h&k Mark 23 - .45 ACP

[Fat Boy]

I have been researching for a while on various handguns. I have begun to believe that a .45 ACP would be the best "one gun" solution for me. I have owned and fired several of the 1911 platform guns over the years; frankly the recoil and beating to the web of my shooting hand is unpleasant. I have recently fired the big CZ97; better on the hand, still bothered by recoil. I have been reading about the H&K Mark 23 in .45 acp, and noted that the press on this gun mentions a "patented HK recoil reduction system." I am curious about this system; does it really reduce recoil significantly? Also, is the gun worth the cost? (Buds Gun Shop lists them for $1,999).

Other possibilities include guns in .45acp from Glock, H&K, Sig, and so forth. However, my interest in the H&K was increased by the reported accuracy, durability, and reduced recoil of this gun. I would also share that I have large hands; I have found that the Beretta 92 and S&W 59/69 series 9mm guns "feel" good in my hand.

Thanks for the help!

I appreciate your listening to my ramblings, and would appreciate any input on which direction to move in my ongoing research...

 

[VHinch]

Recoil isn't bad at all from the Mk23, though I believe this has to do more with the fact that the thing weighs about 97 pounds than it does any recoil reduction system.

Seriously though, the thing is huge. If you're looking for a one gun solution for HD, carry, etc., the Mk23 would not be anywhere on my list. I just had to have one a couple of years ago, and couldn't believe how large and unwieldy it was. It's built like a brick, and almost as easy to carry.

If you're having recoil issues with a .45, I would recommend investing in some professional instruction, and focus on proper shooting technique rather than gimmick systems.

 

[PvtPyle]

If you are having recoil issues, check your stance. I have female students that shoot the high recoil CW45 with no issues, they weigh like 110 pounds.

As for the much loathed MK23, nearly everyone I know thats issued one loathes it. Heavy, grip is too big and cumbersome. Did I mention it is heavy? I would try a mid sized 1911 or a Sig 220. That said the XD and M&P work very well too.

 

[PTK]

XD45 is nicer, and I own a USP45 Tactical...

 

[Kindrox]

A USP full-sized 45 is a joy to shoot. You should not need to go larger than that.

My carry weapon is a Colt Defender and it is pretty mild as well. Before giving up on a 1911 you might try some professional instruction. I would hate for you to give up on 1911's if you could make an adjustment.

 

[LawofThirds]

"The only crew served side arm in the world"

In general: The more the gun weighs and the closer to your hand the bore axis is, the less felt recoil is present. Out of curiosity, what 1911's have you been shooting, and have you been using a low grip or a high grip? A lightweight commander combined with an improper grip *cough* cup and saucer *cough* can eat your hand, especially if the grips are aggressive.

 

[C-grunt]

I have had friends that wanted a Mk23 sooooooo bad, until they held one. Seriously, the thing is huge. A HK USP .45 would be a better choice by a long shot IMO.

I would like to see a comparo shot of a Mk23 and a Desert Eagle.

 

[Onmilo]

Since I live in a state where sound suppressors are an absolute no-no and I don't need a threaded muzzle, I chose a USP Elite .45acp as my serious blaster.
This pistol is better than half the price of a MK-23 and just as accurate and durable.
I fitted Meprolight adjustable tritium sights and added a Brugger Thomet rail adapter for a Streamlight M3 light since I occasionally need a light but don't wear night vision goggles and have no use for the monsterously large laser aiming module of the MK-23.
Another bonus to the common USP varients is that spare magazines and parts are a lot easier to find than the special stuff for the MK-23.
Drawback to any H&K pistol is that spare magazines and parts are always way more expensive than the need to be.
Even so, I have to confess I have seven spare magazines and the rail adapter for the light wasn't cheap either.

If you live in a state where you can possess a sound suppressor I would suggest looking at the USP Tactical.
It has a threaded muzzle and all the durability stuff of the MK-23 in a pistol that is again, half the price.
H&K designed the Tactical for groups and people that liked the benfits of the MK-23 but just plain couldn't afford it.
If you do decide on a suppressor make sure the vendor knows it if for a Tactical and not a MK-23 as the suppressors are not interchangeable between the two models of pistols.

For yuks and giggles here is a picture of my Elite and my Glock 34.
As you can see, the USP pistols are not as huge as people make them out to be, though the MK-23 is a bit larger than my Elite.
The Tactical is actually an even more compact package than the Elite.
I don't own a desert Eagle to compare to the USP because this wonderful state does not allow semi auto handguns for deer hunting and that is the only reason I can justify for owning a Desert Eagle.

 

[PTK]

H&K designed the Tactical for groups and people that liked the benfits of the MK-23 but just plain couldn't afford it.

Really? That sounds... odd. Half the price of the Mk23, VERY good pistol as a silencer host, accurate, etc...

