Having both, I'll give an edge to the USP45 Tactical for concealed carry. Half the price for essentially the same thing. My socom is more for bragging rights.
@@SmokeNGunsBBQ well of course the Mark 23 is not for carry, its the iconic piece that you want to own like a desert eagle. Even i struggle with myself if i should buy one when i get the license and here in germany you are limited, i plan to only have 2 guns, so its a super though decision. IMagine you have to choose 2 guns for ther range because thats the only thing you can do with it here in germany. So you need a longer full size pistol. My list is now FN Hiper (9mm) HK SFP9 Tactical (9mm) HK Mark 23 (45) CZ 75 sp01 (9mm) (Cerakote finish tan) Sig Sauer P320 Xfive DH3 (9mm) Sig Sauer 1911 Scorpion (45) Beretta 92X (9mm)
The MK23 was my ultimate bucket list handgun. I say 'was' because I just picked one up. I spent a major premium over new MSRP to get an older one with the maritime finish, camo soft case, and some other very nice accessories(and a grand total of nine mags). I have absolutely no regrets other than I should have gotten this beast years ago.
@@Z3AL316 bought it at my local gun shop in NC. They only had one and Ive never seen one there in the 15 years that I have gone there. Kind of a unicorn find.
Hi. I live in a country where only thiefs can own any kind of gun, without fear anything at all. I had and fired an H&K rifle in the 1985 when I was in the regular army. Then I could see and sometimes hold other German guns and tools. Among all that is made in Europe, German products are my favorite ones... Specially cars, tools, and guns of course.
I just picked up a MK23 and it was by far the most expensive firearm purchase I have ever made(about twice as expensive as my M1A). My wallet's silently weeping in a dark corner somewhere. Meanwhile, I've got this silly grin I just can't seem to wipe away. :)
I had one a few years ago! Such a great pistol! Mine was a German import with German paperwork and a metal box, it sold for so much that i bought a new motorcycle with the money. Needless to say, i want another one, my usp 9 compact will hold me over for now 😅
I consider this a very attractive option for outdoor winter activities. The large trigger guard allows gloves and the strength of the firearm welcomes 45 super for large animal defense.
I think Underwood Ammo Extreme Penetrator and Defender rounds bring life back to the .45 ACP, would be interesting to see some tests with that ammo and this gun.
@@HWG-wm8ld US Navy SEAL David Hall was on an hour long video with 1911 Syndicate dedicated to the Mk 23 and dispelled this myth that "no one unit used it". I'll take his word over the word of some rando spreading myths as some passive aggressive attempt to undermine the justified fandom of the Mk 23.
I would love the HK45 but I wish they didn’t sacrifice those rounds for ergonomics. The MK23/USP is already on the low end of what I’d consider acceptable capacity for their size and the HK45’s 10 round capacity just kind of kills it for me
@@jaxfernandez3684Also the Mark 23 is a special purpose weapon, it's meant specifically for operations where you need to rely on your handgun as a potential primary weapon. It's not meant to be a general use backup weapon the way a Beretta 92 or a Glock 17 is. Most troops aren't expecting to use their handguns except as a desperate last-ditch weapon, so the extra gun that the Mark 23 has over smaller handguns isn't that useful to them. Its niche is significantly more suited to special forces, and, notably, to partisans. Guys who for one reason or another may need to rely on their handgun much more frequently than regular troops. Context makes all the difference.
You can go to a local leatherworker to craft a custom holster to your body and to the retention of your liking for draw stroke of your gun. That is honestly a good way of getting a holster for something like this, and an amazing way to show patronage for local business.
Awesome gun, way to big for my hand. Man you need to do video on the VP40 next. Its sooo underrated. Ive had one since 2016 and the only other gun I think handles 40 cal as well as it does is the USP. If you loved the VP9, youll appreciate the VP40 as well.
HK Mark 23 is my favorite but could only afford the USP 45 and it's the most reliable pistol I've ever shot and yea my Kimber 1911 is kinda picky on ammo but never a problem with the USP
Mk 23 is A great weapon. I managed to purchase two of them with consecutive serial numbers in 1997 for 1500.00 ea. Still have them and they haven't been shot outside the factory. Great video. My carry gun in the wintertime is A USP in 45ACP. Summertime is usually A Glock 29. Thank you for the review on the MK 23.😃
I loved my mk23 enough that I bought a second one to keep as a collector piece/backup parts gun, and have the B&T suppressor for it. If I can’t find one I’ll eventually get the Knights can for it as well
I have the HK MK23. For 10 years now. It will never wear out, always reliable. Only issue is HK mag springs. They dont like to be left loaded. I shoot this one very well. Fits my large hands. The grip pattern on the front of the grip is aggresive and can cause some skin removal after extended range days. Light glove fixes that. If your life rely s on it, whats a couple hundred more. A guy once said, my gun jammed and i died but it was $400 cheaper. NOT.
