(This image courtesy of RedWolf Airsoft & originally hosted there.)
The TM USP AEP is the 3rd Airsoft Electric Pistol that Tokyo Marui has released since they came up with the concept of shrinking a standard AEG down into something handheld and compact. It features: integrated iron sights, a fully adjustable hop-up, quick-change battery inside the slide, removable accessory rail on the front, pistol lanyard hole. Also available is an additional muzzle piece for mounting a silencer as well as a 100rd high-cap.
I got this AEP in the winter of 2006 as a viable alternative to my Gas Blowbacks which are virtually unusable in the cold months. It quickly replaced my Dark Hawk and USP Compact Blowbacks, and has served me well in the year and a half since.
The Heckler & Koch USP (Universally Selbstladepistole, or "Universal Self-loading Pistol") is a semi-automatic pistol designed by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch.
Order
The gun was ordered from I believe it was either Trinity or Airsoft Atlanta, and if memory serves it arrived quickly enough.
First Impressions
Honestly at the time I had never intended to write a review of it, but as I remember it I was impressed by the size of the piece compared to my USP Compact - the extra barrel length does give it a more distinctive look, even given its already unique and recognizable design. The pistol came with a 30rd magazine, 500mAh 7.2v NiMh battery, charger, and about a bag of BBs. It also included a barrel plug which I discarded as C3 doesn't allow their use, and C3 is whom I play with.
In addition I also ordered a second 30rd magazine, as well as a 100rd High-cap magazine.
At first I was reluctant to use the USP a lot for several reasons... I wasn't all too sure how long the battery would last, that 100rd high-cap seemed all too small given that full-auto capability. However, once I dialed the hop-up in and fired off a few complete hi-caps worth at the shooting range, my confidence quickly grew. Eventually, the games came where my primary weapon got hit and I switched to the USP. I have never been more confident and satisfied in a sidearm than I have been with this - and I'd owned four GBBs up to that point, and several springers.
500mAh NiMh Battery Removed.
The Construction
The gun is constructed almost entirely out of ABS Plastic, and its not that "Tap it on a rock & watch it shatter like glass" plastic, its the standard tough-as-nails, use-it-as-a-bludgeon, bash-me-trash-me-I'll-still-keep-going plastic that TM is known for. The metal external parts include the hammer, trigger, and the 30rd magazines are made of metal. It is a very solid gun & comfortable to hold. No creaks, squeaks, bends or flexes. Even in the plastic 100rd magazine while it might look weak at the point where the magazine expands to fill out the real-sized mag shape is fairly solid. Unless you slam it into a rock full-weight on... and even still its in one piece! It is sadly on the verge of snapping in two however.
Breakdown & Performance
The range is easily past 100 feet, I estimate up to 120 feet, though I will be the first to admit that I am a poor judge of distances past 20-30 feet. There have been times when I have out-ranged the full AEGs shooting back at me. I will attempt to get an accurate measurement of the effective and maximum range of the USP soon.
The FPS hovers steady around 220fps with Excel .20 BBs, pushing to the mid 230s during the hotter days of summer time. I have been able to hit man-sized targets within 2 shots at the maximum range, and have done so consistently.
The real testament to the gun's quality for me comes here though. I am hard on my guns, and I mean hard. I have dropped this sucker more times than I care to count. It was lost a dozen times on the field before I finally got a pistol lanyard and then it seems it suffered even more punishment because now its been dragged along after it fell out of my holster.
Slide removed to show the hop-up adjustment knob. It is extremely well designed - once its dialed in you're good to go, no readjustment needed baring weather and/or BB weight changes.
I've dropped it on rocks, on tree trunks, on gravel, in the mud and through the stream. It's been dragged, wedged, hammered, and even used as a hammer. Speaking of hammer, one point the hammer at the back of the gun (which you pull back or "cock" to enable you to remove the slide so you can insert the battery and adjust the hop-up) broke OFF completely after it fell on a rock in the swamp. I had to use a knife to pry back the release for a while in order to change the battery & adjust the hop. It was several months before I found and ordered a replacement part from Trinity. Replacing the part itself was... tricky. I'm not sure I could explain the breakdown even if this was the place to.
