REVIEW:
KWA and Umarex recently released the H&K MK23 SOCOM. It's the new and improved version of the older KSC model, updated with the NS2 system. With Umarex now holding exclusive rights to the Heckler & Koch name, KWA can now release pistols with HK trademarks stateside. This almost removes the need of having to import KSC guns from overseas solely for their trademarks......almost
The box: The swanky black Umarex box adorned with the Heckler & Koch logo and the company tag line "No Compromise".
![[Image: IMG_5385-1.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_ukoDyi2536EpOT6suYzSg_bwK7xwLDpuQU336TS9FeKB36Le9PclpwpsYDsqFdbNIA_IEj363mqHX-GR2zlBm1Zua9DyNVy-3EWF4JEH7WYwc3-aKm2uE1-w2-u2PFPIR8bnEq=s0-d)
Inside the box: The MK23, manual, hop-up adjustment tool, silicon oil and small bag of .20 bb's to chrono with.
![[Image: IMG_5379-1.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vZX3BVbroovpKVbLJzX7HDl_AcT6o98iNAPz6PwNxMEsuo0JX6qc37NI_DRPpwdi6-2YXlJDrU2FQsehsh2V63IzvEjopJyCM8dtR6FTE8o79Mge1Kbr13ugbqv2z5vCPgTUblWQ=s0-d)
The gun: The MK23 is handsome as it is heavy. Clocking in at 2.56 pounds it's the heaviest of all KWA's pistol offerings. It's solid with no wobble between the slide and frame however with the magazine inserted it does have a slight chatter. The length of the pistol is instantly noticeable measuring at 9.84". This is a long pistol
![[Image: IMG_5446.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tb58RxVfQmXsBU1wtFS7qSzdbII6NPEKowj9KX8W47hns_bcZ_NZrDBa8HPG8AkpP4RxIedpdrw0plsj-72yhpitm8_d2lPq14MKHceVisFSE6Dq8NP0SIbYuokuQxBCVrUac=s0-d)
Slide locked back: Revealing the polymer barrel which is slightly disappointing as I would've preferred aluminum but this was obviously a design choice to increase longevity and promote smoother cycling. The threading is 16mm clockwise like the real steel counterpart. This is an excellent attention to detail. Unfortunately most aftermarket suppressors use the traditional 14mm counter clockwise making it difficult to find one for it. The barrel also came with the threads painted blaze orange but for the sake of this review and myself, I removed it using paint thinner and retouched it with matte black spray paint. With the slide back you can also access the hop up dial through the breach using the traditional KSC/KWA tool.
A word of advice. Take it easy on the paint thinner if you decide to remove the orange paint as it will eat the plastic.
![[Image: IMG_5452.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_s3q-UWUTflHCrLP1Ip7HC9ikgyKuQCUsE7NqXCft63tQMw81jcfJ8n0tf6E3tb6Oidf2ug-Pq9_NJgKcLflfmTZSvj4qP5dfiXbgVWFLysOcT-G4tT98IguVHInmxpjrmdZUA=s0-d)
The grip and controls: The polymer appears to be different from what I've seen on KSC HK guns. It's smoother and softer to the touch. One interesting point I wanted to make. The checkering on the front and rear strap is aggressive on the hands, very much like real steel HK's. Gripping it instantly made me think of my USP!
The MK23 controls are accurate to real steel which featured ambidextrous safety, ambidextrous mag release. The decocker, and slide stop are on the left side for right handed shooters.
![[Image: IMG_5401.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tLfImaNX-K-0yDTywglQndk32kDyfYY-CP07pMKY7dFVGPohf3PQIZtnl5cdvqq19PybVBL-soovZhw5IFHrchGTbgQTiJgmIXC33nulDKndUp4KZmqUmxiDlPShrJUlq8Jw=s0-d)
Trademarks: Some are missing (proof marks on slide, patent numbering on grip) and slightly inaccurate but most of them are present.
HK .45 auto markings on the chamber
![[Image: IMG_5411.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vILYgQt7Xk_YoIIHLwXuyvd9n1JVvHhvFS7Qr3t6R1VjW5byPeCOIxQmxzN1fBuerlgJhaV_AnQ8YGKXu1piU2OSZVqu8x8T4puBKLaBVI2Ztr6b9ibkk_BeEZhtQ5VO6L1TA=s0-d)
Heckler & Koch Germany with serial number plate can be seen on the the frame.
![[Image: IMG_5448.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tomVnGoGJkQjj-iMriBNXPuowI-p0hi9E5MJYaZqFQvJd5mqJ6eeUJ3Fh405C1U2cBtbvW2kuPYjMrylElSne7eDn3vv5a6NpoCCnE-1joH1ePAyY9oixM1p0J-wFEaUO3bg=s0-d)
HK .45 on the lower left and right side of the grip
![[Image: IMG_5390-1.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uvi2NRkK1BNgvh0wpwmKue-lzzd7fHjk7IXy5m7nHwp88cBJM3XpEueSZh4Cc4PU8-8-m2EWRtla1veMGmc-XQaOAjDdVNDNA2XWRyfChBg6JF3ljs4EoeUccGagAysT48Bti_Jg=s0-d)
Painted on the right side of the slide is the KWA warning and below that is the H&K licensing.....All of the new KWA Umarex HK series guns seem to have this. I'm definitely not a fan as it ruins the look of the gun. Why go through the trouble of putting trademarks on the gun to achieve realism only to have it taken away by a warning. You can of course pay an additional $40 to import the Taiwanese version from overseas which doesn't have the warning, giving it a cleaner and closer likeness of the real steel counterpart.
