H&K MK23 USSOCOM (KWA)

[Zarvan]

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The Highly anticipated H&K MK23 USSOCOM by KWA release is upon us, so we thought we would look more into what makes this GBB so desirable.

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For our research, we will first look at the real steel counterpart for which this weapon is based on. Then we will look at past incarnations of the airsoft variant, and how this new release will compare to them. First, the real steel info:
The Heckler & Koch MK23 Mod 0 is a handgun consisting of a match grade semi-automatic pistol, a laser aiming module (LAM), and suppressor. It was adopted by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for special operations units in the 1990s.
While the designation applies to the complete system, it's also commonly used in reference to the pistol component itself. The pistol itself, chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge, was developed by Heckler & Koch, and was selected over the Colt OHWS through USSOCOM's Offensive Handgun Weapon System (OHWS) program. The LAM and suppressor were developed by Insight Technology and Knight's Armament Company (KAC), respectively.

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The MK23 Mod 0 was built as an "offensive" handgun for U.S. special operations forces under USSOCOM, as per request made in 1989. Military versions of the firearm have the writing "MK23 USSOCOM" engraved on the slide.
The MK23 is considered a match grade pistol, and is capable of making a 2-inch (51 mm) group at 50 yards (46 m), roughly 4 MOA. Production began in 1991, and it was the basis for the HK USP, which began production in 1993. The MK23 has exceptional durability in harsh environments, being waterproof and corrosion-resistant. It uses a polygonal barrel design, which is reported to improve accuracy and durability. It also features an ambidextrous safety and magazine release on both sides of the frame. The magazine release is at the rear edge of the trigger guard, which is wide enough to allow the use of gloves. A decocking lever is on the left side, which will silently lower the cocked hammer. The MK23 is part of a larger weapon system that includes an attachable laser aiming module, a suppressor, and some other features such as a special high-pressure match cartridge (.45 +P ammunition).
The firearm was tested and found to be capable of firing tens of thousands of rounds without a barrel change. It remains reliable in harsh conditions, making it suitable for use by special forces. The .45 ACP round has considerable stopping power, and yet is subsonic making it suitable for use with a suppressor. Additionally, its shared design characteristics with the Colt M1911 pistol have made it easy for people who have experience with a 1911 to field strip and properly clean the MK23.

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However, the firearm's large size and weight have resulted in some criticism. In response, HK developed the USP Tactical pistol based on the original USP; the Tactical retains much of the performance of the MK23 without the bulky size. It uses a different suppressor (due to left handed threading, as opposed to right-handed on the Mk23 ). An even more compact pistol than the USP Tactical for counter-terrorist and special forces use is the new HK USP Compact Tactical, which also has its own optional LAM. The USP-CT is lighter and is also capable of fitting a suppressor, making it a prime choice for Special Forces on covert operations.
The proposed Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) was intended to accept match grade and +P ammunition. However, it is not clear if the JCP, which absorbed the earlier SOF Combat Program, will be used alongside or replace the MK23 handguns. As of 2006, the JCP has since been renamed and restructured.
The airsoft H&K MK23 USSOCOM:

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Tokyo Marui released a fix slide, all plastic version of the MK23 to rave reviews. Included in the quality hard plastic gun case, we will find a suppresser and mock LAM unit. It also featured full H&K trademarks and threaded barrel. The TM MK23 is powered by green or red gas. After filling the magazine with ammo and gas, you could install the suppresser unit and LAM unit. The suppressor, though metal in form but mock in function, is actually filled with a foam insert, reducing some of the noise that came from the weapon. But because the slide is fixed, and doesn’t actually function or provide kick back, it isn’t too loud in the first place. The plastic LAM unit has a small bulb that simulates a flash light, but doesn’t illuminate enough in front of the user to be considered effective. The real draw to this gun is its quiet, accurate and hard firing. It shoots 330 FPS and is semi fire only, and would be used as a great secondary weapon, if it were not for its large size, and awkward oversized holster to accommodate the suppresser and LAM unit. Tokyo Marui also release a spring loaded version.

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Tokyo Marui SOCOM Mk23:
Gas Injected Pistol with Semi-Automatic Shooting Mode
Innovative Hop-Up Thumb Dial located inside the gun (can see after dissemble the slide)
Tokyo Marui SOCOM Mk23 is authentic replica
Excellent Craftsmanship as always by Tokyo Marui
Textured grip and authentic engraving on grip & slide
16mm Clockwise Barrel Thread
Detachable LED Flashlight (LAM Unit)
Ready for Green Gas (HFC22), achieving 330 FPS of muzzle velocity (Power)
Matt Black Finish look very realistic
Complete package come with plastic carry case

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KSC also released a variant of the MK23 socom. This gbb is all metal, has a functional slide, threaded barrel and provided blow back. There were a few different variations of this release, including those that were region exclusive, Like Japan and Taiwan, and included version names such as “Heavy Weight Socom Pistol Prototype (Phase II) GBB” and “Heavy Weight Commercial GBB Pistol”.
KWA announced that they would be releasing a version of the MK23 called the “SPECWAR”. This release was recently cancelled due to KWA purchasing the right to Heckler and Koch, and the new release will feature full trademarks. It will now say HK M23 USSOCOM identical to the real steel weapon. KWA has announced a spring release, before June of 2011. It will feature KWA’s inclusive N2S gas system. Please check back for any future updates, as we will keep you informed on the latest info regarding the much anticipated KWA H&K MK23 USSOCOM.
A direct link from KWA:

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