USP series of airsoft pistols from Umarex

Many, having played “war games” in childhood, do not leave this fun when they become adults, replacing toy weapons with more plausible ones, not firearms, of course, but powered by compressed gas, electricity or another method. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of these games, but at the same time get pleasure and all possible emotions from the sound of shots, the appearance of the weapon, and the tactile sensations of its use. Our story is about some models produced by Umarex for airsoft.

USP Airsoft Pistol Review

The USP series pistols produced are notable, first of all, for their identity with the models of the German firearms manufacturer. The parts, materials, and operating system are practically the same, of course, with the adjustment that the source of energy in pneumatic weapons is gas, not gunpowder.

The pneumatic guns in this series will appeal to both airgun lovers and those who need to learn how to shoot a gun before picking up a real one. The identity of the internal layout and the principle of assembly/disassembly will help to use muscle memory. The BlowBack system gives you an almost complete feeling of a military weapon in your hands.

Advantages and disadvantages

Describing the USP series models, we can highlight the following advantages:

• Almost complete identity to the original models.
• BlowBack system for increased realism.
• Build quality.
• Original, two-chamber gas supply system.
• Generous equipment.
• Low price for this class.

However, despite all the advantages, the manufacturer could not avoid the disadvantages:

• Low initial bullet speed (no more than 110 m/s for most models).
• Unreliable fuse.
• The main material of pistols is silumin; in general, this cannot be called an obvious drawback, since most of the parts are made “thick”, which practically eliminates the possibility of breakage, however, there are also weak points, for example, threads.

Photo of Umarex Heckler & Koch USP air pistol

Purpose

Despite the fact that these models of air pistols are presented in stores as pneumatic, they can also be used for sports and recreational shooting in designated areas. Also, due to their identity to the original models, they are suitable for various types of reconstructions. In addition, the described specimens can also be used for training, thanks, again, to their identity to the original firearm models.

Air pistol Umarex Heckler & Koch USP

Firstly, why Heckler & Koch USP? I wanted to purchase a pneumatic copy (CO2) of a modern combat pistol with a rectangular bolt frame. In this case, the main requirements were: good compliance with the combat prototype with the markings of its manufacturer, the absence of pronounced connecting seams on the bolt and frame, a USP bolt made of metal, a frame made of metal or plastic (if in the combat analogue it is also made of plastic), a full-size magazine. The presence of imitation of shutter movement (blow back) is not critical. Of course, a moving shutter adds realism when shooting, but it reduces the speed of the bullet/ball and the CO2 consumption.

Of the 24 models reviewed, three models most fully met these requirements: Cybergun Jericho 941, Umarex HK P30 and Umarex Heckler and Koch USP.

Cybergun Jericho 941 – I didn’t like the shiny insert in the ejector window. As for the Umarex HK P30 , it is an excellent copy of the famous combat model with a rifled barrel, but it uses a drum clip system for 8 bullets and is quite expensive.

Thus, the choice fell on Heckler and Koch USP . Reviews from owners on the Internet confirmed the correctness of their choice.

Its combat prototype is a pistol for the police and army of the famous German small arms company Heckler & Koch. The abbreviation USP stands for “Universal Self-Loading Pistol.” The pistol was released in 1993 and is distinguished by high tactical and technical characteristics. It is in service with police, army and special units in many countries around the world.

Unlike the elite models of Umarex airguns such as the Beretta 92FS, which comes in a plastic case, this pistol is packaged in a cardboard box. However, inside there is a plastic insert that securely holds the gun and accessories.

All the main design features of the pistol are explained by clear pictograms on the lid of the packaging box.

Some disadvantage is the absence of the “explosion circuit” that buyers of Gletcher products are accustomed to.

The delivery set includes, in addition to the pistol itself with a magazine, a box of balls (200 pcs.), a plastic loading accelerator, a hex key and user instructions in several languages, including Russian.

