ASG MK23 SOCOM: A cheap sidearm for Airsoft Snipers - Is it any good?
The ASG MK23 SOCOM Non-blowback Airsoft Pistol - Is it any good?
The price of the ASG MK23 SOCOM seems too good to be true, and it is rightly approached with skepticism from many Airsofters as it is extremely rare to find a skirmish-worthy Airsoft gun which is priced so low. The ASG MK23 has an adjustable HOP-up, is green gas ready and comes with a suppressor, but there must be a catch, right? Is the ASG MK23 SOCOM a gun-shaped paperweight, or a skirmishing diamond in the rough?
Out-of-the-box performance
As it comes from the factory, the ASG MK23 has its advantages and disadvantages but offers a lot more performance than one might expect for such a low-priced Airsoft pistol. The ASG MK23 is a non-blowback pistol, which means the slide does not reciprocate with each shot like it would with a GBB pistol. This has the advantage of improved gas efficiency and greater resistance to "cool down" under rapid fire but means the MK23 has a long and laboured trigger press which will make it more difficult to shoot quickly than a GBB pistol.
The MK23 trigger is a "double-action" trigger, which means a pull of the trigger both loads the BB and releases the gas to fire the shot. As such, the trigger pull is long and heavy, similar to a revolver, and doesn't have the sharp feel that a GBB pistol trigger does. The MK23 does have the option of cocking the hammer before each shot, which shortens the trigger pull considerably, but if you are used to a GBB trigger you will need some time to get used to the double-action trigger of the ASG MK23. This is unfortunately an unavoidable aspect of the NBB pistol design but is a small price to pay for the serious advantages offered by the MK23 NBB in the range and accuracy department.
The advantages of the MK23 become apparent when you take it outside and let it stretch its legs. The MK23 performs superbly and has an absolute and clear advantage over most GBB pistols in range and accuracy thanks to its highly efficient NBB action which has less FPS deviation between shots and puts all the gas to maximum use down range. The action noise of the MK23 is also significantly lower than a GBB, even without a suppressor. There is a "crack" from the muzzle but no noise from the cycling of the action which means the MK23 platform has an inherent advantage when it comes to a stealthy playstyle which can be improved considerably when fitted with a suppressor with a foam filling.
The included suppressor comes with an inner barrel extension inside, which is one of the few things we would change about the out-of-the-box MK23 setup. The extension inside the suppressor does increase FPS, but doesn't do a lot for accuracy and can cause issues if it is not installed perfectly straight, due to the join between the inner barrel in the gun and the extension in the suppressor.
The suppressor is best put to use as a...suppressor, by removing the barrel extension and replacing it with a foam filling. This is a delicate operation, as the suppressor is glued together, but with some careful application of hot water and elbow grease, the suppressor can be disassembled. Alternatively, you can mount a different 16mm CW compatible suppressor, or make use of the convenient LPE 14mm CCW threaded outer barrel to mount common 14mm CCW suppressors.
Though suppressors in Airsoft are a controversial subject, and many argue that they are just for looks, the difference a suppressor makes to the MK23 platform cannot be overstated. The "crack" from the muzzle is completely muffled, turning into a dull "thud" sound which would be all but impossible to hear in the heat of battle.
If you have talked to Airsoft snipers who use this miraculous platform they will tell you themselves that you can engage an enemy player at practically point-blank range, and as long as your concealment and camo are good they will have no idea where the shot originated from. Several of us here have had the same experience when using the MK23 platform, and nothing gives quite the thrill of hitting one of a group of enemies and not even alerting the others that they are under attack!
Though there are a wide variety of upgrade parts available for the MK23, the first upgrade we recommend is a proper suppressor or modifying the included suppressor with a foam filling. With this modification carried out your MK23 will be playing to what is arguably its greatest strength; its whisper-quiet muzzle report. When it comes time for upgrades they will pair all the better with the MK23 platform in-game when it is borderline inaudible thanks to a foam-filled suppressor.
The Good
- Superb accuracy and range
- Super quiet - The stealthiest Airsoft gun there is!
- Green gas ready out of the box
- Suppressor included - It needs the inner barrel removed and foam added though!
