The Heckler & Koch Mark 23 (MK23)

In depth review, unboxing, and overview of the first ever "Offensive" pistol from HK. The MK23 reached all of the requirements from SOCOM and then some, being one of the greatest pistols to ever be produced. Still, over 20 years after development and production, it remains as one of the most desired pistols from HK.

[@morganml3983]

I have watched this video several times... I finally picked up my HK Mark 23 today and I am so hype!!!!

[@ronaldbak2092]

The Mk23 is my dream gun and I am looking at buying for myself for a Christmas present.

[@dfwgunworks2898]

Its very nice! I will say I wish I’d had more 45 ammo, but at the time it’s not only pricey but hard to find! I hope you enjoy yours!

[@SolidMGSnake]

Just like old times..

[@whiterook8483]

I’ve never even seen one in a gun store. I did just by a HK 45 police trade in for $549. I’m tickled about that.

[@jcarter855]

I still remember when this hit the US market. I eyed it every time I went into the local shop. Back then the price was 2.1k as I recall (the shop owner had to make money to). Its sad they stopped including the Eagle Industries soft padded case with these years ago & went the plastic route. As an aside, it might not be practical but if I had to make the first shot count in a bad situation this would be my first choice in a sidearm.

[@reker.a5790]

I prefer the USP45T but this is sweet as hell too

[@TheWolvesCurse]

30 thousand rounds without parts breakage, only 6 stoppages and no corrosion to speak of after the salt/over the beach testing. it's not for self defense, it was developed under the "offensive handgun"- program. it's for aggression, for attack. i love the thing. own a usp .45 and a MK23. the USP is great, but i prefer the trigger and longer sight radius of the MK23. i wish i could get my hands on (and afford) a P7. they're sort of inobtanium here in germany.

[@paraord1410]

"Its not for self defense"...?? Like hell. Why not? Has it ever occurred to you that unloaded, it weighs only 39oz - unloaded, a standard "service-sized" (5" bbl) 1911 weighs in at 42 oz...?? Ever hear of "long-slide" guns - 1911's with 6" barrels & slides, along with others, incl. HK's own "USP Elite" with a 6.1" barrel - longer than the Mk 23's slide and barrel...?? All the Mk 23 really is, aside from some "beefed up" internal parts, is a gun with an approximately 1" longer barrel and slide. So what's so "impractical" about it as far as "self-defense" is concerned...?? I carry mine inside a shoulder holster with two extra (HK Parts) 17-round spare mags on the other side, with a S&W Model 49 Bodyguard revolver in my right-side jacket pocket as a short-range backup gun. I'm not "under gunned" and I'm darned sure aware of what's good for self-defense..!!

[@paraord1410]

I thought you could only own one handgun in Germany. Did they change that law recently...??

[@TheWolvesCurse]

@@paraord1410 let me phrase it differently then: it wasn't developed for self defense. there was never a law that only allowed for owning one handgun. you could own as many as you like, as long as you can prove that you use them for certain disciplines in sports shooting. a hunter who's not shooting as a sport, but solely hunting can own only one handgun i think. but for sports shooters, even with the stricter laws now, two hand guns and three rifles are within the range of "basic necessity".

[@dfwgunworks2898]

@@TheWolvesCurse the P7 is insane, a buddy of mine has one and I plan to do a review on it as soon as acquire some more ammo! stay tuned!

[@EternalSessions6]

This is awesome!

[@SNKNostalgia]

I am so glad I bought this pistol! My home defense is the Sig M18 21 round mag with a TLR-9

[@SNKNostalgia]

Great is an understatement!

[@Dyl_762]

When you say impractical, that depends. Impractical for concealed carry? Probably, for most people. That doesn't tell the whole story. This weapon was designed to replace a primary rifle for special CQC applications as you know. I think it could be a great home defense firearm. Hallow point handgun ammo is often stated to be the preferred home defense rounds. In situations where you don't feel the need or want to use a rifle or PCC, the MK23 could be the piece to bridge the gap between a conventional handgun and a rifle/PCC/shotgun. If you get a Lobos Industries rail on the gun with an x300 and a suppressor you're pretty set up. I get it's not cut for an optic, but everyone doesn't need/want a red dot. Also, for 95% of applications, 12 rounds of 45 is more than enough to handle a situation. I get what you're trying to say and I can almost agree with you when you say impractical, but I don't feel impractical means pointless or useless. It's a good/cool home defense handgun if you ask me. Cool video though.