Thanks for the video, I have the usp elite 45 and wonder if it would be redundant to get the mk23. I know there are differences between the two and that’s the reason for the question. Thanks again.
The greatest gun that didn’t need to exist. Great pistol but way too big for practical use for me. I’d go with the USP tactical or even a Glock 21 for a go to war full size 45
I think that you’re going outside of the point with comparing a hellcat to the 1911 or MK23…people are wanting these pistols for the 45acp chambering. If you do own a MK23, Gunfighters Inc makes an excellent OWB holster for it. Very comfortable and the weight is distributed perfectly! Throw a long sleeve untucked plaid shirt or similar over the top and you’re good to go. My two cents…
I'll play devil's advocate because I had one and it just didn't live up to the hype imo. The gun is treated like a mythical object by some and a outdated pos buy others, and I feel it is in the middle. The gun is iconic looking and above all, it is reliable. I also like that it can shoot 45 super, so it can fill the same roles you would expect from a 10mm. The decocker is pretty cool too. The problem is that the gun costs double what a usp or fnx costs but provides nothing extra. It's accurate, sure, but the fnx is optic ready and that will make a bigger difference for the shooter. The capacity being 12 vs the fnx having 15 is a bummer too. The trigger on both the mk23 and fnx are not great when you compare them to other common da/sa guns in the market. It's a beautiful gun but it reminds me of people who buy a new lifted jeep, they want the look and capabilities, but they dont actually want to put it through its paces.
Both guns were intended for military trials/purposes not for competition/target shooting. That being said I don’t mind the trigger pull on either. Are either overrated again considering the purpose for which they were designed/created for, no they aren’t.
@@thomaskingsbury6560 in my opinion a trigger over 12lbs isn't good. The triggers are smooth, so I won't call them bad either, but there are other pistols with much better triggers used in military service. It doesn't have to be a competition trigger but, it would be nice if it was more on part with a Beretta 92 series. I consider it overrated because people put it on a pedestal. I bought into that and ended up with a outdated pistol that costs double what it probably should have.
MK23 is a great pistol, but a concealed carry defensive handgun it is not. I have a H&K USP Tactical .45, which is still pretty darn big for that purpose.
The only pistol I need. Buy once, cry once.
Having both, I'll give an edge to the USP45 Tactical for concealed carry. Half the price for essentially the same thing. My socom is more for bragging rights.
I don’t regret buying mine
@@SmokeNGunsBBQ well of course the Mark 23 is not for carry, its the iconic piece that you want to own like a desert eagle. Even i struggle with myself if i should buy one when i get the license and here in germany you are limited, i plan to only have 2 guns, so its a super though decision. IMagine you have to choose 2 guns for ther range because thats the only thing you can do with it here in germany. So you need a longer full size pistol. My list is now
FN Hiper (9mm)
HK SFP9 Tactical (9mm)
HK Mark 23 (45)
CZ 75 sp01 (9mm) (Cerakote finish tan)
Sig Sauer P320 Xfive DH3 (9mm)
Sig Sauer 1911 Scorpion (45)
Beretta 92X (9mm)
@@danbarb9728 lol you don't live in Germany. You live in Jewtropolis.
The MK23 was my ultimate bucket list handgun. I say 'was' because I just picked one up. I spent a major premium over new MSRP to get an older one with the maritime finish, camo soft case, and some other very nice accessories(and a grand total of nine mags). I have absolutely no regrets other than I should have gotten this beast years ago.
My favorite handgun I own hands down.
Where did you get it, I’m dying to have one
@@Z3AL316 bought it at my local gun shop in NC. They only had one and Ive never seen one there in the 15 years that I have gone there. Kind of a unicorn find.
Hi. I live in a country where only thiefs can own any kind of gun, without fear anything at all. I had and fired an H&K rifle in the 1985 when I was in the regular army. Then I could see and sometimes hold other German guns and tools. Among all that is made in Europe, German products are my favorite ones... Specially cars, tools, and guns of course.
I love my Hk mark 23. This was my first handgun. I bought myself.
And never use it.
good choice.
The crown jewel of my gun collection, the price tag hurt but only for a little while.
