H&K USP .45 vs Mark23

[NHKevin]

I have had a fullsize USP .45 for years and I love it. I have always lusted after the Mark23. Within a year, I plan to buy a suppressor. I could buy a threaded barrel for my USP... or... I could get a Mark23 to mount it on.

So the question here is how much better is the Mark23 over the USP? This would be a range and home defense gun. I've never shot a Mark23, but everything I hear indicates it is a friggen tack driver. Is it that much more accurate than a USP? Is there anything else about Mark23s I should be aware of?

 

[bsalie]

I own a bunch of USP's and I have handled a like new MK23 that my dealer has. the MK23 is huge, the gun is bigger is every way than a USP. I have big hands and like big framed guns, but I felt that a MK23 would be difficult to shoot well. That being said I would not mind having one for the collection.

 

[vellnueve]

The Mk23 is way overpriced for what it is (a tricked out USP)

 

[drgrant]

I have had a fullsize USP .45 for years and I love it. I have always lusted after the Mark23. Within a year, I plan to buy a suppressor. I could buy a threaded barrel for my USP... or... I could get a Mark23 to mount it on.

So the question here is how much better is the Mark23 over the USP? This would be a range and home defense gun. I've never shot a Mark23, but everything I hear indicates it is a friggen tack driver. Is it that much more accurate than a USP? Is there anything else about Mark23s I should be aware of?

They're both excellent guns but the MK23 is really in a class by itself. The MK23 is the definition of "overkill" in a polymer framed semiautomatic handgun. I wouldn't want to use one as an HD piece because I wouldn't want the cops stealing my $1800 pistol if I ever had to shoot a BG with it.

I had both and my MK23 was way more controllable than the USP was, but it depends on the size of your hands.

One thing to keep in mind... MK23 has RH threads and guns like the USP Tactical .45 have LH threads. So if you buy a can make sure you get the right one or the right adapter for the appropriate threads.

That said, if you want to save yourself a shitload of money just get a Glock 21SF. It is less accurate than the HKs but not enough to matter in 99% of the cases. If you can't deal with the grip angle an M&P .45 with a trigger job would be a close second.

I've had them all (nearly the entire HK pistol product line) and all my HKs are GONE. I just couldn't shoot them as well as Glocks, no matter how hard I tried.

-Mike

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The Mk23 is way overpriced for what it is (a tricked out USP)

You've never handled an MK23, apparently. It only sorta "looks like" a USP on the outside, the guns are very different otherwise.

-Mike

 

[ranger4-7]

I had a Mark 23 and eventually sold it. But I kept my full size USP, which I love. Besides being very large, I was not a fan of the nearly flush mounted decocked, I prefer the standard USP version. In terms of accuracy, I'm no operator, so I may not be the best test case, but I didn't shoot any more accurately with the Mark 23.
You can install a threaded barrel on a full size USP. You then have a sort of USP Tactical, without the raised sights that might be beneficial, depending upon which can you choose.
My thought is that if I lived in a state that permitted suppressors for us commoners, I'd get the threaded barrel from HK Parts.net and plop it in my full size USP. Next option would be to buy a USP Tactical (more expensive), last choice would be the Mark 23.

 

[vellnueve]

I've handled one... never shot it though. I don't like HK pistols in general.

 

[terraformer]

The MK23 is meant to be used in the gloved hands of a rabid Neanderthal. HK-45 tactical (or alternatively the older USP tactical .45) is the way to go. As someone pointed out, the Hks are euro LH threads as are factory threaded sigs. The Mk23 is RH (US std) and so are most aftermarket barrels you would get. Cans are available in both. No difference in performance for either LH or RH. You will lose your sights with most cans for .45 ACP. Aftermarket sights are available for some combos of guns/cans.

 

[JuergenG]

I wouldn't want to use one as an HD piece because I wouldn't want the cops stealing my $1800 pistol if I ever had to shoot a BG with it.

If I ever saw perfect logical reasoning - THIS IS IT!

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You've never handled an MK23, apparently. It only sorta "looks like" a USP on the outside, the guns are very different otherwise.

-Mike

Yep, way bigger gun and way different from the USP line.

 

[M1911]

The HK MK23, a crew-served weapon. That thing is frickin' huge.

 

[rutilate]

I love the idea of you getting the MK23. When will your USP be available?

 

[Mikie]

I fired a MK23 many years ago when they only cost $1300 new. They are large but not overly heavy and definitely very accurate.

 

[ivarr]

I don't like HK pistols in general.

i just am not a fan of external extractors, otherwise i'd be all over the mark 23