[@Kretikos]

I agree this would be a great home defense gun. 1. Heavy first trigger to give margin on that first shot under stress and accidentally shooting by mistake. Mechanical safety only works when the hammer is cocked so no chance of getting stuck of safe. If you prefer cocked and locked you can also do that. 2. Long barrel gives more muzzle velocity and makes it easier to point naturally. 3. Can shoot .45 +P or .45 Super no problem 4. Designed to work reliably suppressed and would be completely hearing safe if you wanted to go that route 5. looks intimidating 6. Proven to be one of the most reliable handguns from a manufacturer with consistent quality

[@dasgtr]

Impractical? Not a chance. Never let the detractors get you down on owning the Mark 23 or its sibling, the USP45 Tactical. It was designed and intended to be a combat handgun, a primary weapon in scenarios where M4s & Mk18s are unsuitable. Its large size was necessitated by the OHWS requirements to fire 45+p reliably for its entire service life, and was always meant to be used in suppressor & LAM configuration. Modern accessory-equipped service pistols are inspired in large part by the Mk.23 Mod 0 profile. It is amusing to see comments disparaging the Mark 23 in much the same way the Glock 19X gets. "It wasn't made for me" is somehow the main reason people give on why the Mark 23 is 'impractical' and not worth owning. Good on you for owning one of the greatest handguns ever made. Please do a follow-up video if you ever acquire the KAC Mk.23 SOCOM suppressor, and the Insight Phase 1 (or Phase 2) LAM.

[@randomguy-xp7se]

Its a gun fight / sentry removal pistol. HK: sorry we couldnt make it tiny, YOU wanted 30k of +P

[@paraord1410]

Yessir - well stated...!! I'm traditionally a "1911" guy, but the fact that I now own not just one, but three (3) Mk 23's should tell you something..! Two of them, modified with bright green tritium dots on their front sights, and with yellow dots on the rear sights - and all have white outlines around each dot; I'll carry one in a custom shoulder rig with two spare (online HK Parts Store) 17-round magazines on the other side - the other two Mk 23's are stored in my gun safe - just in case...!! Absolutely amazing firearms, without a doubt...!!

[@dasgtr]

@@paraord1410 Wowsers... 3 Mk23?! Here in Canada, we do not have much options for parts switching for this magnificent pistol. Do you have one of the pistols configured to the Mk23 Mod 0 SOCOM? That would be with the Knight's Armament Mk23 SOCOM suppressor, and the HK-Insight 'Phase 1' or Insight 'Phase 2' LAM?

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

What is sad is the folks who sell it , because they took a loss. So one of two things,they never owned it in the first place or circumstances beyond their control forced them to sell. Sell anything else and save that for absolute last ditch.

[@racer3212]

Paid 1900 out the door in 2020. I also went to 3 round mag extensions. It's a SHTF pistol!

[@paraord1410]

I've added a total of 20 HK Parts Store 17-round magazines. No, I sure as heck won't be "under-gunned"...!! :-)

[@paraord1410]

I've got three of them, but my cheapest one that I could find ran me $2,300 and the other two ("Euro" guns with the "attache'-type" Hk gun case and NO stupid gun lock) were around $2,800, but that included Washingtax State sales tax at 10.9%, plus the FFL's transfer fee. If you buy from an out of state (online) FFL source, you have to pay WA State sales tax.

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

2200 +tacks. Plastic box and 2 mags,o rings etc….

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

That was a good deal! My store wants $2800+tax for one. Good luck with that!

[@videocardzrule354]

If I could Have only one pistol. That is a HK MARK 23 pistol!!

[@fanman8102]

I don’t want one but I have much respect for the design team because it is the OG …. literally. All the cool features that come standard on today’s modern pistol were on the MK23 and USP40 (which I do have) first and in the early 1990’s. Light rail, double captured recoil spring, stippled grip, undercut trigger guard, the magazines jump out of the magazine well (no Glock flip) and that’s not all. The designers rung all the bells on that one! Also, contrary to popular opinion the MK23 was used by the SEAL teams.

[@paddyleather5434]

Sports cars are not practical either but they are awesome . Mark 23 is worth every penny

[@TheLegoJoker]

I had one. Bought it for the legendary status it has. It was a great gun. Double action was very heavy, single action was fantastic. Hated the safety levers. Horrible placement. I like riding the safety with my thumb as I do on a 1911. Much preferred the controls on the USP, and once I got a USP Elite and found that it shot better than my Mk23, I let the Mk23 go. I don’t think “impractical” is an unfair description at all. The Mk23 is an awesome beast of a pistol, but after owning and shooting one, I find that I prefer the USP series.

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

Small hands eye guess. I have the Mark 23 and the elite 45 both awesome guns in their own right. Both fit beautifully, good jeans eye guess.

[@TheLegoJoker]

@@thomaskingsbury6560​​⁠”Eye” actually have quite big hands, which is probably why the safety placement doesn’t work for me. The safety controls are the weak point on the Mk23 as compared to the USP, in my opinion. They are both great guns, and eye have since purchased another Mk23 to be used as a range toy. Eye’ll still argue that the placement of the controls and smaller size of the USP make it the more practical gun to carry. YMMV

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

The guy in the video does have small hands, watch and see. Eye guess the point is not to have gotten rid of it in the first place, not that it’s any of my business. Having the USP 45 elite and the Mark 23 the grip size is definitely different. I wasn’t thinking in terms of carry, the USP series would definitely make that better. Not intending offense,just thinking out loud to myself.

