Posted: 3/18/2004 6:13:38 PM EDT
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Looking around at specs and pricing I believe I'm correct when I say that the standard USP does not have the "O-Ring" barrel "bushing". How much difference in accuracy/durability/anything else does that o-ring make when compared against a standard USP? Looks like the barrel length and sights (adjustable target style on the Tactical) are about the only other differences. Any input on the sights on either gun? I want to use the gun for USPSA shoots and a good home gun. Thanks! Al in Iowa |
| Tac has the extended and threaded o-ring barrel, match trigger, match adjustable sights. The sights are also taller on the Tac so you can use them over a can. Sight radius is the same for the TAC and the USP as they use the same slide. The o-ring will last with any care at all for 20K rounds. Just do not remove it for any reason. Clean it, oil it, shoot it. Accuracy is improved more by the better trigger IMO than by the o-ring barrel. However, once the o-ring wears out and the barrel is not fitting tight any more, just replace the o-ring. Once the barrel wears down on the USP and it no longer fits tight (not that I have ever heard of that happening) you are screwed. So, the o-ringed barrel has the potential for maintaining its accuracy longer than the USP does. In all honesty, I would say you gain no more than 1/4 inch on group size at 25 yards by using the o-ring barrel. |
| The Tactical uses the same mags as the USP. As of late 2001 all full size USPs come with the magazine floor plate with the extended finger hook on them, sometimes known as the Tactical or Expert floor plate. The flat floor plates on the mags can still be had, but they no longer come on pistols of late AB and more recent date codes. However, all .45 ACP USP mags, be they for the USP, Tac, Expert, Elite, or Match are interchangable. If one still wants the flat floor plate you can either look for mags being sold with the flat bottom or just buy the flat floor plate. Both items are readily available from the major HK suppliers such as the SPC Store, Cal's, and Bowers. |
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Unless one has a pisspot full of $$$,I think the Tactical model is not worth the extra cost. The tall front sight would seem to be a bit of a problem in selecting a holster. As for the o-ring advantage, if my USPs got any more accurate, I'd probably pass out. I have read/heard of some converting USPs to use an o-ring barrel but cannot confirm if this is indeed true? Probably the best thing to do is the usual: buy the best gun you can afford. My .o2 |
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I agree with you Bob; you can go as fast as your checkbook will allow! As for "building" a Tactical out of a USPf: yes, it can be done. The only problem is that I don't think you'd ever get out of it what you spent to build it come resale time. Probably better off just biting the bullet and buying a tactical if that's what you (I) want. Thanks! Al in Iowa |
