The HK Mk23 brutal 96‑hour saltwater and sand torture test

Published on April 16, 2026
Duration: 1:07

This video details the HK Mk23's impressive durability, specifically its slide's finish. The combination of parkerizing and black lacquer paint was found by HK to be the optimal solution for environmental resistance, particularly against saltwater and sand.

Quick Summary

The HK Mk23's slide is constructed from a single block of steel and features a specialized finish combining parkerizing with black lacquer paint. This system was developed by HK for optimal environmental resistance and successfully endured a brutal 96-hour saltwater and sand immersion test.

Chapters

  1. 00:00New Slide Finish
  2. 00:03Frame and Slide Construction
  3. 00:11French Influence on Finish
  4. 00:24Parkerizing and Lacquer Paint
  5. 00:3596-Hour Saltwater & Sand Test
  6. 00:52Test Difficulty and Finish Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HK Mk23's slide made of and how is it finished?

The HK Mk23 features an all-steel slide, milled from a single block of steel. Its finish is a combination of parkerizing and a black lacquer paint, which HK found to be the best for environmental resistance.

What kind of environmental test did the HK Mk23 undergo?

The HK Mk23 underwent a severe 96-hour saltwater and sand immersion test. During this period, the firearms were shaken underwater in saltwater mixed with sand for four consecutive days before being test-fired.

How durable is the HK Mk23's finish against environmental elements?

The HK Mk23's finish, a combination of parkerizing and black lacquer paint, is designed for extreme environmental resistance. It successfully endured a 96-hour saltwater and sand immersion test, demonstrating its robustness.

Is the HK Mk23's finish system unique?

While HK developed this specific finish for the Mk23, the underlying system of parkerizing and lacquer paint was previously adopted by the French for their rifles in the 1930s, indicating a proven approach to corrosion resistance.

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