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By Kornkob
Published: 9/18/04
Airsoft skirmishes are often dominated by AEGs- for good reason, as they are efficient, cost effective and well constructed. However, most airsoft players are introduced to airsoft through the far less expensive springers. Springers are inexpensive and reliable tools in a beginner's hands. After a time, however, players will often be looking for more tactically advantageous replicas, as the manual cocking process of a springer simply doesn't allow for the volume of fire that one often desires. Naturally one finds gas guns as the next step up, without making the jump to an AEG. However, sometimes the transition to a gas pistol can be a bit difficult, as the cost of the average GBB is in the $100-$150 range.
There are exceptions to this, of course. UHC, for instance, has gas guns and springers that transcend the 'typical' price ranges. A prime example of this is UHC's replica of H&K's USP, similar in design to the H&K Mk23. The Mk23 SOCOM has gained some significant following with the Tokyo Marui and KSC replicas, as well as the knowledge that the real steel version was created specifically for Special Operations use. UHC brings to the table a replica of the SOCOM's 'baby brother': the USP. ASR has now managed to get our hands on one for review.
The Gun
Initially lifting this piece out of the box, it seems somewhat light and a little front heavy. Its construction, though largely plastic, is pretty decent with nice clean lines and only a few mold cast lines breaking the finish. The slide is slightly grey, much like the real steel version. The grip has a raised textured surface on the front and back that are a bit coarse. Unlike most GBB replicas of the USP line, there are essentially no external metal parts on the slide or frame. In fact, the slide can be easily transplanted on the UHC's springer version of the USP (a copy of the Marui model).
For those of you in love with trademarks, this replica will not be a good choice. While UHC did a good job putting in the functional detail, like the extractor detail and a partially functioning slide lock, there isn't a single H&K trademark on the gun, not even a 'mock' trademark.
While there is a very small amount of rattle in the gun with the mag in, it's relatively minor and, due to the plastic construction, quieter than many other guns on the market. Without exception the gun fits together neatly and well. To a fault some might say, as the 'field stripping' of the gun involves spreading the sides of the slide to get it to release from the frame.
Performance
As a sidearm, this gun is certainly competent. Firing at around 100 feet per second when using 134a gas, it really isn't capable of reaching out and tagging people at range. However, a sidearm is not intended or designed to reach out at long ranges. From a really practical standpoint, this handgun is not likely to give someone the capability to engage a moving target at anything beyond short ranges.
Green gas should be able to offer a significant improvement in muzzle velocity. And while the lightweight plastic construction does not seem durable enough for a GBB to function reliably, the lack of a blowback slide seems to indicate that reliability with green and 134a gas should be similar.
The cycling of the gun is fairly crisp and its report sharp. The slide does not blow back and even if it did there simply isn't enough mass there to make any significant difference. However, this lack of blowback does offer the operator something. Because the slide isn't cycling and causing blowback, it is easier to fire accurate shots in rapid sequence. Given the limited capability of this replica to reach out and touch someone at distance, this ability to place secondary shots accurately is a valuable consideration.
The sights are a molded part of the slide. This is unfortunate as it does not allow the operator to adjust or zero the sights. This can be problematic, since it requires the operator to 'adjust' to the particular gun's point of aim, instead of adjusting the sites.
The 500 or so rounds that I've put through this gun were primarily Excel or Airsoft Elite manufacture. In those 500 rounds the gun only had a stoppage occasionally, generally happening when I was firing a second load of bbs on a single charge of gas. For maximum reliability, keep the magazine fully charged instead of trying to save a few pennies by running a second load of rounds on a single gas charge.
Generalities and Summary
Now, it's been made clear in conversations with other owners that there are some areas of concern for this replica. There are issues that may crop up with these replicas. Probably the top complaint about this gun is the magazines. Many folks report that they experience leaks in the magazines. While our review copy did not exhibit this symptom, there was never gas stored in the magazine for more than an hour. It's possible that the strain on the largely plastic mags is too great over time, but for short periods it is okay.
Some folks are very interested in 'realistic' replicas. The USP is fairly accurate in its details but lacks in several areas. While the slide is partially functional and, in fact, is used to initially load the weapon, it does not cycle dramatically as may other replicas do. Nor does the charging of the weapon have the satisfying metallic sound that many gas pistols have. Additionally, as pointed out before there are no H&K logos or other trademarks on this replica.
Also, if you're looking for something that is going to last for a long time, this lightweight gun isn't going to cut it. It's largely plastic construction isn't going to be able to hold up over time. Its relatively low muzzle velocity will put it at a distinct advantage against any number of popular KSC/KWA guns out there. For roughly double the price, one can get a gun that is much better constructed and will perform better in the field.
The bottom line here is this: this is a good economy pistol. It's not going to be the best piece on the field nor will it be the worst. This $40 replica is not great, not bad--- it's just mediocre, middle of the road. With a decent but not great muzzle velocity, a respectable but not excellent magazine capacity and it's nice but not terrific construction, it is a good buy for a low end gas pistol. For someone looking for an edge over his buddy's springer or jsut someone on a budget picking up a backup weapon, the UHC USP may be a direction to consider. For less than half the cost of a KWA Glock, you can pick a reasonably effective sidearm that looks pretty sharp as well.
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