Main characteristics declared by the manufacturer:

• total length - 19 cm (7.5 inches);
• barrel length - 11.4 cm (4.5 inches);
• pistol weight with magazine - 1005 grams;
• magazine weight – 368 grams;
• barrel – brass, without rifling;
• energy source – CO2 canister 12 grams;
• caliber – 4.5 mm (.177);
• ball release speed – 122 m/s (400 ft/s)*
• magazine capacity – 22 explosive balls;
• fuse – one-way, non-automatic;
• sighting devices - front and rear sights, not adjustable;
• material – barrel – metal alloy, frame – plastic.
• imitation of the shutter stroke is absent.

* - on the manufacturer’s Russian website - 130 m/s

, which has a license to copy the appearance of Heckler & Koch weapons, has created an air pistol that almost completely replicates the appearance of the combat model - from weight and dimensions to markings. Interestingly, the weight of the pneumatic copy is even slightly greater than the combat prototype - 1005 grams versus 785.

Externally, the pneumatic differs only in the red “HK” logo on the handle plate, naturally in the appearance of the muzzle, and in the appearance of the end of the magazine (the CO2 cartridge compartment plug for a hex key and the pin for fixing the balls in the magazine). The inscription in small print, mainly on the right side of the bolt casing, also indicates that it belongs to the world of pneumatics:

4 – “Attention. Read the user manual"

7 – “Umarex holds a license granting the exclusive right to use the HK trademark and copy its products.

The false barrel has imitation rifling. As in the combat prototype, the bolt is made of metal (naturally an aluminum alloy, not gun steel), and the bolt is made of high-strength plastic.

Despite the fact that the bolt of the Umarex pistol is stationary, and the bolt stop is only an imitation, they are made so realistically that everyone who gets the gun in their hands tries to twist the bolt or move the slide stop.

Unlike the usual magazine release button, this model uses a small lever for this purpose.

The pistol provides only self-cocking shooting; a convenient one-way safety in the “safety” (“S”) position blocks the trigger.

The sighting devices are non-adjustable. There are white dots on the front and rear sights.

The magazine is full-size, the same size as the combat model, and quite heavy (weight: 368 grams). The cylinder is punctured using a plug screw with a hole for a hex key. The plug practically does not protrude from the end of the magazine, which ensures greater realism of the pneumatic copy.

The ball feeder is automatically locked in the lower position. After filling with balls, the magazine is inserted into the handle. The feeder is removed from fixation using a special pin located in the end part of the magazine next to the plug.

The included loading accelerator allows you to quickly load the magazine with balls. True, some skill is required - when filling the balls in a heap, they become wedged in the neck of the feeder.

In terms of tactile sensations, the pistol corresponds to its combat analogue, from which it is also comfortable to hold in the hand. The impression is somewhat spoiled by the weakly spring-loaded plastic false trigger (it moves during shooting). As one of the owners of this model very figuratively said, “it hangs around like a snot.” The disadvantages of the pistol include a quiet knocking sound inside the bolt and magazine in the handle if the pistol is shaken. But this does not affect its functioning.

An interesting design feature is that when disassembled, a scratch remains on the cover of the ejector window - a kind of warranty seal, indicating that the pistol was disassembled.

In addition to excellent copyability, the pistol is distinguished by fairly high power, economical CO2 consumption, good accuracy and an affordable price. According to user reviews, when shooting at high speed from the first magazine, the speed of the balls is at least 120 m/s, and when shooting at the manufacturer’s recommended rate (1 shot every 1-2 seconds), the speed is 130 m/s or even a little higher! At the same time, about 200 shots can be fired from one can (a full 100 - 150 shots). From a distance of 10 meters, the balls fall into a circle with a diameter of 60 - 70 mm.

Some idea of ​​the accuracy of shooting from this pistol (the shooting was carried out at a fairly low temperature, the pistol was not fixed motionless) is given by the shooting results below. (By the way, this gun did not swallow the copper-plated “Shot” balls).

Those who like to carry a pistol on their belt or practice high-speed shooting can purchase leather or plastic holsters for the HK USP.

