KSC Mk23 ソーコムピストル CO2 ABS Review　

This time, I'm doing a complete, unboxed review of the KSC Mk23 SOCOM Pistol (CO2) ABS, which is from the very first production batch (I acquired it on the release date).

For the past year or two, KSC has mainly been re-releasing past models and has hardly released any completely new models. So, in early March 2023, they suddenly announced the sale of the CO2 model of the Mk23 SOCOM pistol and began taking pre-orders, which was quite a shock, and I immediately pre-ordered and got one.

My generation was around 18 years old when the Metal Gear Solid games were released, so we were right in the middle of that generation. I have a lot of emotional attachment to the Mk23 SOCOM, and the announcement of this product was a shock (I've grown up along with the Metal Gear Solid series, and of course I've played all of them).

I had a strong attachment to the Mk23 SOCOM, so I used to own a KSC 05HK (Hard Kick) Mk23 SOCOM ABS, but its functionality out of the box wasn't great, and even with my skills, I couldn't get it to work properly in airsoft games (so I ended up selling it).

The 05HK's operation was pretty weak, even on good days, with a weak "pop, pop" blowback. Usually, after the second or third shot, raw gas would be blown vertically from the chamber (my friend called it an ectoplasm gun because of how the raw gas was being blown out).

Since my 05HK was in such a state, I looked for a properly functioning Mk23 SOCOM and it seems that the overseas manufacturer KWA is selling one on System 7.

However, even if I could purchase the main unit from KWA, the limited availability of magazines and replacement parts prevented me from making the purchase.

Of course, I own both the fixed-slide gas gun and the air-cocking Mk23 SOCOM (not yet reviewed) from Tokyo Marui, but the lack of blowback is undeniably disappointing (although its actual shooting performance is outstanding).

KSC's previously underwhelming Mk23 SOCOM has made a huge leap forward as a CO2 blowback model, so I'm reviewing it with high expectations.

Check the outer box and contents.

This is the outer box.

This is a completely new design, a departure from KSC's previous designs. It seems to be a design that was slightly influenced by the Metal Gear game packaging and cardboard boxes.

This is the back side.

The usual target was not printed. Instead of a printed target, there was a QR code on the last page of the instruction manual, which apparently allows you to download the target.

This is the side.

The side has a serial number and a sticker indicating JASG compliance. JASG certification means it can be used not only for airsoft games but also for competitions (Steel Challenge), which I think is an important point for some people.

Incidentally, I have hidden the serial number because it will be used for the KSC new product giveaway campaign from March to May 2023, which is the time of writing.

I'll open the box.

It features KSC's usual simple interior. Also, the magazine is attached to the main body, which is typical of KSC style.

Here is a list of the contents.

The contents other than the main unit and magazine are as follows:

My unit seems to have all the contents, so if anyone who has purchased it is worried, please use this as a reference.

There's one disappointing thing about the instruction manual: it lacks the incredibly detailed real-firearm explanation pages that are a great feature of KSC products.

As far as I know, KSC's explanations used magazines like Monthly GUN as references, but I suspect they can no longer include them due to copyright issues, as many of those magazines are now out of print.

Overall review of the exterior

This is a side view of the entire structure.

Other side

As we already know, the size is quite large.

Next is the hold-open state.

Other side

The recoil is accurately reproduced, and the barrel tilts upward when the slide is held open.

In terms of overall texture, the material of most of the visible parts (both slide and frame) is ABS resin, so the paint adheres well and it looks good. Also, with ABS resin, if the paint or finish is poor, it can look cheap and shiny, but there is no shine visible when it is new (I don't know what will happen with use).

To give you a rough idea of ​​the texture and size of KSC's Mk23 SOCOM, I've placed it next to Tokyo Marui's fixed-slide gas gun Mk23 SOCOM and KSC's USP.45 (it might be hard to tell from the photo).

Next, I'll try to see if the silencer and LAM (Light Attachment Module), which are genuine parts included with Tokyo Marui products, can be attached.

Let's try equipping these.

Other side

Basically, it was possible to equip silencers and LAMs.

