Last time, we disassembled the slide of an early production run KSC Mk23 SOCOM pistol CO2 ABS.
This time, we will proceed with disassembling the remaining frame portion.
Before going into detail about the disassembly, let me first give my impression after finishing the frame disassembly: the structure is so unique to KSC that the mechanism is complex, making it very difficult to explain in detail in the disassembly section, as usual.
In this frame disassembly section, I will only introduce the disassembly method without going into too much detail. The detailed mechanism and assembly method will be described in the later customization section.
*This article aims to provide educational explanations from a mechanical engineering perspective regarding the safe hobby use of airsoft guns.
This does not promote acts of violence, the use of weapons, weapon modification, practical evaluation, or violation of laws and regulations.
Frame disassembly
First, remove the thumb safety.
The direction in which you adjust the thumb safety is as follows:
To remove the thumb safety, unscrew the grub screw shown in the following picture.
Remove this grub screw using an Allen wrench (inch size).
When you remove it, the lever, the ball for the click feel, and the spring will come out, so be careful not to lose them.
Next, we'll remove the magazine catch.
Remove the pin shown in the following picture to release the magazine catch.
Please note that this pin has a specific orientation for removal.
To carefully remove these pins, we recommend using a pin punch, block, and plastic hammer as shown in the following picture.
Signet Pin Punch Set
It's not a luxury brand, but it's a recommended mid-range brand in the automotive industry that offers good value for money. Plus, it's inexpensive.
Eagle Force Maintenance Bench Block for Handguns
It's incredibly convenient to have. Moreover, it's designed for handguns but can also handle longer firearms, making it very useful. In fact, I personally didn't see the need for their M4 version.
Vessel Plastic Hammer
It's inexpensive, sturdy, and long-lasting. For a good balance of control and power, the 1-pound size is recommended.
Use these to remove the pins.
When the pin is removed, the individual parts will come out as shown in the following picture.
Next, we will remove the hammer spring.
To remove it, use a punch to remove the pin at the base of the grip.
Removing the pin will reveal the hammer spring and hammer spring housing.
Next, we will remove the trigger.
Remove the pin to remove the trigger.
After removing the pin, remove the trigger spring.
This completes the disassembly of the trigger (I forgot to take pictures of the trigger and trigger spring).
Next, we'll remove the hammer mechanism unit.
Remove the pin that secures the frame to the hammer mechanism.
Be careful, as there's a specific direction in which to remove this pin.
Next, we'll remove the decocking lever.
The decocking lever is simply held in place by friction, so you can remove it by lifting it with a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
Now we're ready to remove the hammer mechanism unit.
The hammer unit can be removed by moving it upwards on the frame.
This is a photo of the hammer mechanism unit.
Other side
We will now disassemble this hammer mechanism unit.
Next, remove the screws on the knocker return and the hammer pin shown in the following picture.
The knocker return is secured with a hexagonal bolt, but it's loosely fastened, so you can easily remove it by gripping it with needle-nose pliers and turning it.
Now you can completely disassemble the internal workings of the hammer mechanism.
The disassembly is now complete.
Summary
Normally, I would explain the detailed mechanism and other aspects while disassembling it, but this time, due to the unique mechanism and the large number of parts, I decided to write an article that only covers the disassembly method.
I'll write an article about the more detailed internal mechanisms in the customization section.
My overall impression after disassembling it was that, in addition to KSC's unique mechanism, the sheer number of parts made it a very challenging process.
The mechanism of the real SOCOM pistol is inherently complex, so it feels like the gas blowback version retains that complexity.
One of the positive aspects of the product is that, as expected from a KSC domestic production kit, it appears to use many high-quality materials and precision components (such as sintered parts). Furthermore, the assembly was done very carefully.
One drawback is that, as is often the case with KSC products, there is hardly any grease applied. Also, and this might just be the case with my unit, but there were several areas where the sheet metal parts had noticeable burrs.
The points to be adjusted going forward are as follows:
- Removal of burrs
- Polishing and greasing of each sliding part
Making these changes should significantly improve the user experience. So, next time, I'll assemble it while making improvements to the points mentioned above.
Thank you for your time.
Next time, we'll be covering custom frames.
KSC Mk23 SOCOM Pistol CO2 ABS
This is the only gas blowback model of the SOCOM, and I highly recommend it.
KSC Mk23 SOCOM Pistol CO2 27-round Spare Magazine
Up until now, obtaining spare magazines from KSC was quite difficult (past tense). The future is uncertain.
KSC Genuine CO2 12g Cartridges (50-pack)
If you don't have any particular preferences, this isn't the only option (the price is a bit on the higher side). While 50 bottles might seem like a lot, they'll run out quickly. At your own risk, you might be better off with something cheaper.
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