[sos24]

I am new to this forum and joined specifically because I held a USP 40 Compact yesterday at my LGS and fell in love. I own a few guns and primarily own Sigs. I was convinced my next handgun was going to be a P229R in 40, but then I asked to see the USP Compact that was next to the P229. I have never held a gun that felt that nice in my hand and probably would have bought it right then and there but it was a V1 and I am a left-hander. I've since been doing my research and trying to find a location to rent one and that can answer my questions. I thought I would join here to find a few answers, because unless someone convinces me not to, the USP40c will probably be my next handgun purchase.

- If I was to purchase a V1, how hard/expensive is it to switch the safety/decocker to the right side? How about switch to LEM, if I wanted to go that way?
- With LEM, how is hammer operation? Does the V5/V6 safety also work as a decocker like DA/SA variants? How about with the V7 that doesn't have a safety/decocker - does the hammer just automatcally go to the decocked position or does it stay cocked but still function as if DA?
- I read somewhere that LEM normally comes with 7.5lb pull but could be changed to 6.5lb. Is this true on the USP compact and if so how easy is it to change? Is it just a spring?
- I read in a review that the rail is not a true 1913. Is that true? Are there any WMLs that don't work well with the rail?

Thank you for your responses.

 

[mneblett]

- If I was to purchase a V1, how hard/expensive is it to switch the safety/decocker to the right side? How about switch to LEM, if I wanted to go that way?

The safety lever must be replaced with a new opposite-side lever, so you need a new part (i.e., you can't move the original V1 lever from one side to the other to make a V2). Relatively easy to do; TooSixy and others have published pictorials.

LEM is similarly a parts-swapping exercise, a bit more complicated, but similarly documented with pictures.

- With LEM, how is hammer operation? Does the V5/V6 safety also work as a decocker like DA/SA variants? How about with the V7 that doesn't have a safety/decocker - does the hammer just automatcally go to the decocked position or does it stay cocked but still function as if DA?

V1/V2 converted to LEM no longer has the decocking function.

- I read in a review that the rail is not a true 1913. Is that true? Are there any WMLs that don't work well with the rail?

The USP pistols were designed before 1913 rails were used on pistols. IIRC, HK was the first one to put any sort of rail on a pistol. The USP rail is not 1913, although 1913-compatible adaptors are available. The later HK models such as the P30 have 1913 rails.

 

[Jafrush]

First off, I LOVE My USP Compact .40. It's the only .40 I have left, but I'll never get rid of it. In fact, I just put an order on a 9mm USP Compact yesterday, so I'll finally have one in my favorite caliber.

For the rail, no it isn't a 1913. There's two options:

Buy an adapter, I have the GGG. This gives it the Glock style rail mount. Easy to use, and most light holster brands will have this setup for holster molds.

But a light with the USP mount. There's several out there. I have the TLR-3 with the USP rail.

 

[bjschil]

Once you shoot the USP you will love the action. They are the smoothest shooting guns. You may not see as great of a difference coming from a Sig, but when I take my 229 SCT out I am always pleased when I go back to my USP. The light and holster options have always been a sore point for me (mostly holsters), but it seems like there is movement towards more options.

 

[azdskin]

I carry a USP Compact .40 on duty and I like it.

 

[sos24]

Once you shoot the USP you will love the action. They are the smoothest shooting guns. You may not see as great of a difference coming from a Sig, but when I take my 229 SCT out I am always pleased when I go back to my USP. The light and holster options have always been a sore point for me (mostly holsters), but it seems like there is movement towards more options.

I was looking and it appears my favorite holster can be made in USP Compact, so holster wise I am good.

 

[JonFrost]

Welcome! I'm a lefty and have but the ambi decocker on all my usp's including the compact. Not too hard. They are amazing pistols!!

 

[estesmonkey]

Welcome to the site. The USP series is my favorite of the HK polymers arms. The 40 in a USPc is great!
As far as understanding trigger systems and variant changes, the search feature here on this site is your best bet. Tons of tutorials, charts, videos and more to learn from. Well written by the best who know. That is better than individual descriptions IMO. TooSixy has several great tutorials on the swaps and Navyman8903 has a good video explaining the LEM system. Skullbox has a good video on parts swaps.
Unless you need a compact, you might consider the full size USP for longer barrel and sight radius. the FS 40 USP is a fantastic shooter.

 

[sos24]

Welcome to the site. The USP series is my favorite of the HK polymers arms. The 40 in a USPc is great!
As far as understanding trigger systems and variant changes, the search feature here on this site is your best bet. Tons of tutorials, charts, videos and more to learn from. Well written by the best who know. That is better than individual descriptions IMO. TooSixy has several great tutorials on the swaps and Navyman8903 has a good video explaining the LEM system. Skullbox has a good video on parts swaps.
Unless you need a compact, you might consider the full size USP for longer barrel and sight radius. the FS 40 USP is a fantastic shooter.

Thanks for the advise on searches, I had done some research and finding a lot of info. I am figuring the Compact will be a nice cc gun. I have carried a Sig P229 before but would sometimes have issues with the end of the grip printing and I currently carry a Sig P224. The compact would be between the two in size but lighter than either.

 

[Edgy01]

As another lefty, I moved to HKs decades ago with the P7 series and its full ambi capability. However, I was impressed with the USPc 45 so I got one, added the ambi safety to it (you tube is your friend) and have never looked back. As a 1911A1 owner, too, I have grown used to having to reach over th slide to lock the slide back and or release it. As stated by an earlier poster, the decoding capability works well from either Sid provided you install the ambi safety (or install the lefty safety on the right side of the slide)

A great feeling trigger as well. That puppy is always within a few feet of me.

