Help! Brand new Gun owner wondering about Early USP Lifespan

[RobotConquest]

Hi! I'm new to H&K models, and really, brand new to gun ownership in general. The missus & I were looking into a couple of different models for our first gun that were within in our price range, with the CZ 75 SP-01 & the SIG SP2022. Now admittedly, i've been drooling over the USP for the past few years as we've gotten interested in firearms, but the prices i'd seen - both new and used- were just out of reach. While looking at a local gunshop, an used H&K USP 9 with Meprolight tru-dot tritium front/yellow rear night sights caught my eye. It came with a hard case, but only one magazine, for a total, non-negotiable price of $600. I immediately tried it out, the action & trigger felt great, barrel had very little scratching on the finish, and knowing that brand new USPs with NS can run in the $800-900 & Up range, I looked at the insides, everything seemed in good order, so I put it on layaway. We're planning on picking it up this saturday, July 29, 2011. However, as I did extra research on the model, I learned that only early-mid 90s USPs have non-captive recoil springs and traditionally rifled barrels, two features which I found in this USP. Now, that I know about the USP date code, I'm sure that I'll be able to confirm my suspicion that this particular model is near 15 or 20 years old. I know that pre-2005 firing pins had breakage issues when dry fired regularly without snap caps, but do the oldest model USPs have other problems? The store will let me apply the down payment towards a different gun, but they'll only repair weapons free of charge for 30 days after purchase.

So I ask of all you H&K experts- This being our first (but hopefully far from our last) firearm, I don't want a gun that'll crap out on me in a few months, or even a few years. This being the case, what can I look for to ensure that the USP isn't on its deathbed? The gun seems to be very well cared for- great finish on the exterior, hardly any scratching on the barrel's bluing, no pitting on the frame, but since the gun is almost certainly made before 95, should I just skip it, or do well cared for USPs last nearly forever? If not, what is their lifespan? Thank you all in advance for your help on this- I seek guidance from all you H&K pros.

[jdonovan]

I know that pre-2005 firing pins had breakage issues when dry fired regularly without snap caps, but do the oldest model USPs have other problems? The store will let me apply the down payment towards a different gun, but they'll only repair weapons free of charge for 30 days after purchase.

So I ask of all you H&K experts- This being our first (but hopefully far from our last) firearm, I don't want a gun that'll crap out on me in a few months, or even a few years. This being the case, what can I look for to ensure that the USP isn't on its deathbed? The gun seems to be very well cared for- great finish on the exterior, hardly any scratching on the barrel's bluing, no pitting on the frame, but since the gun is almost certainly made before 95, should I just skip it, or do well cared for USPs last nearly forever? If not, what is their lifespan? Thank you all in advance for your help on this- I seek guidance from all you H&K pros.

If they want $600 for it, and you can get a new P2000, or P30 or hk45 for $750-$800 here, Heckler & Koch Pistols, HK Handguns, H&K Gmbh, then IMO its a no brainier, get the new one. The new one will come with a full lifetime warranty from H&K. Hell you'll spend $200 in ammo in just a few months if you are going to use it like your post implies.

Lifespan means different things to different folks. One example, is in the last few years Todd Green has run several H&K's to 50,000+ rounds with very limited maintenance. I'd be thrilled with 50,000 rounds of ammo, because even at $10/box 9mm, that would be $10,000 in ammo, and if you are shooting 40, or 45, a lot more.. At that point the $1000 pistol is cheap by comparison.

[RobotConquest]

I agree- the ammunition is certainly going to add to well over $200 within a few months, not to mention additional costs in range fees should we not feel like driving out of the city for an hour to a friend's property. Nonetheless, due to those expenses, we cannot currently afford more than $600, including FFL fees were we to buy online,. Becaise I already have some money tied up in this USP at a local store, that limits our options fjrther. Although the original down payment may have been impulsive on our part, we can transfer that money towards a SIG/CZ/whatever else from this shop. Given that the brand new H&Ks are just out of reach, what would you all sugest that I do? Skip the H&K for now given that it's one of the first iterations of the design, or should we go for it provided it passes some further checks? If the latter, then what should those tests be?

[AWD]

Welcome Robot

$600 used with one mag would be a little too much for me... but that's just me. It can depend on where you live, local market may be different and prices vary accordingly. How bright are the night sites? How much longer do they have, (if you could find out when they were installed?) The age really wouldn't bother me, ask most of us here and you will find out there are older HK's that work just fine. If it was taken care of it will likely work just fine. Like jdonovan said, lifespan can mean different things.

Good luck

[jdonovan]

Becaise I already have some money tied up in this USP at a local store, that limits our options fjrther.

If you are already tied to buying something from the store, then I'd think about the HK.

Even if you have to replace a firing pin, they are only about $35.

[pjwoogie@yahoo.com]

Keep it and shoot it brotha. I have 2 full size USP40's, the first I got new in 1995, variant 1, w/ 13 rd. mag., and it has 9K rounds through it. The 2nd was a much more recent acquisition, used, and a cop turn in when the dept. went to Glocks, from the same dealer as before and it was about 1100 or so older by serial number. Both were captive recoil springs, but they have the older barrels, and both have very recently been turned into light LEM at the factory. Doesn't matter, still shoots a regular clay pigeon free standing at 25 yards with FMJ. CZ is fine, and so is SIG, but HK is something different 8-)
They aren't quite as snug fitting as my HK45, but that's much more $$ and designed to be more accurate. I try to always have the USP handy no matter where I go, loaded with 135 gr. Corbon JHP's, or the 135 gr. Powerball's, and now the 140 gr. DPX's, and now I sometimes take 2. ;>)

[crazyim]

Hey. If your really wanting an HK look around this and other forums. I got a great price on my Hk and extras. I got a 9mm USP full size with 3 15 round mags a holster and 2 mag carrier for $585. The gun itself only has 1100 rounds through it. Gun stores every once in awhile have good deals. Just look around. Youll find something.

[Brad737]

Aim Surplus in Ohio had some great deals on USP Compacts. Summit Gun Broker does as well. I will say, I wouldn't worry about the longevity of an HK. Unless you really abuse them, they're VERY robust.
Good luck,
Brad