VIDEO - Meet the Beast - .45ACP HK MK23

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PTMCCAIN

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I have been wanting to put this video together for some time and recently finally figured out a practical way to mount my video system, etc. So, here is the video I recently made about the Heckler and Koch MK23, the .45ACP beast! To my knowledge this is the largest semi-auto pistols issued in the US Armed Forces.

http://youtu.be/vGmeNUrNVX4?hd=1
 
I was at the range last month and a guy in the next lane had one. He let me shoot a few rounds with it and it was pretty nice. It is huge, no doubt, but a really nice shooter.
 
<chuckles> They just aren't that big Formula. You're talking about 1/2" longer and a 1/4" taller than a Beretta 92. I know, I know, seems bigger, but it isn't.
 
The mk 23 is on my "guns to lust after." I settled on a USP 45, and couldn't be happier... But occasionally, i still dream about getting one of these. the main hurdle for me is the cost of the aftermarket accessory cost for the mk 23. I believe there are light/laser, and suppressor options available for the usp at a fraction of the cost. If memory serves me right, the mk 23 requires a different suppressor because of reverse threading? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Cool video, out was nice to see a good closeup and a demonstration of what the gun is capable of
 
HK explains it this way:

Mark 23

The HK Mark 23 Caliber .45 ACP pistol gives shooters match grade accuracy equal to that of the finest custom made handguns — yet exceeds the most stringent operational requirements ever demanded of a combat handgun.

The Mark 23 provides this accuracy without the need for hand-fitted parts common in custom-built match pistols costing thousands of dollars more.

One of the most thoroughly tested handguns in history, the MK23/Mark 23 project originated in 1991 when HK began development for the U.S. Special Operations Command, the organization that directs the activities of America's most elite military units, including the Navy SEALs and the Army Special Forces.

On May 1, 1996, the first HK MK 23 pistols were delivered to the U.S. Special Operations Command for operational deployment, making the MK 23 the first caliber .45 ACP pistol to enter American military service since the venerable Government Model 1911A1.

During testing, MK 23 pistols met the most stringent operational and accuracy requirements ever demanded of a combat handgun. Endurance testing demonstrated a service life of over 30,000 rounds of +P ammunition. To meet the reliability requirement, the pistol had to demonstrate a minimum of 2,000 mean rounds between stoppages (MRBS) with both M1911 ball and +P ammunition.

All pistols exceeded the 2000 MRBS with an average of 6000 MRBS. In more than 450 accuracy test firings from a precision firing fixture at 25 meters, MK 23 pistols far exceeded the government requirement, averaging 1.44 inches, with 65 groups of less than one inch. There were four groups of .5 inches, with 5 rounds going through the same hole!

The Mark 23 is available in .45 ACP

Features:

Threaded O-ring barrel with polygonal bore profile
Match grade trigger
One piece machined steel slide
Frame mounted decocking lever and separate ambidextrous safety lever
Can be carried “cocked and locked” in single action mode with the safety lever on
Patented HK recoil reduction system
Corrosion resistant blued finish
Corrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frame
Oversized trigger guard for use with gloves
Universal mounting grooves for installing accessories
Ambidextrous magazine release lever
Extended slide release
Extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator
Patented Lock-Out Safety device
 
It's capitalism at work. They don't make a lot of them, it IS a legend, and it has instant recognition. They think they can get it, so they charge like it. That, and if you shoot one you'll see why no other pistol quite does what it does.
 
What is HK's definition of a MGT?
Click to expand...

I have very limited time with a MK23, but I'd say it's trigger is a bit different than the MGT on the Elite, which I do have time with. The Elite's trigger is fairly typical in DA, but in SA it is lighter than a standard HK trigger, very smooth with an exceptionally clean break and a very short reset. It's the best DA/SA trigger I've ever used and would say you'd have to go to a SA trigger to find a better one.
 
I have the HK USP Tactical .45 which is somewhat an offshoot of the MK23. It is a great .45, low felt recoil, and very accurate. It has the Match Trigger, accurized and threaded barrel. It is a good compromise of cost and performance. It is also a bit smaller, but as it is not a carry gun, that doesn't enter into the equation. They are about half the price of the MK23, and that does enter into the equation. :)
 
Great video,

Nice firearm.

I like the overly large finger grip, and the ambo safety.

The slide release for mag insertion is really nice too.

All of the explanation HK offers for the piece ( on r+d, design specs, etc) points to a polymer design that shouldn't be anywhere near $2k.

The profit margin, now thats the BEAST.

I have a feeling this might be due to the fact that it was targeted for government military contracts. I know r+d isn't cheap or free, but come on now....

The price tag doesn't match the gun, but don't let that take away from the gun itself...thats a pretty nice setup.

And hey, one save on the $$$...if you are in to cans, you save a little on machining or a new bbl !
 
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