Originally the HK45 was developed as part of a program for the US Military’s Joint Combat Pistol Program in 2005/2006. the HK45 Compact model comes standard with a o-ring barrel, fixed 3 dot sights and the ergonomic polymer frame. Another key addition was the use of a picatinny accessory rail molded directly into the polymer frame. The Compact was a natural progression for the program in order to provide a small, lighter and more compact version of the larger HK45. An HK proprietary internal mechanical recoil reduction system reduces the recoil forces affecting the weapon and shooter by as much as 30%, improving shooter control during rapid firing and prolonging component service life.