Pistol Mk 23 – excellent characteristics and low popularity

In the mid-eighties, the NATO Special Forces Directorate decided to standardize the weapons of army special forces and provide them with a new combat pistol. The German Heckler & Koch pistol, called Mk23 Mod 0 SOCOM, passed all tests with honor. At the same time, despite its outstanding qualities, proven by the most difficult tests, it is not very common in the armed forces and is not very popular among civilian shooters.

The pistol was not a commercial failure - it is still in service with special forces in different countries, and is still sold on the civilian market. And yet it is inferior to all competitors in terms of fame and popularity.

MK23 Fanaticism

Most people collect the H&K MARK23 for one of two reasons.
One is its history in US SOCOM which was issued to Special Forces. The other reason is the 1998 hit video game, Konami's Metal Gear Solid for the Playstation. You may think liking a handgun because it was so prominently showcased in a video game is silly. Well I debate that with the fact that hardly anyone who has a MARK23 was issued one. So it is all a form of hero worship. Guns can be fun and enjoyed for many reasons. Metal Gear Solid is one of the all time greatest video games and has a lot of gun porn in it. It caused a lot of boys in the 90's to like guns and eventually buy real versions of said guns. How is that any different than people who collect guns from wars/battles they had no part in let alone were not even alive for?

Metal Gear Solid is cool and the MK23 is even cooler.

I started collecting airsoft MK23s back in the early 2000s. One is a simple spring action pistol, the second one from the bottom is a non-blow back version (NBB). Both were made by Tokyo Marui. The second from the top is the gas blow back version by KSC. The Tokyo Marui NBB came equipped with a faux suppressor and insight prototype style LAM unit. The LAM used three AAA alkaline batteries and just had a white and red LED. It wasn't very bright and it did not have a laser. Later another airsoft company came out with their own LAM that uses Surefire bulbs and has a red laser built inside. It is the Wolf M97 you see on the real MARK23 below.

Shooting the MARK23 with the Wolf M97 LAM unit.

To put things into perspective, the real insight LAM AN/PEQ6 LM450 can fetch for more than a Mark23 and KAC suppressor combined. That is for a surplus issued LAM unit.The Wilcox unit is semi rare since it was made in far fewer numbers and can fetch north of $3,000. That is a bit much for an antiquated and obsolete LAM from the 1990s. However availability and demand are constantly in cahoots which drives the price more than the Insight.

Luger Parabellum P08

The Parabellum, commonly known as the Luger pistol, is a semi-automatic self-loading pistol patented by Georg Luger in 1898 and manufactured by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) beginning in 1901 and ending in 1942. The Parabellum pistol had an unusually designed bolt, but , in fact, performed the same function as on modern samples.

Modifications:

• Luger Parabellum M1906
• Navy Luger Parabellum M1904
• Die Lange Pistole 1908 LP 08

Automatic (assault rifle) Heckler & Koch HK 53 (Germany)

In the early 1970s, Heckler & Koch created the shortened HK 53 assault rifle, which began production in 1975.

The HK 53 assault rifle was developed as a weapon for use as a “heavier” alternative to submachine guns, as are most assault rifles of this class (AKM-74U, SIG SG 552 Commando, etc.).

The HK 53 caliber 5.56x45 mm (.223 Rem) is developed on the basis of the HK 33 assault rifle previously released by Heckler & Koch (which in turn was created on the basis of the HK G3) and differs from its predecessor only in smaller size and weight and combines power assault rifle with the compact dimensions of a submachine gun.

In fact, the HK 53 assault rifle is a variant of the HK 33KA3 with an even shorter barrel, without differing from it in design.

Like the HK 33, the HK 53 is based on the semi-blowback principle, slowed down by a pair of rollers. This system is successfully used on all machines in this series, starting with the HK G3 machine.

The trigger mechanism is hammer-operated, integral with the pistol grip and trigger guard in a separate housing, and folds down when disassembled incompletely.

The trigger allows for 3 fire modes: single, automatic and with a three-round cut-off. The fire selector is combined with a safety, located on the left side above the pistol grip and has 4 positions.

On early models, there was no possibility of firing 3 rounds; the safety switch had 3 positions, respectively.

HK 53A with an optical sight installed.
The receiver of the HK 53 is stamped.

An elongated four-slit flash suppressor is mounted on the muzzle of the barrel, which effectively reduces the muzzle flame caused by incomplete combustion of gunpowder in a short barrel.

