HK SOCOCM/MK23 worth the change?

[CPS1]

I am a NYC (gasp!) resident who finally went through the permit process. Not quite as bad as I thought but still a real pain in the @ss. I was saving up for an m1a but now I realize that m1a's are illegal in nyc even without the flash hider. (Argh) So anyway now i can spend the money I saved up for an M1a on a handgun. That said, the other day I was in the gun store, all ready to pick up a flashy new sig p226 in stainless finish. Man did the sig ever look sweet in that funky blue box. But then out of the corner of my eye I noticed a handgun sitting far back in the case. I was looking at a MK23. I was black, was BIG, and it was bad. I had been bitten by the HK bug. I put off the sig purchase for a bit to think if an extra 1000 was really worth it. I realize they are pricey but I am going to have only one handgun for a while so I want to have something really fun. Also size isn't that big a concern for me. I have big hands (palm a basketball, no prob) and I'm not looking to conceal the handgun (NYC law).

All that said why do so many people dislike the HK? I realize it has a stratospheric price, but then again so do basically any custom 1911. I find it funny that those people who complain about the price of the MK 23 have no problem paying the same price for another handgun which will do basically the same thing. I have never shot the MK 23 but a member on our range has one and was popping disgustingly small groups at 25 yrds (using a rest). I can't imagine any handgun being significantly more accurate. Also I like the idea of durability/reliability. 25,000 round without a ftf in the govt tests? that is truly awesome. I bet there are a few 1911's that could replicate that but its still pretty impressive. Aslo the ability to shoot 45 super is pretty cool. Okay before I start to sound like a total fan boy, the MK 23 is not the only pistol I liked. I am seriously tempted by the sig 220 and 226, both in stainless. I also was intrigued by the Hk P7M8. Those three are pricy too but not really in the same league as the mk23. Finally and I have to be honest here, the real reason I want the MK 23 is in my opion it just looks the buisness. I hate to admit it, but I am stricken by gun lust. Anyway, should I capitulate to the MK 23 or am I about to make a 1000 dollar mistake? (sig $900, HK $1900)
Thanks-
CPS1

 

[WT]

I have competed against USAF pararescue men equipped with the SOCOM. Their expertise with the pistol was absolutely awesome. I was mighty pleased to see them in the service of their country.

The SOCOM is an outstanding pistol. I believe it was designed as an "offensive" pistol. Like anything in life, it is worth what people are willing to pay.

Based on my observation of those 2 airmen I went out and bought an HK UPS .45 Compact. It is the baby brother of the SOCOM. Accurate and reliable. I am very happy with my purchase.

 

[AJ Dual]

You might just want to see if you could find a HK USP in .45 if the HK is what floats your boat. The SOCOM is indeed "worth it" but more as a collectors piece and for it's uniqueness. It's just different in it's size, controls, and the threaded muzzel for a suppressor NYC probably will never let you own, and it's certainly not any better built than HK's more pedestrian offerings. They strive to build everything they make to perfection every time.

I use my USP .40 as my "house gun" 24/7 and I like it quite a bit. The darn thing is big enough as it is.

The price for any handgun in NYC is probably allready inflated anyway, and all your extra $$$ can be put twoards classes, range practice time, a case-load of ammo, etc. Maybe even a class out of state like at Gunsite or Thunder Ranch!

Then, instead of a SOCOM you can fondle, you'll have it's close-cousin, and tons of cash left over to feed it, get extra pre-ban mags for it, and use it.

Just my $.02

 

[jercamp45]

One gun in New York!

Well, as stated, the Socom is an interesting piece for a collection! No doubt it is a good shooter too, but finding a holster might prove interesting, and that thread barrel might not go over well when you take it into the PD for approval(if you still have to do that...I lived there 86-90).
BUT, the standard HK USP will do all it will(except take a suppressor) and be a tad smaller. They are all big guns! Even the HK Compact really isn't.
Certainly, the HK USP series will give you alot of options and years of reliable and accurate service. Just order several mags with the gun, I hear they are hard to get.
As will the Sig P220! An Excellant handgun.
But, being a 1911 guy, if I could only have one...it would be a superb Government model and a marvel .22 conversion unit for alot of cheap practise.
And given todays world, if there is another major terror incident you may need to get out of the city and the ability to hide the weapon could be a life saver, illegal or not! I am not suggesting breaking laws, but in an emergency...laws take second place to survival!! IMHO
You probably cannot go to a localrange and rent several types to see which one performs better for you in The City. Too bad, there are ranges here in Vegas that have 'em all, and I think alittle research can find one in Philly. Before you invest that kinda money, you may want to shoot a few to find out what works best for you when you are putting rounds downrange.
Fit and feel are the deciding factors, after you pick a firearm that is reliable, powerful and accurate.
Points to ponder,
Jercamp45

 

[10-Ring]

They shoot great & would be a fine addition to any collection. Whether it's worth the difference in $$ is really up to you. Remember, not only is the gun more expensive, but so will more mags, holsters, weapon lights & any other accessory you decide to add to it. Plus, if you plan on using it as a carry gun, you better bring a wheel barrow because the SOCOM is HUGE! Look at the Tactical, Expert, or even the stand USP & USPc line. More affordable w/ comparable performance

 

[cslinger]

Just my two cents.

If I had a reasonably large chunk of change to drop on a handgun that may very well be my only handgun it would not be made out of plastic.

