The HK USP45Tactical is a very popular pistol amongst HK enthusiasts for reasons but to many its one weakness is the all black adjustable sights which hinders target acquisition. Consequently, alternative sights has become a frequent debate issue and this page hopefully answers many of the questions asked.
This picture is a composite of the HK catalogue and shows the difference between the Expert and Tactical sights which are essentially the same. It also explains why the Tactical sights are described as "high-profile"; essentially adjustable sights are inherently high-profile because of the height required to incorporate the adjustment mechanism.
Why did HK put adjustable sights on a Tactical weapon (note the bigger Mark 23 has fixed sights)? I suspect that in order for the sight to clear the height of the suppressor they needed to be high profile and adjustable sights were readily available and eliminated the need to source special high-profile fixed sights. Remember too that HK already fitted these sights to the USP Match series.
To understand the options available it helps to know where HK gets their factory sights since HK does not manufacture their own. For the Expert, Tactical and Match, HK purchase Mec-Gar adjustable sights but have a HK logo specially stamped on the rear sight.
This
picture shows the Mec-Gar range of adjustable sights. The all black sights
on the left is what HK install as standard (with HK logo) and they do not make
available either of the alternative white-dots sights shown.
However, these sights are available direct from Mec-Gar or their suppliers. I have bought and fitted the 3 white-dot sights (right) for my USP 9 Tactical (HK prototype) and they maintain the original looks of the gun. They are available from http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ and the part # is MEC/MGSS HK-3 (no HK logo). Note I have deliberately stopped mentioning high-profile because the front sights on these have to be higher to match the height of the rear sight.
If you want to change out to "Night Sights" then you have to go to Meprolight since Mec-Gar do not offer this as an option. Interestingly, I am led to believe that Meprolight or Mec-Gar manufacture the other's sights, consequently, they do not compete in the same markets.
The
picture to the right is the HK factory night sight option part # 701101.
The sights themselves have no HK marking, only the adjustment tool. These
are in fact standard Meprolight sights (part # ML21516) which I have a hard time sourcing on the
web specific to the HK spec dovetail. However, I bought this set now
fitted on my HK USP 45 Tactical from http://www.calssportingarmory.com
Now Cal may not have it specifically listed but if you call him up or email and quote the HK or Meprolight part # he can deliver.
The choice is yours as to which option you choose. Personally, I think the Mec-Gar's look better but the Meprolight's as night sights are extremely effective.