recoil spring problem on usp 40 variant 1

[eddyfinster]

I am a new HK owner. My father gave me his usp 40 variant 1. He got it new at a gun show ten years ago but only put 200 rounds through it. When I broke it down I noticed that the recoil assembly looked a little odd. There was nothing holding the recoil spring onto the recoil spring guide rod. When I looked at the schematic of the pistol and compared it to what I had, it seems as if Im missing the front recoil spring retainer and the snap ring. It does have the rear retainer.
My question is is this common on the older usp. With the gun put back together I can rack the slide back with no problem, Its just a big pain in the ass getting that recoil assembly back together.

[Pinion327]

What is the date code on the gun? The very early USPs (KEs and maybe KFs?) did not have an entirely captured recoil system. The good news is that it is a heck of a lot easier swapping out different recoil springs with the non-captured system. The bad news is that it does make re-assembly a little more difficult...

[Miku]

Quote from the World of HK- pages:
In September, 1994, the recoil spring was made as part of a captive assembly, rather than loose at one end. Miku

[eddyfinster]

I checked the reciept. The gun was sold 11-23-1993. I hope that explains it. What about the o-ring, when did HK go with the o-ring.

[cueist]

I checked the reciept. The gun was sold 11-23-1993. I hope that explains it. What about the o-ring, when did HK go with the o-ring.


If you look on the Left Side of the Slide by the serial number there will be a two letters, they should be KD, KE, or KF. Which one is it? Those letters will explain the date the USP was proofed. KD = 1993, KE = 1994, KF = 1995.

HK has never put the O-Ring on the basic USP. The O-Ring made it's first apperances on the the Mark23, and the USP Match.

[eddyfinster]

thanks it was KD. Appreciate your help