AFAIAC, the only difference to many people is that some can afford only (the cheaper) one not the other or both. For civilian use, Tac 45 will do 100% of a Mark 23 does just fine. I don't want to argue with those saying that Mark 23 is in its own class (which was part of the reason I bought mine), but to me it's worth the extra dough. If you have a chance to shoot both, then you will see for yourself. I am not saying that Mark 23 shoots twice better than a Tac 45, but it fits in my hand and shoots like no others.I saw an add for an HK Mark 23 for $1700 and an HK Tacktical 45 for $900. They were both 45 acp and they looked the same in the ad,so what are all the differences between them to make one cost $800 more? I am just looking for a 45 with a light rail to keep in the bedroom for security and I am very happy with my HK rifles,but I don't know anything about their pistols so what do you guys recomend for me? Thanks in advance for any helpfull answers. John
The mark 23 has a special rail that takes a specific (expensive) light. It does not fit any other gun. You would be better off with the tac, but I think that is overkill. A regular USP or USPc in .45 would be cheaper and just as good for what you want to do with it. The P2000 has the 1911 light rail which would give you alot to choose from in a light but it does not come in .45. The USP and USPc has a special rail also that takes a specific light that runs between $100-$200 dollars depending on where you buy it. There are several companies that make adapter rails that converts it to the 1911 style lights.
No, the SOCOM uses a rail that is even more specific than the USP rail. A light that attaches to the SOCOM should have a mounting system that not only clamps onto the rail but also screws into the trigger guard.
Thanks for the good info. I did not know about that special HK light rail, I was looking for something in 45acp that has a more universal light rail. Is there a standard light rail for most pistols,if so what is it? I have read diiferent things in the ads for lights such as: "1913", "GlockRail", "Picatiny", "Weaver Style" and now this special HK light rail. What are the differences? Which one do you guys think will become the standard? I don't want to end up with a "Beta VCR" that won't take the now standard "VHS tapes."
Also,would any of you post pictures of the Mark 23 or Tactical 45 with the "Vortex Flash Suppressor" on it and or any Sound Suppressors "Silencers"?
Thanks again for all the help.
They were originally designed in Texas.My god that Mk 23 is huge...why is it so much larger than the tactical??