results as you? what happens if you shoot from a bench rest? or maybe the gun just doesn't fit your shooting style.

i'd start with the different ammo, then i'd shoot from a bench rest and see what happens.

[mbsigman]

Originally posted by ronin_asano
have other people tried shooting and have the same results as you? what happens if you shoot from a bench rest? or maybe the gun just doesn't fit your shooting style.

i'd start with the different ammo, then i'd shoot from a bench rest and see what happens. [/B]

Mr Ronin gave you some good advice.

My HK Compact .45 with the LEM is terrific, and in fact I carry that when I'm not carrying my 1911s. I only shoot 230 grain White Box or my carry defense round (Ranger RA45SXT) and have not had problems.

First time I ever shot a 1911 I kept getting early slide lockback. Went with a really experienced shooter and he diagnosed my problem in one magazine - thumb hitting slide lock. End of problem. Next time you go shooting, try to go with an another experienced shooter and see if they also experience the problems. Also try some different ammo. If neither works, call HK and talk to their tech support people - they can help you.

Best of luck.

Mike