Improving the HK USP 45 Tactical ( yes, it's possible)

[Shemp]

One of the major improvements of the HK45 over the USP line of pistols is the magazine release. The HK45 has an EXCELLENT magazine release that runs almost half the length of the trigger guard and allows a shooter to keep their hand in the firing position on the gun while dropping mags with practice. The USP 45 mag release is a tiny nib and very easy to miss in the heat of combat on the city streets of America.

There is a solution, and it is provided by HK.

The HK45 Compact magazine release is significant;y larger than the USP mag release and is a drop in part. The full size HK45 mag release will not work as part of it is molded into the grip frame. If one was enterprising enough you could possibly make it work...but it would be a lot of work.

I took some pics and measurements for you all.
The standard USP45 mag release measures 0.293 inches in length on the release pad surface.
The HK45C measures 0.460 inches in length on the release pad surface.

Swapping them out takes all of 2 minutes. Push the release pin out, remove the release, transfer the return spring to the new release, reinsert and push the pin back in.

Don't order your part from HKParts.net, try calling HK themselves down in Columbus. HKParts.net wanted $24 plus shipping for ONE mag release; HK in Columbus shipped me TWO of them for $16, including tax.

I hope this is helpful to anyone with HK USPs.

 

[Shemp]

Here's a good pic of the difference in size

 

[NWS]

HK, worst magazine release ever. Only magazine release where dropping the magazine under recoil is possible. Honestly it is the mag release that keeps me away from HK handguns more than anything.....well that and the DA/SA triggers.

 

[Shemp]

HK, worst magazine release ever. Only magazine release where dropping the magazine under recoil is possible. Honestly it is the mag release that keeps me away from HK handguns more than anything.....well that and the DA/SA triggers.

How could you possibly release the mag under recoil if you've got a proper grip on the gun?

 

[NWS]

How could you possibly release the mag under recoil if you've got a proper grip on the gun?

I guess I grip extra tight....I don't know. I traded into a P30L and dropped the mag the first time I pulled the trigger. I did it twice more before the magazine was empty. I traded it back off the next day and have never touched another HK again. The trigger was atrocious as well.

 

[Laufen]

HK, worst magazine release ever. Only magazine release where dropping the magazine under recoil is possible. Honestly it is the mag release that keeps me away from HK handguns more than anything.....well that and the DA/SA triggers.

I still can't figure out how you could have dropped the mag.

 

[Shemp]

I still can't figure out how you could have dropped the mag.

Unless the mag wasn't fully seated

 

[Laufen]

Unless the mag wasn't fully seated

Either that, or he has an oddly deformed hand that I didn't notice at the weenie fry.

 

[Gunsite Grad]

I just picked up a P2000. That is one of my biggest complaints is the tiny mag release. If I keep it you can bet HK will be getting a call from me for this part.

 

[Hoss]

I just picked up a P2000. That is one of my biggest complaints is the tiny mag release. If I keep it you can bet HK will be getting a call from me for this part.

After practicing with it the small release is ok by me on my P2000sk. I wouldn't mind changing the one on my USP though.

 

[Shemp]

I saw for the first time someone drop a mag on the USP while shooting it. It was done by a girl that was with me at the range...and it was the second time she'd fired a gun in her life. Strangely enough she only did it on my USP with the bigger mag release; she did fine with the VP9. Despite trying to correct her grip she somehow had a finger resting on the release and when she touched a round off she dropped the mag...quite funny.