Heckler - Koch Mk.23 mod.0 US SOCOM pistol (Germany/USA) Characteristics Caliber: .45 ACP Action: Double Action Length: 245 mm Height: 150 mm Width: 38,8 mm Weight: 1100 g Magazine capacity: 12 rounds This handgun was developed under request from US SOCOM (Special Operations Command) and entered the competition with Colt for OHWS - Offensive Handgun Weapon System - first offensive handgun for US Military since the adoption of the Colt M1911 Govt. The request was issued in mid-1991, and the only other major competitor to H&K was the Colt company with its SOCOM pistol. By the 1993 H&K delivered first prototypes of its contestant, and eventually HK SOCOM pistol became the Mk.23 model 0 pistol, issued by US Special Operations command to its operators. The Mk.23 mod.0 is chambered for venerable .45ACP cartridge, which provides greater stopping power than a NATO-standard 9mm Luger cartridges. Mk.23 mod.0 is designed to safely and reliable fire most powerful .45ACP +P ammunition, either with ball (FMJ) or expansive (JHP) bullets. Mk.23 mod.0 is usually issued with quick-detachable silencers, made in USA by Knights Armaments Co, and with laser pointing module, which installs on the underbarrel rails. First production Mk.23 model 0 pistols were delivered to users in 1996. In general, the Mk.23 mod.0 is an extremely reliable and quite powerful combat pistol, the only drawback being a somewhat excessive size and weight, so, in some cases, operators prefer to carry smaller and lighter HK USP Tactical pistols, which share most features of Mk.23 mod.0. Heckler-Koch also produced a civilian version of the Mk.23 mod.0 pistol, designated as Mark 23, which is sold with 10-rounds magazines, to comply with US laws. The Mk.23 mod.0 is a short recoil operated, locked breech semiautomatic pistol. The barrel locks to the slide using one single lug, which fits to the ejection port in the slide. The patented dual recoil springs arrangement allows for decreased felt recoil and increased service life of pistol. Frame of the gun is made from high-strength polymer. The double action trigger system features a separate decocker lever, an ambidextrous safety, which allows for cocked and locked carry, and a slide stop. Enlarged triggerguard allows for comfortable shooting when wearing gloves. Ambidextrous magazine release lever is located in the base of the triggerguard, and should be depressed down to release magazine. Both front and rear sights are equipped with luminous dots, and mounted in dovetail grooves. HK Mark 23 45 Socom The Mark 23 gives shooters absolute match grade accuracy - yet they exceed the most stringent operational requirements ever demanded of a combat handgun. One of the most thoroughly tested handguns in history, the MK23/MARK 23 project originated in 1991 when HK began development for the U.S. Special Operations Command, the unit that directs the activities of America’s most elite military units, including the NAVY SEALS and the Army Special Forces. Following stringent comparative trials, on May 1st, 1996 the Mk23 was adopted as a service pistol under the designation MK23 MOD.O. Among others the following tests had to be passed successfully: • 30,000 round endurance firing test with + P ammunition • Extreme temperatures +73°C/-54°C • 96 hours saline mist test • Sand, dust and sludge tests • 96 hour surf simulation • Harshest drop tests • Accuracy and the highest precision The frame mounted de-cocking lever, separate from the ambidextrous safety lever, allows the hammer to be lowered safely and quietly. When the hammer is down, the ambidextrous frame mounted safety lever is locked in fire position so that the pistol is always ready for Single Action operation. During testing, the USP had to meet the most stringent operational and accuracy requirements ever demanded of a combat handgun. Endurance testing demonstrated a service life of over 30,000 rounds of + P ammunition. To meet the reliability requirement, the pistol had to demonstrate a minimum of 2000 mean rounds between stoppage (MRBS). All pistols in the test exceeded the 2000 MRBS with an average of 6000 rounds. In more than 450 accuracy test firings from a precision firing fixture, Mark 23 pistols far exceeded the US Government requirement, averaging under 37 mm. MK23 The MK23 Mod O .45 cal SOCOM offensive handgun was developed by H&K specifically for U.S. Special Operations Command, and in 1996 was adopted as a service pistol under the designation MK23 Mod.0. This is a .45 caliber weapon with excellent knock-down power and accuracy, but its tradeoff is that it’s larger, heavier and less wieldy than the Sig Sauer P226 and P228. The MK23 gives shooters absolute match grade accuracy, while it also exceeds the most stringent USG operational requirements for a combat handgun. The MK23 passed the following tests to ensure it would stand up to rigorous Navy SEAL use: • 30,000 round endurance firing test with + P ammunition • Extreme temperatures +73°C/-54°C (+ 160/-60 F) • 96 hours saline mist test • Sand, dust and sludge tests • 96 hour surf simulation • Harshest drop tests • Accuracy and the highest precision The MK23 is extremely reliable. In environmental testing, an unlubricated pistol was exposed to two hours of seawater at 66 feet, and in surf, sand, mud, and icing conditions. In firing testing, all pistols averaged 6,000 rounds between stoppage (MRBS). And in more than 450 accuracy test firings from a precision firing fixture, MK23 pistols far exceeded the USG requirement, averaging under 37mm. The MK23 has a special recoil-reduction system, which softens recoil forces to the components and shooter by 40%. It is a double/single-action pistol with a 12-round magazine. It is designed to attach a KAC Sound Suppressor, which is so effective that U.S. SOF say that all they can hear when the gun is fired is the sound of the action. The MK23 can also attach a high-tech Laser Aiming Module (LAM) which consists of a 3-dot system of white, self-luminous tritium dots. The LAM operates in one of 4 selected modes: visible laser only; visible laser/flashlight; infrared laser only; and infrared laser/illuminator. The MK23 is kept in the armories of both the SEALs and the Special Boat Teams. Specifications: • Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch • Caliber: 45 ACP • Weight w/o magazine: 4.22 lbs. (w/suppressor) • Length: 9.65 in. (16.56 w/suppressor) • Barrel Length: 5.875 in. • Capacity: 12+1
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 15:48:56 +0000
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