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H&K USP .45 Compact
When H&K successfully introduced the full-size USP pistol series in 1993, it was only a matter of time before H&K began offering a more compact version. Fans of the H&K Full-size USP in 45 ACP got their wish in 1995 when H&K introduced the H&K USP Compact 45. Like its name implies, the USP Compact 45 is scaled down version of the USP Full-size 45 model. The USP Compact 45 has the same controls and trigger options as its full-size brother.
Scroll down to see all the H&K USP Compact 45 holster models that we carry.
Like the USP Compact versions in 9mm or .40 caliber, the USP Compact 45 was built with some noticeable differences from the Full-size models including the following:
- The Compact 45 hammer is only available with a bobbed hammer (versus a full hammer found on the Full-Size version). This option is designed to reduce snagging.
- The Compact 45 (along with all the USP Compact models) does not use the same mechanical recoil reduction system found on the full-size USP models. Instead, the Compact 45 model uses a polymer bushing and a captive recoil spring in lieu of the captive dual recoil spring and guide rod system found on the full-size USP versions.
Like the Full-size USP 45 model, the USP Compact 45 models also feature the various action/trigger variants:
- Variant 1 - DA/SA (Double Action or Single Action) with de-cocker and manual safety, on the left-hand side of the frame.
- Variant 2 - DA/SA (Double Action or Single Action) with de-cocker and manual safety, on the right-hand side of the frame.
- Variant 3 - DA/SA (Double Action or Single Action) with de-cocker only, no manual safety, on the left-hand side of the frame.
- Variant 4 - DA/SA (Double Action or Single Action) with de-cocker only, no manual safety, on the right-hand side of the frame.
- Variant 5 - DAO (Double Action Only) with manual safety on the left-hand side of the frame.
- Variant 6 - DAO (Double Action Only) with manual safety on the right-hand side of the frame.
- Variant 7 - DAO (Double Action Only) with no control lever.
- Variant 8 - DA/SA (Double Action or Single Action) with manual safety only, no de-cocker, lever on left hand side of frame.
- Variant 9 - DA/SA (Double Action or Single Action) with manual safety only, no de-cocker, lever on the right-hand side of frame.
According to H&K, the Variant 1 is the most popular set-up as it works well for right handed shooters.
Although the USP Compact 45 generally receives excellent reviews, the most common complaint involves the integrated rail, which is a proprietary H&K design, so it won’t work with lights or lasers designed for a Mil-spec 1913 rail without the use of an adapter. H&K markets the rail as a “Universal” but its only designed to fit certain H&K brand lights or lasers (are there are very few of those on the market).
The one other complaint that you seen on various firearms forums about the USP Compact 45 is the location of the magazine release. Like most H&K models, the USP Compact 45 (along with all the other USP Compact models) feature an ambidextrous magazine release located at the base of the trigger guard. If you are accustomed to the more typical magazine release button located on the frame, then it takes a bit to transition to the one located on the Compact 45. Once you become accustomed to it, the magazine release can be operated with either the thumb of the shooting hand or support hand or using the trigger finger.
Here are some of the more common questions that we see regarding H&K USP Compact 45 holster models:
#1 – Will my H&K USP Compact 45 fit in a holster made for the Compact 9 or 40 version?
Unfortunately, it will not. While the 45 caliber version of the USP Compact series is the same width as the 9mm, .40 caliber, and .357 Sig models, the Compact 45 version has a slightly longer barrel. As such it requires its own unique holster.
#2 – I have an H&K HK45 Compact. Will it fit in a holster made for the H&K USP 45 Compact?
Unfortunately, you’re HK45C will NOT fit in an H&K USP Compact 45 holster. This is because the H&K USP Compact 45 and the H&K HK45 Compact are two completely different gun models offered by H&K. While the names sound similar, these are two very different gun models, with the HK 45 Compact having very different dimensions to the USP Compact 45. Plus, the HK 45 Compact has a larger 1913 picatinny rail while the USP Compact 45 features a smaller H&K rail.
#3 – I have a USP Compact 45 with a 1913 picatinny rail adapter and a Streamlight TLR-1 HL mounted to it. Can you or do you offer a holster to fit that set-up?
If you were running a light that mounted directly to the H&K rail on your USP Compact 45, then the answer would be yes, we could most likely fit it. As you are running a 1913 picatinny rail adapter (also called a conversion rail), that changes the position and location of where the light mounts to the handgun. As such, unless we had that exact same conversion rail to use as a guide, we couldn’t be able to make a holster that fits.
#4 – I have a USP Compact 45 with the variant 7 trigger (DOA only) and I’m trying to find a holster with a retention strap that fits this set-up. Do you have anything that will work?
The short answer is no and here’s why: With 9 different trigger variants (with each having a potentially different trigger, safety, and control lever position), it’s very difficult to offer a holster with a thumb break that will work for all those versions. As the most popular selling trigger variant in the USP series is Variant #1, most all the holster makers use a mold of the Variant #1 as a basis to mold holsters. As such, this mold won’t really work for your version with the added thumb break. Now we can certainly offer you a holster without a thumb break for your USP Compact 45 version, but not one with a thumb break or retention strap.
#5 – So I have a USP 45 Compact with a trigger set-up that not the most common variant. How can I be sure if you offer a holster that will fit it?
Honestly, the best way to either give us a call or send an email and provide details about the holster you want plus details on the trigger variant that you have.
#6 - Will my H&K USP Compact 45 fit in a holster made for an H&K USP Full-size 45?
As the USP Compact series is marketed as being a "more compact version" of the full-size models, you would think the Compact would fit into a holster made for the full-size series. Unfortunately, that's not exactly correct. As part of the process to make the Compact series into a smaller package, H&K made the slide slightly more narrow compared to the slide on a full-size model. While your USP Compact 45 will "fit" in a holster made for the full-size USP version, it won't fit well and may even been very loose.
#7 – I see a bunch of holsters listed below that are supposed to be made to fit the USP Compact 45, but honestly, none of them look to be made specifically for the USP Compact 45? Some even look to be made for a revolver? How can those fit the USP Compact 45?
We completely understand your questions and here’s the answer: The holsters shown below are for demonstration purposes only. The holster models listed on this page are made to fit the H&K USP Compact 45 even though some may not appear to fit the USP Compact 45.
Holster models listed below are available to fit the H&K USP Compact 45.