The final test for me came a few weeks ago in a late June '08 game when it fell on the rocks at the top of the Guns field and was drug along for about 10 feet banging along before I realized it. The top-slide had come off, the battery flung out, and the high-cap magazine had started down the path of becoming permanently broken.
When I reassembled the gun it would not fire, the motor wouldn't even turn over. After I returned to the safe zone I showed the USP to Jeff (DkHelmet), Lou (p7hk9), and Randy (RJaniz). We were all quite baffled and while the common sense answer would have been to wait till I got home to open it up and examine it (Especially since I didn't have the manual with an exploded-parts view with me), I was never that patient.
Upon opening it up on the field and trying each part of the firing mechanism piece by piece, we finally discovered the problem lied in the trigger mechanism somewhere, as the motor and gearbox were all fully functional, and the battery was just fine. At one point of the disassembly and reassembly - I'm still not quite sure where - we must have knocked a loose piece back into its proper place because it started working again to my surprise. So I finished the reassembly, packed it up and headed home.
Next time I was out I tuned the hop-up and the thing was firing as straight and true as the first day I bought it. I even used it during the Tacti-class training session, with much success.
Ok, so now you've heard about its accuracy, durability, and longevity. Whats left? The downsides. There are three downsides that I can find using the USP.
The first being the most obvious - the FPS. While FPS does not determine much by way of range or accuracy, it does effect the time-to-target. The slower the projectile, the longer it takes to get there - this is just common sense. I have taken dead-on shots at unaware targets but in the time it takes the BB to travel to them at the outer ranges they have moved. However, as this is a sidearm and intended more for back-up use or use in CQB situations such as at the Castle I have only rarely had this be a problem for me, and if it ever is... I simply move closer or take a few more shots.
The second downside is the battery life - however I list this as a downside VERY grudgingly, and think of it more as something of note. Its a 500mAh battery... but don't let this fool you into thinking you've only got 500 shots... because it lasts a lot longer than you think... how long? Well I really don't know... I've never drained the battery during game-play. I've gone several weeks in a row without charging the battery in fact, including going through my 100rd hi-cap several times in a single game.
The third downside is ammo capacity. The standard 30rd magazines are just that... 30 rounders. They are the thin rectangle shaped magazines made of metal - however three of them fit quite nicely in a standard sized pistol mag pouch. On full auto the last a few seconds, and while the 100rd hi-cap mags last longer, they still run out too. The mags are easy enough to reload - a standard speed-loader will do the trick, but if you're under fire that can be a pain. That said, when kept as a side-arm it fills its role with ease.
[Edit]And Randy brought to mind another problem, the size of the magazines themselves makes them easy to lose. Hell I've even almost lost the 100rd mag before. It does happen however - and I have lost two thusfar.
The Wrap-up
This little AEP is a beast of a trooper. It has toughed out more than a year of being kicked around and is still as reliable as the first day I bought it. While I've been told there are some parts that can be upgraded like the tightbore barrel & whatnot, I'm in no hurry to, as it performs flawlessly in its role and can even do some very limited work as a primary if the situation calls for it. It has never let me down in more than a year of hard and heavy use on the field and has survived more drops and bangs than a rubber bouncy ball. To anyone with $150 or more to spend on a sidearm I cannot recommend this pistol enough. I've even killed Dave with it before!
i can understand it being kicked around cause i've seen you do it:) also great great review. it's more than good, it's great!!!
__________________ [The Code of Conduct of ROK Forces in Vietnam]
1. To the enemy, Be courageous and fearful.
2. To the Vietnamese people, Behave with kindness and warmness.
3. To our allies, show them we are well disciplined and reliable. Vietnam Airsoft Group浪人Team Ronin-MUSTARD JAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Jay,
Nice review!
I've been shopping for the best price on the TM G18C AEP. I'm hoping I get the same results from this gun as you have found with the USP.
