Greetings!
Just use the search function and type in: mk 23

You will get tons of info

Here is one thread...http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103056&highlight=mk+23

there are hundreds or perhaps thousands of threads with info

http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96836&highlight=mk+23
I would buy a Tactical and then if I just had to have one...get the MK23 also.

Hired Gun

 

i would buy an MK23

and i say that having both, but to each his own! either way you can't lose! <3 welcome to the club

 

I've owned, handled, and shot both. Here's the one I still have:

 

...
What is the difference between the 2?Thanks!!

Here is the main differences - quoted directly from the Heckler und Koch web site.

Enhanced versions of the USP, the USP Tactical models are designed for users who need the features found on the HK Mark 23, but in a more compact pistol. Both pistols approaches the precision found on the Mark 23 by adding an extended threaded barrel with a rubber O-ring, adjustable trigger, and adjustable target-type sights.


The .45 ACP model of the USP Tactical is constructed on the USP45 frame. The 9 mm and .40 S&W Tactical models are built on the USP 9mm/40 caliber frame. The 9 mm variant is also known as the USP9 SD.

I love my Tactical .45! =)

 

Buy the Mark 23.

I bought the Tactical, thinking it was a suitable compromise. It's half the price and not only has all the same functionality, but is arguably better. The USP Tactical has a match trigger and adjustable sights - the Mark 23 has neither. The USP Tactical has a combined safety/decocker - the Mark 23 has separate levers for each function. The USP can be set to safe with the hammer down or cocked. The Mark 23 safety only works if the gun is cocked. The Tactical is also smaller and easier to carry concealed - the Mark 23 is really, really big.

Both guns can be fitted with a suppressor, and both can accept a laser/light. The USP series has tons of lasers and lights available - the Mark 23 has only two, and the cheapest is $1400 or so.

As I mentioned, I bought the USP Tactical, thinking it would be close enough to a Mark 23 to make me happy. It wasn't, and I now have one of each. I like the Mark 23 more. If you think there is a chance that you'll regret not buying the "real deal" just get the Mark 23 and save yourself the cost of a Tactical.

Or just buy both.

 

Think of it this way:

The Mark 23 is a Humvee

The USP Tactical 45 is a Hummer

 

No, it's more like the Mark 23 is a Humvee, and the USP Tactical is a Jeep Wrangler.

 

I'm pretty sure the Mark 23 is still being made since several stores Phoenix had them a couple months ago. If you buy one you won't be disappointed UNLESS you plan to mount a light on it. It was mentioned above, but can't be stressed stongly enough, there is no way to mount a normal light such as a TLR-1 on it. The only choice is a LAM with sells $1400 or more IF you can find one. A couple months ago I thought about buying one and couldn't find one. Just as well.

 

Your post is old but.....I have a TLR-1 mounted on mine. You buy the adapter from HKparts.net

 

No, it's more like the Mark 23 is a Humvee, and the USP Tactical is a Jeep Wrangler.

Sorry, but you can't get away with insulting my USP45T by comparing it with a Chrysler product. I'm thinking a better comparison would be the Mark 23 being a Mercedes G-class and the Tactical being a Porsche Cayenne S. Afterall, they are made in Germany.

 

+1

 

MK 23 are alive and well - they are still being produced by HK in Germany.

 

What could have been

I looked in the FAQ section but did not see the info I seeked. I am relatively new to HKs and wanted to know if:

The MK23 is still made?
Is the USP Tactical a mk 23 replacement?
What is the difference between the 2?

Thanks!!

Is the USP Tactical a mk 23 replacement?
No. USP45T began life as a smaller, less expensive alternative to the MK23 for a US Unit that at that time was looking for a suppressed and reliable .45 ACP pistol. First named in concept by the undersigned as the "USP45SD" it was developed from the full size HK45 with USP Match parts and threaded barrel added using a modified (modified recoil booster) for the KAC MK23 can. The gun had been selected as the new "service" pistol by the organization but only less then 2 weeks later to be rejected due to politics within the unit (M1911 politics).

What is the difference between the 2?
Size, cost, long term performance (durability), accuracy somewhat (from a rest), operating controls (too many on the MK23 - not modular) and accessory rail (solely unique) mostly. Had the then USSOCOM CG allowed a small schedule slippage to occur in the OHWS (MK23) program the eventual MK23 would have been closer to the USP45 in size (1-2" shorter), but that idea was rejected. For 95% of the average users the USP45T is a better choice, the HK45T an even better choice due to the improved ergonomics and MIL STD 1913 accessory mounting rail. Of course new offerings from other vendors, like the fine .45 ACP S&W M&P with manual safety, give it a very good run for its money due to improved trigger pull characteristics.

MK23 was developed to specs compiled by a joint user panel - ended up being very good at many things but simply too big and cumbersome for most user purposes. The MK23 was what SOCOM asked for. The USP45T was more what HK would have offered if the specs and program would have allowed it. Sadly it did not. A great gun (great BIG gun!) without a home.

G3Kurz

 

Is the USP Tactical a mk 23 replacement?
No. USP45T began life as a smaller, less expensive alternative to the MK23 for a US Unit that at that time was looking for a suppressed and reliable .45 ACP pistol. First named in concept by the undersigned as the "USP45SD" it was developed from the full size HK45 with USP Match parts and threaded barrel added using a modified (modified recoil booster) for the KAC MK23 can. The gun had been selected as the new "service" pistol by the organization but only less then 2 weeks later to be rejected due to politics within the unit (M1911 politics).

