Heckler & Koch Mark 23

Description

Overview of the Heckler & Koch Mark 23 airsoft

The Heckler & Koch Mark 23 airsoft is a semi-automatic large-frame pistol chambered in .45 ACP. It is was developed for the Offensive Handgun Weapon System (OHWS) project in 1989 to standardize a pistol for the United States Operation Command (USSOCOM) while fitting the needs of the SOCOM. The OHWS was to be a system made of a pistol, a sound suppressor and a LAM (Laser Aiming Module), and the pistol was designed more as a primary weapon than as a backup, using the high-powered .45 ACP round. In august 1991, the H&K and Colt were awarded with contracts for development of the OHWS pistol.

The development of the Heckler & Koch Mark 23 airsoft involved three stages;

Phase I: Had the manufacturers provide 30 prototype pistols, sound suppressors, and LAMs. Colt was eliminated at this phase.

Phase II: Involved Physical testing and delivery of 30 additional pistols and suppressors.

Phase III: Involved a production contract of 1,950 OHWS systems, now classified as the MK 23 Mod 0. H&K based their design on their then-in-development USP design, and the pistols were delivered in 1996. The LAM and the suppressor were developed by Insight Technology and Knight’s Armament Company respectively.

While the MK 23 Mod 0 designation usually applies to the whole system, it is also commonly used to refer to the pistol component alone. The pistol was also sold in the civilian market, designated the Mark 23.

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Type: Semiautomatic
• Barrel Length: 5.9″
• Length: 9.7″
• Weight: 2.7 lbs
• Capacity: 12+1
• Fire Modes: Semi-Auto (DA/SA)
• Muzzle Velocity: 260 m/s