[Callahan]

I just bought my first HK, a used MARK 23. It was a demonstrator and has about 500 rounds through it. There is some wear on the finish, especially on the barrel. I live in France and the gun is currently in Germany. Because both are part of the EU, there's no problem getting the pistol from Germany to France, but there is a lot of paperwork and it will probably take a couple of months before I actually get it. Which brings me to my question. Is there anything that I can/should do about the wear to the finish? Is it possible to send it back to HK to have it refinished? Any idea what that would cost? Since the gun is going to remain in Germany for a couple of months, I figured that this would be the time to do something, if something needs to be done.

Here's the link to the auction site (I tried unsuccessfully to load pictures): eGun

 

[azimuth]

That wear is typical of every Mark 23 that has been fired. Even if you send it back, unless they use a different finishing process than the original, it will wear the same and within a few hundred rounds it will look like it does now. The only Mark 23s that look pristine are unfired which is like being married to a super model and never sleeping with her. Just shoot and enjoy it.

 

[skullbox]

That wear is typical of every Mark 23 that has been fired. Even if you send it back, unless they use a different finishing process than the original, it will wear the same and within a few hundred rounds it will look like it does now. The only Mark 23s that look pristine are unfired which is like being married to a super model and never sleeping with her. Just shoot and enjoy it.

What he said. The wear on the bottom of the barrel happens very quickly. The oversized recoil spring rub against it and mine was starting showing wear on the barrel after about 50 rounds.

 

[G3Kurz]

I just bought my first HK, a used MARK 23. It was a demonstrator and has about 500 rounds through it. There is some wear on the finish, especially on the barrel. I live in France and the gun is currently in Germany. Because both are part of the EU, there's no problem getting the pistol from Germany to France, but there is a lot of paperwork and it will probably take a couple of months before I actually get it. Which brings me to my question. Is there anything that I can/should do about the wear to the finish? Is it possible to send it back to HK to have it refinished? Any idea what that would cost? Since the gun is going to remain in Germany for a couple of months, I figured that this would be the time to do something, if something needs to be done.

Here's the link to the auction site (I tried unsuccessfully to load pictures): eGun

It's a special three part/layer coating. The top coat is just for looks - the metal is still well protected below that even when scratched. Doubtful HK will refinish it as they don't build the MK23/Mark23 any longer and HK USA does not do refinishing and never did do the KTL/Maritime as used on the Mark 23. They all wear like that when operated, fired so just accept it as normal.
G3Kurz

 

[Callahan]

Thanks to azimuth, skullbox and G3Kurz for the sound advice. That will save me some money that I can put towards something else (like a silencer - which don't require any special permission here in France - or another HK).

 

[osageid]

Not best pics but I bought my mark23 two weeks ago. Not best pics but you get my point.

 

[AGG]

Congratulations on the acquisition!!! :biggrin:
Since it will be a shooter, do not be concerned :wink:
Are replacement barrels available to you?

Tony

 

[Callahan]

I don't know why replacement barrels wouldn't be available, but I have no idea of the price. And I wouldn't be surprised if you either have to get a special permit for a new barrel or have to turn in your old barrel. Here in France they wouldn't want you to be collecting spare parts to build an unregistered gun.

 

[AGG]

Post a "WTK" in the "HKPRO BY State/Region", and then "Europe", at the bottom!!! :wink:

Tony

 

[DBLAction454]

Congratulations on the new MK23! Sorry about all the red tape you have to get through in France to buy a gun but it'll be worth it.

I don't know what you can do about the finish other than to get used to it. Finish wear is like a badge of honor for HK's but I will always prefer to keep my gun looking like new as long as I can. Goodluck!

Start saving money. HK's are very addicting :25:

 

[mag]

Wear on a HK barrel is like a dog wagging its tail.

 

[skullbox]

I wish I could get a can without having to wait 6 months. Anyways, here is the wear on my barrel:

 

[SFMarine0311]

I wish I could get a can without having to wait 6 months. Anyways, here is the wear on my barrel:

It's actually longer than 6 months now lol. It will be 7 for me in two weeks. The wait is killing me. I remember in good 'ol sept I was so optimistic about having it before xmas and shooting it outside in the snow. Lol winter is long gone..bring on spring.