However, it's important to note that KSC uses inch screws for the LAM's fixing screws (trigger guard section) (as stated in the instruction manual), while I wasn't sure what the screw standard was for Tokyo Marui's LAM, so I didn't tighten the screws.

However, the grip on the rails felt good, so it seems like it's okay even without tightening the screws.

Even so, it's been scaled up even further, and I think its overall length is probably longer than the MP5K or MP7 with their stocks folded.

We will measure the weight without the magazine.

At 625g, it's relatively light for its size. Well, it's not a heavyweight model, so I suppose that's about right.

This is the weight with the magazine attached (without gas cylinder or ammunition).

At 955.5g, it falls into the heavier category. The real gun, fully loaded, weighs approximately 1.2kg, so this one is about 250g lighter.

Slide appearance details

This is a photo of the entire slide.

The slide and outer barrel are made of ABS resin.

We'll look at each section of the photos.

Muzzle section

The muzzle features an M16 positive thread, one of the defining characteristics of the Mk23 SOCOM. However, since the outer barrel is made of ABS resin, its strength is probably not very high, so care should be taken when handling it.

The rifling appears to be a well-reproduced polygonal rifling, a technique HK excels at.

The front sight is made of metal. A distinctive feature of the sight is its height, as it is designed with the assumption that a silencer will be attached.

The website has a dot-based design, but instead of being painted, it's made of embedded white resin chips, giving it an elaborate look.

The front sight has a left/right adjustment function, which can be moved left or right using a screw on the underside of the slide (requires removal of the slide).

Next is the engraving section.

The engraving on the markings appears rather shallow overall.

This is a .45 caliber, which is rare in military use these days. From what I've researched, it seems that it can also use the rare .45+P high-powered ammunition.

Next is the rear section.

Its distinguishing features include a small hammer and a tall rear sight.

Let's take a look from above.

The rear sight is made of metal and is adjustable left and right.

Next, cock the hammer and take a look at it from behind.

The filing pins are accurately reproduced as movable parts (they move with a click when pressed).

Let's look at the other side of the slide.

Let's take a closer look at the chamber and extractor section.

The engraving on the chamber is shallow and reads HK Cal.45 23-0747 B, which is likely the ammunition used and a gunpowder inspection mark, such as a nitro proof.

The extractor is a separate metal part and surprisingly, it works. Pressing the rear end of the extractor causes the front end to lift up.

We will weigh the slide.

At 245.5g, it's quite heavy considering its size despite being made of ABS resin.

From my experience, the slide assembly weighs around 150-200g (including the heavy weight), which puts it in the top class in terms of weight.

Frame exterior details

This is a photo of the entire frame.

Its distinguishing features include a unique rail system based on HK standards and a fairly large trigger guard (the controls will be explained in the next section).

The grip is rather thick, as you'd expect from a .45 caliber double-column pistol. It's difficult to handle with one hand, but it feels just right when using both hands.

I think this is because the concept of the real gun is a pistol as a main weapon, so it's designed to be handled properly with both hands, not something that can be used with one hand in a sudden situation.

This is what it looks like when I, a 175cm tall Japanese person with average-sized hands, grip the handlebars (my hands are small for my height).

Because of this design, you'll basically need to grip it firmly with both hands when using it.

Let's look at the other side of the frame.

Features include the airsoft gun's serial number, manufacturer markings, and the US PATENT markings, indicating the US patent number.

I'm curious about what kind of patents they obtained, but the research was too much trouble, so I don't really know the details (patents are public information, so anyone can look them up).

Let's look at the frame from different angles.

Front view (view from in front of the trigger guard)

There are threads on the front of the trigger guard for attaching a LAM (Laser Amplifier). As emphasized in the instruction manual, these are inch-sized threads, so you should check carefully before attaching anything, or you might break something.

The grip knurling has a spike-like shape that provides a nice bite. However, it's not so tight that it hurts when you grip it with bare hands.

Back view (view from behind the grip)

Since it's military-grade, it has a lanyard ring. The grip has the same checkering pattern as the front, and is spike-shaped.

