Replace slide on HK USP 9 Compact

[willurd]

Hi all. I've got an HK USP 9 compact and I was thinking about getting a stainless steel slide for it (I saw someone had one here). My questions to you all are:

• Is it legal to replace the slide on a handgun, or is that the part that is considered "the gun" (like a lower receiver on a rifle)
• Is it even possible? (i.e., do dealers even sell slides by themselves?)
• Does a stainless steel HK USP 9 compact slide even exist, or am I seeing things?

Thanks!

[mugiwara]

all good. the frame is the firearm.

[willurd]

all good. the frame is the firearm.

Awesome! (And wow that was a fast response, thanks!).

Does anybody know of a place that sells these (either a website or brick & mortar store)?

[223556]

Id say the easiest and probably cheapest (its HK!) would be to have the finishing removed and coat it with whatever you like. (Chrome, or maybe even NP3)?

[SixtyDashOne]

It's legal and yes they exist, but you'll most likely never find one for sale. Your best bet is to get your existing slide refinished or buy a whole new gun... because HK doesn't sell slides by themselves, and no third parties manufacture them.

Your only other option is if you can find somebody with a stainless USPc that wants to trade their slide or sell it to you.. good luck with that though.

[G60]

You may check gunbroker or, hkpro.com, perhaps someone there are selling or would be willing to trade.

Refinishing is also an option, here is a USP refinished in hard chrome by metaloy:

[willurd]

Sounds like getting my slide refinished is my best bet. Now I just need to figure out if I'm committed enough to this to sacrifice my slide :P

Thank you all so much, you've been a huge help!

[sneather]

Not sure what value you're going to get out of refinishing your slide, unless you either just HAVE to have a silver slide for aesthetic reasons, or the factory finish is wearing off.

In the end, the well-regarded finishes from Robar and CCR are NOT inexpensive, and ultimately, are still not the same a solid stainless part.

I never get involved in people's aesthetic decisions, as those are 100% personal opinion. But I would at least consider what the real benefits are if you have other motives.

Good luck.

[willurd]

Not sure what value you're going to get out of refinishing your slide, unless you either just HAVE to have a silver slide for aesthetic reasons, or the factory finish is wearing off.

Yea, it's purely aesthetic. I know it's vain, but I just really love the way it looks

[sneather]

Totally understand. Like I said, I never question someone's aesthetic opinions in regards to guns. I, myself, prefer all stainless weapons.

Robard NP3+ is supposedly as good as it gets.

[willurd]

Robard NP3+ is supposedly as good as it gets.

Checked that out and it does look gorgeous. I unfortunately have expensive taste, and can feel my wallet trembling.

[sneather]

Indeed. This isn't the most frugal of hobbies for any of us. Maybe, addiction would be more apropos.