 

[Fat Boy]

"Out of curiosity, what 1911's have you been shooting, and have you been using a low grip or a high grip?"

Most recently, I have shot a standard 1911 Colt without a beavertail grip safety, and a CZ97. Sadly enough, I don't know what you mean by low/high grip, etc. I appreciate all the comments!

 

[Robusto]

Can't comment on the MK23

But my go to handgun for almost 8 years has been the USP45F. I do think that the USP "recoil reduction system" does work, but how much, I could not honestly say. The USP series of pistols are very soft shooting, IMHO. THis could also be because they are are pretty wide in the rear. this could help to spread the pressure over a greater area. Try the USP, and you will most likely not find that you need anything bigger.

 

[Onmilo]

"Really? that sounds.... odd, Half the price of the MK23, VERY good pistol as a silencer host, etc...."

I know! Everybody thinks H&K is out to screw the little guy but it really isn't true!
They REALLY offer a pistol that is comparable to the MK23 in everything but size and at a price that even the little guy can afford if he really wants one, without mortgaging the house!

Check out a Tactical, it is a really good pistol if you are wanting a suppressor capable pistol.
Those plain Jane USP standard pistols,,,,,Excellent all around choice if you don't need a suppressor capable pistol.

Want to shoot the most accurate factory production .45 pistol you will ever shoot?
Try the Elite.

 

[monkeykevin]

HAHA Shoot a Glock 23 40S&W 180g and then shoot any 1911 and tell me which kicks more...

My Glock kicks harder than a 45 and every time I shoot my buddy's 1911 I'm in heaven because its a softer kick than a 40.

Any how I'mm looking at a USP45-T right now for my next toy than a 1911 ^_^ I'm only 5'5 150lbs and I pack my G23 everywhere, think of me packing a USP45-t as CCW now ^_^

 

[bwavec]

The Mk23 is a beast....and that size helps soak up the .45 recoil......but the grip is on the larger size, so not everyone can grip it properly.

The HK USP45 has a little more felt recoil....and a slightly smaller grip. It is my favorite pistol, since I shoot it well.

The compact version of the USP45 is also a great shooter....and with the smallest grip of the three, could be good to look into as well.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

As for the much loathed MK23, nearly everyone I know thats issued one loathes it.

Do you mean individuals that you know, or organizations that you know of?

 

[toopercentmlk]

I prefer the Expert over the Elite, the Expert gives you a 5" barrel with o-ring and is as accurate as you can ever be, the 6" Elite just doesn't worth the extra goofy looking inch.

 

[hankdatank1362]

I would like to see a comparo shot of a Mk23 and a Desert Eagle.

A search may turn up those results. I know for a fact that Gixerman1000 did a side-by-side comparison of the two guns not but a couple months ago.

He said that the DE was much larger. but I swear they looked the same size, even in his own pictures. But, I've never even seen a Mk23 in person, so I don't know.

 

[hankdatank1362]

Found 'em. Credit to Gixerman1000.



Here's the thread they were on... identical to this one.

 

[usp9]

I appreciate your listening to my ramblings, and would appreciate any input on which direction to move in my ongoing research...

I would love to have a MK23...one of my Grail guns. I do shoot the USP Elite .45 and I've come to appreciate it's recoil absorbing size and incredible accuracy. A MK23 could only be more of the same. If my gun fund wasn't $1K short I'd be calling CDNN tomorrow.

I see the MK23 as a gun to be handed down to many future heirs for generations to come.

 

[mgregg85]

Might as well man up and get the desert eagle if you want a mk23 sized weapon.

Seriously though, that thing is ginormous and it holds one less round than my XD45. And it weighs about 10 ounces more. I'm sure the recoil would be next to nothing though.

 

[benderx4]

It's big and mean, but not a whole lot heavier than a full-sized 1911. Very low felt recoil, and the most accurate 45 I've ever shot. (Revolvers included)

Everytime I go to the range with it, everyone wants to shoot it. But now that I fell into a HK45 dirt cheap, I'm starting to consider letting that "Hammer of Thor" fund a couple more P7s. We'll see ........

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Well, it was made with some special +P match round in mind, right?

 

[SubSolar]

I highly recommend a new Sig 220ST. It's another third heavier than a standard 220 which helps a lot on recoil. It's also the most accurate gun that I've ever shot and my favorite gun.

 

[Disaster]

I agree with the recommendation of the regular USP or Expert USP or even the tactical over the MK23. You pay a huge price penalty for the MK23 for not much benefit except collectors value.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Do you mean individuals that you know, or organizations that you know of?

My experience, which may echo the previous poster, has been that everyone I know who has had access to a Mark 23 was unenthusiastic about them.

Organizations that have them in their arms room tend to issue something else for day to day use. The Mk 23 in military service is generally a safe queen (or arms room queen, in this case).