AGI Armorer’s Course for H&K USP Pistols

Master Gunsmith and instructor, Bob Dunlap, takes us on an educational tour of Heckler and Kochs very popular USP pistol. Bob utilizes a cutaway firearm and various other models of the Universal Self-loading Pistol to demonstrate the design and function of this reliable firearm. After covering the history of Heckler and Koch, we get to take a look at some of the differences between the standard, tactical, and compact models of the U.S.P., to help you decide which model or models might be best suited to your needs. This Armorers Course will enable you to disassemble and reassemble your pistol and avoid some frustrations and common mistakes that are often made by the novice Pistolsmith. Bob cautions you about certain areas and jobs concerning this particular firearm, like the safety features and doing trigger jobs. If you want the long course, look into our basic 108-hour Professional Gunsmith Course.

Among the items covered are:

History

• Bob brings us back to the middle of the twentieth century, during the Post WW II era, to discuss H & Ks beginnings
• Various Heckler and Koch firearms are shown and discussed; some of which became commercial successes, while others, equally well designed, did not

Design and Function

• In depth explanation of the firing sequence of the pistol that utilizes a cut-a way gun, allowing the viewer to get a look inside the pistol in a way unlike any other
• Explanation and demonstration of the parts and their operation
• A unique look at the guns various recoil and buffering systems and how they work
• A discussion of the design of various magazines and magazine catches and their advantages
• Explanation and demonstration of both the single and double action-firing cycles
• Safety features and the decocking mechanism are explained
• Explanation and demonstration of extraction and ejection operations given

Disassembly

• Extensive disassembly is shown and explained
• Captivating plungers and springs are discussed, so you can avoid the Gunsmith crawl (looking for launched parts)
• The correct order in which parts should come out, so that other parts are not stuck inside the gun
• Cautions are given so that you do not break some of the smaller parts inside of the pistol

Cleaning and Lubrication

• AGI cleaning and lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use
• When drying parts in the oven, do so only with the metal parts and do not exceed 200 degrees

Reassembly

• The correct order in which the parts must go back into the frame and slide
• Details on springs and how to be able to tell if they are in the correct position
• Special tools that need to be made to allow for easier assembly and an explanation of why they are needed
• Correct method for installing the firing pin and spring
• Helpful common tools for getting the parts in their correct places are shown in use
• Tips on how to avoid frustration and ease the reassembly are given
• Making sure, that you have no parts left over
• A continued discussion of how certain parts work with one another
• Final thoughts and impressions of the pistol are given

Accessories

• A frank discussion of the pros and cons of certain accessories available for the U.S.P.
• Double action only hammer is shown and explained for the compact model

If you noticed how often the terms “explanation” and “demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is necessary for any U.S.P. owner.