Again taking the HK USP Expert 45 to a Match

[rodralig]

I guess I so liked the HK USP Expert 45, my HD gun when equipped with the TLR-3, when I first took it to an action shooting match a month back that I got the urge to take it out again! I'm definitely loving this pistol and am really thinking of taking it out more often...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efx3XkgkAEE

What is different now is that I actually brought a notebook and a pen to the match. I actually focussed on stage planning:

• Visual transitions (the eyes lead the gun)
• Movements into/from position
• Grip/recoil management (I remember in some other post that someone said I have it easy with the Glock 34 because I was shooting just a 9mm)
• Do not crowd cover (you wouldn't do it in real life, so, why do it in a match)

And taking some post-stage notes:



It was a good thing, too, that I brought my CED700 (in "Spy Mode"). I was able to get a measurement of my performance:

• Splits to the body at 0.50-sec
• Splits to the head at 0.80-sec
• Slide lock reload to shot was at 3-sec

Oh, yes, instead of the typical fishing vest that IDPA shooters love to wear, just wore my LAPG cover/concealment shirt. It insightful to see how a simple gust of wind can affect the draw! Much so that I need to change my method of clearing my garment from just being primary hand only which I use with the fishing vest.



PS: It was also cool getting to meet a few CalGunners IRL.


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[Rivers]

First, awesome that you're having fun with your USP Expert. It's a great gun but I think you've already figured that out.
Second, work on your mag changes. Strong hand, middle finger pointing down onto the mag release. Weak hand already has the new mag while the empty one hits the dirt. Practice so your muscle memory lets you do it flawlessly in the dark.
Third, if your slide isn't locking back on an empty mag, replace the magazine springs with Wolff +10%. Buy the 10-pack. Then when the fresh mag is in place, just drop the slide by the release lever. Don't use your weak hand to release the slide.

[tanks]

Few things I noticed. First you are not unclassified as with the new rules your classification in one division carries over to the others. So, expert in that division as well

Secondly, in a few stages at the second array you went empty after one or two shots. You are allowed to dump rounds go empty and then reload on the way to the next array. Those stages also had a lot of run/walk time between arrays so could save at least a couple of seconds by dumping the rounds and reloading on the move.

Finally on one of the stages shooting from the right side of the barricade you were leaning on one foot with the other foot being on tippy toes. A somewhat less stable than having both foot firmly on the ground and then leaning to shoot.

[rodralig]

Hi -

Second, work on your mag changes. Strong hand, middle finger pointing down onto the mag release. Weak hand already has the new mag while the empty one hits the dirt. Practice so your muscle memory lets you do it flawlessly in the dark.

Could you let me know at which point in particular? I was reviewing the video, and I would believe that is how I was reloading the USP.

Third, if your slide isn't locking back on an empty mag, replace the magazine springs with Wolff +10%. Buy the 10-pack. Then when the fresh mag is in place, just drop the slide by the release lever. Don't use your weak hand to release the slide.

The slide locks back on an empty magazine. So far, am not having this problem with the USP (as opposed to my Glock - until I realized, more yet, someone pointed out that I was riding the slide with my thumb).

I use my weak hand for an overhand rack to release the slide right now because of the slide release lever is a bit tight (this is a fairly new gun). So until the USP gets broken in a bit more, I'd be losing time using the slide release. There is another thread that I've highlighted this (when I first took the USP to a match).

Few things I noticed. First you are not unclassified as with the new rules your classification in one division carries over to the others. So, expert in that division as well

What!?! That doesn't make sense...! IDPA doesn't make sense... If this were USPSA, should I assume that I'm a Class C in Limited because I'm a C in Production?

Lots of craziness in IDPA... Not mentioning that my EX was because of a fluke! Really!?!

Maybe I'll just choose to shoot BUG... Hahaha!

Secondly, in a few stages at the second array you went empty after one or two shots. You are allowed to dump rounds go empty and then reload on the way to the next array. Those stages also had a lot of run/walk time between arrays so could save at least a couple of seconds by dumping the rounds and reloading on the move.

Got it! I'll re-review the footage and add it to my notes.