The sighting devices consist of a front sight and a drum rear sight in the same way as on the HK 33. At the same time, proprietary quick-release mounts for optical or night sights can be installed on the HK 53 series assault rifles, which do not require modification of the weapon or re-shooting after removing and reinstalling the sight.

Initially, the HK 53 assault rifles, as well as the HK 33, were equipped with magazines with a capacity of 25 or 40 rounds. They were later used with 25- or 30-round magazines, but the 40-round magazines were discontinued.

The plastic handguard is identical in design to the handguard of the HK MP-5 submachine gun.

The stock is made of fixed plastic (model with index A2) or retractable metal (modification with index A3).

HK 53 MIC

• On the HK53, unlike the HK33, it is impossible to install a bayonet and an under-barrel grenade launcher.
• In addition to the main models HK 53 A2 and HK 53 A3, Heckler & Koch developed the HK 53 MIC modification for use by crews of armored vehicles and tanks.
• The shortened HK 53 assault rifle was adopted by special forces around the world, in particular the German GSG9, British SAS and American SWAT.
• However, it should be noted that the HK 53 assault rifle did not gain much popularity, and later gradually began to be replaced by the shortened G36 assault rifle produced by the same Heckler & Koch company.

History of the MK-I

By 1915, the First World War had reached a kind of stalemate, turning into a positional one. Any infantry or cavalry attacks on deeply layered defenses cost huge losses and did not bring the desired result, so there was simply no point in attacking the old-fashioned way anymore. It was then that many military personnel came up with the idea that armored fighting vehicles could solve their problems. By that time, a variety of armored vehicles were already operating at the front, and the success of their use only confirmed the thoughts of the military. But all heavy armored cars had one drawback - very poor maneuverability.

After many unsuccessful projects, the “Land Ships Committee” was created in 1915, which finally created the tank in 1916. The vehicle received its name, which is translated from English as “tank,” for camouflage, so that the enemy would think that it was tanks that were being transported by rail.

After passing the tests, one hundred Mk.1 tanks entered production. The tank was produced in two modifications - Male and Female, that is, Male and Female. The first was armed with Lewis machine guns and two 57-mm cannons, while the second had only machine guns.

Suppressing The MARK23

Since the MK23 was issued with a KAC suppressor, I reached out to my FFL friends if they had a KAC suppressor for a MARK23. My friend at Cory of CDS Arms transferred a KAC can for his customer Minh, and got me in contact with him. Minh was kind enough to meet up and we compared our MARK23s. I compared his KAC suppressor against my Osprey 45. The MARK23 has a unique thread pitch. It is Metric 16×1 RH where as the subsequent H&K pistols in .45acp are threaded 16×1 LH. I had to order a 16x1 RH piston from Silencer Co to put my Osprey 45 on the MARK23.

Minh brought along his HK pistol collection as well as his Rugged Obsidian 45 can. Look how much bigger the MARK23 is compared to the USP Tactical below it.

The MARK23 sounds similar when shot with the KAC and Osprey45 however the KAC is a smidgen louder. I shot both side by side and noticed my ear felt slightly uncomfortable with the KAC. Not bad for a suppressor designed in the mid 1990s. We also poured water in both the Osprey 45 and KAC suppressor. Minh warned me about the KAC. Sure enough, there was a significant amount of water and carbon flying back when shooting the MARK23 with a wet KAC. My safety glasses were completely covered from the KAC. The Osprey did not spit any water back in my face.

Another consideration is that my Osprey45 has a wrap around the body of the can. So my friend Corey met up with me and brought his stock Osprey45 to compare and I compared the MK23 to my FNX45 tactical.

The Osprey45 aesthetic design flows surprisingly well with the MARK23. It is almost as if it was designed for it. I found out that the SilencerCo Osprey 45 was designed around Mike Pappas' USP Tactical. Here is a quote from Mike Pappas regarding the design of the Osprey 45.

Use of captured German pistols in the Red Army

During the Great Patriotic War, German pistols and revolvers were very desirable weapons for Red Army soldiers, and there was one simple reason for this. In the Red Army, the pistol was considered the weapon of commanders, pilots and tank crews, and was not widely distributed. Taking a captured short-barreled weapon greatly facilitated combat in a confined space: in a trench or building.

Also, German weapons were often used as gifts, usually from soldiers to commanders.

The choice of captured weapons was determined only by the fact of their availability, that is, they took what they had. The soldiers of the army of the Third Reich had many different units of short-barreled weapons and a larger number of personnel were armed with them. Here are just some of the models:

• Walther P.P.
• Walther PPK
• Walther P38
• Luger P08
• Mauser C96
• Sauer 1913

Particularly noteworthy here is the Mauser C96, which can be called the most desirable on the list among Red Army soldiers.

