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Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 (SOCOM Pistol) Semi-Automatic Handgun
The Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 was a specially formulated semi-automatic pistol developed for the United States Special Forces under the direction of United States Special Operations COMmand ("SOCOM") (corresponding Mk 23s are labeled as such along their slide assembly).
The weapon became a complete system known as the "Offensive Handgun Weapon System", pairing the reliable action of the Heckler & Koch USP (Universal Self-Loading Pistol) semi-automatic pistol (though slightly modified with a longer slide and barrel) with the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, a laser-aiming module (LAM) fitted ahead of the trigger guard and a sound suppressor for clandestine work.
Overall, the basic gun portion of the Mk 23 system took on a conventional form as semi-automatic pistols go. The finish was flat black, construction of metal and polymers and the trigger loop large enough for use by a gloved hand. The weapon was first requested by SOCOM in 1990 to replace the venerable Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP series.
Two designs were returned, one by Heckler & Koch of Germany utilizing the modified version of their USP pistol line and the other from Colt with a Knight's Armament suppressor. From these came 30 Phase 1 examples (30 delivered from each concern) for evaluation to which the Heckler & Koch design was selected ahead of the Colt submission in 1991. Interestingly - the Knight's Armament suppressor as fitted to the Colt design was selected ahead of the HK suppressor. The laser-aiming module selected was provided from Insight Technology. Testing continued throughout 1992 and into 1993 to which the formal procurement contract was announced in 1994 for some 1,380 pistols. The "Mk 23 Mod 0" was formally introduced in 1996 with deliveries forthcoming in May of that year. The Mk 23 enjoys continued service today with United States forces (including the Navy SEALs)as well as Indonesian, Malaysian and Polish special forces groups and special police units.
The subsonic nature of the .45 ACP in the Mk 23, coupled with the added suppressor, reduces the telltale audible sounds of the firing action and the integrated LAM allows for quick-reaction accuracy.
The LAM can project a visible or infrared dot as required and the optional assembly is backed by traditional tritium iron sights for low-light work. Overall weight of the system is roughly 5lbs when fully loaded and accessorized while overall length is 16.5 inches when the suppressor is fitted. The action of the pistol is semi-automatic with a short-recoil system and double-action trigger pull. The large .45 ACP is a proven man-stopper as pistols go and traces its fine lineage to the excellent M1911 pistol of 1911.
The pistol grip is well coated for a firm hold and there are ambidextrous safety and magazine release controls. The 6-inch barrel resides under the moving slide in the normal way while protruding ahead of the slide at the muzzle end for the intended suppressor. Operation of the weapon is as in any other semi-automatic weapon in which the slide is forced back with each successive shot, prompting a fresh cartridge to be pulled from the spring-loaded magazine fitted into the base of the pistol grip.
The standard magazine count is 12 x .45 ACP cartridges though - in the modified civilian market "Mark 23" variant - there stood a 10-round magazine to conform to the US Assault Weapons Ban (which has since expired). The Mk 23 system design takes special care in its firing mechanism to hide the recoiling slide by use of an additional recoil buffer making the SOCOM pistol system a particularly lethal special operations weapon where surprise is key. The lower recoil theoretically then, in turn, promotes improved accuracy. A slide lock s also built into the design which allows the pistol to be fired in the normal manner when the suppressor is in place in order to further keep the element of surprise in check.
Specifications for the Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 (SOCOM Pistol)
Semi-Automatic Handgun
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany
Initial Year of Service: 1996
Overall Length: 245mm (9.65in)
Barrel Length: 150.00mm (5.91in)
Weight (Empty): 2.65lbs (1.20kg)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: Semi-Automatic; Double-Action / Single-Action
Feed: 10- or 12-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 850ft/sec (259m/sec)
Range: 82ft (25m; 27yds)
Sights: Iron Front and Rear
Variants:
HK USP - Hecker & Koch model on which the Mk 23 Mod 0 is based on.
Mk 23 Mod 0 "SOCOM" - Base Series Designation firing the 45 ACP round; silencer and laser sight optional. Mark 23 - Civlian Market Variant; initially limited with 10-round magazine count as part of the now-expired Assault Weapons Ban (US). MARK 23 - Law Enforcement Variant
Operators:
Indonesia; Malaysia; Poland; United States
NEWS: Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 (SOCOM Pistol) Semi-Automatic Handgun
@Kaan @Slav Defence @Aeronaut @Oscar @Icarus @Xeric @AUSTERLITZ @mafiya @Chak Bamu @nair @Areesh @A.Rafay @Abu Zolfiqar @ajpirzada @Arsalan @Manticore @fatman17 @Luftwaffe
The Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 was a specially formulated semi-automatic pistol developed for the United States Special Forces under the direction of United States Special Operations COMmand ("SOCOM") (corresponding Mk 23s are labeled as such along their slide assembly).