Dan

P7M8s
USPc SS 45
P30 9mm
VP9s
MP556A1 Comp

Colt .45 1911A1
Colt .22 single action revolver
Sig Sauer Mosquito .22
Springfield 03-A3 .30-06
Winchester pre-64 Model 70 270 Win
Winchester model 1894 .32-40
Winchester Model 12 12-gauge
Mosin Nagant 7.62-54R
Smith-Wesson M&P15 AR-15
Remington Model 512 .22 LR
Winchester .22 LR

 

[AGG]

Welcome to the site, and congratulations on your first, HK sidearm--- visit The Reference Library (below)!!! :biggrin:

Tony

 

[estesmonkey]

I am figuring the Compact will be a nice cc gun.

Indeed they make great carries. I used mine as my primary CCW for years. These days though I shaved the weight off and went with smaller and even more comfortable. The P30sk v1 9. It is amazing to carry and doesn't print in in Summer with light Ts. The grip makes draw to target acquisition instant for me. I can draw it and nail tacks all day long instantly. Unless you have reason for wanting a larger compact, I highly suggest the P30sk. However, I love the USPc, but the sk gets carried now. The sk is even fun at the range which suprised me because I never considered SKs for range fun until now. We need pics once you pick yours up.

 

[sos24]

Indeed they make great carries. I used mine as my primary CCW for years. These days though I shaved the weight off and went with smaller and even more comfortable. The P30sk v1 9. It is amazing to carry and doesn't print in in Summer with light Ts. The grip makes draw to target acquisition instant for me. I can draw it and nail tacks all day long instantly. Unless you have reason for wanting a larger compact, I highly suggest the P30sk. However, I love the USPc, but the sk gets carried now. The sk is even fun at the range which suprised me because I never considered SKs for range fun until now. We need pics once you pick yours up.

I've handled both the P30sk and the 2000sk at my LGS, but neither felt that great. Unfortunately, I was not able to change the grips because it would most likely would have made a difference. The USP just felt great as soon as I picked it up, like it was made for my hand. I don't really need a new carry gun, I like my P224, but the USPc is just calling to me.

This week, I'm going to call all the local ranges, trying to find a USPc in both DA/SA and LEM. At a minimum hopefully I can find one in LEM. I have experience with Sig DA/SA so and like it, but I am really curious to fire a LEM gun before deciding which variant to buy.

 

[estesmonkey]

I am really curious to fire a LEM gun before deciding which variant to buy.

The USPc is certainly great and I understand about it feeling great in the hand. That's why I have a few USPs hanging around.
You should love the LEM. For me its the best possible trigger for CCW ever made. Those who pull or jerk triggers tend to not like them.

 

[mneblett]

The USPc is certainly great and I understand about it feeling great in the hand. That's why I have a few USPs hanging around.
You should love the LEM. For me its the best possible trigger for CCW ever made. Those who pull or jerk triggers tend to not like them.

+1. My LEM'd USPc 45 is still at the top of my favorites list.

 

[RBS71]

The USP just felt great as soon as I picked it up, like it was made for my hand. I don't really need a new carry gun, I like my P224, but the USPc is just calling to me.

I know the feeling. I purchased a USPc .40 earlier this summer. It felt right at home in my hand and I love firing it. I like it so much, I'm considering a P30SK 9mm.

 

[bigB6flyer]

I've handled both the P30sk and the 2000sk at my LGS, but neither felt that great. Unfortunately, I was not able to change the grips because it would most likely would have made a difference. The USP just felt great as soon as I picked it up, like it was made for my hand. I don't really need a new carry gun, I like my P224, but the USPc is just calling to me.

This week, I'm going to call all the local ranges, trying to find a USPc in both DA/SA and LEM. At a minimum hopefully I can find one in LEM. I have experience with Sig DA/SA so and like it, but I am really curious to fire a LEM gun before deciding which variant to buy.

You may have a hard time finding a range that has a usp40c for rent unfortunately, as great a gun as they are.

May I ask what area you are in? Maybe one of the forum members is nearby and could coordinate a mag or two of usp40c time with you.

The usp's are sweet shooting guns. I recently purchased a lightly used 2013 usp45c Lem. It has just a slight bit more recoil than the 40c, but very controllable. If you cannot find a 40c, see if you can rent a 9c or 45c. They are tanks that have no wasted parts or superfluous controls hanging off of them. The usp40c is equally as great. I also have a p30 Lem, p30sk Lem, and a vp40; seems with each new H&K I get, it quickly becomes the new favorite.


Brad

 

[sos24]

You may have a hard time finding a range that has a usp40c for rent unfortunately, as great a gun as they are.

May I ask what area you are in? Maybe one of the forum members is nearby and could coordinate a mag or two of usp40c time with you.

The usp's are sweet shooting guns. I recently purchased a lightly used 2013 usp45c Lem. It has just a slight bit more recoil than the 40c, but very controllable. If you cannot find a 40c, see if you can rent a 9c or 45c. They are tanks that have no wasted parts or superfluous controls hanging off of them. The usp40c is equally as great. I also have a p30 Lem, p30sk Lem, and a vp40; seems with each new H&K I get, it quickly becomes the new favorite.


Brad

I am in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. I have realized that it seems most ranges do not have very many HK guns for rent so I have tapered my hopes/expectations. I am really hoping to at least find a LEM gun to try if I can't find the USP compact.

 

[bigB6flyer]

Sounds like a plan. I'm down in the Piedmont/CLT of NC. If youre ever this way and still haven't scratched the itch, shoot me a pm.

 

[94hokie]

Have one in .45 and love it, am now in the market to get one in 9mm as well. Great platform, you won't regret it if you buy one.