[@TheLegoJoker]

@@thomaskingsbury6560no offense meant on my part either. I misunderstood your comment since it was on my comment. All good, man. 👍🏻

[@SNKNostalgia]

When a .45 handles like a 9mm. People at the range knows that I am insane. Completely worth $2325 from my FFL!

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Made a mistake buying a USP45T first. Should have saved a bit more and gotten the Mark 23. What a monster of a pistol!

[@buds79]

Yeah. I bought the USP Expert and then a couple weeks later had to have the Mark 23. Be here next week. Can’t wait. Awesome handguns!

[@reker.a5790]

Watch Chris Bartocci’s video. You’re holding a primary weapon. Not a sidearm

[@HeroicSarge1]

I love my Hk mark 23

[@pandemonikussuperbus4590]

Impractical it is for civilian use that is.this gun is a service weapon not a ccw.it was made for combat so please stop saying imoractical.say not for civilians

[@MRHypeFit]

socom allllll day

[@charlesshankle3178]

This pistol is one of HK's masterpieces. However, the size and complexity make it a difficult gun to service, maintain and it occupies a very narrow niche in the MILITARY world. This gun is an engineering marvel with many awesome features. However, it was ahead of its time and getting parts for it is difficult. Since then, simpler, cost effective solutions have come out from Glock, SIG, etc. I carry a Sig P220 and the cousin, the P226 was used for many years by Navy Seals and countless police agencies

[@JDA2185]

When you say the word "impractical" you have to specify INW HAT CONTEXT? Or for what? For a SOF operative operating in a war zone, it's not impractical at all. If you mean for a civilian who want to conceal carry then yeah, you're right, it's impractical. Although this gun CAN be conceal carried in an under arm holster and with a jacket on. So this term "impractical" really isn't one that you can use here because it depends on several factors.

[@paraord1410]

"Impractical" is usually a term that is used by a-holes who can't afford the gun so the only thing that they can come back with are words ranging from "impractical", "huge", "massive", "giant", "the slide is the size of an aircraft carrier", to more banal words like "stupid" and so forth. One guy put out a video on KZbin titled "huge, impractical, but impressive"..! What does that "title" suggest to you...?? "Hmmm, I wish I could own one of these, but I can't afford it, so, while I'm "reviewing" this "monstrosity", I'll bash it to death while I'm at it". Like they say: "misery loves company", I guess...!!

[@JDA2185]

@@paraord1410 :))))))))))))))

[@Boneless_Chuck]

I totally agree. I am not sure what point this guy is trying to make.

[@Xblankx132]

Ok guys...where is everyone getting there h&k mk23? I've seen only 1 on ebay

[@paddyleather5434]

Eurooptic has thrr egg m from time to time

[@paddyleather5676]

@@paddyleather5434 Ebay?

[@fanman8102]

You still looking? I saw more than one at a Palmetto State Armory store two months ago.

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

Primary Arms had one now they dont😊

[@SNKNostalgia]

It runs ammo from home 2005! Oh yes

[@anonymouslee2083]

If you’re 6’10,” it’s perfect for you

[@brandonmusick77]

Impractical? So is my SF90. But i love them both!

[@CAStone-kq4md]

Dude , start reloading . Don’t sell it . You can just fire .45 super through it without modifications !

[@lukaszimmermann2215]

The MK23 is perfect for handgun hunting and baer defence.

[@songoku9348]

All he has to do is unequip and reequip

[@johndeere1951a]

For my Full Size money id choose the USP 45 Elite. Use my Glock 17L 6.02" barrel for dirty work, keep the Elite clean 💥☮️✌️

[@justinhorn2864]

I love mine could have it and not clean it if I couldn't get to it

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

Big pistol or small hands?

[@anthonyestrada442]

$40

[@Taistopoika]

This is such a cool gun. The best things in life are not neceserarily practical. 😂

[@jasonmills1973]

That box is junk mine came with a nice bag and 4 mags 10 o-gings

[@thomaskingsbury6560]

What price did you pay? I know that’s a personal question but I am hoping you will indulge me. I too just picked one up. That is why I am asking.

[@Gmar69]

What's with the fingernails? Don't you think they need some chopping?

[@johndeere1951a]

Dude plays guitar 🎸 🤣

[@previsible]

IM SO MAD IT'S IMPRACTICAL 😡😡😡😡😡

[@johndeere1951a]

The barrel O-Ring is sappose to last 20.000 rounds. Accuracy requirement 5 shot, 1/2" group at 25 meters (82 feet - 27.3 yards) per Operators Manual. For my money, $1,000.oo less I'd take the USP 45 Elite. 6.02" barrel also with an O-Ring. 💥🎯 ☮️✌️