History of HK45 Series

The HK45 was designed to fit requirements of the U.S. Military JCP (Joint Combat Pistol) program which had the purpose of arming the U.S. Military with a .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol instead of the 9mm M9 pistol.

Heckler & Koch, along with Larry Vickers, an ex-Delta Force operator, and Ken Hackathorn led the design and development of the HK45, Though the program was suspended indefinitely in 2006, HK decided to make the HK45 available on the commercial market as well as to law enforcement and military groups.

The HK45 was developed as a product improvement of the highly regarded USP45, first released in the 1995. The Caliber .45 ACP HK45 includes several user-inspired enhancements including changeable grip panels (backstraps), a Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail, better ergonomics, and more ambidextrous controls.

Using HK's unique internal mechanical recoil reduction system reduces the recoil forces imparted to the weapon and shooter by as much as 30%, improving shooter control during rapid firing and increasing component service life. The HK45 combines the accuracy, modularity, reliability and minimum 20,000 round service life of the famed USP45 series with the improved ergonomics of the P2000 series pistols, HK45 Compact and HK45 Compact Tactical models set with threaded barrels for use with muzzle mounted sound suppressors.

Extensively tested and operationally proven, the HK45 Series is a new paradigm for Heckler & Koch handgun design and the HK45C / HK45 Compact Tactical was adopted by the United States NSWC (Naval Special Warfare Command) under the designation Mk24Mod0. And currently used by several special force unit.