The USG's synthetic magazine can be had with a 10- or 20-round capacity.

Upon initial examination, I thought the weapon might be striker-fired like a Glock, but when the guts were laid bare I found a concealed hammer at the rear of the frame. In fact, the USG is a true single action, with no hammer-drop lever (as with a SIG), and manipulation of the safety does not drop the hammer. Instead, it prevents the trigger lever from actuating the sear by means of a cam that rotates into place when the safety lever is pushed up.

The ambidextrous safety lever is placed forward of the trigger guard on the frame. It is easily manipulated with either hand or by the trigger finger. There is also a magazine disconnect, preventing the pistol from firing if the magazine is not fully inserted into the gun.

The loaded-chamber indicator--a small stainless nodule that projects from the left side of the slide, just aft of the ejection port--is both easily observed and felt when there is a cartridge in the chamber.

While not ambidextrous, the magazine release, which is mounted just aft of the trigger guard, can be reversed. All controls except the trigger are molded in gray polymer, contrasting with the black polymer from which the frame is molded and in which the slide is enclosed.

The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation.

There is a Picatinny M1913 rail beneath the dust cover, and an accessory such as a flashlight or laser sight can be mounted and manipulated with the same support-hand digit that would operate the safety lever. It is immediately apparent that much thought went into positioning the controls of the 5.7.

Field stripping is accomplished by first removing the magazine and visually inspecting the chamber to ensure it is empty. Then, with the slide retracted one-quarter inch, pull back on the disassembly lever forward of the safety on the left side of the gun, then lift up and push forward on the slide at the same time. The barrel and recoil spring, which is captured around the barrel, can then be lifted from the slide.

FNH USA recommends no further disassembly except by a competent gunsmith. Reassembly is done in the reverse order, but no use of the disassembly lever was called for, as the actions snapped back into place.

The lockwork of the pistol could be described as "modified Browning." The USG is recoil operated and fires from a locked breech.

ACCURACY RESULTS: FNH USA 5.7 USG
LOAD	BULLET WEIGHT (gr.)	AVG. VELOCITY (fps)	STANDARD DEVIATION	AVG. GROUP (in.)
SS 195LF HP	27	1,932	27	2.4
SS1979SR V-Max	40	1,737	11	1.8
NOTES: Velocity recorded 10 feet from the muzzle with a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono. Accuracy tested off a sandbag rest; results are the average of three five-shot groups fired at 25 yards

The rear sight was a square notch, click adjustable for windage and elevation, which is pretty much mandatory when dealing with a round with the potential of the 5.7mm. Mounted at the front end of the slide is a fixed blade sight sporting a white dot, easily picked out against a dark background.

As to ammunition, FNH USA has a few Class III loads for military or law enforcement use only; as of this article, there were three loads rated for sporting use. First is the SS195LF, which features a lead-free primer and a 27-grain hollowpoint at 2,000 fps. Second is the SS196SR with a 40-grain Hornady red-tipped V-Max at 1,700 fps. Finally, there's the SS197SR, a Hornady blue-tipped V-Max 40-grain number at 1,700 fps.

FNH USA assures me that other sporting loads may soon be available, but as of this writing, I had only a supply of the SS195LF and SS197SR on hand for testing.

My range session took place at Angeles Ranges in Lake View Terrace, California, (800/499-4486) on a hot and windy day. I started at close range, shooting 100 rounds each of the SS195 and the SS197SR at 21 feet, a typical handgun engagement distance.