 Newest polymer wonder-pistol builds on tradition but adds a few surprises well worth the wait!By Gary Paul Johnston As I've studied firearms for more than 50 years and have written about them since 1976, I consider myself very fortunate to have my hands on many fascinating guns. Whether it's truly new or been around for a while, a gun I've never seen before is new to me. However, when a brand new gun is a total surprise, it adds a new dimension to the story. Such is the case with the HS2000. Upon first hearing of the HS2000 in late November 1999, I was offered the opportunity to be the first to do a hands on test of the pistol. On January 5 2000, I received one of the first samples in the country. Although mine is 9x19mm, it should be available in .40 S&W and .357 SIG by the time you read this. While it boasts many advanced features, most surprisingly, the HS2000 was designed and manufactured in a country that ceased to exist after World War II and only appeared with the demise of Yugoslavia, that is Croatia.
Although a gross oversimplification, the HS2000 can be described as a cross between SIG and GLOCK. Beginning with the slide, this part is Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machined from high-grade steel. After being heat treated (or during), it's Bruniral coated for a lifetime of hard use and rust protection, which is comparable to GLOCK'S almost indestructible Tenifer finish. HS2000's front and rear sights are dovetailed securely into the slide. Made of steel (not plastic), these sights use the 3-white dot system and should last a lifetime. The rear slide cocking serration's are just wide and deep enough. At the left front of the slide, there's a vertically angled cutout that at first glance is puzzling. It's a takedown notch where the lever swings upward, but more on that later. On top of the slide at the rear of the ejection port, a pivoting lever serves as a loaded chamber indicator, which can be verified by sight or touch. At the rear of the slide, a cocking indicator can be checked in the same ways. If in doubt, it takes only a second to verify that both these parts are protruding and the pistol is ready to shoot. Mated with the slide, the almost-conventional barrel is similar to that pioneered by SIG and used by GLOCK, S&W, FN, and others. I say "almost", because while this barrel locks against the front of the ejection port and looks like most improved Browning short-recoil barrels, the muzzle is enlarge like barrels on match competition pistols. With typical dual captive springs, the recoil spring system of the HS2000's telescopes to save space. The HS2000's matte black polymer frame boasts a number of advanced features. The frame's dust cover houses the metal plate with the pistol's serial number. It also leads to the wide, generous trigger guard that features a grooved extended portion for those who shoot with the supporting index finder there. User-Friendly Grip At its rear, the trigger guard features an undercut, which allows the gun to sit slightly lower in the hand. On the front and back strap, the crosshatch checkering should adjust to fit any hand. Designed to be as ergonomic as possible, this grip shape is not only very comfortable, but is angled so that the HS2000 points naturally, and its sights lined up for us instinctively.  To test the HS2000's point ability, hold it at low ready, look at your target, close your eyes and bring the pistol up. Unlike some other auto pistols, the HS2000's sights will be right on target for most shooters, at least it was for us.The grip safety truly sets the HS2000 apart from others of its type. That's right, just when you might have thought the grip safety obsolete, this most modern pistol keeps it alive. Why? Well, not only is this a true safety, but if not fully depressed, it also prevents the slide from being retracted. If you've ever had the slide of your favorite polymer pistol retract when it was pushed into your concealment carry holster, you get the picture. With the HS2000 this can be easily avoided. Just don't depress the grip safety when re-holstering. Did I forget the magazine? No, it's not made of plastic, rather a robust chrome plated steel. Not only does the HS2000 magazine boast total lubrication and rust protection, it also falls free every time the ambidextrous magazine release is depressed. That's right, this release can be depressed inward from either side to drop the magazine. What's more, 50% of the release is protected from accidental depression by the frame. Reminiscent of the GLOCK, the unobtrusive HS2000 thumb rests were one of the changes required to get the pistol approved for U.S. import. Also similar to the GLOCK, the HS2000's slide stop is protected by raised portions of the frame. Once more, the HS2000's takedown lever differs from any of my experience. Positioned on the left side of the frame, like that of SIG and Beretta, the HS2000 takedown lever is rotated clockwise to the UP position rather than down, which explains the clearance cut on the left front side of the slide. Did I mention the trigger? Again something like the GLOCK, the HS2000 trigger also has a locking device. When pressing the trigger, the trigger lock is automatically released as part of the firing cycle, but that's only part of it. Although the HS2000's trigger feels like a double-action trigger, it's technically singe-action. How'd they do that? Well, when the slide is retracted and released, the wide portion of the striker sear engages a fixed sear in the frame where it's held to the rear. A trip lever for the striker block (or firing pin safety) is positioned along the right side and forward of this sear. Operating together with its own totally independent return spring, the trigger and draw bar have no contact with these parts until a finger is applied to the trigger. When the HS2000 is aimed and the trigger is pressed, there's a significant amount of spring-loaded travel before the firing pin safety is depressed and then the sear. It feels much like double-action, and here is yet another safety feature. In high stress situations, should one have his finger on the trigger, the trigger must first be pulled back until it engages the sear. This provides an extra margin of safety-it's a reminder!-when the final resistance is encountered. Incidentally, the firing pin safety directly blocks the wide sear portion of the striker visible on the underside of the slide when disassembled. This is obviously someone's idea of a "better mousetrap", and it makes sense. The HS2000 also has an out-of-battery safety. Its disconnector is closely timed to prevent the gun from firing in case the barrel is slightly unlocked due to the slide not being fully forward. The locking block of the HS2000 also houses the mainframe rails. Machined from solid steel stock, the heat-treated locking block also houses the lower portion of the feed ramp. Disassembly To field strip the HS2000 it's necessary that the magazine first be removed and the chamber verified as EMPTY. When the slide is retracted to check the chamber, it's locked to the rear. With the slide locked back, rotate the takedown lever 90 degrees clockwise to its vertical position. Then, while holding onto the slide, depress the slide release and allow the slide to slowly go forward until it stops. Now, pull the trigger and release, and pull the slide group off the front of the frame. With the slide group removed, the recoil spring group and barrel can easily be removed for cleaning. No further disassembly is recommended or necessary, and reassembly is in reverse order.
Important Archive Information: This is an archive of the HSARMS.com website. HSARMS.com is no longer on the internet. HSAMERICA the original importer of the HS 2000 is no longer in business. All contact and warranty information found on this archive is no longer valid. Springfield Armory is the new importer of the pistol that has been renamed the XD series. Springfield Armory will now honor the HS 2000 under their Lifetime warranty. Go to www.springfieldarmory.com for more information. The information used in this archive was provided from the backed up files of several hs2000talk.com members off old harddrives, posts and e-mails. I would like to thank them, the biggest thanks goes to ED. This archive is to be used for informational purposes only. Return to xd-hs2000 |
