HK USP45 Date Codes

[4DSJW]

Hopefully a simple question. I see requests and comments about the HK date codes. I did a search and pretty much only found this-

>A B C D E F G H I K
>0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
>
>99=kk
>04=AE

There were comments about some pistols being too early for some of the trigger/action mods and some about the barrel type. My question, Are there some important key dates to know about when buying a HK USP45 in regards to future mods/upgrades/parts, or is the usefulness of the date code only good for determining when the gun was manufactured.

Thanks for your help!

[4DSJW]

One More Try

Hoping for a response on the second try.

[drunktank]

Gosh I don't have the links on me, but a few of the earlier years had a couple small changes to add to reliability. As far as remember HK was doing he "fixes" for free if you called them. I"ll look for that link on my other computer at home. Got it from hkpro.com...what year is yours?

[drunktank]

In mid-1994 HK switched from standard lands/grove rifled barrels to polygonal barrels.

still trying to dig up the other info. You are good to go either year though

[4DSJW]

Hi DT, thank you for your reply and helpfulness. I don't have an HK... yet. Based on posts that I have seen here, and some I found in a search, I was just wondering what years and features to look out for using the date code. Especially things that would limit my ability to make any changes in the future.

Thanks!

[dfens]

From what I can remember off the top of my head is that the newer date code ie 2000 and up are more sought after. For the following reasons. The older models which the easiest way to tell is they came in the grey plastic boxes have the older flat blued like finish. They also had traditional rifling.

While the current models use even though it matches the frame have a flat black finish which they call harsh environment or some sort which offers better corrosion protection. And the barrels are polygonal which make it easier to clean, slightly more accurate, and produce slightly higher muzzle velocities.

The thing is people try to sell their older used models for the same price as a newer produced one even though technically the newer ones are slightly better.

For others it doesn't matter old or new style since the performance is almost the same but it does matter on price if you know a little more about the two.