Bottom view (view from the magazine insertion direction)

The front features a serial plate modeled after a real gun, complete with the JASG mark. The trigger guard has the usual warning label.

Finally, the frame's weight is 245.5g, calculated as total weight 625g - slide weight 379.5g.

Check the operating system and movable parts.

This is the main control system.

The controls are basically positioned to be operated with the right hand and index finger, but the gun is so large that for me, operating the slide stop and magazine catch with one hand is difficult (though not impossible).

The feel of each control is incredibly smooth.

One notable feature of the controls is that the thumb safety can be operated regardless of the hammer's position. The decocking lever, however, will not function correctly unless the hammer is cocked.

KSC Mk23 SOCOM CO2 decocking operation video (caution: sound)

Lowering the decocking lever reveals the KSC logo.

One important point to note regarding the controls is the slide stop release lever.

In this product, there are no metal inserts in the slide stop groove; the slide stop lever engages directly with the ABS resin, so there is a high possibility that the groove will be gouged if operated carelessly.

Therefore, if possible, when releasing the slide lock, it is recommended to either remove the magazine or replace it with a loaded magazine and then pull the slide back, rather than using the slide stop lever (as stated in the instruction manual).

It's not ideal, but this slide stop groove issue is a common problem with KSC products, so I'm going to try to fix it through customization and adjustment (I don't use the lever much anyway).

The ambidextrous controls on this system are the magazine catch and the thumb safety.

Trigger Travel

Next is Trigger Travel.

Double action.

Video of the trigger travel of the KSC Mk23 SOCOM CO2 double-action pistol (caution: sound)

When you pull the trigger, there's a bit of play (about 10mm) at first, and then as you pull it further, the trigger and hammer work together, making it heavier and releasing the sear.

The stroke is quite long, and the feel is rather heavy (but it's safe).

Next is single action.

KSC Mk23 SOCOM CO2 Single Action Trigger Travel Video (Caution: Sound)

When you pull the trigger, there is a significant amount of play (about 10mm), similar to a double-action trigger, and the sear cuts off immediately after the play ends.

The stroke is quite short, excluding the play in the stroke, and the feel is rather light (there's absolutely no sense of quality). I personally like this type, but I think the large amount of play might be a matter of personal preference.

Checking the hop-up adjustment (a little bit of the internal mechanism)

Let's go over how to adjust the hop-up.

In KSC products, the hop-up adjustment mechanism is located in the chamber accessed by pulling back the slide.

Use the included wrench here.

The hop-up is adjusted by engaging the serrations (knurling) on ​​the hop-up chamber with the serrations (knurling) on ​​the wrench.

This allows you to adjust the hop.

I was personally curious about the shape of the protrusions on the hop-up packing, so I disassembled it a bit to take a closer look.

The protrusion shape was not the bifurcated shape often seen on recent KSC products, but a simple bump shape like those on Tokyo Marui products.

The hop-up mechanism also appears to be an older plunger type (where a rod pushes the packing), unlike KSC's System 7 series.

While I'm at it, I'll take a quick look at the frame's mechanics.

Blowback engine

Frame hammer mechanism

I'll leave the details to the disassembly section, but from a quick look, the mechanism seems to be based on the previous 05HK (Hard Kick) and is compatible with CO2 (is this System 0?).

Unlike System 7 or Tokyo Marui's so-called negative pressure type, this appears to be a mechanical type. Judging from the parts list in the instruction manual, it looks like it's based on the 05HK with some parts changed to convert it to CO2 (a nostalgic parts configuration).

Given this mechanism, I think it's probably being manufactured at KSC's factory in Yamanashi, so we can expect a good pace of future re-releases and series development (I was surprised that the production line is still in place).

It's a rumor that's close to the truth, but many of KSC's models were originally slightly modified versions of those from KWA overseas, which meant the supply was unstable, the re-release pace was slow, and the timing and lineup of new products were rather lackluster. However, System 0 seems to be able to be completely manufactured in-house, so we can look forward to future developments.