The weapon became a complete system known as the "Offensive Handgun Weapon System", pairing the reliable action of the Heckler & Koch USP (Universal Self-Loading Pistol) semi-automatic pistol (though slightly modified with a longer slide and barrel) with the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, a laser-aiming module (LAM) fitted ahead of the trigger guard and a sound suppressor for clandestine work.
Overall, the basic gun portion of the Mk 23 system took on a conventional form as semi-automatic pistols go. The finish was flat black, construction of metal and polymers and the trigger loop large enough for use by a gloved hand. The weapon was first requested by SOCOM in 1990 to replace the venerable Colt M1911A1 .45 ACP series.
Two designs were returned, one by Heckler & Koch of Germany utilizing the modified version of their USP pistol line and the other from Colt with a Knight's Armament suppressor. From these came 30 Phase 1 examples (30 delivered from each concern) for evaluation to which the Heckler & Koch design was selected ahead of the Colt submission in 1991. Interestingly - the Knight's Armament suppressor as fitted to the Colt design was selected ahead of the HK suppressor. The laser-aiming module selected was provided from Insight Technology. Testing continued throughout 1992 and into 1993 to which the formal procurement contract was announced in 1994 for some 1,380 pistols. The "Mk 23 Mod 0" was formally introduced in 1996 with deliveries forthcoming in May of that year. The Mk 23 enjoys continued service today with United States forces (including the Navy SEALs)as well as Indonesian, Malaysian and Polish special forces groups and special police units.
The subsonic nature of the .45 ACP in the Mk 23, coupled with the added suppressor, reduces the telltale audible sounds of the firing action and the integrated LAM allows for quick-reaction accuracy.
The LAM can project a visible or infrared dot as required and the optional assembly is backed by traditional tritium iron sights for low-light work. Overall weight of the system is roughly 5lbs when fully loaded and accessorized while overall length is 16.5 inches when the suppressor is fitted. The action of the pistol is semi-automatic with a short-recoil system and double-action trigger pull. The large .45 ACP is a proven man-stopper as pistols go and traces its fine lineage to the excellent M1911 pistol of 1911.
The pistol grip is well coated for a firm hold and there are ambidextrous safety and magazine release controls. The 6-inch barrel resides under the moving slide in the normal way while protruding ahead of the slide at the muzzle end for the intended suppressor. Operation of the weapon is as in any other semi-automatic weapon in which the slide is forced back with each successive shot, prompting a fresh cartridge to be pulled from the spring-loaded magazine fitted into the base of the pistol grip.
The standard magazine count is 12 x .45 ACP cartridges though - in the modified civilian market "Mark 23" variant - there stood a 10-round magazine to conform to the US Assault Weapons Ban (which has since expired). The Mk 23 system design takes special care in its firing mechanism to hide the recoiling slide by use of an additional recoil buffer making the SOCOM pistol system a particularly lethal special operations weapon where surprise is key. The lower recoil theoretically then, in turn, promotes improved accuracy. A slide lock s also built into the design which allows the pistol to be fired in the normal manner when the suppressor is in place in order to further keep the element of surprise in check.
Specifications for the Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 (SOCOM Pistol)
Semi-Automatic Handgun
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany
Initial Year of Service: 1996
Overall Length: 245mm (9.65in)
Barrel Length: 150.00mm (5.91in)
Weight (Empty): 2.65lbs (1.20kg)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: Semi-Automatic; Double-Action / Single-Action
Feed: 10- or 12-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 850ft/sec (259m/sec)
Range: 82ft (25m; 27yds)
Sights: Iron Front and Rear
Variants:
HK USP - Hecker & Koch model on which the Mk 23 Mod 0 is based on.
Mk 23 Mod 0 "SOCOM" - Base Series Designation firing the 45 ACP round; silencer and laser sight optional. Mark 23 - Civlian Market Variant; initially limited with 10-round magazine count as part of the now-expired Assault Weapons Ban (US). MARK 23 - Law Enforcement Variant
Operators:
Indonesia; Malaysia; Poland; United States
NEWS: Heckler & Koch Mk 23 Mod 0 (SOCOM Pistol) Semi-Automatic Handgun
@Kaan @Slav Defence @Aeronaut @Oscar @Icarus @Xeric @AUSTERLITZ @mafiya @Chak Bamu @nair @Areesh @A.Rafay @Abu Zolfiqar @ajpirzada @Arsalan @Manticore @fatman17 @Luftwaffe
