Desert Eagle v HK Mk23

[el Godfather]

Dear THR:
Desert Eagle and HK Mark 23 are both oversized handguns. Both cannot be concealed unless you are way above average built. The Mark 23 is advertised as the offensive handgun, but I would think so it Desert Eagle with its Magnum rounds.

Which, in your opinion, is a better handgun? When answering this, please, also state the criteria that you used to prefer one over the other.

Thanks

 

[conhntr]

Deagle ftw

 

[usp9]

The HK, though large, or at least large compared to most other guns, is only as heavy as a standard 1911A1, and is target range accurate, robust, reliable and holds a bunch of ammo. Much more practical and useful in everyday life than a D.E. The HK also comes ready for a suppressor if you lean that way. Compared to any other high capacity, 6" barrelled, .45acp pistol the HK is world class design and execution.

 

[daytodaze]

from a practical standpoint, neither is a good gun. Most people intrigued by the mk 23 would do just fine settling on a usp or an hk45, and most people intrigued by the deagle watch a lot of movies.

Now from an enthusiast's perspective, I'll take the mark 23. Aside from the obvious BA factor that the deagle has, the hk is a weapon that has real world applications to go with its aura.

 

[mooner]

Although I am not much a fan of either, I would go with the Desert Eagle for the novelty. The H&K's seem a bit inflated in price for what they are.

 

[fennecfrank]

Have a HK Mark 23 and Desert Eagle Mark VII in .41 magnum.

Desert Eagles are way too big in most people's hands. I have bigger hands than most people I've met, yet the Desert Eagle is too big for me. One might say to wear gloves to shoot the Desert Eagles. However, it can't be done. I wore gloves and I can't put my finger inside the trigger. The trigger guard of Desert Eagles are not designed for gloves use. In addition, using the gas-operated system, quite a few people have trouble with it (empty shell being stuck and failed to load the next round). Either they didn't clean the pistol well, or they use lighter loads. When shooting a Desert Eagle, since it uses the gas-operated system, you cannot use lighter loads. Some encourages using the hottest loads available. Also, same for all gas-operated guns, you need to clean it well or it will have problems cycling. Being big and heavy, one does not need to worry about the recoil of a Desert Eagle. It's significantly less than any revolvers using the same caliber. Is it fun to shoot? @#$$ yeah!

HK Mark 23's have plastic frames, for those who have concerns with plastic frames. I'm not going to go into which one is better (plastic or solid steel). It's more of a preference. You decide what you want. Mark 23's have better slide finish. This is way different than the USP's (I have not seen an HK45's or P30's in person yet, so no comment there). It is one of the best finishes I've ever seen (shiny, yet very durable). Don't forget that the military did several extensive tests on this gun and it survived. In addition, most of the HK's I've shot (P7M8, P9S, UPS, Mark 23) are designed with gloves usage in mind. When wearing a pair of gloves, one won't have problem holding the slighly bigger grips at all and shooting with gloves are not a problem.

Both are big, but Mark 23 is smaller, in both length and in the grip.

Having shot handguns for roughly 17 years, having a proper grip on a handgun, personally, is the key for accuracy, thus, Mark 23 is a better gun for me.

Both guns are cool, nice looking. But Mark 23's are easier for disassembly/assembly (the D.E. have more parts and you need to know what you're doing or else you won't be able to put them together).

Good luck. I'm sure you'll be happy with your decision. As I always recommend to people, when you're having trouble deciding which gun to go for, try to save more money and get both!

 

[FMF Doc]

This poll only shows one thing...there are 4 horribly confused people out there

DE-2
MK23-16 At time of post!
Same-2

 

[conhntr]

Im not confused; im not going to pay 1800$ for a glock with a threaded barrel which is all the hk 23 is

 

[MachIVshooter]

Posing this question suggests that you're a gamer and completely unfamiliar with these weapons and their uses.

The Desert Eagle is not designed, intended or appropriate for combat. It's only practical role is hunting, and it excels at this. It's accuracy is unrivaled by other pistols, and in .50 AE, it is second only to the S&W X-frame for power.