The detailed mechanism will be explained in more detail in the next installment of our disassembly series.

Magazine review

This is a side view of the magazine.

It's mainly made of fairly bulky zinc castings.

Front view

This type of magazine has a slit that hides the slot where the loaded bullets are visible. It appears to be a common type found in KSC magazines prior to System 7.

Rear view

It appears that the design does not include the holes that indicate the ammunition load status, as found on real firearms (I'm not sure if real firearm magazines have holes).

These are the magazine lip, gas route packing, and valve.

The magazine lip is made of fairly thick metal (probably zinc casting), so it looks sturdy and reassuring.

Regarding ammunition loading, you can load it manually without using the included loader.

I was able to load the magazine using standard Tokyo Marui and KSC loaders. However, when the magazine is filled to capacity, the nozzle on the gun interferes with the BBs, preventing the magazine catch from engaging (this is not a malfunction).

The instructions stated that the distance between the tip of the lip and the bullet should be 3mm or more, so I followed those instructions carefully when loading, but the magazine wouldn't fit (is it just my unit?).

I was worried it was defective, but with my unit, removing just one round from the full 23-round magazine made it work perfectly.

I recommend filling the magazine completely with ammunition and then removing just one round (forcing it in can bend the nozzle).

Tokyo Marui BB Loader XL
I recommend this because it can be used with various magazines. The smaller version is difficult to use and runs out of ammo quickly, so I think the XL is better.

KSC M4 Quick Loader
I highly recommend this product, but it's hard to find, so if you see it, buy it immediately. It's versatile and can be used with products other than KSC products. It was out of stock on Amazon. When production resumes, it will be reflected on the KSC official online store, so check there occasionally if you find it in stock.

This is the bottom end of the magazine.

To access the CO2 cartridge, slide the bottom plate while pressing the protrusion shown in the picture, and the screw for inserting the CO2 cartridge will appear.

While you'll generally use the included wrench, it's a 10mm hexagonal wrench according to JIS standards, so any general-purpose wrench that fits the size should be fine.

To insert the CO2 cylinder, do not completely unscrew it and insert the cylinder through the hole. Instead, loosen the screw and slide the cylinder in from the side.

The gas seals on the CO2 cylinder and magazine are made of fairly thick silicone rubber, so there seems to be little concern about gas leaks.

While KSC's genuine canisters are recommended, I was able to use a standard 12g canister.

The instruction manual kindly included a diagram showing the correct size of the gas cylinder to use.

I tried placing my CO2 cylinder on it (a LAYLAX cylinder) just to see what it was like.

It was installed without any problems and worked perfectly.

Finally, here is the magazine weight without the gas cylinder.

This magazine is quite heavy at 335g. It seems like heavy magazines are a tradition for KSC.

Minor trouble with the magazine

In my case, a gas leak occurred (a moderate amount) when I attached a CO2 cartridge to a brand new, out-of-the-box magazine.

After investigating the cause myself, it seems that the gas valve wasn't moving very well, and the valve wasn't opening and closing smoothly (initial break-in level).

So, following the instructions, I tried lubricating the gas valve (with silicone oil) in the following way.

The lubrication point is the hole below the magazine lip.

The method involves pressing the bullet follower in the magazine with a soft stick like a cotton swab, then inserting a spray nozzle into the hole to lubricate it (press the follower a reasonable distance).

After lubricating, move the valve to allow the lubrication to settle in, and you're done.

This completely resolved the gas leak in my unit.

I had to maintain three batteries in total—the one that came with the unit plus two spares—so it was a bit of a hassle.

It's not ideal, but KSC products have always had issues with insufficient lubrication out of the box and initial break-in problems. So, if you're using a KSC product for the first time, don't be surprised; if you deal with it calmly, most initial problems can be solved (I've gotten used to it; it's a common experience for KSC users).

For those who have purchased this product and are not yet using it, we recommend performing this maintenance before operation to avoid wasting gas cylinders.

KSC Genuine New Gun Oil 430ml
Any silicone spray will do, but KSC's is convenient because it comes in a large size.