Funny, you mentioned RedWolf Airsoft in your review. They have the best pricing that I have found on the G18C, any experience with them?
I'd like to point out one more flaw to the AEP design: The Magazine
The magazines are light, small, and thin. This adds up to a lot of them lost on the field. While the USP doesn't have the issue to the same extent as the glock, it still happens. With these guns you MUST be careful in making sure your magazines don't vanish on you during a run.
Because if you do lose them, you don't notice until it's too late.
Every mag I've lost has been from the mag release getting hit and causing the mag to slide out of the gun. The release is just triggered way too easily.
__________________
Dave kill us all. Except for you. He just doesn't love you.
You really think so? I used to have a problem with the highcap getting jammed against the lanyard when I had it going through the loop a certain way, but I just reversed it & haven't had that issue since... the standards that I lost fell out of my mag pouch - which is an issue...
__________________ "Get the facts, or the facts will get you. And when you get them, get them right, or they will get you wrong."
-Thomas Fuller
Jay,
What kind of holster are you using with the USP?
(I Just ordered one and will need a holster)
I'd prefer a drop leg with a thumb break and a bungee to be extra safe. I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for though.
I used to use a no-name black drop-leg with a thumb break, got it on Clearance from Shorty's like 3 years ago, haven't seen it anywher else - its really very comfortable but doesn't hold a USP well - it'd do great for a Desert Eagle. A few months ago I got an adjustable drop-leg holster in multicam. Both have thumb snaps. I can't seem to find the exact model of the drop-leg as well, the seller I had gotten it from is out of stock. I'll let you know if any turn up though, I've been very happy with it thusfar.
If by bungie you mean lanyards then those are extra extra. I've never seen a holster that comes with one. If you mean the extra bungie strap that slips over the grip, I've never tried one of those.
__________________ "Get the facts, or the facts will get you. And when you get them, get them right, or they will get you wrong."
-Thomas Fuller
Thanks for the info Jay.
This is the kind of holster that I'm referring to, only I'd like it in a drop leg. It's made by Condor. Holster w/elastic cord
I know I could get this and a drop leg Molle platform, but I'd rather not spend that much on the holster setup.
I also like that I can remove the magazine pouch from the holster on this one.
Yea I got something that looks just like that but I got mine attached to my vest. And Ill add my name to the list of lost pistol mags. I lost 2 cyma hi-cap mags... 1 popped out of my G18C while in the holster. And the other one just fell out of my mag pouch. They are so big not many pouches fit them. Maybe a P90 but I have not tried that. But definally if you buy extra mags just get the normal ones that dont stick out of the gun.
I've lost 2 or 3 mags cause of that mag release, and I've come close to losing a few more. I've never lost a mag from having it fall out of its pouch.
I've also dropped a few due to the design of the magazine release on the USP but luckily someone was behind me and saw it drop. Just something to be careful about with the USP.
I was going to write up a review on my Marui USP. But it's only been to the field once though, as the only mag I had fell out during a game.... I'd like to figure out a way to rig up a lanyard or something to the mag, so it atleast is attached if/when it falls out. If you've come up with something, lemme know!
Very good review Coeus. I'm happy with the sudden explosion of reviews lately.
__________________ FOXHOUND Airsoft Gimme a clip so I can do some damage.
To add to all the issues for lost mags I found an item you might like. Although i cant remember where i got it I found it on one of the websites selling airsoft guns. It's an elastic piece that wraps around the handle off sidearm and a second one under the handle to hold in the mag and prevent it from falling out. I got one from a friend and am still looking for the website again to get more. so help me and keep an eye out for it I have only seen it once and when you see it you willl know excatly what it is.
Well I am in the USP in crowd now too, mine came today. I see why all of you have been raving about it. I am pretty impressed by my first impressions so far.