- High FPS out of the box with potential for more
- Excellent gas efficiency - One gas fill will last several BB fills
The Bad
- Long and heavy trigger pull - Requires some practice to master
- No blowback 😥
- Very large pistol - Limited holster options
- The included suppressor is not worth using without mods
- Lower rate of fire than a GBB pistol
Parts and Magazine compatibility
The ASG MK23 is a close copy of the Tokyo Marui MK23, an upgraded example of which is pictured above. This is always good news when it comes to the internal design of an Airsoft gun. TM are the undisputed kings of Airsoft design, and practically every common internal system on the market was originally designed by Tokyo Marui in Japan.
The ASG MK23, like its daddy, the TM, is compatible with VSR-10 type inner barrels and HOP-up buckings. This means you have access to a wide range of tightbore inner barrels, other funky innovations such as the Maple Leaf "Crazy Jet" inner barrel, and all of the finest HOP-up buckings the VSR-10 sniper rifle platform can offer.
You can even add a longer inner barrel to the ASG MK23 for some near sniper rifle performance if you want to dedicate the pistol to a specific role, though keep your chronograph handy as this can often push the MK23 into DMR rules territory when it comes to FPS. A small modification is necessary to add a longer inner barrel, but it is as simple as opening up the tip of the outer barrel sightly using a cylindrical file or a drill, to allow the new inner barrel to pass through.
The magazines of the ASG MK23 differ from the Tokyo Marui magazines dimensionally and in some aspect of the design, which mean they are not interchangeable without modification. We recommend sticking with the ASG mags as they are designed to take green gas, unlike the TM, and will fit and feed properly in an ASG MK23 without any faffing around.
The Good
- Compatible with VSR-10 sniper rifle inner barrels and HOP-up buckings
- Trigger modifications available for a smoother pull
- HPA adapters are on their way to market - Stay tuned!
- TDC HOP-up units available for better HOP-up performance
- Potential for a longer inner barrel to be added
- Compatible with most Tokyo Marui MK23 parts
The Bad
- TM Magazines do not work without modification
- 16mm Barrel threading - Requires an adapter for tracer units
- Limited aftermarket external upgrades - Laylax Gungnir slide and 3D printed parts, little else
- Non-standard frame rail - Adapter required for 20mm Picatinny accessories
Upgrade Possibilities
Being compatible with VSR-10 HOP-up buckings and tightbore inner barrels is a true blessing for the ASG MK23, as this provides all the upgrade potential needed to get the most out of this often-overlooked platform. Snipers already know about the MK23 and what it can do, but others may not be aware of the phenomenal potential within this gun to perform like a semi-automatic sniper rifle in-game, with the right upgrades and expertise, that is! If you ever want to see this for yourself we recommend finding an upgraded MK23 user at your next skirmish. They will almost definitely be very keen to show off what their hand cannon can do, and once you've seen it you won't forget it!
Laylax Light Pull Trigger kit
The Laylax/Nineball Light Pull Hammer and Sear set is something MK.23 users around the world have been crying out for since the inception of the platform. It had long been believed that the comparatively heavy and long trigger pull of the MK.23 was a necessary tradeoff for the platform's extremely long range and enviable accuracy, and whilst there are many home-brewed solutions to this issue, they often reduce the lifespan of the trigger parts and can cause failure if the necessary modifications are not carried out correctly.
Fortunately, Laylax/Nineball have stepped in to provide an enhanced hammer and valve knocker, precisely machined from Duralumin, an aluminium alloy with small additives of copper, manganese, magnesium and silicon. Duralumin is widely used in Aircraft construction as it provides similar strength to mild steel without the additional weight. The engagement surfaces of the hammer and knocker are reprofiled, adding mechanical efficiency and allowing for a lighter torsion spring to be used. The hammer itself also weighs slightly less than the original, further reducing the mechanical stress on the trigger components. If you have fired a MK.23 NBB before, even an upgraded one, you will be pleasantly surprised at the clean, crisp break of the MK23 trigger with the Laylax kit installed.
HADRON Designs Upgrades - M-TDC, H-Plate
Hadron Airsoft Designs are known amongst the MK.23 owners community for providing some of the staple upgrade parts for the MK.23 platform. Their original TDC cover took home-brewed innovations fraught with compromises and produced a drop in replacement for the standard HOP cover plate which allows adjustment of the HOP-up without disassembling the pistol, and a more direct application of the HOP effect to prevent any angular force being applied to the BB and causing left and right deviation. The latest iteration of the TDC cover, the M-TDC, provides the same top dead centre HOP adjustment as earlier versions, but in a new modular form.
