HK .45 Mark 23 - buy it or not?

Excellent info guys. Much appreciated. I'm about to fall for a buy decision on the Mark 23.
While I have practically no experience with HK handguns, I had the perception their quality was above and beyond the crowd.
On many review the Mark 23 is said designed for extreme durability with beefed up components and minimal maintenance (my summary). These few posts about service have me wondering: are there known issues with the Mark 23? Anyone aware of warranty claims on that shooter? I think I read somewhere (CGN?) that one fellow broke the right side of the ambi mag release. Is this a vulnerable/weak part?
 
On a side note...YES Hks are very durable and long lasting guns.

BUT

Cleaning them, oiling them and just general maintenance will allow the gun to go even longer without issue. If the HK45 can go 50,000 rounds without cleaning and lubing...imangine how much longer it could have gone with having a 5min once over cleaning and lubing after each range trip? :)

ALSO

Buy the small parts...like springs and pins...ASAP, that way when/if something happens to them its a simple swap and your back in the game the same day, not out of commission for who knows how long.

- J
 
yes, according to the information I recieved from a police officer who used to carry a Mark23 [SWAT] , if you use a hard holster such as a Safariland perhaps, the mag release is vulnerable.
He did say that it was allways one side so you were never sol, but to be safe, order a mag release and a trigger bar spring when you buy it. If you wait untill you need one, you may wait a long time.
This should not deter your decision to buy. Its one of the tuffest guns out there and with it's unique nature, a collectors gun for sure.
I use a very simple Condor drop leg holster. The mag release does not touch the holster and the material is relatively soft. It costs $25 and I bought it at an army surplus store.
It works well. Not a speed holster though.
Enjoy your new Mark23 !!
[I think your going to buy]
 
I am not saying the cop was lying...but I cannot see how that is a real issues...losing a mag when putting the gun into a holster?

Putting a gun away into one...is NOT a speed contest and there is no need to rush it, which can also be unsafe, so even if it was a real/big issue a simple .5 second check with your thumb to make sure the magazine is still seated is all you'd need.
 
beltfed said:
My comment was tongue in cheek, and based on the following:


Out of all the .45s I have had, and some still own ( HK Mk23, S&W625, P220(s), G21sf, numerous 1911s, S&W645, M&P), the Mk23 had the worst muzzle flip, and the worst practicality of the lot.
All subjective of course. If the Mk23 blows your hair back, knock yourself out.
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I am commenting about a gun, but you have found a way to make it confrontational... yet again.

This is a third of fourth thread about Mark 23 that you came out with personal agenda.

We had done business on CGN EE before, and it was a good transaction.

Let's keep it that way.
 
Please I want to hear more about the one hole groups at 25yds. Is that one shot or 10?
Also please provide details of which units are actually using this pistol, real units not Counterstrike.
 
Slavex said:
Please I want to hear more about the one hole groups at 25yds. Is that one shot or 10?
Also please provide details of which units are actually using this pistol, real units not Counterstrike.
Click to expand...

Yes, the one hole grouping at 25m turned into multiple holes at 5m. But wait, add a laser and it will magically makes everything easier.
 
If that target were at 10m and shot in 10s, I think it would get you a pass on the Hackathorn 10-10-10...which as I recall is a requirement just to take his advanced classes. I was a little nervous when shooting that test because I didn't really want to get chucked out for excessive suck. Although I can't remember the rules regarding putting one outside a certain ring...that might be an automatic fail?

At 5m, it would get you...well, halfway to passing the entrance requirement, anyway. That's why I wondered about the scoring notation used on it. "Rapid fire" means different things in different disciplines. If those shots were all made with .20 splits at 5m, I'm definitely impressed. If it's 1 second per shot...it's decent, nothing to be ashamed of but nothing to write home about for a serious shooter. If it were 1 second per, at twice the distance, I'd say "yeah, good shooter, no doubt about it."
 
jeffcarr88 said:
I am not saying the cop was lying...but I cannot see how that is a real issues...losing a mag when putting the gun into a holster?