Final Thoughts

The MARK23 is an obsolete handgun. There are other handguns like the FNX-45 Tactical that out perform it. 12 rounds of .45 acp isn't bad, but my Glock 21 holds 13 rounds in the magazine and the FNX-45 holds 15 rounds. While the MARK23 was ahead of its time with abidextrous safety selectors, it is not a big deal anymore. It does have a decocking lever but I hardly use it.

However since when do guns need to be practical? While the large size makes it impractical for concealed carry and it is not red dot ready, the MARK23 is so much fun to shoot suppressed with a LAM unit. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it is to hit targets at distance with the factory iron sights out to 50 yards. My only complaint would be the price. The MARK23 is not a cheap gun. Retail is just above $2,000. That is a bit much for a .45 acp handgun. However this is a bucket list of firearms for me. I remember seeing one in a local gun store when I was a firearm noob. I did not have much money and saw a used MARK23 for $1,200. At the time I had no frame of reference. Ignorantly I thought that was expensive. How wrong I was. I kick myself for not buying it back then. I also came across a limited edition Tan polymer MARK23 at a gun show a couple years later. I believe H&K only made 500 of these. I regret not buying it right then and there too.

The MARK23 is just cool and definitely something you should get if you are an H&K fan or a Metal Gear Solid fan.

Post-war use of German pistols

The range of captured weapons during the Second World War completely coincides with those that were used in the post-war period, but the purpose has changed.

A huge part of the so-called echo of war fell into the hands of bandits and killers, many samples entered service with the MGB and the NKVD. Compact pistols such as the Walther PP and PPK had no alternative and were in great demand until the 1960s, when they were replaced by the Soviet Makarov pistol.

Captured pistols from Germany are still on the list of award weapons. The population has more than 20,000 units of award trophy pistols in their hands.

MARK23 Accessories

When the MARK23 was released, it came bundled with a bunch of extra accessories. One of which was a faux KAC suppressor. Thanks to Chris for sharing this photo.

The MARK23s came with an Eagle Industries pistol case. They came in Black, OD green and a limited run of woodland camo.

The FNX-45 Tactical pistol case is actually the same case as the MARK23. Unfortunately the MARK23 no longer comes with these cases. This one came in a standard plastic H&K pistol box. I happened to have a spare FNX-45 case that I purchased a few years ago before I bought my FNX-45 tactical. I bought it to house my Glock 21/41 pistols.

The MARK23 has a proprietary accessory rail however you can get a rail adapter to attach modern weapon lights and lasers. I ordered one from GG&G and I can mount my SureFire weapon lights to the MARK23.

The MARK23 came with two 10 round magazines but there are higher capacity magazines available. There is a factory 12 round mag and Promag makes a 20 rounder.

Review

The MK 23 is considered a match-grade pistol and is capable of shooting a 2-inch (51 mm) group at 25 meters (27 yd).
The MK 23 is designed for exceptional durability in harsh environments and is waterproof and corrosion resistant. It uses a polygonal barrel, which is reported to improve accuracy and durability, and is much more expensive to manufacture. It also has an ambidextrous safety and magazine release on both sides of the frame. The magazine release is located on the rear edge of the trigger guard, which is wide enough to allow the use of gloves. On the left side there is a hammer release lever, which silently lowers the cocked hammer. The MK 23 is part of a larger weapon system that includes an attachable laser aiming module (LAM), a suppressor, and some other features such as a dedicated high-pressure match cartridge (ammunition). The firearm was tested and found to be capable of firing tens of thousands of rounds without changing the barrel. It remains reliable in harsh environments, making it suitable for use by special forces. The .45 ACP cartridge has significant stopping power while being subsonic, making it suitable for use with a suppressor.

alternatives

Despite its positive aspects, the MK 23's large size and weight have led to some criticism. The pistol was designed for offense rather than defense, with size and weight deliberately included to help absorb recoil forces and maintain greater accuracy; but it also reduced ease of use, comfort, and speed in defensive situations that require a more conventional, compact pistol.