As mentioned, I'm now (or at least for now) trying to be more serious with my techniques - stage planning is one of those.

Finally on one of the stages shooting from the right side of the barricade you were leaning on one foot with the other foot being on tippy toes. A somewhat less stable than having both foot firmly on the ground and then leaning to shoot.

Actually, I noticed that, too... And was reflecting on it! If feel that I am tad slower when I try to firmly plant both feet. That said, didn't really feel any stability issues. I feel that I'm quite stable enough with one foot, albeit, it was a short-range shot. Could be trade-off? Again, I'll make a note of it in my stage planning notes.

That said, USPSA have those shots where shooters stand on a single foot, right?

Cheers,


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[sigstroker]

I use my weak hand for an overhand rack to release the slide right now because of the slide release lever is a bit tight (this is a fairly new gun). So until the USP gets broken in a bit more, I'd be losing time using the slide release. There is another thread that I've highlighted this (when I first took the USP to a match).

Use the thumb of your support hand as you reacquire the grip. Unless it's different than my old USP the slide lock is near where it is on a 1911. Make or buy some snap caps and practice it. You'd be surprised how much strength you have in the heat of the moment. On my Glock 26 no way no how I can drop the slide with my right thumb in normal shooting, but I do it in a match every time.

[IVC]

Oh, yes, instead of the typical fishing vest that IDPA shooters love to wear, just wore my LAPG cover/concealment shirt.

Fishing vest? I thought IDPA was supposed to be "realistic" and "self defense" oriented. I was surprised to see so many people being attacked while enroute to a fishing trip.

[rodralig]

Use the thumb of your support hand as you reacquire the grip.

Could be a preference or something, but, once I have the magazine seated in, I'd like my support hand going into position/proper grip (since I have it do the bulk of recoil management). Having my support hand thumb "pause" to release the slide feels less smooth/slower. Since my shooting hand thumb is already in the "vicinity," why NOT use it then? As someone once told me, "conservation of motion," (of course, unless one can't reach the release).

Fishing vest? I thought IDPA was supposed to be "realistic" and "self defense" oriented. I was surprised to see so many people being attacked while enroute to a fishing trip.

Hahaha!!! Well put... Well put!!!


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[tanks]

... What!?! That doesn't make sense...! IDPA doesn't make sense... If this were USPSA, should I assume that I'm a Class C in Limited because I'm a C in Production?

Lots of craziness in IDPA... Not mentioning that my EX was because of a fluke! Really!?!

Maybe I'll just choose to shoot BUG... Hahaha!

...

OK. I stand corrected. The rule on the classifier is when YOU state you want the ruling to apply to multiple divisions if the gun fits the multiple divisions. Seeing that didn't happen you are OK. However, the most difference in classifications can be one level. So, seeing that you are expert in SSP that makes you SS at the very least in any other division (maybe exception of Revo or Bug).

BTW, same in USPSA in that if for example I were to make A in Limited from B, then any other division I have a classification in I'd be a B even if my classification is below a B in the other divisions.

[rodralig]

OK. I stand corrected. The rule on the classifier is when YOU state you want the ruling to apply to multiple divisions if the gun fits the multiple divisions. Seeing that didn't happen you are OK. However, the most difference in classifications can be one level. So, seeing that you are expert in SSP that makes you SS at the very least in any other division (maybe exception of Revo or Bug).

BTW, same in USPSA in that if for example I were to make A in Limited from B, then any other division I have a classification in I'd be a B even if my classification is below a B in the other divisions.

Yeah - would think so that I should at least be one class lower in a division that I don't primarily compete in...

Regardless, in the next match, as I can't be Unclassified forever am planning to take the *ugh* 5x5 classifier (if it were offered) with the USP.

Seeing my splits/draws/reloads in this match... plus some Excel... I think I can make also EX (at the far low end, though; as opposed to the high-end for SSP)...



This new 5x5 really makes it easy to class-up in IDPA... While it got more difficult in USPSA... *sigh*

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[Rivers]

Could you let me know at which point in particular? I was reviewing the video, and I would believe that is how I was reloading the USP.

