Popularised by Jack Bauer in the action-thriller TV series '24', the Heckler & Koch (HK) USP Compact has been a much sought after piece of hardware in the airsoft arena. The USP Compact stemmed from the success of its original and larger USP which is the acronym for Universale Selbstlade Pistole or Universal Self-loading Pistol. The USP is a double action semi-automatic pistol meant for law enforcement use. Currently the USP is chambered for three different calibers: 9mm, .45 ACP and .40 S&W.
Now, for the review of my airsoft version of this pistol.
The gun came packaged in a moulded styrofoam case. Along with it is a detailed User's Manual albeit written in Japanese (sealed inside a plastic bag). There is also a small bag of BBs, loading tools, hop-up tool, hammer-lock key (a safety feature) and barrel plug. According to the manual, the airsoft model weighs 710g, which is virtually the same as the real steel model (real USP Compact weighs about 730g). The magazine can accept 21 rounds, and has a firm and sturdy feel to it.
The grip is very comfortable to hold and has a rough stippled texture on each side. On the front and back there are square checkering for added secure grasp. I find the grip fits medium-sized hands very nicely, but larger hands may require the extended finger floorplate. External metal parts include the rear/front sights, hammer, trigger, slide release, safety and magazine release.
Engraved on the slide is the official HK logo along with the text 'USP Compact 9mm x 19'. Under the slide, on the front receiver, is the recessed rail which will accept tactical lights or laser sights.
The bobbed hammer ensures that the pistol will not snag onto your holster while being drawn. The safety lever has been cleverly positioned on the frame to allow quick and smooth manipulation during a firefight. The safety lever has the letters S (safe) and F (fire) engraved onto it, with S painted white and F painted red. Pushing the lever upwards places the gun on SAFE and lines up the S with the “white mark” painted on the frame (the mark is repeated on opposite side for left-handed levers).
When the hammer is cocked, pushing the safety lever downward decocks the hammer onto a “semi-cocked” position (slightly raised). The trigger has to be pulled along with the thumb on the hammer to return it to fully uncock it rest (flushed with the slide). The gun can be placed on SAFE with either the hammer rested or cocked (for “cocked and locked” carry, US Secret Service style).
Performance
Injecting gas into the magazine is no different than any other GBB made by KSC. You can either load the ammunution by hand feeding it one by one or by using the loading rod which has been included. The mag holds 21 rounds of ammunition in staggered formation.
For the chronograph test I used the standard HFC134a gas and 0.2g BBs. I fired the gun under normal room temperature after warming up the magazine. At 20 feet,which is the normal engagement range for CQBs (close quarter battle), the pistol achieved 15 out of 21 grouping within 30mm, which is pretty decent.
A maximum velocity of 242 fps (feet per second) was attained but I recorded an average of 230 fps after discharging five magazines. You could probably gain an extra 20% out of the velocity if you use the higher grade gases but this may require significant upgrades to the inner mechanisms and will reduce the lifespan of your pistol.
After the last round is fired, the slide locks back just like a real pistol. Use your thumb to flick the slide release lever located just above the trigger to return the slide forward.
To remove the magazine, simply press down on the ambidextreous magazine release lever which is positioned at the forward section of the grip, below the trigger guard. The magazine will the fall off the pistol under its own weight.
Disassembling the pistol is a simple affair. First remove the magazine and then push the slide back slightly so the slide catch lines up with the pivot point of the slide release lever. Now on the right side push the lever out and remove it. The whole slide will run forward and off the frame. The outer/inner barrel, guide rod and spring can then be removed from the slide as well.
The pistol can be stripped without any tools for clearing jammed ammunition or maintenance.There are also a variety of after market products which you can use to enhance the USP Compact, either aesthetically or mechanically. My future plan is to buy a threaded barrel for the pistol so that a silencer than be attached to it.
Vital statistics
Price: £70 (2006 price)
Action: Gas blowback semi automatic pistol
Velocity: Average 230 fps; maximum 240 fps
Weight: 710 grams
To conclude, the KSC USP Compact is a very reliable sidearm to complement your main weapon in airsoft skirmishes. So far, I have never experience any stoppages and I can only credit this to the quality of this pistol.
If you have £70 to spare and want a good pistol, then look no further.
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