[GunRunner]

Hey, first off I just wanted to get something going on the HK end. I know that with all my friends owning Beretta 92's (which I have nothing against, in fact I love them too) I often feel I am standing alone a the range most of the time. Anyway... I am purchasing real estate in Iraq soon, actually in the process now. Of course this topic could bring so much politics, but I hope you guys can steer clear of that. So, I am in the market for a GOOD RELIABLE pistol and have always been in love with the HK USP series. Now, since I will be out of the US I have many an option for accessories and have always thought it would be fun to have a silenced pistol.
At the range I have shot the USP in 9mm and .45. There are obvious differences in the rounds, but I wanted to know what you guys think about purchasing either the Mark 23 (.45) with the B&T silencer or the USP9-SD (9mm) with the B&T Silencer?
Oh yeah, please don't bash me on my lack of knowledge or something like that. I am here for help, not criticism, hehe. I get enough of that from my friends and their better groups (target wise).

Anyway, just for added info: The gun would mainly be used as a carry weapon for defensive purposes. Will be subjected to harsh environments (marine, desert, Iraq (lol)).

Ciao,
Mac

 

[El Padrino]

Have you ever shot a Mark 23? I was getting ready to create a post asking anybody if they had shot the Mark 23. Looks like a super fun gun to own and shoot. I almost purchased one a couple of weeks ago but bought a Browning o/u instead. Maybe my next purchase will be one.
Anyways my vote goes for the M23. If it's good enough for the the Special Forces hopefully it will meet your expectations.
On another subject, I'm in the real estate business and am curious what kind of deal you got going in Iraq. I may be missing your humor if it was a euphemism for being deployed but if not let me know; I would love to hear what you have planned.

 

[GunRunner]

It's funny now that I think about it. I often shoot at a range and either rent a pistol ($10 and I can shoot any gun - even go back to the counter and get a different one, no charge) and for some reason I have yet to actually shoot the Mark 23 at the range. I have shot the USP 9mm and the 45 as I said before, but I am now anxious to feel the difference in the Mark 23 and the USP 45. The last time I shot a 23 was back in the service. Hmm, damn being busy this weekend. Maybe I'll squeeze it in Sunday and tell you guys what I have to say about it.
Sometimes I think I would feel like a prick buying the gun because I'm not that great of a pistol shooter, but then I think if I'm going to put my life on the line with the gun, why not shell out another grand. After all, money is no cost when it comes to life.
As to Iraq - I'm no soldier and not being deployed there. I [will be] run[ning] business operations there.
Thanks for your input!

--Update: Going shooting tonight, I'll tell y'all how the USP 45 compares to the Mark 23 (in my opinion)

 

[Cleric]

We want to hear about the Mark 23!

On the side of durability (and I cringe to say it), ever considered a Glock? Seems to fit a lot of your criteria (they even have a fancy desert-colored model).

 

[GunRunner]

S**T! Is all I can say after shooting the Mark 23!

Of course, by that I mean, now I have to go buy one! I was secretly hoping I wouldn't feel any difference between it and at least the Tactical ($1000) cheaper, but I did. I hadn't shot one since the service, but it all came back. The extra length both felt better and was easier for me to handle. It really is a tactical grade offensive weapon and a REALLY good one at that. I'm no pistol expert, but I wouldn't want to be on the other end of those sights with even somebody like me at the grip.
I always figured that hand built quality was awesome in terms of extra reliability too. Grrr, I'm just so mad in how much I like it. It's like the first time I shot a beretta shotgun and realized how much more I liked it than the sh*tshooter I was using.

As far as a glock - I see exactly what you're saying. It definately rivals in durability. I think it's more that I just have always had some love for the HK pistols - maybe not even performance, just one of those weird preferences. Kinda nostalgic back from my service years. The 10mm glock sounds pretty cool too. Of course, now after shooting the Mark 23, I can't wait to go buy one sometime soon.

Ooo, almost forgot, I have found that surpressors are much more availible for the HK pistols than glocks. Kind of just a hobby side of things for me.