Mastering the USP

[ajl2121]

I was looking for an instructional video that could properly teach me shooting techniques, practice routines, and cleaning methods for my USP .45F. Anyone have any experience with "Mastering the USP" DVD? Any other suggestions? It sells for 35$ w/o tax or shipping. thanks

[pnkssbtz]

While i've never watched this "Mastering the USP" DVD I do have one in the USPf .40 SW with LEM trigger.

It was my first pistol and I am happy with it, but I learned from shooting a friends super custom 1911, that there are serious differences that don't lend itself to making it easy to learn to shoot right.

But I've been practicing a lot with it and my P220 and here is how I got from shooting 10" groups at 5 yrds to 3" groups at 7 yards.


Step one:
Proper stance / grip. Watch this video by Todd Jarret.


Step two.
Watch this video on more in-depth instructions on proper grip.


Step three.
Dry firing. Buy some snap caps. Make sure you clear your weapon and verify you are NOT loading live rounds. Then practice pulling the trigger without moving your whole hand. Milking the gun etc. I.E. pulling the trigger while isolating your finger.


Step four.
Shoot lots of bullets. The last step was to overcome my flinch. I don't flinch with .45's and I don't flinch with .22's but I flinched with .40SW. You may not have this problem with a .45


Step five.
Working on consistent grouping. I talked to an expert marksman and he suggested I start with my target at 3 yrds until I could shoot a hole out of the target. Then move the target back 1 yard and repeat until I shoot a single hole. Etc. Etc. until I can push the target back out to where I want.

Starting with the target at 10yrds is unrealistic and will only leave you frustrated at your inaccuracy.



These videos and the dry firing practice really helped me. I bought a P220 Carry and I can get 2" groups with it @ 7yds. Considering I've only been shooting pistols since August of '06. I'd say that was pretty good progress =P

[Mike-4]

Check your IM.

[ajl2121]

good stuff!! thanks...I always crossed my thumbs when I shoot...I need to correct that. Also, when they say let your thumb ride on the safety..they mean under the safety right? I have a USP which has a similiar external safety to a 1911.

[ajl2121]

pm sent

[pnkssbtz]

No, don't ride the safety on the USP because of the decocking lever. Don't want to accidentally decock the hammer...

You thumbs should be exerting zero pressure on the gun. Just put them anywhere where you don't get slide bite =P

[psriley]

I like my USP, but I've been learning that there is definitely a technique to shooting it properly. It's really susceptible to ftf due to limp-wristing, much like a 1911. I find that if I use the combat grip and squared-up stance referenced above it works pretty well. I lock out my gun arm joints and grip the gun very firmly (not white-knuckle firm, though), and that seems to do the trick. If I shoot it properly, I can do sub-3" groups at 15 yds on a good day.

HTH

[DIG]

I was looking for an instructional video that could properly teach me shooting techniques, practice routines, and cleaning methods for my USP .45F. Anyone have any experience with "Mastering the USP" DVD? Any other suggestions? It sells for 35$ w/o tax or shipping. thanks

yeah, I bought it from cheaperthandirt.com for just under $20. You'll find it at amoeba used-records/video in SF now for probably $5 or so.
It was a beginners course on semi-automatic pistol useage and safety and shooting technique. If you've been shooting a few years, you probably won't learn anything new at all. However, if your new to shooting pistol, it might provide a good review of loading/unloading, shooting stance, etc..

[ajl2121]

Does the video have detailed steps on how to clean the pistol?...Like, basic cleaning with just field stripping and magazine cleaning, and the major cleaning that is suggested every 5K rounds?

[DIG]

Does the video have detailed steps on how to clean the pistol?...Like, basic cleaning with just field stripping and magazine cleaning, and the major cleaning that is suggested every 5K rounds?

the video just goes over basic field stripping and cleaning. most of the things covered in the video can apply to any semi-auto pistol though. you can find it on the internet fairly cheap.
good luck!

[50ae]

Save your money and go to the home of HK.

http://hkpro.com/

[1911su16b870]

IMO HK USP requires a firmer support grip than other firearms. Try increasing the firmness of your grip and remember to follow through your shots.

[virulosity]

I tried the Todd Jarret "1911" grip on my elite today and it doubled the size of my groups. +1 about holding the pistol firm. Usually with my other pistols you shoot more accurately when you are "surprised" when the gun fires. With the USP, I have to be much more deliberate with my trigger finger to get good groups.

[ketec_owner]

Love the usp. Had a USP Match and a USP 45. Now I have a USP 45 Expert.

I found that Massad Ayoob has some pretty good books and videos on the subject. Personally, I found that a decent set of adjustable sights, installing the match trigger, breathing technique, dry firing using snap caps, get over your flinch, speed drills, and work on locking your grip go a long way to improving accuracy.

I found was trigger technique, snap caps, and locking your grip were the most value. Your mileage may vary.

[SystemError]

great videos from youtube, thanks.