The HK Mk-23, on the other hand, was designed as a combat handgun and is chambered in a round appropriate for that task. It would obviously be superior to the Eagle in combat, but inferior for big game hunting.

Both are too large to carry as a defensive arm.

Which is better simply depends on what you are using it for. Both are very high quality handguns, but they are apples and oranges. It's like comparing a Camaro SS and a Peterbuilt 379.

 

[Skribs]

I'd say Desert Eagle, for one reason:

If I want a .357 magnum auto-loader, I don't have too many options. If I want a .45 ACP, I have a ton of other options.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I would vote for the MK23. While it may be as big but it's in a more practical caliber for social work and is designed for such. The Desert Eagle appears to be mostly a range toy/safe queen with no practical use for social work. 99% of those that think the Desert Eagle is a good gun for self defense/war has watched too many movies, plays too much Call of Duty, or is misguided. I have heard of an actual Constable in Texas that carries one in .357 but that's the only one and he isn't involved in actual gun fights except for the rare chance.

I'd say Desert Eagle, for one reason:

If I want a .357 magnum auto-loader, I don't have too many options. If I want a .45 ACP, I have a ton of other options.

Coonan .357 Autoloader is for you, that is something that I would actually carry.

 

[el Godfather]

MarkIV... I have both handguns. I understand Mk23 is designed for specific purpose, but DE with magnum loads can do the offensive pistol job as well- better or not, that's subjective. Yes it does the hunting well, but that can also be said about any large caliber handgun. My DE357 holds 9 rounds and Mk23 holds 12. There is not much difference, and when you take in to account 357v45 ballistics, it changes the equation quite a bit. I voted equal as I see advantages with both. On your "gammer" comment, I didn't understand exactly what you meant with that term.

Like one of the above post, I also questioned paying 2000$ for a plastic gun, where as I got DE with one extra (longer) barrel. However, you have to shoot mk23 to appreciate its value.

 

[Skribs]

527, I didn't say it was the only option, I just said there are very few. BTW, I'd still rather have a deagle. 9+1 vs. 7+1. And the deagle has a distinctive look.

 

[PabloJ]

Dear THR:
Desert Eagle and HK Mark 23 are both oversized handguns. Both cannot be concealed unless you are way above average built. The Mark 23 is advertised as the offensive handgun, but I would think so it Desert Eagle with its Magnum rounds.

Which, in your opinion, is a better handgun? When answering this, please, also state the criteria that you used to prefer one over the other.

Thanks

I had Mk23 some years back and never even shot the DE. I would pick H&K given choice. Another option is 15 shot .45 FNH monstrosity. It's about same size as MK23.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

527, I didn't say it was the only option, I just said there are very few. BTW, I'd still rather have a deagle. 9+1 vs. 7+1. And the deagle has a distinctive look.

and weight!

 

[MachIVshooter]

On your "gammer" comment, I didn't understand exactly what you meant with that term.

Because they're a couple of pistols that are very popular with the video game players, and not so much in the real world of shooting sports, hunting and defense.

I had a Mk XIX .50, have played with the Mk 23. I would choose neither in a combat role. That honor would go to my S&W 1006, which almost matches a .357 DE for power. I've carried the Eagle afield as a hunting gun, and it was almost as encumbering as a rifle. The Mk23? What can it do that a dozen other handguns can't in a less bulky package, less expensive package (and with higher capacity)?

 

[wildehond]

Because they're a couple of pistols that are very popular with the video game players, and not so much in the real world of shooting sports, hunting and defense.

I had a Mk XIX .50, have played with the Mk 23. I would choose neither in a combat role. That honor would go to my S&W 1006, which almost matches a .357 DE for power. I've carried the Eagle afield as a hunting gun, and it was almost as encumbering as a rifle. The Mk23? What can it do that a dozen other handguns can't in a less bulky package, less expensive package (and with higher capacity)?

For me personally.

It is stupidly accurate with that o-ring on the 6" barrel.
Already threaded for a suppressor or compensator.
Stadard .45ACP 230 ammo is already subsonic.
It can also fire 45Super without any issues.
As it is based on the Hk USP pistols. It should be quite reliable.
It is a bit different.

That is why I am getting one.

