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Designed in the late 80s and 90s, the Heckler & Koch USP 45 quickly became one of the most highly sought-after combat handguns in the world. Is the USP 45 still king of its class in 2024, or have newer firearms rendered it obsolete? Continue reading to find out.
Heckler & Koch introduced the USP 45 back in 1995, several years after the USP 40 and USP 9 first hit the market. Chambered for the larger .45 ACP cartridge, this variant utilizes a 10-round flush fit steel magazine and may be purchased with a safety / decocker or in a decocker-only configuration. The USP 45 is also compatible with H&K's LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) fire control group, which functions as a double-action only trigger with a lighter, consistent pull.
With robust aftermarket support, the USP 45 can be extensively customized to suit each shooter's individual preferences. Extended magazine release paddles, Picatinny rail adapters, trigger conversion kits, compensators, and adjustable sights are among the more popular modifications available for these pistols - making the USP 45 extremely versatile compared to other .45 ACP handguns.
The USP 45 has enjoyed a long service life with military and law enforcement around the world, including the German Bundeswehr and several local and state agencies within the United States. And of course, a modified single-action only variant of the USP 45 (designated as the Mark 23) has famously been carried as the primary offensive sidearm of U.S. Navy SEALs since it was developed for SOCOM.
Due to its popularity with professional shooters and firearms instructors, the USP 45 has been featured heavily in film, television, and video games. Tom Cruise uses one in the film Collateral, and a gold-plated model appeared in Better Call Saul's Season 5 episode "Bagman" . The USP 45 is also available to players in many video games, including Counter-Strike, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, and Escape From Tarkov.
Handgun technology has evolved significantly since the 90s, with most firearms manufacturers shifting towards micro compact pistols. As industry trends and consumer preferences change, it has become increasingly popular to dismiss guns like the USP as relics of the past - interesting for hardcore enthusiasts, but too large and unwieldy to be relevant for the average shooter in 2024.
Of course, this perspective assumes that every shooter has the same goals (carrrying the smallest firearm possible, choosing 9mm for increased capacity, etc.) when in reality, the USP is still perfectly capable of filling a niche role that remains underserviced to this day. Tactically-oriented double stack .45 ACP pistols are few and far between, with only a few offerings from companies like FN and Springfield Armory to truly compete with the USP.
The USP 45 is still an excellent choice for shooters who want to carry a .45 ACP, especially for those who prefer a double / single action trigger. Moreover, there is a strong argument to be made that the USP 45 is more practical than older .45 ACP designs like the 1911. It has great ergonomics, better capacity, and strong aftermarket support with plenty of tactical accessories readily available for purchase.
The Classic Firearms team has extensive hands-on experience with the USP 45 and to be honest, it shoots about as well as an FN FNX-45 or a Springfield XD-M, with minimal recoil and solid accuracy. However, both alternative options have greater capacity and modern features like optics-ready slides available from the factory. Shooters who like the look and feel of the USP can achieve a similar setup with extended magazines, Picatinny rail adaptors, and custom slide milling - but each of these entails an added expense in addition to the purchase of the pistol.
There are smaller, lighter pistols with higher-capacity standard mags (such as the FN 545 Tactical), and there are also full size handguns with more options out of the box than the stock USP 45. Critics often cite these reasons whenever they suggest the USP is not the best handgun ever made, at least not in 2024. While there is a kernel of truth to that statement, it doesn't make the USP bad or overrated by any means; rather, it is simply an acknowledgement of the overwhelming fandom surrounding the USP that has exaggerated the capabilities of this pistol to the point of hyperbole.
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So, is the H&K USP 45 actually overrated? We don't think so. As long as you have realistic expectations of your equipment and understand your skills and limitations as a shooter, the USP will never disappoint. It is still a phenomenal pistol and deserves most of the praise it receives. If you want to carry a USP 45, we wholeheartedly encourage you to do so for the many benefits mentioned above.
Heckler & Koch makes some exceptional firearms and while we wouldn't consider ourselves "HK Fanboys," we're definitely still fans. Watch our video below to learn more about the legendary Mark 23 SAO semi-auto pistol.
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