In response, HK developed a pistol based on the original USP; and the MK 23 look similar while actually being different pistols in design and purpose, the Tactical retains much of the performance of the MK 23 without the bulky size. It uses a different suppressor (due to the 16 x 1mm left-handed thread, as opposed to the 16 x 1mm right-handed thread on the MK 23). An even more compact pistol than the USP Tactical for counter terrorism and special forces use is the one that has its own optional LAM. The USP-CT is lighter and capable of suppressor fitting, making it the primary choice for special forces in covert operations. Recently, HK developed the HK 45, a much more contoured pistol based on the P2000, P8 and P30 models.

TTX

General information:

• Classification – Heavy tank/infantry tank;
• Combat weight – 28.45 tons male, 27.43 tons female;
• The layout is a diamond-shaped tank;
• Crew – 8 people;
• Year of production – 1916;
• Years of operation – 1916-1918;
• Release – 75 Males and 75 Females;

Dimensions:

• Body length – 8060 mm without tail and 9910 mm with tail;
• Hull width – 4200 mm “male” and 4380 mm “female”;
• Height – 2450 mm;
• Ground clearance – 420 mm;

Reservations:

• Type of armor – rolled steel;
• Body forehead – 10-12 mm/deg.;
• Hull side – 10-12 mm/deg.;
• Hull feed – 10 mm/deg.;
• Bottom – 5-6 mm;
• Housing roof – 5-6 mm;

Weapons:

• Caliber and brand of gun – 2x57-mm “Hotchkiss” L/40 (“male”);
• Gun type - rifled;
• Barrel length – 40 calibers;
• Gun ammunition - 332;
• Firing range - 1.8 kilometers;
• Sights – optical;
• Machine guns - 4x8-mm "Hotchkiss" on the "male", 4x7.7-mm "Vickers" and 1x8-mm "Hotchkiss" on the "female".

Description

MK23CARBINE KIT JAN2021 UPDATES

Added sliced ​​2-part BODY files so now biggest part is 195 mm length

MK23CARBINE KIT AUG2020 UPDATES

(refer to renders marked “AUG2020”)

FRONT:

• 1 part instead of 3, so less finishing and assembly efforts
• 4-6 screws instead of 10
• Shorter because of updated body, allowing suppressor to screw on barrel
• New holes for rail mounting without mlok (but with screw and nut)

BODY:

• Now possible using without FRONT
• Improved fire safety access
• Improved TDC Mod operation hole
• Improved Shell ejection port
• M4 and M3 accessory rails
• Body version with 1 mm ring of easy sticking to the print bed (should be broken removed)

STOCK:

• M4 compatibility: stock cam be placed on any M4
• Any M4 stock can be used
• Buffer tube from m4 can be used also
• Drop stock adapter with 3 positions is also fixed stock adapter
• New folding stock eliminates the need of stock assembly removal for pistol insertion
• Folding stock can be installed on all previous BODY parts
• To install new folding stock user must drill M8 hole on the M4 place
• Now stock length is adjustable a bit
• Stock itself is easier to print and finish
• Additional M8 screw head attachment for one finger operation
• If stock doesn't look in proper direction, there are 1º adapter

MAG HOLDER:

Overall improved

— end of update description —

Features:

• Retractable suppressor system gives you option to use in stealth or silent mode.
• Longer inner barrel is covered with suppressor in stealth mode and supported with special system in silent mode.
• Kit uses stock suppressor from TM MK23 SOCOM
• Folding stock is secured with screw (we found this more secure for 3d printed parts than buttons)
• Adjustable height for cheek rest and adjustable butt pad on stock
• Rubber pad on butt pad
• Easy pistol insertion system: whole stock assembly goes up on a hinge
• Pistol is secured with screw on a trigger guard
• Easy access to TDC screw from shell ejection port or on top of the body through ris rail
• Up to 9 positions for mounting accessories with mlok compatible holes
• Mag holder hand grip with spring loaded lock
• Kit is sanded and painted with 2 layers of primer and 2 layers of matte paint
• Customisable optic mount on demand
• Customizable lettering/logo

What's included:

• 4 part body
• Suppressor mount
• Stock assembly
• m4 buffer tube stock adapter
• 6 plastic RIS (Picatinny) rails
• Some gift from the author which randomly can be mag holder grip or TDC hopup mod or something else we produce for mk23 system

Free customization options:

• Custom engraved text/logo on body or stock
• Paint color
• Custom design parts: for example fixed stock or length of the suppressor cage.

Shipping:

• Typically shipping costs not more than $30, so it is included in price.
• Exception for Belgium: Add $10 to the price for special parcel handling and shipping cost
• Production time is up to 3 weeks due to high load.
• We send kits via regular mail everywhere.

