HK USP Compact

The HK USP Compact is a small-frame pistol; designed and manufactured by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch. The design of the USP however went back to some traditional ideas. It used the Browning linkless-locked breech action developed by John Browning, for the Browning P35 pistol. It is a safe "cocked and locked" action.

Originally built as 40 S&W and 9 mm Parabellum models, it later developed into the .45 ACP model. Today the USP Compact series is available in 9 mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and, .357 SIG. Some of the other standard USP guns are the USP Tactical, USP Expert, USP Match, and USP Elite.

The mechanical recoil reduction system is one of the most important features of the USP. This is a part of the recoil and buffer spring assembly, located below the barrel. It essentially cushions the slide and the barrel, thus effectively reducing the recoil effects on the pistol mechanism; this also in effects reduces the recoil impact felt by the shooter.
USP Compacts are smaller and lighter than large-frame USPs, and the trigger reach is considerably reduced. The narrow, full-hand grip offers a choice of interchangeable extended or flush-fitting magazine floorplates. These features make the weapon more concealable and in the ease of holding and use.

To reduce size the length of the slide and barrel on the USP Compact, it has a specially designed flat compression spring, which holds the captive recoil spring assembly by a polymer absorber bushing. What makes it even more unique is that is does not require adjustment or maintenance and is not affected buy the ammunition used. This feature is there in all USP models, and in many stringent tests, which included abuse and function testing, it worked very efficiently for over 24,000 rounds without any failure. The pistol is designed to be corrosion resistant, and the outside metal surfaces are protected by nitro-gas carburized black oxide finish. Springs and other internal components are coated with anti corrosion chemicals that effectively reduce wear and tear. With a service life, which is expected to be higher than 20,000 rounds, the USP compact pistol is simple to maintain, reliable, safe, accurate and very concealable.