The average price of a pistol in Moscow is about 4 thousand rubles, but if you wish, you can find stores where it costs about 3,600 rubles. (Please note that the delivery set includes a box of 250 balls).

So, in summary:

Advantages:

• excellent copyability;
• ergonomics;
• high power and good accuracy;
• convenient charging system;
• reasonable price;
• box with balls included in delivery.

Flaws:

• lack of possibility of firing with preliminary cocking;
• a slight knock when shaking the pistol inside the bolt and the magazine in the handle;
• plastic trigger.

The lack of simulation of the shutter movement when shooting, on the one hand, is a disadvantage - less realism when shooting, but on the other hand, it provides good power and economical consumption of the can.
September 30, 2013

Review of popular models

The Umarex company produces a large number of models of airsoft weapons, based on real examples of combat pistols. One of the series features models that are almost complete replicas of Heckler & Koch weapon models.

USP Airsoft Pistol Specifications:

Description of the Umarex Heckler & Koch USP air pistol (4.5 mm)

The modern pistol from the German company Umarex is currently the best in its class.
The appearance of the Umarex Hackler and Koch YSP air pistol will undoubtedly attract the attention of many shooting enthusiasts. I would like to note that this model is an exact copy of the Heckler & Koch USP combat pistol. In the production of the Umarex Heckler & Koch USP air pistol body, very high quality plastic is used. Due to its dense structure, this material is resistant to various types of damage.

The pistol grip is quite comfortable and allows the shooter to hold the model firmly in his hand while shooting.

And although the model is manufactured by a German company, the price of the pneumatic Umarex Hackler and Koch USP will be a pleasant surprise for every shooting enthusiast.

The projectiles in this model are steel balls with a diameter of 4.5 mm. They are pre-loaded into a special magazine with a quantity of 22 pieces.

Due to the absence of rifling inside the barrel, shots are quite accurate even from a long distance. The initial speed of the steel ball is 122 m/s.

And despite the low muzzle energy of up to 3 J, the model has such impressive power. This is facilitated by a 12 gram cylinder of carbon dioxide. It is installed inside the pistol grip and does not in any way affect the comfortable use of the weapon.

In the production of the Umarex Heckler & Koch USP pneumatic barrel, high-quality alloy steel is used, coated with a special solution to prevent rust.

In order to protect the shooter from making an accidental shot, this model has a non-automatic safety lock. It is located on the left side of the case.

Despite the presence of a safety lock and high power ratings, every Russian citizen over the age of 18 will be able to buy a Umarex Heckler & Koch USP air pistol.

The sighting device for the Umarex Heckler & Koch USP pneumatics is an open sight with a front sight and a non-adjustable rear sight. This scope is quite enough for recreational shooting at banks. However, if you wish, you can try shooting at small animals or birds.

The dimensions of this model are quite serious, the length is 192 mm, and the weight is 1 kg.

Operating principle

The operating principle is typical for any pneumatic weapon. When moving backward, the bolt frame retracts the feeder, and the ball is fed. When the frame is returned, the ball is locked in the barrel, and the rear section of the bolt cocks the hammer. Under the influence of compressed gas, when you press the trigger, the firing pin hits the dispenser valve. A shot occurs.

Given that the barrel is not threaded, the ball still receives torque using the HopUp system, which can be adjusted on some models. This increases the accuracy of shooting. Using Green Gas allows you to accurately simulate the recoil and sound of a firearm being fired.

The video shows the USP 45 Compact pistol in action:

Disassembly

Partial disassembly will not cause any difficulties for any user. You just need to press a cleverly disguised button in the hole of the sleeve outlet, after which the bolt moves back with a movement of the hand, its rear part rises a few millimeters, after which the bolt moves forward and is removed. Complete disassembly is possible, the internal layout is as close as possible to the original, however, the need for it arises extremely rarely, and there is no need to describe it in this article.

Possible tuning (upgrade)

As with any air gun, the object of improvement is primarily an increase in power. This can be achieved by installing a stiffer spring.