Digital options:

Steel 20Х23Н18

• Non-alloy steels
• Alloy steels
• Stainless steels

• 08Х13
• 12Х13
• 20Х13
• 30Х13
• 40Х13
• 12Х17
• 95Х18
• 08Х18Н10Т
• 12Х18Н10Т
• 14Х17Н2
• 20Х23Н18
• 10Х17Н13М2Т
• 06ХН28МДТ

Steel grade - 20Х23Н18 Standard - GOST 5632

Replacement - 20х23Н13, 15Х25Т

Steel 20Х23Н18

contains no more than 0.2% carbon, X23

- indicates the chromium content in steel is approximately 23%,
H18
- indicates the nickel content in steel is approximately 18%. Alloy steel, heat-resistant, heat-resistant.

Heat-resistant steel 20Х23Н18 is used to make parts of installations in the chemical and oil industries, gas pipelines, combustion chambers (can be used for resistance heating elements), pipes and parts of installations for methane conversion, pyrolysis, sheet parts, fastening parts for boilers, muffles for operation at temperatures up to 1100 °C.

When does the transition to winter clothing occur?

Many soldiers think that the issuance of winter military uniforms occurs in the middle of the second month of autumn - October 15. This is partly true.

The Russian Federation is the largest country in terms of area, so if in the Urals on October 15 the temperature allows you to change into warmer clothes, then in the south of the country the temperature outside is usually above zero.

The transition from summer to winter uniforms is established by orders of commanders of military districts, fleets, commanders of naval bases, garrison commanders and other persons with responsibilities.

There is no exact date for changing the summer uniform to winter military clothing. Indeed, many commanders focus on the first or second week of October, but climatic conditions have a special influence on this event. When the temperature outside drops to +10 and below, then soldiers around the country begin to dress warmer, leaving summer kits for the warm season of the year.

How did the income of military retirees grow during 2022?

On January 1, 2022, the incomes of former military personnel receiving a second “civilian” pension increased. The increase in this payment was 6.6%, which is significantly higher than the inflation rate. However, only non-working pensioners could count on such growth. Citizens who continue to work were left without additional payment.

From April 1, certain categories of former military and law enforcement officers were entitled to additional allowances. The amount of the supplement depended on the estimated size of the old-age pension.

Let us remind you that in order to become a military pensioner, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 45 years old;
• Work experience – 25 years, military service – 12.5 years;
• You need to resign from the ranks of the RF Armed Forces or law enforcement agencies due to reaching retirement age, poor health, or due to the closure of a military unit.

Modifications

One of the distinguishing features of the USP is the wide variety of modifications of this weapon. There are currently nine different options. These options usually have one system. The safety box, slide stop and magazine eject button can be installed either on the left or on the right (for left-handed shooters) at the customer's request. The trigger guard has a protrusion for the finger of the second hand when shooting with both hands. On the frame of the pistol, under the barrel, there are guides for attaching a combat flashlight or laser target designator. The pistol's design makes extensive use of polymers (the pistol's magazine is also made of polymer, except for the USP .45, which has a steel magazine).

Mk23 - combine for SOCOM

Pistol MK23 Mod 0 .45 cal SOCOM

In 1989, US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) announced a program to create a holster-worn "offensive sidearm." The requirements included a complex that included a family of 11.43 mm cartridges, a self-loading pistol, a silencer and a “sighting block”. It was planned to assemble two main options: “assault” (pistol + “sighting block”) and “stalking” with the addition of a silencer. In 1995, SOCOM chose a pistol created by Heckler und Koch based on the USP. The pistol was put into service under the designation Mark 23 Model 0. The main differences of the Mk23 were the elongated barrel and bolt, the muzzle of the barrel protruding from the bolt - for installing a muffler, mount for the sighting unit and controls. The chamber bevel is profiled so as not to cause sticking when feeding a cartridge with any bullet configuration. The treatment of metal parts should protect the gun from corrosion when immersed in sea water. The trigger mechanism operates in the “double action safety” version. The sight and front sight are raised so that the installed silencer does not block the aiming line. The “Aiming Unit” (LAM) combines the functions of a flashlight-illuminator and a laser target designator, which can use a laser emitter in both the visible range and infrared. The weapon turned out to be quite bulky - without a silencer, the Mk23 Mod0 pistol weighs 1.2 kg, with a silencer and an equipped magazine - 1.92 kg.

USP Compact

HK USP Compact pistol

A smaller modification of the USP pistol. Appeared in 1993. It differs from the basic version in a smaller magazine, as well as smaller dimensions.

