HK Mark 23 and Glock 21 SF

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marineman

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I am thinking about getting one of the two pistols listed above. Is the cost of a HK Mark 23 worth the cost of 4-5 Glock 21 SF's? What more do I really get? I am especially interested in the input of people that have experience with both the HK and the Glock. Thanks.
 
I am thinking about getting one of the two pistols listed above. Is the cost of a HK Mark 23 worth the cost of 4-5 Glock 21 SF's? What more do I really get? I am especially interested in the input of people that have experience with both the HK and the Glock. Thanks.
The cost of the H&K MK23 is primarily because it is produced sporadically, and always in very limited quantities. It is a very large pistol. Too large for concealed carry. If you like the H&K's you might want to take a look at the USP45 or the HK45. They would cost less, be a more practical size, and have pretty much the same features.

Now, as for H&K vs. Glock, they will both do their job. The Glock costs less and is striker-fired. Cheap mags and parts. I can't remember what kind of warranty they offer.
The H&K's cost more, but have better fit and finish, and have hammers. More expensive mags, and parts are not as readily available. Comes with a lifetime warranty you'll never need (in all likelihood).

Jason
 
the mark 23 is BIG, like, really _big_
It does have a planted and very solid feel

haven't shot it yet, but it should be ok.

as jason said, there is almost no practical way to carry a mk23
It wasn't really their intention either, as it was designed as an Offensive Handgun.
 
The Mk 23 wasn't designed to be an "Offensive Handgun", it was designed to be a Military Handgun, capable of being suppressed. In other words, it's designed for the Special Ops folks. It's designed to be carried openly. Period. It was designed for accuracy and low recoil. The .45ACP round is normally a subsonic round anyway, and is relatively easy to suppress, and has a good/excellent reputation for good stopping capability.

Personally, I'd love to get my hands on one... but I can't.
 
Does anyone know if I can get a threaded G21 barrel or if I will have to see a gunsmith?
 
The Mk 23 wasn't designed to be an "Offensive Handgun", it was designed to be a Military Handgun, capable of being suppressed. In other words, it's designed for the Special Ops folks. It's designed to be carried openly. Period. It was designed for accuracy and low recoil. The .45ACP round is normally a subsonic round anyway, and is relatively easy to suppress, and has a good/excellent reputation for good stopping capability.

Personally, I'd love to get my hands on one... but I can't.
Yes, it was designed for special forces units, but it gets used very little by operators because of its bulk. Most use Sig's, Berettas, and 1911's from everything reputable that I've read.

The HK45 would be a great alternative to an extremely large, extremely expensive pistol that does the same thing. You get vastly improved ergonomics to boot.

Jason
 
I have a USP Tactical and a Glock 20. I am working on getting a 21SF, if that tells you anything.

I'd get the Glock long before I ever got another HK. You can get the Glock, add a new barrel and recoil assembly, a bunch of mags and ammo, a light, and a holster, all for less than the cost of the HK. The HK, either the Tactical or the Mk 23, is going to be more accurate than the Glock, but offers no other advantages, and the Glock will be plenty accurate for defensive purposes.
 
If this is to be a carry gun, go with the G21SF.

If this is to be a range / HD gun, then either will do.

If you just want one of the most heavily built and most accurate production 45autos ever made, with the option to shoot suppressed or handle continued firing of +P ammo or even 45 super, then go with the MK23.

HkMk23.jpg
 
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Yep, I was also going to say that the biggest difference is that the MK23 is capable of firing .45 Super without modification every so often, if that's your thing. But the Glock does offer many more options in aftermarket parts, much more customizable.
 
I've shot the MK23 SOCOM and to be honest, while a nice pistol it is way too overpriced. For such a large pistol, I did not find it particularly accurate. The only advantage I see is out of the box, you can mount a suppressor. The MK23 reminded of a Desert Eagle but in a .45 IMHO.

If some one is a HK fan and/or a collector, by all means get one as but if buying for a range or self defense pistol, it is not the way to go.
 
I've shot the MK23 SOCOM and to be honest, while a nice pistol it is way too overpriced. For such a large pistol, I did not find it particularly accurate.
They are tack drivers. Many folks can't get the accuracy out of them because of the size of the grip area, but the mechanical accuracy is there.

Jason
 
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