![[Image: IMG_5403.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tCbjOnJrxA7osT2JyxHACKSNU5TvvMfzWEchTGEWzr4MD9fDWy2Hn0zgtGBhDt8R-bc9E1sUWFvFIO-JNNcfv-pwLJuxNGxg9R2Du3tbbbLlTt6H4jmwCag22uQD4sWn3Wd88=s0-d)
Sight Picture: The MK23 uses non adjustable 3 dot sights. The dots are bright and clear making the sights easy to align.
![[Image: IMG_5417.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uIL7ny8oR-QGnuJK2DDhqiUYb8VNYk2v-OLTuwK_7Uo6aY-r-7UH8rvDHyxucHrb1EbfH6fHtpB3d_aL-NB5dfoCGUh_jlwKTENSxACMGtEVvIo7ac0NgIeHJU55UXL7HXDmo=s0-d)
The Magazine: Full metal and holds 25 rounds. The follower has a locking mechanism to keep it down while you load. The lower side of the magazine has HK .45 engraved and HK on the base plate. The fill valve is located at the bottom through a hole in the base plate.
![[Image: IMG_5440.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tfqBbebq3UCjXArJMRrkzKP5wmfbwGHW1SrDkjA4-5To6Z91nDSPyg-j8yuH5o070DhM_ADDEcXSHugJU847irhZsl9f3bc8ZoqJ6ZwnVj3VKwB44n5xVXzIf6ss1Gcf2PLw=s0-d)
Chrono: I used the bb's that came in the box which I assume were .20
My Impressions:
The MK23 is a beast! Its huge, packs a punch and recoils harder then most gas blow backs. The ergonomics is a bit on the bulky side but I'm 6'3 and have big hands so it fits me perfectly. I would recommend those who are interested in purchasing it to try it out first. I bought this primarily to be used as field pistol so I wanted something with power and ruggedness and so far it feels capable of delivering. I'll be updating this review shortly with a field report. Pricing is a bit on the high side at $180 but if you're an H&K fan like I am, it's worth every penny. I do have a few initial complaints. The threaded barrel is polymer which makes me worried about potentially destroying the threads when holstering and unholstering. I have a H&K thread protector coming in a few days so at least that problem will be solved. Another gripe I have is that it still uses the old school hop up wheel for adjustments requiring the included tool. Not exactly ideal if you need to make minor adjustments during play and you'll have to carry a small tool you could possibly lose. And finally, the warnings on the right side of the slide are just plain ugly. Of course, I knew what I was getting into when I bought it but the more I stare at it, the more I wished I would have just ordered it from overseas. I'm going to take some fine grit sand paper and see what happens. I'll post pictures of the results later. And there you have it my friends......The KWA UMAREX Heckler & Koch Mark 23 US SOCOM
Sanding
Used 800 grit sand paper and water then retouch it with matte black spray paint. I was very surprised to find out how thin the layer of paint was on this slide. At about 6 swipes with the sand paper I was already staring at bare metal. Anyways, the KWA Warning didn't take much work to take off since it was painted on however the H&K Licensing was etched into the metal so it required me to sand through the paint onto the bare metal below to get to it. It turned out decent but the black is off a few shades and lacks the sheen it once had.
![[Image: IMG_5466-1.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u68i0bfZzMpF7Aw32Ejx62flPbawtrWdXpx_LBoqzlrs92pltXB9U3tuOVKk_vLAOU0De7hfQJ2yHhXYnWorktBuGubzeuikJIx5RqhWZCHH08rLHLTrjvQExdPkR6s4eL4UUFHw=s0-d)
H&K thread protector: The threading on the protector does not math the barrel. It's 16mm x 1.0 clockwise aka. Right Hand Thread. Trying to install it will effectively destroy your threads. I believe the thread pitch may be off. After the dissapointment wore off I decided to sand the threading down inside the protector and converted it into a slip fit. I left the remaining threads towards the front of the protector to screw it on the rest of the way. It's secure right now but definitely not what I had in mind...
Obligatory Picture Of Gun Displayed Tactically Atop of Military Gear In A Dynamically Angled Camera Shot:
![[Image: IMG_5617-2.jpg]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uNeOR9dxwsaCmgBxwcKAOH3mkO9EOS8bft5CH_gv4snL1VQH2s0Z6u6Ra_erbJTaQJ06uP7wQufNvPRBTKf2x7lKnD5S_ngsvhlM-kTdSkAp27V39LBecufXwsD2RZMIajVeEcPg=s0-d)
KWA and Umarex recently released the H&K MK23 SOCOM. It's the new and improved version of the older KSC model, updated with the NS2 system. With Umarex now holding exclusive rights to the Heckler & Koch name, KWA can now release pistols with HK trademarks stateside. This almost removes the need of having to import KSC guns from overseas solely for their trademarks......almost
The box: The swanky black Umarex box adorned with the Heckler & Koch logo and the company tag line "No Compromise".