For me it would either be a SIG220ST or probably a very nice 1911 varient with the Marvel .22 conversion.

With a high end 1911 you get a great caliber, inexpensive and plentiful magaazines and other accessories, the choice of .22 conversion ktis which is really the big sell for me and you get a 1911 which every gun collection should have.

I am not a 1911 guy. I own one. A basic Colt 1991A1 no frills. My guns of choice are SIGs but in your case I would go with a nice high end 1911 and the .22 conversion.

Chris

Just my 2 cents.

 

[hksw]

IMO

If you are just starting out in developing a gun collection there are quite a number of other guns out there, even within the HK line, that would do as well as the Mark 23 in terms of accuracy at no more than 2/3 the price (more like 1/2). They would even be a bit more handy in size. I would gather other guns to start a collection before moving onto more expensive stuff (you can buy more for the same price).

[I do have a Mark 23 which shoots great.]

 

[BeLikeTrey]

what about the "tactical"?

Sheesh I'm scared to say "tactical" around this site LOL. The word's been tossed around so much Anyway they make a mk23 variant called the tactical. I believe the threading is in the opposite direction and the size is a bit smaller but they have most all of the same features. Not as pricey as the mk23.

 

[Fed168]

I'll second the Sig recommendation- spend the extra money on mags and ammo.

 

[krept]

Hmm... if you have that much, why not a Tactical AND the SIG? I mean, even the Tactical can shoot 450 SMC, had near match accuracy and can take a serious beating.

I have a USP .45 and it's large in my hands to the point of almost being clumsy. IIRC the Mk 23 is a little bigger. Not sure how easy extra parts would be to get for it... USP parts are kind of tricky to get and if Mk 23 takes it's own parts, they might be even harder to find.

but... if it's what you REALLY REALLY want... then why not?

(p.s. you are right that the P7 is in a completely different league than the Mk 23 )

 

[CPS1]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I went to the range today to meet Mike (the guy with the MK 23) and he let me bust off a clip or ten . Well I'm sure my comments will echo others on this site in that the gun was lighter than I expected (considering the size). It had a bit more muzzle flip than I expected too. Still recoil was well tamed, and it was a blast to shoot. I shot pretty well with the mk 23 pulling about 2"-2.5" at 25. I'm pretty sure I was the limiting factor in those groups, and with practice I will get better. You know what I've pretty much made up my mind to pick one up. The ironic thing is that I realize its not worth the money. It too big, WAY too expensive, and has plastic on it. I bet for 500 or so I could get 95% of the performance from a glock. Forget extra mags and ammo, I could spend some serious time at gunsite! But in my heart of hearts, it just doesn't matter. We all do irrational things: we chase after supermodels, we buy rolls royces, we blow a grand at the casino. I'm going to buy a ridously overpriced gun. That is not say I didn't appreciate the opionins on this board though. In fact I think all of advice I got was solid. The only problem is they were thinking with thier minds, and I'm thinking with my umm... hands.

 

[timbo]

I would love to own one of these. I would get a few more of the essentials in my collection first though, namely a 9mm and a 1911 of some sort for me. Once I have some basics then I'll go for something a little more exotic, namely the SOCOM or a Desert Eagle. I do have a full-size USP .45 though and love it. I have to say the gun is probably of very high quality but for civilians it's mostly a novelty. Oversized, overpriced, tons of gadgets, and "tactical" written all over it... But hell, if I could afford one, the lovely state of CA wouldn't let me have it. What kind of BS is that. They're worried I'm gonna run rampant in the night with a $2000+ pistol that I have no hope of concealing.

I would love to own one though.

Maybe it's time to rethink moving to Nevada or Arizona. After elections are done here I might feel more motivated.

 

[cool45auto]

I, too, am from the "its just too cool not to have" camp. I will have one some day.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Haven't shot one, but have handled one. Big gun. No, let me correct that: B - I - G gun.

I think the Seals and AF Pararescue guys use them 'cause if they lose an oar during water operations, they can use the gun as a paddle.

I'd rather have a P-210-8 or a nice custom 1911.

 

[Berg01]

The HK I liked was the USP 9 compact with the match trigger; a sweet pistol. The handfit and balance on the P2000 is excellent, and the trigger is smooth. But for .45 ACP, I'd look at a Sig P220, and use the extra money you save on a Handgun Safety course, and extra ammo and rangetime.

 

[Pilot]

I have the HK USP Tactical and really like it. While it has the threaded barrel, it also has the O-ring accurizor and adjustable trigger. If you want a pistol set-up to attach a suppressor, and don't want to spend as much for a MK 23, this would be my choice.

 

[MoNsTeR]

As soon as you pick up the Mk23, you'll be cured of your desire for it. A brick is more ergonomically sound.

 

[Dorian]

Here's another vote for the USP Tactical.

It's got most of what the MK23 has in a smaller, more affordable package.

 

[BlkHawk73]

While I am a fan of Hk handguns (own a USP and a P7M8), I see the MK23 as more of a macho novelty gun. If the HK bud did indeed bite you look at a "Elite" or "Expert". They are the target version within the USP line and you're not paying for bbl threads that are useless in NYC. Now that I think about it a second, for the same cost of the MK23, you could buy a egular USP and a P7M8. Look at the HK site and head over to www.HKpro.com for lots more info on them.