I ordered most of mine through ehobbies asia with some parts coming from airsoft atlanta to get the best possible price. One issue I have is I ca not get the blanky blank blank front sight post off the slide to install the nifty silencer adapter I ordered to install a silencer. It is my hope to have some field time with it this weekend but that depends on frost bite and my on call work schedule. I have included what I ordered and pricing below in case anyone else is thinking about ordering this AEP. Keep in mind that battery and charger are different than a normal than a AEG and are usually not included with the replica.
Tokyo Marui H&K USP Fixed Slide AEP
TM-AEP-USP USD 113.00 Ordered: 1
Shipped: 1
USD 113.00
Tokyo Marui 100rd Hi-CAP Long Magazine for USP AEP
TMO-18 USD 23.99 Ordered: 1
Shipped: 1
USD 23.99
Tokyo Marui Charger for AEP 7.2V Nickel Metal Hydride 500mAh Battery (110v)
TMO-15 USD 17.99 Ordered: 1
Shipped: 1
USD 17.99
Tokyo Marui Knights Professional Silencer (14mm, CCW)
TMP-99 USD 43.99 Ordered: 1
Shipped: 1
USD 43.99
Tokyo Marui 7.2V 500mah Hydride Battery for Electric Fixed Slide Pistols
TMO-16 USD 20.00 Ordered: 1
Shipped: 1
USD 20.00
* Tokyo Marui USP Muzzle Adapter - 13752
* Fits over the front of the Tokyo Marui USP
* Adds a 14mm negative threaded silencer attachment and a short rail mount on top
* Tokyo Marui USP Muzzle Adapter - 13752
* Fits over the front of the Tokyo Marui USP
* Adds a 14mm negative threaded silencer attachment and a short rail mount on top
* Must have accessory
$21.99
$21.99
__________________
low observability, high firepower, high drag, low speed Do NOT anger the forum Illuminati, please search
Team STAG
Quote P7hk9 "Just do it as a TEAM and not as Master Chief."
One issue I have is I ca not get the blanky blank blank front sight post off the slide to install the nifty silencer adapter I ordered to install a silencer.
Pretty simple if I recall. Take the slide off, and inside is a screw holding the front sight on. Remove that screw, and possibly a small plastic square. Then slide the front sight to the left or right to remove it.
I have done that, but thanks for confirming that I was doing it right, I am pretty sure its glued on now , could not get it to budge in any way with pliers! once the screw was removed. Next time I am in the hobby shop I'll pick up some debonder and give that a try. sigh.
__________________
low observability, high firepower, high drag, low speed Do NOT anger the forum Illuminati, please search
Team STAG
Quote P7hk9 "Just do it as a TEAM and not as Master Chief."
It took a lot of fiddling but I got the front sight post off and slipped the adapter over the nose. This adapter adds a rail on top of the USP and a threaded nose to your USP allowing you to use a standard CCW silencer can. I have not gotten a chance to fire mine yet so No information on how it performs yet. Shown with my old KWA Glock 17 GBB for size comparison.
__________________
low observability, high firepower, high drag, low speed Do NOT anger the forum Illuminati, please search
Team STAG
Quote P7hk9 "Just do it as a TEAM and not as Master Chief."
Well, Jay said in his post:
"The gun was ordered from I believe it was either Trinity or Airsoft Atlanta, and if memory serves it arrived quickly enough."
Jeep said:
"I ordered most of mine through ehobbies asia with some parts coming from airsoft atlanta to get the best possible price. "
I bought mine off LJ, actually. However, Redwolf carries it for $113, and shipping it should cost roughly $30 (that's what it cost me to ship the FivesveN from there to PA). You'll still need a battery and charger, which are not included.
Question to the other guys though. Has anyone bought one of those magazine guards? If so, do they work well with the TM USP?
__________________ FOXHOUND Airsoft Gimme a clip so I can do some damage.
Nice review! I've been trying to look for the Tokyo Marui USP. After reading the posts, I could only find them on Precision Airsoft. Is the Tokyo Marui P8 different than the USP, or is it the same thing because it looks very similar. http://www.airsoftatlanta.com/product_p/17503.htm
Just something to be careful about with the USP.
