[b][u]KWA H&K MK.23 Review[/u][/b]
[IMG]http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3073/dsc0142sx.jpg[/IMG]
This gun was loaned to me by the staff of Dogtag Airsoft. I want to thank them for letting me review the KWA H&K MK.23.
[b]First Impressions[/b]
I had already purchased a TM MK.23 years ago, so I was well aware of the size of the gun before I picked it up. But it couldn't prepare me for how hefty feeling the KWA MK.23 is with it's full metal slide. It is massive, no doubt about it. The grip is larger than those found on USP's, takes a little bit of getting used to.
Firing it for the first time was nice. With such a large slide you definitely feel the recoil from every shot. Though the kick did feel about the same as my KWA KP45 Tactical.
The gun comes with a single double stack magazine, instruction manual, warranty information, small bag of bbs, lube, and a hop-up adjustment key.
[IMG]http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8632/dsc0141ng.jpg[/IMG]
[b]Externals[/b]
At first look the KWA MK.23 is a great looking pistol. The slide is full metal and the trademarks on it are laser etched. I would have preferred if the markings were actually engraved into the slide, but that's just me. The lower frame of the pistol is all plastic and does feature H&K trades engraved into the grip.
[IMG]http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7294/dsc0144zb.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6496/dsc0149at.jpg[/IMG]
The barrel is made of plastic and features a 16mmx1mm CW thread, same as those found on KWA's USP Tactical pistols. There's also a thin green o-ring towards the tip of the barrel. I'm not sure why this is there, perhaps as some sort of buffer to slow down such a large slide. "H&K .45" can also be found engraved into the rear of the barrel.
One thing I don't care for is the white warning message laser etched onto the slide. Personally I feel it ruins the look of the gun.
[IMG]http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9849/dsc0146i.jpg[/IMG]
[b]Functions[/b]
The MK.23 is loaded with a bunch of controls, but due to it's size it can be a bit awkward reaching for some of them.
The trigger is fairly easy to reach. Still need to add more info and pics.
The MK.23 features an ambidextrous safety. The safety lever is small compared to those found on other pistols, but it gets the job done. It's located on the far back of the pistol so it can be hard to reach for those with small hands. The safety can only be engaged when the hammer is cocked back.
Another nice feature of the MK.23 is the decocking lever located directly in front of the safety on the left side of the pistol. It doesn't protrude from the grip much so getting a good hold of it while wearing gloves could be a problem for some.
The slide release feels like it's placed too far forward on the slide, but the real cause of the problem is the decocking lever makes the grip longer. The end result is you have to reach really far with your thumb to press the slide release. I've found it easier to press the slide release with my off hand thumb, or to just pull back the slide after reloading.
The magazine release is like that of all USP's. It sits at the back of the trigger guard protruding from the grip. To release the magazine, simply press downward on either side of the ambidextrous magazine release.
The MK.23 features a three dot sight. They have been raised to allow the user to still see their target while having a mock suppressor installed.
[IMG]http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6163/dsc0150cz.jpg[/IMG]
[b]Internals[/b]
WIP
[b]Compatibility[/b]
Despite KWA's USP mags looking nearly identical to MK.23, they do not fit in the MK.23. Unfortunately for someone like me I would have to go out and buy more mags instead of using my current KWA USP mags.
Since I own a TM MK.23, I decided to test if the LAM and mock suppressor would work with the KWA MK.23 Turns out they both fit and it makes it look great. The mock suppressor does have an issue though. When you pull the slide back, the back end of the suppressor hits the front of the frame. With the addition of washer or something this can easily be resolved.
[IMG]http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4019/dsc0157hb.jpg[/IMG]
[b]Performance[/b]
I used the KWA MK.23 during Dogtag Airsoft and Black Ops Airsoft's sponsored game at Fort Ord. With over 400 players on the field you would think getting an opportunity to use the MK.23 in game would be easy. Turns out it wasn't. Honestly I didn't make any confirmed kills with it, but I did see how it performed. I was using .25g bbs and green gas. In stock form it was under hopping, but I eventually adjusted that. Despite a strong cross wind the MK.23 kept hitting roughly the same place shot after shot. With some extra mags I believe the MK.23 would have been great to use at a place such as CQB City.
When firing it I did notice the slide seemed sort of sticky feeling when I shot it. Probably could have used some more lube, but I think it just needed to be broken in some more.
[b]Conclusion[/b]
Overall the KWA MK.23 is a good gun, but it's massive size is it's biggest issue. If you can get around the size and find a nice holster for it then this may be a pistol for you.
Now I leave you with some side by side pictures of the KWA MK.23 and TM MK.23.
[IMG]http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2110/dsc0152ei.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6755/dsc0155oi.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6614/dsc0156pz.jpg[/IMG]
Looks sexy Ender, i love it! Great. Now i want one.
I want to shoot this one too. Urkkkkk you really need to bring over some of your coolest guns sometime :v:
Have you shot the KWA 1911's? If you have which one has a better overall feel?
what is the gas use like?
AaAAaaaaAaAA
Major nitpick: but you kept doing "it's" instead of "its" and "USP's" when it should have been "USPs"
[QUOTE=JoonazL;32113506]Have you shot the KWA 1911's? If you have which one has a better overall feel?[/QUOTE]I shot one a long time ago. The grip is much thinner for sure, not really my style. I prefer double stack mags. Honestly all GBB pistols are starting to feel the same for me on how they shoot. It's just the shape of the gun that's different.
[QUOTE=wewt!;32113512]what is the gas use like?[/QUOTE]
Enough to get through one full mag. This was on a 65 degree day too.
Would you recommend it?
[QUOTE=Dark Descent;32118377]Would you recommend it?[/QUOTE]
I would, i had the lucky chance to shoot one at ACQB. The kick is nice, and the build is solid.
Honestly I rather go with a USP, just the fact that you can find an affordable retention holster makes it better in my book. For the MK.23, you're sort of stuck with an expensive safariland if you want a retention holster. You won't catch me using universal holsters anymore, too many lost mags to ever use them again.
If you want a gun to look forward to, wait for the KWA HK.45, that gun is awesome.
It's between this and a custom 1911 build. The MGS fan in me lusts for both guns~
Honestly it depends on first preference, then grip size. Myself, i grew up with M9s, so any size fits me. Be it USP, 1911, etc, it fits.
Now unlike the TM one, this is GBB right?
I think the new video answers that questions
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y55EbRNxwjw[/media]
I want one with a laser and a silencer just because I can
Good luck finding the LAM for it.
[QUOTE=xXEnder007Xx;32192706]Good luck finding the LAM for it.[/QUOTE]
I've got one. ohohohoho
[QUOTE=TaiwanesePrick;32208747]I've got one. ohohohoho[/QUOTE]
Yeah I know YOU have one.
How big is it? Like could you get a side-by-side with a USP Tactical or a 1911?
It's like the size of one of those 6" or 7" HiCapa race pistols
i think it's frame is larger too
Well, it's a fucking .45. It has to be big.
it's still a fat fucking pistol
i like it but my tiny mitts won't agree with the grip
I can grip any pistol because of my quality up bringing with m9s and 1911s.
Sorry, what is a LAM?
[QUOTE=wallyroberto_2;32218973]Sorry, what is a LAM?[/QUOTE]
Laser Aiming Module
Thank you.
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