What is the difference between the 2?
Size, cost, long term performance (durability), accuracy somewhat (from a rest), operating controls (too many on the MK23 - not modular) and accessory rail (solely unique) mostly. Had the then USSOCOM CG allowed a small schedule slippage to occur in the OHWS (MK23) program the eventual MK23 would have been closer to the USP45 in size (1-2" shorter), but that idea was rejected. For 95% of the average users the USP45T is a better choice, the HK45T an even better choice due to the improved ergonomics and MIL STD 1913 accessory mounting rail. Of course new offerings from other vendors, like the fine .45 ACP S&W M&P with manual safety, give it a very good run for its money due to improved trigger pull characteristics.

MK23 was developed to specs compiled by a joint user panel - ended up being very good at many things but simply too big and cumbersome for most user purposes. The MK23 was what SOCOM asked for. The USP45T was more what HK would have offered if the specs and program would have allowed it. Sadly it did not. A great gun (great BIG gun!) without a home.

G3Kurz

which is still in production today, 18 years later

with the law of supply and demand, I'd say I think it found a home ...

 

True indeed - for collectors. I was referring to the original intended SOF users. Few used it though Crane did assemble 500 MK23's from the parts kits purchased with the weapons and issued them out for OIF/OEF for those who wanted a bit more than a 9mm M9.
G3Kurz

 

I have/had both, and now I only have the Tactical.

 

This may be a stupid question but how do you aim this with the can on?

 

I posted this awhile ago...while I still had my Tactical...

http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86370

 

Thanks for all the input!!!!!

 

so what did you decide? there's huge threads of love/hate in the search forums on this topic.

i too was having this battle in the past. i now have and love both of them. i think if everyone was being honest, $ and practicality is the only reason not to have both. they both have a place in a shooter's armory.

 

I have both and agree. I however would have to say that even the USP 45 Tactical is too big for me to use for anything but a home defense gun. So between the two, if i had to just choose one, it would be the Mark 23, as the size doesn't really matter anyway. But if I could just have one period, it may be the USP CT instead.

 

I think I'm going with the USP for now as I would rather have more light options than a $1400 one at this point. I'm not opposed to owning both but will have to get one at a time.

 

I would say the biggest difference is in construction, while they are similar in appearance, function and over all design, everything on the Mark 23 is much more heavily built than on the USP45 line.

Here are a few photos I took showing the differences in size and construction between my MK23 and my USP45 Tactical, also notice the different 3 coat finish of the slide and the plated corrosion resistant pins and small parts of the MK23

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical01.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical02.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical03.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical04.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical05.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical06.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical07.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical08.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/Gixer1000/Handguns/Mark23vsUSP45Tactical09.jpg


Over All Length - Mark 23 = 1.01” longer
Mark 23 = 9.65”
45 Tactical = 8.64”

Over All Height = Same (in fact the Tactical is taller when using a mag with the extended floor plate)
Mark 23 = 5.90”
45 Tactical = 5.90”

Width Frame - Mark 23 = 0.03” wider
Mark 23 = 1.29”
45 Tactical = 1.26”

Width Slide – Mark 23 = 0.03” wider
Mark 23 = 1.16”
45 Tactical = 1.13”

Width Over All With Controls – Mark 23 = 0.02” wider
Mark 23 = 1.52”
45 Tactical = 1.50”

Barrel Length = Mark 23 = 0.78” longer
Mark 23 = 5.87”
45 Tactical = 5.09”

Weight = Mark 23 = 0.52 lb Heavier
Mark 23 = 2.42 lb
45 Tactical = 1.90 lb

 

awesome analysis, almost deserves its own thread.

I just got a Mark 23 and am looking for another in TAN. I love it.

I would say ... [SNIP] ...

 

HKman you are the best! Thanks for all the great info on the Mk23. I have the Tactical, but someday I will have the big daddy!

...great photography by the way...not everyone can do that will with these shots...

 

n90guy - Get the Mark 23. You won't regret it.

 

Red Cobra - What kind of light is that on your Mark 23? I like it better than others I've seen. Any idea if you can buy one new and if so where? Thanks.

 

Lee123 - It's the LAM (Laser Aiming Module) by Insight Tech Gear. They were contrated by SOCOM to produce the visible, IR, and white light aiming device for the Offensive Combat Handgun contract.

 

That's about some of the best HK porn I've ever seen! Sweet!

 

Thursday morning Mk23 gun porn! It just keeps getting better.

I have the Tactical and I know where a NIB Mk23 sits for a good price. It is just a matter of money!

 

That is the Insight LAM unit. Link

 

You use taller sights to be able to see over the can (not sure if the MK23 comes with those or not)

 

The Mark 23's sights although normal hight are sitting on elevated portions of the slide itself, this makes them tall enough to see over a can. HK would not have over looked that for a gun designed to be issued as a "weapon system" which included a suppressor. =)

I personally don't know what all the fuss is really about with the tall sights and can's. sure it is nice, but I wouldn't be target shooting with a can attached if I were using it in the military or some such thing. It isn't like the Can covers up the sights, you still see them like normal, and you just see a small bit of the Can in the way of your vision, but not enough to obsure the target by any means. If I were trying to shoot an Apple off a kids head (poor example, i know) I wouldn't want the Can there. but for combat accuracy, i don't think it makes any difference.

Plus, I would never have time to attach the suppressor in a defensive need that I would find my self were i lucky enough to have my tactical sitting next to me, and if I did, the courts and lawyers would have a hayday with it.

For those reasons, I would just assume have normal low rise sights. =) just my 2cents.

 

Big Bore and Red Cobra - Thanks for the response regarding the Insight LAM!

It took some looking, but last night I came across a good deal on a slightly used one. It should be here in a few days. They seem impossible to find new.