H&K USP Compact 9mm Ejection Issues - Need Advice

[mwpslp]

I am a long time shooter so let me first say this problem is not operator error. I recently bought a new HK USP compact in 9mm. I took it to the range for the first time this weekend and had a failure to eject on about every 2 or 3 rounds. The spent cases were more or less "stovepiping". The gun was cleaned and lubed properly before the range trip and the ammo used was 115 grain PMC bronze ball. I will try it again next time with another brand of ammo to see what results I get. My questions are these....

1. Anybody else have any issues with this particular target ammo?

2. Anybody else have this issue with their HK in the past that perhaps a "break in" period cured?

Just looking for advice.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I've used PMC bronze (albeit in 45acp) and it has been 100 percent reliable in my USP compact 45.

I've had no problems at all in thousands of rounds out of my HK. It sounds like it could be an extractor problem, perhaps too much tension on the extractor not letting the round go? I don't know.

I would give HK a call, they should be able to give you a hand, or have you send it in and they will fix it. Despite internet rumor, HK has (at least in my experience) excellent customer service.

 

[Runningman]

Sounds like ammo might be on the weak side. Had that problem with Remington UMC 115 Gr in a few polymer framed guns when they were new. Try some 124 Gr 9mm loads in it. Seems like 124 Grain loads work much better in new 9mm. At least that has been my experience.

 

[918v]

Not limp wristing are you?

 

[usp9]

Try different ammo, then see if the problem continues. It's possible you have a bad extractor, but the way to test it is to shoot a brand you know will function well.

I don't shoot PMC, but all other practice brands have always functioned well in every Hk I own. They are remarkably reliable.

 

[Narwhal]

Hi,

I just had similar problems with a USP 40c. The first time I took it to the range it was a basket case, although it started to show improvement after 100 rounds. Since my first range trip, during which I fired 120 rounds, I've put 350 rounds through pistol without a single malfunction. A lot of people will call break-in bunk, but I think it may be real with these pistols.

I've also had people tell me not to clean out the factory "lubricants" that H&K puts on the USP's at the factory until after 300-500 rounds. Supposedly this might help break it in. I didn't follow this advice and had some issues.

In summary, I'll say keep shooting, give it 300 rounds and if you don't see an improvement, send it back.

Here's a link to a thread of mine on HKPro forums outlining my problems with my USP 40c and the resoluation:USP 40 compact jams

 

[fastbolt]

Some folks like to use PMC ammunition.

I'm not one of them.

You might consider trying different ammunition before thinking it's a gun problem. Perhaps something with more power and/or a heavier bullet.

Lubed properly can vary depending on the perspective of the user, too. While over-lubrication can cause a functioning problems (and maintenance headaches for armorers), some guns do function better when manufacturer recommendations are closely followed. Check your manual.

The again, as a friend of mine who is a HK pistol armorer once commented, he thought that their then-newly issued USP 45's really ought to have come with dip sticks so the people using them knew to put enough oil on them. It seems that when they were first becoming accustomed to their new USP's that they were experiencing a number of stoppages that were thought to be related to insufficient lubrication.

I realize you state you're a long time shooter, but are you a long time shooter of plastic-framed pistols, especially one chambered in 9mm? I've seen my fair share of even long time, experienced shooters have to adjust themselves when adapting to some of the newer plastic guns. I've had to do so myself. It happens.

Just my thoughts.

I tend to think the HK USP 9c was a fine compact pistol, BTW.

 

[mwpslp]

Well I am not partial to PMC ammo but it is what they had at the range when I needed some that day. I typically use WWB for target practice. As a general rule I tend to run my guns a bit on the "wet" side. I clean and lube with CLP and use a bit of white Wilson Combat grease on the rails. That's just me and so far have not had an issue with it with any of my other guns.

I am not necessarily calling it a gun issue at this point as I have not put enough rounds through it nor tried any other brands to make that determination as of yet. I will try to get out this weekend with some WWB and see how it goes from there.

 

[ElectrikKoolAid]

It isn't officially FUBAR until it fails on other ammunition.