Live-fire performance verification

These are the conditions for verifying the actual firing performance.

The conditions were: a LAYLAX 12g CO1 cartridge installed, magazine surface temperature 26.6°C, room temperature 24°C, and 27 rounds loaded (G&G bio BBs 0.2g) (maybe one round too many).

We'll apply a small amount of hop-up and measure the initial velocity.

Second shot

Second shot

Second shot

It maintains a stable velocity of approximately 80 m/s (0.7 J) with 0.2g BBs, which I think is about average performance for KSC's gas blowback pistols.

Introduction article on chronographs

Fuel efficiency check and operation video

We will calculate it from live-fire measurements.

This is the weight of the magazine with a new carbon dioxide cylinder installed.

This is the weight of a magazine after firing all 27 rounds (it might be one round less).

The gas consumption is 4.5g for 27 shots, which works out to 0.16g per shot, making it quite fuel-efficient (my average is 0.2g).

According to the research, the CO2 cylinder contains 12±1g, so theoretically, it should be able to fire about 72 rounds (equivalent to 2.5 magazines).

The instruction manual states that two magazines ensure reliable operation, and I found this to be a reasonable number (the slide stop engages reliably). In my own experiments, it fired approximately 70 rounds, which is close to the theoretical maximum.

Next is a video of it in operation. The condition is that it is dry-firing after emptying one magazine.

KSC Mk23 SOCOM CO2 Normal Operation Video (Caution: Sound)

Because the slide is large and heavy, it doesn't have the same crispness as CO2 models from other manufacturers, but the large slide moves firmly and reliably.

The blowback is just right, so even though the slide is made of ABS resin, I don't think there will be any problems with its strength or durability (I was worried about this before actually shooting it).

The feeling is quite similar to when Tokyo Marui's Desert Eagle is performing well in the summer.

As someone who remembers the old 05HK SOCOM, I'm incredibly impressed by its muzzle velocity and operational stability.

Since I had the chance, here's a video of it in operation with the suppressor attached (dry firing with a brand new gas cylinder).

KSC Mk23 SOCOM CO2 Normal with Suppressor in Operation Video (Caution: Sound)

While attaching a silencer to a gas blowback model with a strong short recoil often negatively affects its operation, this one worked perfectly without any problems.

I think this is quite amazing.

This concludes the verification of the live-fire performance.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.2g
It's inexpensive and accurate, so I use it for a wide range of purposes, from performance testing to airsoft games. It's been my favorite since it first came to Japan (around 2008). It lasts a long time for a biodegradable product.

G&G Bio-Bullets 0.25g
It's 0.25g. I generally use 0.25g BBs when playing airsoft.

Summary

Personally, I think this is the definitive gas blowback Mk23 SOCOM. To put it mildly, I was impressed by everything about it, from its appearance to its operation.

I was particularly impressed with this product because, despite putting a lot of effort into KSC's 05HK-era Mk23, I couldn't get it to work properly (partly due to my own lack of skill).

If I had to say one thing, I personally would have liked the outer barrel to be made of metal. Not only is the texture important, but since it has threads for attaching a silencer, a stronger material would allow for more secure use.

Putting aside personal feelings and looking at it objectively, I think this is a very high-performance model. It doesn't have the powerful blowback of other manufacturers' models, but the fact that the large slide moves reliably and produces a stable muzzle velocity is quite impressive (I don't think this would be possible with HFC-134a).

Furthermore, the mechanism is based on KSC's older Real Mech series (Hard Kick, 05HK), so it's incredibly detailed.

For example, the extractor and firing pin may operate unnecessarily.

This mechanism was quite unstable with HFC-134a depending on the model, but it seems to have been perfected with CO2 for stable operation (System 0).

The fact that a CO2 model of the Mk23 has been created with this mechanism gives us hope that not only will there be variations of the Mk23, but also that KSC's distinctive lineup from that time, such as the M945 series (with its superb exterior finish), Cougar, and M1911, will be revived in CO2 form.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what KSC does in the future.

Thank you for reading this long article.

Next time, I'd like to take the slides apart.

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.