[GunfightersINC]

Hey I have an issue, I was out shooting my USP Tactical and during firing it blew up in my hands. The Ammo I was
using was PMC Bronze 230 Gr FMJ. I'm assuming it was a double charge of powder I was wearing nomex gloves,
armor and eye pro so I'm fine. I actually caught the whole thing on film.

The slide, barrel, and recoil spring assembly are fine but the entire polymer lower frame is destroyed. I tried calling HK
but they are closed for the weekend. Can anyone with any experience tell me if I can get the polymer frame replaced?
I only ask because the same thing happened to a buddy of mine's Glock and glock replaced the frame and the gun is
fully functional. I'm aware i would have to buy the frame my question is would HK repair the pistol?

 

[kansas]

You will have to contact PMC because they will be the ones paying for the replacement. I hope that you kept the box with the lot number on it. PMC will want to know the lot number. They may even want you to send in any remaining rounds from the box of ammo you were using. Let them know that you actually have it on video.
By the way, welcome to the forum.

 

[volcom312]

Lucky you werent hurt

 

[P7HEAVEN]

Crazy! I saw a Dan Wesson revolver blow up...scary. One minute a revolver...blam.... Top strap bent back and top half of cylinder destroyed... Gun to junk.


Sent from my iPhone 😡
(I'd rather be at the range trying to wear out my Not-LNIB gun collection.... Let's call it a BTS Beat To **** collection)

 

[NCDevilDog]

Glad you're OK. Can't wait to see this video.

 

[GunfightersINC]

You will have to contact PMC because they will be the ones paying for the replacement. I hope that you kept the box with the lot number on it. PMC will want to know the lot number. They may even want you to send in any remaining rounds from the box of ammo you were using. Let them know that you actually have it on video.
By the way, welcome to the forum.

Sadly I dont have the box/remaining rounds etc since I carry all my rounds in those blue plastic ammo cases and when I loaded the cases I just poured 6 boxes of the stuff onto a table and filled the plastic totes. I'm not so much worried about paying for a replacement frame as I am concerned will HK even replace that frame or will I have to buy a whole new pistol.

I've actually been on the forum a few months now I just read mostly. haven't had a reason to post anything until now.

 

[Brownie]

They'll replace the frame but it'll have a new serial number. Call them on Monday.

 

[GunfightersINC]

Thank you sir.

 

[fifthward]

I got a ammo can that I bought from a gun store filled with PMC Bronze 230 gr....500 rounds loose.

Yikes! Maybe I should save that can for SHTF.

 

[Blazer-6]

I wonder how ill replace mine if ever. im in the philippines! just mail the frame!? thats why i try to avoid fast powders!

 

[GunfightersINC]

Yeah it's got me looking at a reloading press..here's some pictures of the pistol.

and my prototype drop leg rig I was testing when it blew..

 

[TooSixy-closed]

Darn. Glad you're doing OK.

 

[GunfightersINC]

Yeah I'm good to go. but I tell you If it weren't for the nomex gloves my hands would be in bad shape. most of the overpressure blew out the mag well with the remaining blowing out the polymer below the extractor where my trigger knuckle was. the mag was empty but it's got me wondering where that overpressure would have gone had the mag been full. :8:

 

[azimuth]

This is another reason why I wear gloves when shooting. Glad you weren't hurt. Should be a straight forward repair if it's just the frame that broke. I'd be tempted to fix it myself.

Also, there is something to be said for rolling your own ammo. With the right equipment and attention to detail, a kaboom is very very unlikely. I know guys who have been reloading since the 50's and never had a kaboom or squib.

 

[NCDevilDog]

Much worse than I thought. Glad you're OK after that.

 

[GunfightersINC]

Wow, a USP tactical was about to be my next gun. Now I am a little scared. waiting to see the video though.

Don't let this stop you from buying a USP Tactical...hand's down the finest .45 caliber hand gun I've ever owned.

 

[Jsib84]

Don't let this stop you from buying a USP Tactical...hand's down the finest .45 caliber hand gun I've ever owned.

Did you get any kind of injuries, or just have to hose out your underwear?

 

[GunfightersINC]

Yeah I'm still really excited about getting one and I can't say I have heard of too many USPs blowing up in someone's hand. Did you get any kind of injuries, or just have to hose out your underwear?

No I shoot with Nomex aviator gloves which kept me from getting any injuries. It was the ammo not the pistol. I think if it had been a cheaper polymer .45 it may have gone much worse..I'm grateful to HK for building a gun that can absorb that much energy without injuring the operator and I'm still a just a big a fan of the USP as I ever was..I just want it back in one piece!!!

 

[bordercop]

Yeah I'm good to go. but I tell you If it weren't for the nomex gloves my hands would be in bad shape. most of the overpressure blew out the mag well with the remaining blowing out the polymer below the extractor where my trigger knuckle was. the mag was empty but it's got me wondering where that overpressure would have gone had the mag been full. :8:

It would still go out the magwell. There have been enough of them happen to be fairly certain of that. It's a nice side effect of "cheap" polymer frames, they open up enough to let the mag drop and release most of that pressure downward. Metal frame guns tend to cling a little tighter to their magazines.

 

[chopperduke]

Don't let this stop you from buying a USP Tactical...hand's down the finest .45 caliber hand gun I've ever owned.

I'm glad you're okay man! Those pics tell a serious story.

I couldn't agree with you more though. I've shot my fair share of .45s and my USP Tactical is hands the best shooter I've ever put my hands on.