Yeaa you’ll definitely question yourself after spending the money but once a couple months pass it doesn’t sting anymore
I just picked up a MK23 and it was by far the most expensive firearm purchase I have ever made(about twice as expensive as my M1A). My wallet's silently weeping in a dark corner somewhere. Meanwhile, I've got this silly grin I just can't seem to wipe away. :)
@@Alltracavenger noice. An M1A is something I got on my “to Buy” list. Which version did you get? The Standard? The Tanker? The SOCOM?
I had one a few years ago! Such a great pistol! Mine was a German import with German paperwork and a metal box, it sold for so much that i bought a new motorcycle with the money. Needless to say, i want another one, my usp 9 compact will hold me over for now 😅
Sure
@@HWG-wm8ld You mad he made a better decision than you?
All MK23's are German made. None made at the US factory.
@@SmokeNGunsBBQ : Euro market HKs come with a locking metal case, or at least they did for a while. Pretty rare and hard to come by.
I consider this a very attractive option for outdoor winter activities. The large trigger guard allows gloves and the strength of the firearm welcomes 45 super for large animal defense.
Concealability was the last thing the designers were thinking about with this
Good video with outstanding photography. Nice job .
I think Underwood Ammo Extreme Penetrator and Defender rounds bring life back to the .45 ACP, would be interesting to see some tests with that ammo and this gun.
Federal HST in 45, standard or the +P, are very effective rounds. And the critical duty from hornady
Th MK23 is unique among handguns, truly unique in all the right ways. It is bombproof. The baby brother, HK45CT, is wonderful for CC.
So unique that not one unit used it. Geek gun.
@@HWG-wm8ld US Navy SEAL David Hall was on an hour long video with 1911 Syndicate dedicated to the Mk 23 and dispelled this myth that "no one unit used it". I'll take his word over the word of some rando spreading myths as some passive aggressive attempt to undermine the justified fandom of the Mk 23.
@@HWG-wm8ldwatch 1911 syndicates recent video on the history of the Mk23 and be proven incorrect
I would love the HK45 but I wish they didn’t sacrifice those rounds for ergonomics. The MK23/USP is already on the low end of what I’d consider acceptable capacity for their size and the HK45’s 10 round capacity just kind of kills it for me
@@jaxfernandez3684Also the Mark 23 is a special purpose weapon, it's meant specifically for operations where you need to rely on your handgun as a potential primary weapon. It's not meant to be a general use backup weapon the way a Beretta 92 or a Glock 17 is. Most troops aren't expecting to use their handguns except as a desperate last-ditch weapon, so the extra gun that the Mark 23 has over smaller handguns isn't that useful to them. Its niche is significantly more suited to special forces, and, notably, to partisans. Guys who for one reason or another may need to rely on their handgun much more frequently than regular troops. Context makes all the difference.
This is my choice for a shtf pistol. Extremely reliable, accurate, and effective.
We can tell you’d be the first to get made into fertilizer
@@HWG-wm8ld Angry boomer trolling UA-cam in between shots of insulin.
@@MrCooper89😂
@@HWG-wm8ldLemme guess your Taurus is “JuST As GOoD” 😂
You can go to a local leatherworker to craft a custom holster to your body and to the retention of your liking for draw stroke of your gun. That is honestly a good way of getting a holster for something like this, and an amazing way to show patronage for local business.
Awesome gun, way to big for my hand. Man you need to do video on the VP40 next. Its sooo underrated. Ive had one since 2016 and the only other gun I think handles 40 cal as well as it does is the USP. If you loved the VP9, youll appreciate the VP40 as well.
HK Mark 23 is my favorite but could only afford the USP 45 and it's the most reliable pistol I've ever shot and yea my Kimber 1911 is kinda picky on ammo but never a problem with the USP
Clearly you don’t shoot.
@@HWG-wm8ld Here we go with the Boomer firing 20 rounds of 30-06 a year acting like he's a firearm's specialist.
@@MrCooper89guy jas to be trolling 😂 the MK23/USP series is the most reliable handgun design ever produced
Mk 23 is A great weapon. I managed to purchase two of them with consecutive serial numbers in 1997 for 1500.00 ea. Still have them and they haven't been shot outside the factory. Great video. My carry gun in the wintertime is A USP in 45ACP. Summertime is usually A Glock 29. Thank you for the review on the MK 23.😃
Sure buddy
@@HWG-wm8ld You sound like an angry 🏳🌈man.
