The H&K Mark 23 was originally developed at the request of the U.S. Special Operations Command, and combines the match-grade accuracy of a custom-made pistol with some of the most stringent operational requirements ever demanded from a combat handgun. To ensure the utmost reliability, the Mark 23 had to demonstrate it could be fired at least 2,000 mean rounds between stoppages (MRBS). This test was conducted with both standard ball ammunition and +P ammunition, and resulted in a minimum MRBS of 6,027 and a maximum MRBS of 15,122. Endurance testing confirmed a service life of well-over 30,000 rounds of +P cartridges, and a series of 450 accuracy test firings averaged to a 1.44-inch grouping at 25 meters. 65 of these groupings were less than one inch, and four of these groupings had five rounds going through the same hole. The Mark 23’s reliability, endurance, and accuracy can be partly attributed to an innovative O-ring on the barrel which seals the barrel in the slide until unlocking. Other tests included exposure to a variety of environmental conditions. These included immersion in salt water and surf, contact with salt-fog, sand-dust, and mud, as well test firing in +140 F° and -250 F°. The Mark 23 easily exceeded these environmental requirements thanks to a special maritime surface coating.
In addition to being one of the most thoroughly tested handguns in history, the Mark 23 comes equipped with a wide array of user-friendly features. The barrel is threaded for the installation of muzzle devices, and utilizes a unique polygonal bore profile which increases muzzle velocity and service life, as well as reducing bore fouling. The Mark 23 comes standard with a frame-mounted de-cocking lever which quietly lowers the hammer from the single-action position. When the hammer is down, the ambidextrous safety lever locks into the fire position so that the pistol is always ready for double-action operation. When the hammer is “cocked and locked” in single action mode, the de-cocking lever is blocked so the pistol is always ready for single-action operation. Other features of the Mark 23 include a mechanical recoil reduction system that reduces recoil by up to 30%, an accessory rail, and an ambidextrous magazine release.
Features of the H&K Mark 23:
- Barrel: Threaded with O-ring and polygonal bore profile for increased muzzle velocity and service life
- Controls: Ambidextrous safety and magazine release, frame mounted de-cocking lever
- Other features: Adjustable sights, match-grade trigger, accessory rail, corrosion resistant maritime finish, mechanical recoil reduction system