P2000

Pistol HK USP P2000

Pistol HK USP Р2000SK

The P2000 is a further development of the USP Compact. The main differences from previous USP pistols are improved ergonomics, replaceable pistol grip panels and a modular trigger system, which received a proprietary designation - Combat Defense Action (CDA). Along with this, the basic modification of the P2000 pistol is equipped with a safety release lever for the cocked pistol. The lever is located on the back of the frame, to the left of the trigger.

USP Compact Tactical

USP Compact Tactical Pistol

An upgrade to the HK USP Compact that includes threads for suppressors on the outer barrel.

USP Tactical

HK USP Tactical Pistol

It is a modification of the HK USP for police use. The main difference from the standard USP is the possibility of using a silencer. A USP-S version was also released with a smaller magazine capacity of 12 rounds.

USP Expert

Pistol HK USP Expert .45 ACP

It has an extended barrel and increased magazine capacity - 18 rounds of 9 mm Para, 16 rounds of .40 S&W or 12 rounds of .45 ACP. This variant is intended primarily for participation in International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) competitions.

Pistol HK USP Elite

Modification of HK USP Expert with an extended barrel and bolt.

USP Match

Pistol HK USP Match

Sports option. It has a special attachment that reduces barrel bounce when shooting due to its weight. Out of production since 1999.

Notes and references

Metal Gear Solid

, Konami Computer Entertainment Japan (1998). In the scene where Snake discovers the corpses of an NGSF unit tasked with guarding Hal Emmerich, one of the bodies can be seen with a SOCOM.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

, Konami Computer Entertainment Japan (2001). The SOCOM suppressor stored in the Big Shell implies that the gun itself may have been procured on-site by Snake.

The Art of Metal Gear Solid 1.5

, Konami (2004), page 066. This was the first illustration to appear on a magazine cover. I was happy when it did (I didn't create the SOCOM pistol CG.) The SOCOM pistol was used in the game simply because it looks COOL — period. It's big, very square, and looks great in polygons. Its being 45 caliber is also important. However, time went by while the game was being developed, and the design of the pistol adopted by the US.SOCOM turned out different. I believe the prototype looks so much better!

References

1. ^ B s d e e Miller, David (2001). An Illustrated Guide to 20th Century Implements
   . ISBN Salamander Books Ltd. 1-84065-245-4.
2. ^ abcdef "HK Mark 23 Specifications". Archived from the original on 2014-03-09.
3. "MK23 Information". Retrieved July 30, 2010.
4. https://hkparts.net/product/magazine-complete-17-round-red-mark-23-socom.htm
5. https://hkparts.net/product/magazine-20-round-us-made-usp-45-mark-23-p861.htm
6. https://hkparts.net/product/magazine-complete-24-round-mark-23-socom.htm
7. "Special Forces Weapons". Popular Mechanics
   . September 14, 2004
8. Dockery, Kevin (4 December 2007). Weapons of the future. Penguin. p. 278. ISBN 978-1-101-20618-8.
9. "Mark 23 -".
10. "MARK 23". Heckler and Koch USA.
11. ^ a b c d Kinard, Jeff (2004). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. pp. 269–271. ISBN 978-1-85109-470-7.
12. "MARK 23". Archived from the original on 2014-03-09. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
13. "Best Rifle Barrel - What the Pros Use 2013 - PrecisionRifleBlog.com". precisionrifleblog.com
    . 2014-01-03.
14. Nigel, Cawthorne (2012). The Mammoth Book from Inside the Elite Troops. Constable & Robinson Limited. pp. 219–220. ISBN 978-1-78033-731-9.
15. Tilstra, Russell S. (2011). Small Arms for Urban Combat: An overview of modern pistols, submachine guns, personal defense weapons, carbines, assault rifles, sniper rifles, anti-material rifles, machine guns, combat shotguns, grenade launchers and other weapon systems. McFarland. paragraph 13. ISBN 978-0-7864-8875-9.
16. ^ abcdef MK23 Mod 0: Crew Operated Pistol - SAdefensejournal.com, June 10, 2013
17. Holmes, H. Allen; Shelton, Henry H. (1997). US Special Operations Forces: 1996 Position Statement. Publishing house DIANA. paragraph 52. ISBN 978-0-7881-4911-5.
18. Thompson, Leroy (2011). Colt 1911 pistol. Osprey Publishing. paragraph 103. ISBN 978-1-84908-836-7.
19. Dockery, Kevin. Special Warfare Special Weapons: Arms & Equipment of UDTs and SEALs from 1943 to the Present
    (Chicago: Emperor's Press), 51.
20. ^ab Peterson, Phillip (24 June 2011). Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: Collector's Price and Guide. Iola, WI: F+W Media. p. 385. ISBN 978-1-4402-2881-0.
21. ↑
    MK 23 Operating manual. Archived August 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
22. USA, UPS; Publications, USA International Business (February 7, 2007). Handbook of US Special Operations Forces. International business publications. p. 250. ISBN 978-1-4330-5772-4.
23. Clifford, ed. (July 2002). Jane's International Defense Review: IDR. 23
    (4th ed.). Jane Information Group. paragraph 47.
24. "HECKLER & KOCH USP AND THE EVOLUTION OF H&K .45 AUTO CALIBER HANDGUNS". Journal of Small Arms Defense. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
25. Dockery, Kevin (4 December 2007). Weapons of the future. Penguin Group USA. p. 278. ISBN 978-1-101-20618-8.
26. Ortiz, Miguel. "This pistol is a USSOCOM combat pistol". We are strong
    .
27. "Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije" (in Croatian). Magazine Hrvatski Vojnik. Archived from the original on 2010-08-22. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
28. Thompson, Leroy (December 2008). "Special Forces of Malaysia". Special weapons. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
29. "Uzbroenie and export". www.grom.mil.pl.
    _ Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved November 11 +2018.