Manufacturers initially install barrels with a diameter of 6.08 mm in their models. A way to increase accuracy is to replace it with a barrel with a diameter of 6.03 mm.

The pistol can be equipped with additional accessories, the mounting of which has been provided by the manufacturer. This could be a flashlight, laser laser, etc.

Cleaning

Any weapon requires maintenance, including pneumatic ones. Even though nothing burns inside the gun, therefore, there is simply nowhere for carbon deposits to come from, nevertheless, dust, at a minimum, and, when used for airsoft, sand can get into the barrel, as well as into the moving parts. Thus, it is necessary to periodically partially disassemble the gun, wipe off dust and dirt, and it is also advisable to lubricate moving parts with oil. Gun oil and cleaning supplies can be purchased at any hunting store or shop that sells airguns and accessories.

Video review of the Umarex Heckler & Koch USP air pistol:

Heckler & Koch USP Air Gun

Heckler & Koch USP air pistol from Umarex

The USP firearm was released by Heckler & Koch in 1993. The abbreviation USP stands for universal self-loading pistol (Universal Selbstladen Pistole), since the model was intended both for use in the army and police, and for civilian self-defense and sports shooting. The pistol was produced in various modifications and all models are distinguished by high reliability and good shooting accuracy.

In addition to combat varieties, she also created sports modifications of the pistol. Umarex, judging by the image on the packaging, positions the Heckler & Koch USP air pistol as a sports pistol.

The pistol has a beautiful box, suitable for a gift, and a good set of accessories. The pistol comes with a box of 4.5 mm steel balls, a loading accelerator and a hex key for tightening the cylinder. The gun and all accessories are neatly packaged in molded polyethylene.

The USP pistol has what can be called a “brutal” appearance. The strict combat contours of the pistol are complemented by considerable weight, which amounts to almost a kilogram, which also corresponds to one of the firearm options, since various modifications weighed in the range of 667-1080 grams. The frame of the Umarex Heckler & Koch USP pistol is made of plastic, which also corresponds to the combat prototype. The shutter is made of a metal alloy and has a matte black finish. The sides of the pistol grip have a rough texture, and the front and back of the grip have large checkering.

The pistol's bolt is stationary, and the bolt stop lever only imitates the real thing. To the right of this lever there is a rather large fuse box. The fuse is relatively easy to switch and convenient to use. Unlike other types of pistols, where the flag covers or reveals the markings indicating the position of the safety, here the letter "S" and the red letter "F" are located on the lever itself. And the pointer in the form of a white stripe is located on the frame of the pistol. To put the pistol on safety, you need to move the lever up, and the trigger will be locked. By moving the flag down to a horizontal position, the pistol is removed from the safety catch. All manipulations with the fuse are easily done with the thumb of the right hand.

The Heckler & Koch USP air pistol has a full-size magazine that is similar in appearance to an ammunition clip. It includes a cylinder compartment, a BB holder and a gun valve mechanism. The magazine is removed by pressing the double-sided lever at the base of the trigger guard. The magazine is very heavy and when you press the bracket, it quickly flies out of the pistol grip. The magazine holds 22 steel balls, so for quick loading you can use the loading accelerator included in the kit.

To charge the balls, the rammer needs to be moved down, where it will lock. After loading the ammunition, you need to move the spring at the bottom of the magazine slightly to the side and the ball feeder will be removed from the lock. To install a can into the magazine, you need to unscrew the plug screw from the bottom of the magazine. To do this, use the supplied hex key. Then the balloon is inserted into the opened cavity, and the plug is twisted back, piercing and squeezing the balloon. After loading the magazine, it is inserted back into the pistol grip.

The pistol shoots self-cocking. The visible trigger is pressed by a spring and only externally imitates the real one, moving during shots, and the part that hits the valve stem is located inside the pistol. On top of the bolt there are non-adjustable sighting devices - a front sight and a rear sight with white dots printed on the ends.

For all its external advantages and good shooting accuracy, the pistol has a low cost. Typically, similar models from Umarex cost around $200, but the price of this interesting pistol is only about $115.