Umarex Heckler & Koch USP

Umarex was the first company to be legally licensed to produce CO2 versions of Heckler & Koch firearms, and the H&K USP Blowback on test here is a classic example of what the company are all about.

Authentic feel

I’m on record as being a little uneasy about airguns that resemble firearms, but if you understand the responsibility that comes with such a product, then the H&K USP Blowback model is a particularly nice example. Attention to detail is the name of the game, and in the replica sector, where shooters want to see features that mimic the original firearm, it can make a big difference to pride of ownership, and user satisfaction.

First impressions are of a precisely made pistol. Pick up the USP and it just feels authentic in every way. Tipping the scales at 2.2lbs means it feels significant in the hand, and balances well, whilst the quality of construction is such that it’s difficult not to be mightily impressed from the off. The top slide is metal, along with the magazine assembly, slide release, hammer, and trigger. The lower section is formed from a single piece moulding (high-grade polymer) and the grip shows a pin-sharp pattern on the front and rear faces, as well as some stippling on both sides. Nothing feels out of place.

Happy medium

Power comes from a single 12-gram CO2 capsule and I need to confirm a few basic considerations when using this medium. Firstly, be aware that you don’t want to be touching the capsule when it is fast-releasing gas, as it is normally freezing cold at this point. Normal use shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s worth being aware of. Secondly, CO2 is affected by outdoor temperature, so cold conditions mean fewer shots per charge. Accept the limitations though, and you can then enjoy the plus points, namely opening the door to fast-fire fun, and what this model is all about after all.

This USP only fires steel 4.5mm BBs, so that means that protective glasses need to be worn at all times in case of ricochets. The normal price for a single CO2 capsule is between 60p and £1, but whilst that does mean shooting costs increase, the fast-fire element on offer is worth every penny.

Getting started

This Heckler & Koch USP comes supplied with a small quantity of BBs and a sizeable Allen key. The pistol features fixed open sights, a safety catch, a 2-stage trigger, a blowback action, and a multi-shot magazine.

Preparation starts with loading a fresh CO2 capsule, and this is done by taking the chunky Allen key and inserting it into the socket at the base of the grip. Freeing the base ring is easy, then insert the capsule neck first. Next, replace the base ring and nip it back up until a small hiss signifies the capsule is pierced. Getting that base ring back on its thread proved slightly awkward, but with this complete, it’s time to load 16 BBs into the magazine. This is achieved by holding down the spring-loaded keeper catch, and then snapping each BB into the top aperture in turn. This is also a little fiddly, but I suspect the new aperture would slightly slacken over time, making the task easier. I can confirm that the mag capacity is 16, which is confirmed on the box, and then confused by the instruction booklet, which states 18! Finally, push the full magazine into the base of the grip until it clicks secure, and the fun can begin!

Blowback action

Pull back the top slide to cock the action, and if it doesn’t move fully forwards again, then press the slide release on the left side, just above the trigger, and it will. Squeezing the trigger moves it a small way, just like a mini first stage. A small amount of pressure thereafter releases the shot. Fans of replica guns will love the blowback action, and this sees the top slide move backwards and forwards on firing. It all happens with an ultra-fast snap, and there’s a satisfying amount of kick upwards and backwards, all adding to the excitement. This USP is quite noisy, but coupled with the movement, it adds real sensation, making it difficult to suppress a grin at this stage. The metal trigger blade is nice, and the release, courtesy of the blowback system, is very acceptable, and far less than expected from a normal double-action routine.

As for those fixed open sights, the white dot markings work well, yet shots did fall slightly low and left with my test pistol. A little allowance in the aim, and at such close quarters, it’s no great shakes after all.

Facts & figures?

Any consistency report is fairly academic with CO2, as it will never be that great, and it misses the point. Likewise, don’t expect target accuracy, as this isn’t a target pistol. What it is, however, is a whole handful of fast-fire fun, and on that score, it doesn’t disappoint. Shot count-wise, I clocked just under three magazines worth before that telltale rasp of insufficient gas (46 shots). As for accuracy, using the steel BBs supplied, I managed groups of around 1” at 10 yards, from a rested position, and this opened up to 3-4” over 20 yards. Basically, tin cans are in serious trouble, and the fast-fire aspect means, with the appropriate eye protection firmly in place as prescribed, some frantic fast-fire competitions could be on the cards.

Conclusion

CO2 power opens up an entire world of fun that simply wouldn’t be possible with conventional air power, and to an army of devotees to this highly popular medium, that aspect, combined with the quality and authentic feel of this Umarex pistol, is just too irresistible to ignore. Pick up this H&K USP, and it just feels right from the start.

So, if you need cheering up in these weird times of ours, then this quality pistol from Umarex really is serious fun and pretty good value, too.