That date code will have the Hostile Environment finish (matte black) v. the earlier Maritime finish (shiny)!!! :biggrin:
Go to the HKPRO Members' Gallery (below)--- there is a Mark 23 section there that you can compare pics to the one that you are thinking about buying--- or post clear pics here. :wink:

Tony

 

As AGG said, it should basically look like a USP finish more than what you are describing. But, how is it otherwise, for 1450 if it has 2 mags, eagle case, it's a good deal.

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The MK23 I looked at comes with 2 magazines, owners manual, black plastic HK carry case but it's missing the thread protector. I thought 1450 was a great price but maybe it's priced at 1450 because the finish isn't factory original. The shop owner said he wasn't sure if the finish was original or not since he doesn't have many come into the shop. I didn't disassemble the gun but I did notice when the slide was locked back you could see the same crinkle/textured finish on the inside of the slide.

 

Offer him $1000 (I wouldn't offer a penny more) and send it to HK CS to have the factory finish restored on the slide - and have them provide you a thread protector while its sent in -

 

It is the factory finish. You are seeing the final painted finish that is applied by HK. It is not durable, it's soft and chips easily and looks like ****. But that's part of Mark 23 ownership, I have one myself. $1,450 is a great deal but I would haggle just for the sake of it. lol Don't let it slip away! I wish HK would stop applying that last coat of black paint and leave the Hostile Environment finish alone so they would look like the USP series but they won't. I don't need my gun to withstand a 96 hour salt spray or whatever. But that's part of the appeal for some folks.

 

If he is looking at a Maritime finish, then chipping is to be expected, and at 1450 it would be in hand already, as SOCCOM units are desirable even with some chipping . Newer mark 23s do not chip. As stated, it should look like a USP finish on new stock guns.

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If we had pictures, we could put an end to this speculation.

 

Here you go. Look towards the end of the slide. I imagine this is exactly what the OP is describing. The black paint is rough, not smooth like the HE finish on a USP. And on high edges, it chips. The entire muzzle area of this slide has small chips, a few around the sights, etc. And this one has never been holstered and no more than 600 rounds through it. When time allows I will fix that!

 

BE Date code, no paint.

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I am by no means trying to start an argument here, but your photo shows the factory painted finish that is applied over the HE finish. HE alone does not scratch like that. I can also see the waviness and a couple chips. Also, do you see the little indentations in your finish? That's from where the paint is soft and has been dinged. I miss G3kurz. He explained this finish process in detail once and he would tell you the same. I don't recommend it, but you could take a knife and scrape that paint off your gun with ease. It would then reveal the standard HE finish, which yes, is on USP's.

 

A pic is worth a million posts.

 

I decided to pass on the MK23, if anyone is interested the gun is at a shop called Tanners Sports Center, located in Jamison, PA. Tanners is a great shop and the will ship to your FFL. Thanks for everyone's advise I appreciate it.

 

Ahhh its at Tanners? Agree they are a great shop, if I still lived above the Mason Dixon I'd go look at it and snap some pics - they are a great group of people there -

 

Unusual that it is not listed in their GB auctions!!! :biggrin:

Tony