 

[usp9]

As it is based on the Hk USP pistols. It should be quite reliable.

I don't disagree with anything you said above but... the MK23 was produced prior to the USP. Both were designed by the same man at HK, the MK23 at the request of the U.S. military, the USP later as a general use sidearm with commercial sales in mind. One might well say it is the MK23 that spawned the USP. Though similar in appearance, the MK23 and USP are more different than alike. In the polymer world, the MK23 is really a unique pistol.

 

[wildehond]

I don't disagree with anything you said above but... the MK23 was produced prior to the USP. Both were designed by the same man at HK, the MK23 at the request of the U.S. military, the USP later as a general use sidearm with commercial sales in mind. One might well say it is the MK23 that spawned the USP. Though similar in appearance, the MK23 and USP are more different than alike. In the polymer world, the MK23 is really a unique pistol.

Apolgies. I stand corrected. Thanks for the info. I really was not aware that the MK23 is the "Granddaddy". That just makes it even more desireable for me.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

It is stupidly accurate with that o-ring on the 6" barrel.
Already threaded for a suppressor or compensator.
Stadard .45ACP 230 ammo is already subsonic.
It can also fire 45Super without any issues.
As it is based on the Hk USP pistols. It should be quite reliable.
It is a bit different.

Only difference between the MK23 and a USP Tactical is the barrel length, and the price tag.

 

[usp9]

Only difference between the MK23 and a USP Tactical is the barrel length, and the price tag.

That simply isn't correct. The two guns share very little in common other than being excellent guns. The frames are very different, the controls are similar but different among other things. The MK23 and USP line may share a general similarity but the differences are profound.

Read a comparison here.
http://www.hkpro.com/forum/hk-handgun-talk/37855-hk-mark23-vs-45-tactical-head-head-comparison.html

A side note to get back on topic; post #37 in the above link has a head to head comparison of the D.E and MK23, with a nice write up and photos. Post 97 has a nice summation as to why and how the MK23 differs from normal guns.

 

[Ranger30-06]

I would take a Desert Eagle any day of the week over a MK23. Besides being 1/2 the price, you also are purchasing from a company who gives 1/2 a crap about their customers. Once you get over the "movie star bad butt cop" mentality, it's actually a somewhat decent (and fun!) gun to play with. I sure wouldn't mind taking a .44 version along on a hiking or backwoods camping trip...

If I was in the market for a .45 though, there are a LOT of other guns I would take over a MK23. Remember now, HK handguns suffer from the same grip angle problem as Glocks, and the majority of people out there can't shoot them as well as other handguns because of it.

 

[Onmilo]

MachlVShooter has it about right.
The Desert Eagle shines as a hunting pistol and sucks as a target or combat weapon.

For general purpose I would much rather have the Mk23 and actually own a USP Elite .45 acp because I cannot legally own a suppressor in this goofy state, otherwise I would have bought a Mk23 or a USP Tactical.

Now IF I could legally hunt deer with a semi auto handgun in this goofy state, I would choose a 10" .44 Magnum Desert Eagle without reservation.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

That simply isn't correct. The two guns share very little in common other than being excellent guns. The frames are very different, the controls are similar but different among other things. The MK23 and USP line may share a general similarity but the differences are profound.

I know they are different intenerally but I'm just looking at it function wise. The controls are different and maybe accuracy is different but other then that, what's the difference between the USP Tactical and the MK23? What makes it worth that near 2 grand price tag?

I would take a Desert Eagle any day of the week over a MK23. Besides being 1/2 the price, you also are purchasing from a company who gives 1/2 a crap about their customers. Once you get over the "movie star bad butt cop" mentality, it's actually a somewhat decent (and fun!) gun to play with. I sure wouldn't mind taking a .44 version along on a hiking or backwoods camping trip...

I myself would want a .44 Desert Eagle over a MK23 with long range shooting in mind.

 

[mnhntr]

I voted HK due to the Desert Eagle being a heavy boat anchor of a pistol that offers nothing I cannot get in a better platform. The Coonan comes to mind in a magnum autoloader for .357 and a good sturdy Ruger revolver for bigger magnums. The HK is more useful as a defensive handgun IMO.