Inside the box: The MK23, manual, hop-up adjustment tool, silicon oil and small bag of .20 bb's to chrono with.
The gun: The MK23 is handsome as it is heavy. Clocking in at 2.56 pounds it's the heaviest of all KWA's pistol offerings. It's solid with no wobble between the slide and frame however with the magazine inserted it does have a slight chatter. The length of the pistol is instantly noticeable measuring at 9.84". This is a long pistol
Slide locked back: Revealing the polymer barrel which is slightly disappointing as I would've preferred aluminum but this was obviously a design choice to increase longevity and promote smoother cycling. The threading is 16mm clockwise like the real steel counterpart. This is an excellent attention to detail. Unfortunately most aftermarket suppressors use the traditional 14mm counter clockwise making it difficult to find one for it. The barrel also came with the threads painted blaze orange but for the sake of this review and myself, I removed it using paint thinner and retouched it with matte black spray paint. With the slide back you can also access the hop up dial through the breach using the traditional KSC/KWA tool.
A word of advice. Take it easy on the paint thinner if you decide to remove the orange paint as it will eat the plastic.
The grip and controls: The polymer appears to be different from what I've seen on KSC HK guns. It's smoother and softer to the touch. One interesting point I wanted to make. The checkering on the front and rear strap is aggressive on the hands, very much like real steel HK's. Gripping it instantly made me think of my USP!
The MK23 controls are accurate to real steel which featured ambidextrous safety, ambidextrous mag release. The decocker, and slide stop are on the left side for right handed shooters.
Trademarks: Some are missing (proof marks on slide, patent numbering on grip) and slightly inaccurate but most of them are present.
HK .45 auto markings on the chamber
Heckler & Koch Germany with serial number plate can be seen on the the frame.
HK .45 on the lower left and right side of the grip
Painted on the right side of the slide is the KWA warning and below that is the H&K licensing.....All of the new KWA Umarex HK series guns seem to have this. I'm definitely not a fan as it ruins the look of the gun. Why go through the trouble of putting trademarks on the gun to achieve realism only to have it taken away by a warning. You can of course pay an additional $40 to import the Taiwanese version from overseas which doesn't have the warning, giving it a cleaner and closer likeness of the real steel counterpart.
Sight Picture: The MK23 uses non adjustable 3 dot sights. The dots are bright and clear making the sights easy to align.
The Magazine: Full metal and holds 25 rounds. The follower has a locking mechanism to keep it down while you load. The lower side of the magazine has HK .45 engraved and HK on the base plate. The fill valve is located at the bottom through a hole in the base plate.
Chrono: I used the bb's that came in the box which I assume were .20
My Impressions:
The MK23 is a beast! Its huge, packs a punch and recoils harder then most gas blow backs. The ergonomics is a bit on the bulky side but I'm 6'3 and have big hands so it fits me perfectly. I would recommend those who are interested in purchasing it to try it out first. I bought this primarily to be used as field pistol so I wanted something with power and ruggedness and so far it feels capable of delivering. I'll be updating this review shortly with a field report. Pricing is a bit on the high side at $180 but if you're an H&K fan like I am, it's worth every penny. I do have a few initial complaints. The threaded barrel is polymer which makes me worried about potentially destroying the threads when holstering and unholstering. I have a H&K thread protector coming in a few days so at least that problem will be solved. Another gripe I have is that it still uses the old school hop up wheel for adjustments requiring the included tool. Not exactly ideal if you need to make minor adjustments during play and you'll have to carry a small tool you could possibly lose. And finally, the warnings on the right side of the slide are just plain ugly. Of course, I knew what I was getting into when I bought it but the more I stare at it, the more I wished I would have just ordered it from overseas. I'm going to take some fine grit sand paper and see what happens. I'll post pictures of the results later. And there you have it my friends......The KWA UMAREX Heckler & Koch Mark 23 US SOCOM
Sanding
Used 800 grit sand paper and water then retouch it with matte black spray paint. I was very surprised to find out how thin the layer of paint was on this slide. At about 6 swipes with the sand paper I was already staring at bare metal. Anyways, the KWA Warning didn't take much work to take off since it was painted on however the H&K Licensing was etched into the metal so it required me to sand through the paint onto the bare metal below to get to it. It turned out decent but the black is off a few shades and lacks the sheen it once had.
H&K thread protector: The threading on the protector does not math the barrel. It's 16mm x 1.0 clockwise aka. Right Hand Thread. Trying to install it will effectively destroy your threads. I believe the thread pitch may be off. After the dissapointment wore off I decided to sand the threading down inside the protector and converted it into a slip fit. I left the remaining threads towards the front of the protector to screw it on the rest of the way. It's secure right now but definitely not what I had in mind...
Obligatory Picture Of Gun Displayed Tactically Atop of Military Gear In A Dynamically Angled Camera Shot:
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