All USPs use a fiberreinforced polymer frame stiffened by stainless steel inserts at areas subject to stress and friction. HK pioneered this use of polymer materials in the production of handguns more than 30 years ago with the development of the VP70Z and P9S pistols. The USP control lever a combination safety and decocking lever is frame mounted and quickly accessible unlike the slidemounted safeties common on many semiautomatic pistols. Using a modified Browningtype action with a special patented recoil reduction system the USP recoil reduction system reduces recoil effects on pistol components and also lowers the recoil forces felt by the shooter. The USP recoil reduction system is insensitive to ammunition types and requires no special adjustment or maintenance. The modular design of the USPs internal components allows the control lever function to be switched from the left to the right side of the pistol for lefthanded shooters. The USP can also be converted from one type of trigger firing mode to another. Variant 7 is a double action without control lever no manual safetydecocking lever.