MK23 USSOCOM by Tokyo Marui

[Hahn]

All,
I currently own LPEGs only, and have decided, much like most of you I assume, to heavily research before I drop 250 bucks plus on an AEG, and 150 plus on a sidearm. In all honesty I am still up in the clouds on an AEG; I have always loved the HK MP5k from movies and video games, but after checking out the P90 and F2000 I was quickly won over by both of those. I seem to prefer PDW’s as opposed to conventional SMGs and Rifles, I don’t know why. Anyway, I have found, thru some research a sidearm that I believe suits me to a T, but I wanted to check and see if I could get a word or two from some more experienced than me before really deciding. I have found the MK23 SOCOM, what Solid Snake used in Metal Gear; that is not the only reason it appeals to me though. Every review I read either boasts or dismisses the fact that the MK23 is so large. Personally I like the idea of a larger sidearm; if only there was a tactical .50 DE I would be in heaven, except for the silencer part. Anyways if anyone has had the opportunity to use this sidearm please give me your opinion; even if you have not I would love your 2 cents. Thanks,

[jawinn]

Where will you be playing?

[[VAF]PlasticMag]

I used to own one. The finish is mediocre (it's great by LPEG standards, but toyish by AEG standards) but the range is ENORMOUS. It can outrange LPEGs and lower-powered AEGs. Mag holds 28 rounds, the LAM is useless, but a nice accessory, and the gun with the silencer on is DEAD silent.

Great for woodland, not so hot for CQB because, being a Non-blowback pistol, the slide doesn't cycle and it's harder to make quick follow up shots.

[Hahn]

Jawinn - MilSim. very little to no traditional CQB....yet

[VAF] - i heard it has a heavey trigger, but am hoping that could be modded


Also, I am searching for an alternative LAM, or hopping to Mod the existing Lam. any ideas?

[jawinn]

Jawinn - MilSim. very little to no traditional CQB....yet


Ok, the other thing to consider is what sorts of guns the other players are using. Are they all pistols, MPEG, LPEG, AEGs? You should get something compreble or slightly better than everyone else IMO.

If you are playing outside, milsim, I would recommend you just go out and get a nice outdoor AEG. Something along the lines of a Classic Army M4.

[Hahn]

what about a decent LAM? i want a good one to replace the one that comes with. i have searched but found nothing less than the 1000 wilcox for a Mark 23

[John Woo]

They dont really make that many LAMs for airsoft....in fact, i know of only the one made for the KSC Mk23 and that one is worthless. The real wilcox LAM is horribly expensive. hell, LAMs and laser/light integrated units are expensive in general. still, Streamlight makes an integrated laser/light for about 250. it fits standard picatinny rails (which btw, wont fit the Mk23 without a rail adapter) but with the price tag of that one and any other real laser/light or LAM unit, youd might as well buy a high end AEG

[jawinn]

Hahn,

What is your reason for wanting a LAM? If you are playing mostly outside it seems like you would barely use it. Indoor CQB play would be the best place to have one.

[[VAF]PlasticMag]

Hahn - yes, trigger pull is heavy, and no, you can't ease it. But, it's the price to pay for the incredible range.

As for LAMs, you can fit ones designed for other pistols because several companies make a rail adapter for the RL and AS SOCOMs.

There is a Wolf Industries one, but my experience with it is limited.

[Hahn]

Jawinn - mainly cosmetic. the thing that lured me to Airsoft is the realism, and asthetic as opposed to what looks like heavey duty water guns in paintball (excluding a few decent brands). I am positive many if not all of you have added something to your aegs/sidearms for purely asthetic reasons.

John Woo- Thanks for the heads up. tinkering has always been my thing anyway so i might need to get creative with a LAM

[VAF] - i was really hoping i could lighten the trigger, but the range would make it worth it.



i really think this will be my first purchase as far as a higher end weapon. i have yet to decide between a P90 and a HK MP5k PDW for an AEG. The only other gun i see right now that looks amazingly awesome is the HK G36 SL9 Sniper Rifle from STAR. maybe i will go straight HK on everything, i do like the KSK/GSG 9 loadouts, so "Ja, das is gut"

[jawinn]

Jawinn - mainly cosmetic. the thing that lured me to Airsoft is the realism, and asthetic as opposed to what looks like heavey duty water guns in paintball (excluding a few decent brands). I am positive many if not all of you have added something to your aegs/sidearms for purely asthetic reasons.

i really think this will be my first purchase as far as a higher end weapon. i have yet to decide between a P90 and a HK MP5k PDW for an AEG. The only other gun i see right now that looks amazingly awesome is the HK G36 SL9 Sniper Rifle from STAR. maybe i will go straight HK on everything, i do like the KSK/GSG 9 loadouts, so "Ja, das is gut"

I haven't (I'm too poor :)) but there are a ton of guys who have.

If you are undecided between the PDW and P90 I would recommned the P90. The reason is that the P90 is waaaaaaay more upgradable. Ask Team PAIN, the P90 experts here.

I have an MP5K (basically a PDW w/out a stock and barrel extension) and the only upgrade you can do is add a super high speed motor. You can add a larger battery but it will have to be external, which is less realistic. Plus it has broken on me about three or four times in the last year. I can't speak for the realibility of the P90.

BTW if you decide to go with a P90, Dave here at Acme, may be selling his.

Lastly you should still give us an idea of what sort of guns your fellow players will have. That may alter our recommendations.

[Hahn]

right now LPEGs like Mp5s and M4 CQB's, JLS Glocks and such. i may be the first to buy a mid-high level Airsoft weapon

[[VAF]PlasticMag]

Hahn - it was my first high end gun, you won't be dissapointed.

[Hahn]

Thanks to everyone for the help with all the questions. i spent the past month and a half researching websites and what-not determing if the TM P90 and TM Mk233 GNBB would be a good setup for me. I just completed an order on Trinity's site for the TM Mk23 and a gas canaster to start off, and plan on getting the P90 and some extra P90 mags next month or so (it is my birthday, which means i can actually talk the wife into spending some $ on a 'cheap little toy'- her words, not mine). any way i am extrmely anxious to get my order and finally have a decent Airsoft weapon!

...Any Ways thanks again to everyone who helped out with questions and all.