Range Report - HK USP Elite 45

[huckberry668]

I bought this gun over 10 years ago. Mentioned how well it shot in several threads here on Calguns. Finally had some alone time tonight so I went on over to Insight Shooting Range. I did a range report on my 45 USP Expert in detail recently. Figure I'd skip the details on the Elite since the fit/finish and comparison to other guns are the same.

Except for the 6.2" long barrel/slide the rest is almost exactly the same as the Expert. The trigger breaks consistently at 4.0 to 4.25lbs which is .5lb less than the Expert. Sight radius, Elite's almost 8.5" vs. Expert's 7.5". The Elite is 2oz heavier. Both handle the same and almost balance the same too but the longer sight radius definitely made precision work easier.

The Expert was shot with some hot loads (185JHP over 6.4 and 6.0 grs of Bullseye). This time I used a lighter load with same components to see if it does any better.

Load:
Bullet: Nosler 185gr. JHP
Powder: 5.4 grains of Bullseye
Case: mix headstamp, trimmed to .890"
Primer: Federal Large Pistol (150)
Crimp: .001"~.002"

This load felt very controllable but functioned 100% and burned clean. No smoke or powder residue. Muzzle flash was visible but not blinding like the last 2 much hotter loads at 6.4 and 6.0 grains of Bullseye. Brass ejected with authority but not harsh. The highlight was the accuracy. It ain't easy finding an accurate load for JHPs and this one is excellent.

The 3 consecutive groups were shot with 2-hand-hold with only magazine base rested on 1 sandbag. Didn't have time to shoot off-hand today. The shiny circle in the middle of the photo is a quarter for size reference.

[hoss_hk]

The elite supposedly also had a hand-fit barrel/slide, according to the hkpro site. Any chrono numbers?

[kielbasavw]

i have yet to shoot my usp45 at some paper, only VW hoods, and cans.... awesome man

[huckberry668]

No chrono #s. hard to set up chrono at the indoor range. I was planning on chrono the Expert and the Elite to see the differences from barrel length.

the barrel to slide fit is very good but I wouldn't call it custom. at lock up there is about .001"~.002" of fore and aft play and about .003"~.004" side to side play on the hood. Both the Elite and Expert's barrel hoods have 2 pads on each side that look obviously fitted for each gun. But the Elite and Expert barrel both fit each other in the hood area with about equal amount of play. Couldn't get them to fit in the Tactical tho.


In my opinion they didn't do a very good job if they 'hand fitted' the Elite barrels. My P220 barrel and slide fit has .000" play all round and there is no o-ring needed on the front.

I was thinking of welding up the sides of the hood and refit to remove all side to side play to see if it'll tighten up the groups even more.

[sirgiles]

to the OP, have you thought of just buying a fitted barrel like jarvis to improve accuracy instead of modifying the slide?

[huckberry668]

to the OP, have you thought of just buying a fitted barrel like jarvis to improve accuracy instead of modifying the slide?

I already have a Jarvis custom fitted on the Tactical. It shoots on par with the factory barrel with Jacketed bullet but really shines with hardcast lead bullets. I'll do a write up on Jarvis barrel in the next day or 2.

Now that I know the factory Elite/Expert barrel shoot like custom 1911. I'm just trying to see if that little bit will help even more. You know, answering the little voice inside my head.

I wish Barsto, Nowlin, Scheumann or Kart make USP barrels.

[den888]

Good shooting and nice HK.