I couldn't really tell how you were actuating the magazine release. It's common for people to use the release with the weak hand but it's also much slower. I was just commenting in case you were also doing it that way instead of exploring the middle finger/strong hand method.

The slide locks back on an empty magazine. So far, am not having this problem with the USP (as opposed to my Glock - until I realized, more yet, someone pointed out that I was riding the slide with my thumb).

I use my weak hand for an overhand rack to release the slide right now because of the slide release lever is a bit tight (this is a fairly new gun). So until the USP gets broken in a bit more, I'd be losing time using the slide release. There is another thread that I've highlighted this (when I first took the USP to a match).

The magazine springs on the USP are the only issue I've ever had so I mentioned that just in case. I did however also change my USP and P2000sk to the light LEM trigger which is a huge improvement over DA/SA. A nice 4.5 lb. trigger, very smooth and crisp reset. There's also a match version of the LEM so you might call HK in Georgia to ask for details. They did one of mine, turn around was less than two weeks total including shipping!

[rodralig]

I did however also change my USP and P2000sk to the light LEM trigger which is a huge improvement over DA/SA. A nice 4.5 lb. trigger, very smooth and crisp reset. There's also a match version of the LEM so you might call HK in Georgia to ask for details. They did one of mine, turn around was less than two weeks total including shipping!

The Expert already has a match trigger. Plus, IDPA's CDP division allows for the USP to start cocked and locked like a 1911 - hence, I already start in SA (short pull and light break).

Although, I'm aware of the LEM, and may consider trying that in the near future. For now, would try to have as much fun with it in stock configuration.


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[rodralig]

Few things I noticed. First you are not unclassified as with the new rules your classification in one division carries over to the others. So, expert in that division as well

OK. I stand corrected. The rule on the classifier is when YOU state you want the ruling to apply to multiple divisions if the gun fits the multiple divisions. Seeing that didn't happen you are OK. However, the most difference in classifications can be one level. So, seeing that you are expert in SSP that makes you SS at the very least in any other division (maybe exception of Revo or Bug).

Yeah - would think so that I should at least be one class lower in a division that I don't primarily compete in...

Regardless, in the next match, as I can't be Unclassified forever am planning to take the *ugh* 5x5 classifier (if it were offered) with the USP.

Seeing my splits/draws/reloads in this match... plus some Excel... I think I can make also EX (at the far low end, though; as opposed to the high-end for SSP)...

I think this would make this clear that I can't "UN"-classified myself anymore... Hahaha...

I took the Classifier for CDP (45ACP division) with the HK. Excluding the 3-sec loss due to a malfunction, I am on average 1-sec slower with the HK per string (compared to SSP with a Glock 34). This would put me as Sharpshooter (SS) for CDP.



I guess the pressure of being an EX with a CDP might be too much for me...



Cheers!


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[Cunha]

Fun thread thanks for sharing your experiences.

[spddrcr]

I shot my first 3 years of USPSA and IDPA using a HK USP 40 compact and it performed well. I only quit using it when my fingers got to weak to pull the trigger due to disability. It was a great gun for matches and it always ran with no problems.

[rodralig]

Third, if your slide isn't locking back on an empty mag, replace the magazine springs with Wolff +10%. Buy the 10-pack.

Yeah - I think I am considering upgraded magazine springs. Am hoping that can alleviate some malfunctions of not having a more aggressive reload.

Fun thread thanks for sharing your experiences.

You are very much welcome! I feel that by sharing my experiences in competition, I can get more gun owners out from the static indoor range and at least get to run their guns. It's fun! And one gets to learn how their guns should really work...

I shot my first 3 years of USPSA and IDPA using a HK USP 40 compact and it performed well. I only quit using it when my fingers got to weak to pull the trigger due to disability. It was a great gun for matches and it always ran with no problems.

Looking at footage of my matches with the HK (now, three and one classifier) - the problems seem to be because of my reload NOT being aggressive enough.

That said, I may retire my HK for future matches. As discussed in another thread - if I am serious in getting better, then I need to focus my practice and matches with only one pistol. That for me is my Glock 34 Gen 3 - my primary match handgun.


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