Adoption

The MK 23 MOD 0 was built as an "offensive" pistol for US Special Operations Forces under USSOCOM; optionally, military versions of the firearm made in 1989 have "MK23 USSOCOM" engraved on the slide. The first production examples of the MK 23 were delivered to SOCOM on May 1, 1996.

HK sells commercially the MK 23 and its derivatives, but not the entire SOCOM system. The suppressor is manufactured by Knight's Armament Company and was chosen to replace the HK originally included. Insight Technology won the contract to produce the laser targeting module, later designated AN/PEQ-6. One version of LAM produces a dot of visible light, while the other produces an infrared dot that can only be seen through night vision goggles. Since then there have been different models of LAMs, and also, at least from a commercial point of view, different suppressors. Some users have reported that the cumulative effects of recoil can sometimes cause the muffler to come loose a little, but that it is relatively easy to improvise solutions to the problem.

Civilian Mark 23

Heckler & Koch offered the MK 23 to the civilian market and to law enforcement as the MARK 23

. Distributed by its subsidiaries HK Inc. (USA) and HKJS GmbH (Germany).

Initially, US market models came with a 10-round magazine to comply with the US Assault Weapons Ban. The ban has expired and the civilian Mark 23 comes with the same 12-round magazine as the government variants, with the exception of a few states that have their own bans on magazines larger than 10 rounds. In Canada, the Mark 23 pistol continues to only come with 10-round magazines, per the Firearms Act 1995.

According to the Operation Manual

, there are several differences between the civilian Mark 23 and the government MK 23. These differences are the "Mark 23" slide engraving, which is only for the first half of the first year of production in 1996 (date code KG.), "MARK 23" notch, which is used from mid-1996 to present, replacing "MK23 USSOCOM", matte or high-gloss finish for various years of civilian service, tan and black frame (500 tan were made) and barrel. meeting SAAMI technical requirements for military and civilian production, since military barrels were made for more reliable performance of ball ammunition.

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Statistics[edit]

The Sniper skill receives discounts on the MK23 pistol from the Merchant.

The indicators in the table were taken from the SDK. However, they have not been thoroughly tested and therefore may not be 100% accurate.

The base damage of the MK23 pistol is 82, and has a headshot damage multiplier of 1.1.

Civilian Mark 23[]

Heckler & Koch is offering the MK23 on the civilian market as the Mark 23

. It is distributed by its subsidiaries HK Inc. (United States) and HKJS GmbH (Germany).

The models for the US market initially came with a 10-round magazine, to comply with the US Assault Weapons Ban. The ban has now expired, and the civilian Mark 23 comes with the same 12-round magazine as the government variants. In Canada, the Mark 23 pistol is still supplied only with 10-round magazines, as per the 1995 Firearms Act.

According to the Operators Manual

, there are few differences between the civilian Mark 23 and the government MK23. These differences are the slide engraving (“Mark 23” instead of “MK23 USSOCOM”) and a barrel conforming to SAAMI headspace specifications.