Putting a gun away into one...is NOT a speed contest and there is no need to rush it, which can also be unsafe, so even if it was a real/big issue a simple .5 second check with your thumb to make sure the magazine is still seated is all you'd need.
Click to expand...

Hey jeffcarr88..

its not about loosing the mag when holstering,

he said that you may brake a mag release lever when holstering. I dont see this as a problem at all. Just have a spare on the unlikely chance you may need one.

I'm really liking this gun man !

Slow steady fire [for me] , ragged one hole groups are easy.

Its a solid piece of kit !
 
Slavex said:
Please I want to hear more about the one hole groups at 25yds. Is that one shot or 10?
Also please provide details of which units are actually using this pistol, real units not Counterstrike.
Click to expand...

Geez I feel like a #### star with everyone wanting to get a happy ending.

1" group 25yrds - Indoors - Benched handgun rest - laser - 10 rounds - slow fire - .45 ACP 230 FMJ-RN + 6.3 Unique. CCI #300LP. I have to dig up the target paper. It was done 2years ago when I first got the Mark23.

Did the benched test a while back because there are written documents from HK that claim the Mark23 benched can achieve magical groups. The conclusion I came to from my tests and real world use: Its a match grade pistol and it gives match grade results. Those results were achieved in-spite of the less than ideal ergonomics on the pistol ( yes I typed that right ...we had problems securing the pistol down on the vise due to the trigger guard design)OR what I like to say: deal with it and stop whining like a little girl.

If anyone here cant stand what my conclusions are, cause Im awesome or are refuting the written data well thats your problem. Ive already mentioned earlier: could really care less either way.

SDV Teams used them Afghanistan 2 years ago. Real top tier operator units, real country sans virtual. If you want more details go ask yourself.

And thats the money shot -
 
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Antoine22 said:
Yes, the one hole grouping at 25m turned into multiple holes at 5m. But wait, add a laser and it will magically makes everything easier.
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Your posts leaves me the unpleasant perception that you limit your contributions to bashing things and people rather than bringing intelligence and/or facts.

Please show that your are a knowledgeable gunner in the subject matter (HK Mark 23) by contributing useful informations. Otherwise, I kindly request that you restrict yourself to trolling masturbating forums rather than my thread.

Your understanding is truly appreciated.
 
lanis said:
I am commenting about a gun, but you have found a way to make it confrontational... yet again.

This is a third of fourth thread about Mark 23 that you came out with personal agenda.

We had done business on CGN EE before, and it was a good transaction.

Let's keep it that way.
Click to expand...

:confused::confused::confused:I have nothing against you, anyone that likes the Mk23, anyone that has differing views on the pistol or H&K as a company for that matter.
If you are taking my comments personally - well, I'm sorry to hear that.
I thought this was a forum for sharing ideas, knowledge and opinion.
 
Which units? Can you provide some actual data to back that up? You know, because, well this guy I know, maybe you've heard of him, Todd Green, well he did this test with the HK45 and he brought it to Canada for a class we did up here. While here the subject of the MK23 came up. Strangely enough, he says pretty much no one actually used when issued, and no does now at all. It was considered a joke when introduced, kind of like the Buckmaster knife (designed for special ops, complete with a grappling hook built in). Feel free to search HKPro for a post he made back in 2009 on the subject, while he was heavily involved with and supported by HK for the tests.
As for the accuracy you claim. Can you do it again? With witnesses?
Regarding the gun itself and the original poster, buy it if you want it. I'd get the plain Jane HK45 like Todd used myself, easier to grip, and better controls and trigger. Also more parts availability too. But hey I've got a 50AE Desert Eagle, so I certainly won't judge someone for getting a big gun. (oh and my Desert Eagle groups are .50 everytime I take it out, at all distances)
 
Just googled that Buckmaster knife...NOW I NEED TO ADD A GRAPPLING HOOK ONTO MY POCKET FOLDER TO BE COOL AGAIN!!! :p
 
Slavex said:
(oh and my Desert Eagle groups are .50 everytime I take it out, at all distances)
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As for the accuracy you claim. Can you do it again? With witnesses? .....

And as far as the who used it thing & where authentication - maybe a new thread since youre the curious one.?
 
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