The M-TDC can accept different modular adaptors and comes with the Logic 3 screw adapter. The 3 screw adapter can be used either as a single screw adjuster or a dual screw adjuster by removing the adapter, rotating it 180 degrees, and reinstalling it. This part is generally considered to be one of the best things you can add to your upgraded MK23, offering the convenience of external adjustment with the consistency and repeatability of a TDC HOP design.
Maple Leaf Crazy Jet
Installing a Maple Leaf Crazy Jet into any Airsoft gun is one of the most effective upgrades possible, especially when coupled with an aftermarket HOP-up rubber. The principle behind this barrel's design is to provide an ultra stable air cushion surrounding the BB for the entire duration of its journey down the barrel, to prevent the BB from impacting the sides of the barrel which can cause fliers and accuracy issues, even in tight bore barrel setups. This is known as the "wide bore" principle, which is intended to provide similar performance to tight bore inner barrels whilst minimising the chances of jams, and reducing the frequency of necessary barrel cleaning.
The Maple Leaf Crazy Jet takes this principle, and runs with it, adding its own innovation to the idea of a "wide bore" barrel with the "jet stream" system, which ensures that the BB also exits the barrel without making contact; correcting one of the downfalls of the wide bore barrel and providing performance that is widely recognized as a vast improvement over tight bore barrels, especially in gas powered RIFs. When coupled with the right HOP-up rubber this barrel provides range and accuracy once thought impossible with spherical ammunition of comparatively low weight.
Maple Leaf Autobot/Decepticon/Super/Wonder HOP-up Bucking
When it comes to upgrading the HOP-up rubber, you have perhaps too many options to choose from, though this is true for most GBB pistols and sniper rifles as well. The ASG MK23 can accept any GBB/VSR style HOP-up bucking, and given its range and accuracy strengths the only correct thing to do is bang a Maple Leaf bucking in!
Maple Leaf offers a wide selection of buckings of the GBB/VSR type, ranging from the Autobot, the bucking that really put Maple Leaf on the Airsoft map to the more recent Wonder and Super buckings. The Decepticon is an alternative to the Autobot for those who want to use heavy BBs (0.4g +) and has a far stronger HOP-up effect to ensure the BB gets the backspin it needs to reach distant targets.
The Super bucking is designed to provide the absolute longest range possible, and its contact patch is designed to make a small compromise, surrendering some accuracy for additional range. The Wonder is the opposite and is designed to provide incredibly tight groupings at a small cost to range. Once you have had your MK23 out on the field for some time you will know which of these buckings suits your needs and playstyle.
Final Thoughts
The ASG MK23 probably isn't the best choice for a new player, especially if you are the type that enjoys the run and gun playstyle, and the immersive experience of shooting a gas blowback pistol. The MK23 has its own charms, however, and its super quiet muzzle report and superb accuracy and range potential make it a different tool for a different job.
The MK23 can be used to great success in both CQB and outdoors but requires a patient playstyle and a tactical mindset. If you like to skulk around indoors alone and use stealth to get the drop on the enemy, a MK23 with a foam-filled suppressor will allow you to take your first few shots before the enemy even know they are being engaged. This is a big advantage when you only have seconds to send several enemy players back to respawn, and can make the difference between clearing a room and getting only a single kill before getting hosed.
Outdoors a MK23 pairs perfectly with an Airsoft sniper rifle, and fills the void between point-blank range and the minimum engagement distance of high-powered bolt actions. Many upgraded MK23's perform better than their VSR counterparts, which had led some MK23 users to install their pistols into carbine kits and use them as a DMR. As a sidearm for snipers, the MK23 is without equal. If the enemy is getting a bit too close, the MK23 is the best tool to cut down their numbers and swiftly relocate without drawing too much attention and getting rushed!
Don't expect to go man on man against speedsofters with this gun, this is the scalpal to the Hi-capa and EU series sledgehammers. This pistol is for the sneaky and the snipers, and if that sounds like you then you will have a great time with this pistol, as we have had with ours!