Do you know the German .45ACP Service Pistol?
While the huge (37 ounces, unloaded) H&K Mk23 SOCOM freakbeast in .45ACP is well known in the West, at least in video game use, the Bundeswehr’s similar (in concept) P12 flies largely under the radar.
You know, this bad boy:
The beefy Mk23 was a stepping stone for HK to create the USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol), which the Bundeswehr adopted in 9mm in 1994 as the Pistole 8 (P8) to replace the Walther P1– which itself was just an aluminum-framed Walther P-38.
With the Bundeswehr eager to fill a niche for a full-time suppressed pistol with subsonic ammo for commando and sniper support roles, the USP Tactical in .45ACP got the nod for adoption as the P12.
It comes in a tiny bit lighter (32 ounces, unloaded) but confusingly uses a longer standard suppressor (7.7 inches) than the 7.5-inch KAC found on the Mk23!
Meanwhile, the German Landespolizei also uses the 9mm USP Compact as the P10, but that’s a different story.
Interesting comparison between the Mk23 and P12. The history behind the USP Tactical is fascinating, especially how it evolved for specialized use. I also like seeing how different grip designs can change the overall look and feel of pistols. https://premiumgrips.com/