I loved my mk23 enough that I bought a second one to keep as a collector piece/backup parts gun, and have the B&T suppressor for it. If I can’t find one I’ll eventually get the Knights can for it as well
Imagine thinking you’ll wear out any parts of a mk23 😂
@@Blazerghost henceforth collectors piece first
I use my 23 for edc front tuck in an uncle mikes holster im 6 foot and slim i think that helps also liveing in alaska neans nobody cares anyhow lol
I have the HK MK23. For 10 years now. It will never wear out, always reliable. Only issue is HK mag springs. They dont like to be left loaded. I shoot this one very well. Fits my large hands. The grip pattern on the front of the grip is aggresive and can cause some skin removal after extended range days. Light glove fixes that. If your life rely s on it, whats a couple hundred more. A guy once said, my gun jammed and i died but it was $400 cheaper. NOT.
Great video. Carry a VP9 SK often.
I carry mine concealed all the time. Is it hard to hide yes. But it won't fail me lol
It’s a great pistol to conceal with the right holster.
What holsters do you recommend for CCW with this?
Thanks for the video, I have the usp elite 45 and wonder if it would be redundant to get the mk23. I know there are differences between the two and that’s the reason for the question. Thanks again.
Just bought one. 😀 AND the Suppressor for it was just APPROVED for it. 😁 Now for the Thread Adapter to arrive. 🤨
would be cool to c the size comparison side by side of the mark 23 grip next to a rifle pistol grip lmao
thx for sharing the vid !
Hk could give buyers zero magazines and sales wouldn’t be impacted. The Mark 23 is awesome and people WILL buy it.
I've only carried it in a Kenai chest rig.
The greatest gun that didn’t need to exist. Great pistol but way too big for practical use for me. I’d go with the USP tactical or even a Glock 21 for a go to war full size 45
Did HK stop production of the Mark 23?
They run one batch of 200 pieces per year.
@@Headroom1001I’m not sure how many of the 200 make their way to the US market? Maybe #10-20? I was lucky to get a Mark 23 SOCOM last year.
@@nicknatuzzi2652 All of them. Mine had to be imported from the US while I live about 200 Mi from the German production facility.
I have a mark 23. Although I love it I got to admit that it is comically huge. Sometimes I feel like I should put a bipod on it during use. Lol
The French elite counter terrorist unit used a revolver on a bipod as a close range precision gun.
I think that you’re going outside of the point with comparing a hellcat to the 1911 or MK23…people are wanting these pistols for the 45acp chambering.
If you do own a MK23, Gunfighters Inc makes an excellent OWB holster for it. Very comfortable and the weight is distributed perfectly! Throw a long sleeve untucked plaid shirt or similar over the top and you’re good to go.
My two cents…
What a beautiful machine
Once the Magical Thinking Fear of printing is removed………. It’s very easy to carry
Anyone know if KAC will ever make their can for this again?
I can appendix carry mine surprisingly well
Hickock 45 pocket carry 😂
She thicc ❤
Ain't she tho? 😁
Just like old times.
I'll play devil's advocate because I had one and it just didn't live up to the hype imo. The gun is treated like a mythical object by some and a outdated pos buy others, and I feel it is in the middle.
The gun is iconic looking and above all, it is reliable. I also like that it can shoot 45 super, so it can fill the same roles you would expect from a 10mm. The decocker is pretty cool too.
The problem is that the gun costs double what a usp or fnx costs but provides nothing extra. It's accurate, sure, but the fnx is optic ready and that will make a bigger difference for the shooter. The capacity being 12 vs the fnx having 15 is a bummer too. The trigger on both the mk23 and fnx are not great when you compare them to other common da/sa guns in the market.
It's a beautiful gun but it reminds me of people who buy a new lifted jeep, they want the look and capabilities, but they dont actually want to put it through its paces.
Both guns were intended for military trials/purposes not for competition/target shooting. That being said I don’t mind the trigger pull on either. Are either overrated again considering the purpose for which they were designed/created for, no they aren’t.
@@thomaskingsbury6560 in my opinion a trigger over 12lbs isn't good. The triggers are smooth, so I won't call them bad either, but there are other pistols with much better triggers used in military service. It doesn't have to be a competition trigger but, it would be nice if it was more on part with a Beretta 92 series.
I consider it overrated because people put it on a pedestal. I bought into that and ended up with a outdated pistol that costs double what it probably should have.
Do you have the mk23? If yes are thinking about selling it?
@@thomaskingsbury6560 I don't any more. I sold it about 4 months ago.
MK23 is a great pistol, but a concealed carry defensive handgun it is not. I have a H&K USP Tactical .45, which is still pretty darn big for that purpose.
This pistol is literally designed to be the opposite of concealed carry
They meed to make the mark23 in 10mm it was made for it