The Heckler & Koch (HK) Universal Service Pistol, or USP, is Ranger’s sidearm. It is a double-action semi-automatic pistol, meaning that the trigger both both pulls back the hammer and releases it to strike the firing pin. Like most modern pistols, the USP has a polymer frame and an accessory rail under the barrel, forward of the trigger guard. The USP also has an enlarged trigger guard for gloved users, as well as an ambidextrous magazine release. The USP’s versatility lies in its ability to configure its trigger/safety assembly to suit the user’s needs. The USP has several different model that includes the basic model, a compact model, as well as competition and tactical versions. All can be chambered in 9 mm Parabellum, .40 Smith & Wesson, or . 45 ACP. Ranger’s USP is chambered for the big .45 ACP cartridge and is a Variant One configuration, which is a standard double-action trigger with the safety lever that can be pushed downward to decock the pistol or raised to act as a safety – allowing Ranger to carry the USP “cocked-and-locked.” The magazine holds ten rounds.
