[bowerman]

I am looking to buy a USP .45, possibly used. The one I am looking at says it was purchased in 2009. V1. Has anything changed since then with this model? Also, anything I should know or look for? Supposedly has less than 500 rounds.

Also, am I correct with the V1, V2, V3 etc, is just the configuration ie. DA/SA with safety..... Thanks!

Thanks for any help anyone can provide. Just want to make sure I make an informed decision...

[Kimura]

Originally Posted by bowerman

I am looking to buy a USP .45, possibly used. The one I am looking at says it was purchased in 2009. V1. Has anything changed since then with this model? Also, anything I should know or look for? Supposedly has less than 500 rounds.

Also, am I correct with the V1, V2, V3 etc, is just the configuration ie. DA/SA with safety..... Thanks!

Thanks for any help anyone can provide. Just want to make sure I make an informed decision...

Yeah, V1 is DA/SA with safety on left side of the frame. Don't know about any changes since 2009, though I don't believe so. Maybe someone else knows for sure.

They're nice guns and if you're getting a good deal on it, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it as long as you can shoot DA/SA or want to put the time in to learn it.

[Bruce M]

I looked at a new in box USP a couple months ago and it did not look any different than my ~17 year old one, except less worn.

[Gdirty5]

It's a usp, you will be fine... I love all 6 of my usp models...

[12131]

V1 = DA/SA with safety and decocker on left side

You'll be good to go. Excellent gun.

[mgs]

Great gun....have one. 12rd mags are a bit pricey but I have a few and some 10 rounders.

[DRJ1911]

Go for it, you will love it. I have 4 usp's and carry my uspc 45 daily.

Doyle

[JBnTX]

The USP 45 is a great choice, but before you make that final decision please consider the HK45 as an alternative choice.

The HK45 is a newer, more ergonomic and updated version of the USP.

After I bought my HK45, I sold my USP 45.
For me the HK45 is just a better all round pistol.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

No new changes have been made to the USP platform since 2009...

1993: Original USP9 and .40.

1994: Reduced the slide weight by 1.1 oz.

1994-95: Change to a polygonal rifled barrel (Prior barrels were standard land and groove)

1994-95: Change trigger transfer bar.

1994-95: Change recoil guide rod to a "captured spring version".

1995: Change trigger mechanism.

1995-96: Add rubber spur to hammer.

1995-96: Change angle on slide lock.

2000: Add locking feature to hammer strut support.

2001: Converted captive recoil spring retainer from c-clip to machined end on USP Compacts.

2005: Change firing pin and firing pin block.

The pistol can be dated by the two letter date code on the left side of the slide. This will indicate the year the pistol was proof tested...

A B C D E F G H I K
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Other markings on the slide include the Stag Antler, which is the symobol of the proof house located in Ulm Germany HK uses to proof test it's pistols. The Eagle is called the "Bundesadler" or "Federal Eagle", a common mark found on German Federal insignia. The "N" which it sits atop stands for "Nitrozellulose", a universal symbol found on German firearms that use modern Nitrocellulose based propellants.

In addition, the pistol can be converted to V9 (safety only, no decocker) or V3 (decocker only, no safety) easily by swapping the detent plate to another respective detent plate. The pistol can also be converted to LEM (a DAO type trigger with short reset) and can also accept a Match trigger kit if you so desire.

As far as buying used I wouldn't worry a bit. HK pistols are very durable. I wouldn't look for anything specific that you otherwise wouldn't normally look for when buying any other brand of used handgun.

[12131]

Originally Posted by JBnTX

The USP 45 is a great choice, but before you make that final decision please consider the HK45 as an alternative choice.

The HK45 is a newer, more ergonomic and updated version of the USP.

After I bought my HK45, I sold my USP 45.
For me the HK45 is just a better all round pistol.

I agree about looking at the HK45, also. However, newer and "better" is not for everyone. I, for one, sold my HK45. Nothing about it is "better". The grip, although ergonomic, just doesn't sit right with my hand. Reliability is equal between the 2 models. One could even argue that the USP is actually "better" because it holds more rounds (12+1 versus 10+1).

[elde]

I have to agree with 12131 as I did the exact same thing. Sold the HK45 and kept the USP. No matter how much I tried to like the HK45 better, the USP just seemed to excel in my hands. Gonna pick up another one next week at the Dallas gun show.

HK 4 LIFE: thank you for the information. Posts such as yours are priceless to HK fans such as myself.

[HK Dan]

It *shoould* be surgically accurate (and by that I mean 100 yard clay pigeon shots), soft shooting, and a joy to fire. I have 3 USP45s and they all fit that description. About all you get with the HK45 is the llike tMark 23)he rring on the barrel (Like the Mark 23) and I dont see that as a huge benefit.

Congratulations--buy it!
Dan