The HK USP (Universal Selbstlade Pistole in German, or Universal Self-loading Pistol) was initially designed in 9mm and .40SW variants and appeared on the scene in 1993. USP pistols are short-recoil operated, locked-breech pistols with a polymer frame. The barrel is locked to the slide by a single lug, which engages the ejection port. Unlocking is controlled by a cam-shaped extension below the chamber, which interacts with a steel insert set into the frame. The captive recoil spring assembly includes an additional recoil spring buffer on full-size pistols and a polymer buffer on compact pistols. The trigger is double-action, with an external hammer, an automatic firing pin safety and a frame-mounted lever.

The USP has moulded polymer frame with special grooves for quick mounting of laser aiming modules or tactical lights. Basic USP version was designed as a Police and Military handgun. The Knight's Armament Company silencer provides excellent sound suppression to the HK USP.