Since then, several models also have been spawned from the original version. The P2000 is a variation of the USP Compact, while the USP Expert and USP Elite are competition-style models. Special tactical models such as the USP9SD, USP Tactical and MK23 SOCOM are made for law enforcement and military. These have extended threaded barrels allowing sound suppressors to be attached for special operations uses.
The gun itself is made of high-quality ABS plastic and has a matte-black finish. The surface of the slide and frame differs slightly; the slide is smooth while the frame has a very fine texture to it. The trademarks are all there (see photos), including those tiny symbols on the slide. One thing I couldn't find is the KSC logo that they sometimes put on their guns (in the most inconspicuous places). The only giveaway that this is an airsoft model is the tiny “JASG” on the right of the frame.
The grip is very comfortable to hold and has a rough stippled texture on each side. On the front and back there are square checkering for added secure grasp. I find the grip fits medium-sized hands very nicely, but larger hands may require the extended finger floorplate. External metal parts include the rear/front sights, hammer, trigger, slide release, safety and magazine release. The bobbed hammer makes the gun more compact, which will not snag on clothing. The safety lever is on the frame and placed at just the right place. Using the thumb to manipulate the lever proved to be smooth and quite fast. The safety lever has the letters S (safe) and F (fire) engraved onto it, with S painted white and F painted red. Pushing the lever upwards places the gun on SAFE and lines up the S with the “white mark” painted on the frame (the mark is repeated on opposite side for left-handed levers). One thing I like is the paint is on a slightly recessed surface so that it will not wear off so easily. On the real Compact, you can choose models with the lever on the left or right side (for lefties).
The trigger is slightly grooved and is very smooth in both single and double action. The trigger guard is flared recurved with serration for a solid hold by the weak hand index finger. At the front of the frame are universal mounting grooves (rails) for installing accessories. There's also a lanyard-type loop at the base of the grip. The magazine release is ambidextrous and can be activated by pushing it down. The release is placed more forward ahead of the grip. I had to reposition my grasp in order to reach for it with my thumb. However, a better way is to bend my trigger finger back to touch the release. I use this same method for my Walther P99. Inserting the magazine gives a solid “click” and it is held solidly in place without any “rattle.”
There is a faint seam down the center of the frame, though most of it is interrupted by the serrations, checkering and letter markings on the frame. I'm not too concerned because it's minor. KSC makes it up by adding very nice details to the gun. One is the imitation loaded chamber indicator on the extractor. On the extractor there's a red mark on it to indicate that the chamber is loaded (it's just a detail and not a functional feature on the airsoft model). Also, the inner walls of the outer barrel have the imitation polygonal rifling grooves that are copied from the genuine model. The fixed rear and front sights utilize the 3-dot system for quick target acquisition. The white dots are not painted on, rather they are plastic inserts that go into pre-cut holes. The dot on the front sight is the same size as the ones on the rear, so when lining them up the center dot appears slightly smaller. This is not a distraction at all as the white dots can be seen clearly and brought up quickly. Performance For the chronograph test I used HFC134a gas and 0.2g BBs. I fired the gun in normal room temperature and I also warmed up the magazine. Accuracy test was done using a standard 6-inch bulls eye target at 16 feet away. Injecting gas into the magazine is no different than any other GBB made by KSC. The loading tools consist of a rod, a metal tube and the tube connector base. The magazine doesn't have the “exposed” follower that can be pulled down for loading. The mag holds 21 shots and are stacked in staggered formation. But I find that if all 21 BBs are loaded the mag will not fit into the gun that well because the spring is forced to maximum compression. First the velocity. I fired the entire magazine and calculated an average of 234 FPS, with a high of 249. Not very impressive at all from a good-sized GBB like this. I had expected around 250, but at least the blowback was good. However, it has very good gas efficiency. I was able to fire 93 good shots from one charge.
I fired 10 shots into the target and got some pretty decent groupings (see target photo). Six of the 10 shots landed inside the inner 3-inch ring. The blowback was sharp and quick and the slide locked back after every last round. The sound consisted of a quick “puck” of average decibel from a GBB discharge. It wasn't too loud; I have other GBB pistols that are louder. The accuracy is no better than other GBB pistols that I have, including ones from WA, Marui, Maruzen, Marushin and other KSC guns. I noticed the shots tend to land to the right. I have other smaller guns (with shorter barrels) that are more accurate than the USP Compact (WA Spy Pack is one example). The hop up is located at the inner barrel, right where the BBs are loaded in. The tool is metal and has raised notches around the area that connects with the rubber ring on the barrel. Turning it clockwise increases the hop.
To disassemble the gun, first release the magazine and then push the slide back slightly so the slide catch lines up with the pivot point of the slide release lever. Now on the right side push the lever out and remove it. The whole slide will run forward and off the frame. The outer/inner barrel, guide rod and spring can then be removed from the slide as well. Conclusion This is a very nice and clean GBB pistol from KSC. The details and functions are all copied to near perfection. The blowback is great, but the power could use some boosting. Overall, this is one of KSC's finest and is certainly worth the money.
Just an interesting observation: The styrofoam mold that protects the gun is larger than the gun itself and it looks suspiciously that a full-sized USP would fit nicely into the mold. I know the mold is made specifically for the USP Compact (not some other gun) because there're recessed areas for the safety and slide release levers. There is even space reserved for a full USP hammer and the area that fits around the trigger guard is larger (full USP trigger guard is larger than that on the Compact). Maybe it's just my wishful thinking, or maybe a full-sized USP is in development! Who knows? Pros
Cons
By Redhawk External Links: KSC Site links: TBA Comment on this review in the forums Last modified: Friday, January 23, 2004 5:52 PM Copyright 2003 ArniesAirsoft
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