Notes[ | ]

1. Patrol ships Project 11356 Archived November 30, 2010.
2. ↑ 12
   Frigate "Admiral Grigorovich" for the Black Sea
3. ↑ 12
   (only one launcher per ship)
4. Universal launchers 3S-14 series | Rocketry (Russian). rbase.new-factoria.ru. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
5. The frigate "Admiral Essen" began sea trials
6. The second frigate of Project 11356 “Admiral Essen” went to sea for testing for the first time
7. TFR "ADMIRAL ESSEN" STARTED STATE TESTS (inaccessible link)
8. The new TFR "Admiral Essen" left Kronstadt and headed for the Barents Sea as part of state tests : Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
9. The frigate "Admiral Essen" will conduct the second stage of state tests in the Barents Sea
10. The newest frigate "Admiral Essen" arrived at the Northern Fleet for firing
11. The patrol ship "Admiral Essen" arrived at the Northern Fleet
12. TFR "Admiral Essen" completed state tests
13. TFR "Admiral Makarov" began mooring tests
14. The ship "Admiral Essen" arrived in the Baltic after testing in the Northern Fleet
15. The first serial frigate Admiral Essen will be delivered to the fleet in May
16. The transfer of the frigate "Admiral Essen" to the Russian Navy is postponed
17. The frigate "Admiral Essen" was transferred to the Russian Navy in Kaliningrad
18. The St. Andrew's flag was raised for the first time on the patrol ship "Admiral Essen"
19. The frigate "Admiral Essen" set sail from Baltiysk to the Black Sea
20. Media: The newest frigate “Admiral Essen” did not reach the Black Sea and was undergoing repairs
21. Details of the damage to the Admiral Essen's propellers have become known
22. "Admiral Essen" returned to Baltiysk after repairs
23. The frigate Admiral Essen, delayed in the Baltic, conducted artillery firing
24. The newest frigate "Admiral Essen", built for the Black Sea Fleet, went to its permanent home base
25. The frigate "Admiral Essen" makes the transition from the Baltic to the Black Sea fleet
26. The frigate "Admiral Essen" with cruise missiles became part of the Russian Navy formation in the Mediterranean (Russian), Interfax.ru
    (May 5, 2017). Retrieved May 5, 2022.
27. The frigate "Admiral Essen" reached Sevastopol
28. The missile frigate Admiral Essen has headed for Syria, a source said.
29. Russia holds a grand parade abroad: video
30. The frigate "Admiral Essen" completed its mission in the Mediterranean Sea
31. The frigate of the Black Sea Fleet "Admiral Essen" returned to Sevastopol
32. Footage of the frigate Admiral Essen arriving in Sevastopol from the Mediterranean Sea
33. The frigate Admiral Essen, armed with Caliber, headed for the Mediterranean Sea
34. Russian Navy ships launched a “Caliber” strike against ISIS in the Palmyra area (unspecified)
    (inaccessible link). Retrieved May 31, 2022. Archived May 31, 2017.
35. Ships and a submarine of the Russian Navy fired cruise missiles at ISIS targets in Syria (unspecified)
    . Lenta.ru (June 23, 2022). Retrieved June 23, 2022.
36. The Russian Navy "Caliber" destroyed militants from the Russian Federation and the CIS in Syria
37. The newest frigate Admiral Essen was sent for repairs
38. The name of the new commander of “Admiral Essen” has become known
39. The new commander of the Admiral Essen will take over the ship before the end of 2016 // flot.com, 2016

Usage

The Mk 23 SOCOM was procured by ex-FOXHOUND operative Solid Snake during the Shadow Moses Incident. He later used the pistol to perform the mercy-killing of the heavily wounded Sniper Wolf. SOCOM pistols also saw use with the Next-Generation Special Forces, during the time of FOXHOUND's revolt.

Solid Snake supplies Raiden with the SOCOM pistol.

During the Big Shell Incident of 2009, a SOCOM pistol was given to Raiden by Snake. He later uses it to attack Dead Cell commander Fortune, to little effect, before using it to shoot her comrade Vamp in the forehead, after the bullets deflect away from her. He later used it on Vamp himself during their encounter at the purification chamber, while on his way to rescue Emma Emmerich. However, Vamp effortlessly dodged all the bullets save for one, which grazed him on the cheek, as Raiden's skull suit interfered with his ability to predict Raiden's movements based on his musculature. Raiden was also in possession of a SOCOM in 2014, during the events of the Guns of the Patriots Incident, and in 2018 in Africa, but retired it after sustaining grievous injuries during the latter.

A TV advertisement for the US PMC Raven Sword depicted a soldier shooting a target with a SOCOM.