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Grand Power Mk23 X-Calibur, What's the Difference?

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Grand Power Mk23 X-Cailbut left and Mk12 X-Calibur Right
Grand Power Mk23 X-Cailbut left and Mk12 X-Calibur Right

With Mk23 models of Grand Power pistols finally hitting the US market I thought I'd take a monent to explain some of the differences between the new Mk23's and the Mk12's that most people know. As someone who has spent a lot of time with Mk12 Grand Powers, and was able to get my hands on some Mk23s I've created an unofficial guide to cover the differences.

If you still want a Mk12 I suggest you gran one soon as I don't see a reason for them to continue in production now that the Mk23 models are here. The good news is the magazines interchange so buying one doesn't mean excluding yourself from the other.

This guide was constructed using X-Caliburs as at the time of writing this they are the only Mk23 Grand Power pistols available in the United States. If you're unfamiliar with the X-Calibur see our full review of the Mk12 X-Caliber here.


What Does "Mk" mean? "Mk" or "Mark" is a generational designation that coincides with the year of release. The Mk12's were released in 2012, the Mk23's released in 2023. "Mk23" refers to an entire generation of pistols, NOT a specific model.


What Has Changed? There are three major changes to the Grand Power pisotl line:

  • New Operating System

  • Optics Ready

  • New Texture

  • Some Numbers

The Mk12 Grand Powers (top) used a cam surface on the barrel, the Mk23 uses a groove for rotation.
The Mk12 Grand Powers (top) used a cam surface on the barrel, the Mk23 uses a groove for rotation.

New Operating System: Grand Power is known for their incredibly smooth actions. This is largely because of their rotating barrel action that effectively reduces felt recoil. The Mk12's accomplished this using a roller bearing in the chassis and a near-mirror-polished cam surface on the barrel. The Mk23's still use a rotating barrel, but instead use a cam groove and locking lugs akin to an AK bolt. I do not know the official reason for the change, but as Grand Power's popularity has grown worldwide, and their portfolio of various guns grows (from .22lr pistols to 12.7mm heavy maching guns) it makes sense they would need to find a way to manufacture with less machine time required per pistol in order to keep up with demand.

The Grand Power Mk23 (top) uses a pin to engage the barrel, the Mk12 (bottom) has a roller bearing.
The Grand Power Mk23 (top) uses a pin to engage the barrel, the Mk12 (bottom) has a roller bearing.

From my third-party view the Mk23 action accomplishes the same thing the Mk12 action did, but is simpler to manufacturer thereby increasing potential manufacturing volume.


Mk23 "CO" Grand Powers are optics ready and include two steel mounting plates which replace the rear sight.
Mk23 "CO" Grand Powers are optics ready and include two steel mounting plates which replace the rear sight.

Optics Ready: Grand Power models that are optics ready are identifyable by the "CO" designation in the model name. The two "CO" models we have in so far each came with two optic mounting plates made from steel. A consequence of being optics ready appears to be slide mass. If you're going to put screws into a slide they need metal to bite into. Adding an optic means losing your rear sight. Plates included with the Mk23 CO models are for Vortex Venom/Burris Fastfire or Shield RMS/SMS pattern optics.

The Mk12 Grand Power on left had more steel removed from the slide. The Mk23 needs to retail more material for optics screws to bite.
The Mk12 Grand Power on left had more steel removed from the slide. The Mk23 needs to retail more material for optics screws to bite.


New Texture: This is a tough one to show because the Mk23 grips and frames are visually identical to the Mk12s. The lines and patterns are the same, but the texture has been enhanced. If the Mk12 texture was a 4 on a scale of 1-10, the Mk23 texture is a 7. So far in handling, the difference is appreciable without becoming too abbrassive. This is not M&P 2.0 exfoliation, but it a touch more that I think will be most effective for those who shoot with gloves on.

The new texture on theh Mk23 Grand Powers is identical in pattern to the Mk12s, but deeper.
The new texture on theh Mk23 Grand Powers is identical in pattern to the Mk12s, but deeper.

Serrations and slide shape have also changed a bit. The new design represents the current trend for fewer, but broader serrations. This concept was intriduced, but mocked with the early Beretta APX line, refined by Walther's PDP line, and has recently become more of an industry norm.


By The Numbers: The new operating system and slide cuts have meant for some changes in specificiations. Looking at the two generations of X-Calibur I have on hand we find the following:

Grand Power Mk23 Match CO included for comparison. This model extends the stainless steel chassi out to a full-length railed dust cover. Full review will be coming soon.

The X-Calibur is meant to be a competition pistol. As such weight is seen as a good thing for soaking up recoil and steadying the hand. The Mk23 X-Calibur Match CO adds five ounces of non-reciprocating mass to the nose of the gun compared to the Mk12 X-Calibur. I can't wait to get that to the range and feel the difference.

We've got full reviews of all the Mk12 models, and reviews of the Mk23s will be coming as we get our hands on them and range time permits.


Those looking for a video version of this content can catch some of it on our backup channel in the video below:

For a quick test of rapid fire control comparing the Mk12 and Mk23 see the video below:


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9 comentarios


Chuck Weatherall
Chuck Weatherall
18 nov 2023

Do you know if the Mk23 will affect the 380 line-up?

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xrs308
16 nov 2023

Happy to see this article. I owned a MK12 that I had cut for an optic and absolutely loved the pistol. Sold it to a friend before moving out of California since this is a unicorn pistol there. Just bought the MK23 and brought it home. Put a Shield RMSx on it. Fits really well and it appears that the "iron sights" are at the right height to naturally co-witness well with point of impact. Looking forward to shooting it this weekend.



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Graham Baates
Graham Baates
16 nov 2023
Contestando a

Please report back after you've had it at the range and let us know what you think. I was concerned that the Mk23s would somehow lose some of the magic, but so far I think they've improved the gun.

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slairdarmed
11 nov 2023

Oregon here also. Really enjoy your content. Interested in a Grand Power to have one gun with a rotating barrel. Not a competitive shooter and red dot not a big deal (old dog here) So looking at MK 12s. Recommendations please? Thank you

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slairdarmed
12 nov 2023
Contestando a

Thank you. Think the K100 X-trim is the one. I do love my 2 Stribogs.

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RBMD2020 2A
RBMD2020 2A
28 oct 2023

GB, I live in MD and we have a Handgun Roster Board. I would like to get a MK23 for the Board’s approval. Unfortunately, time is running out for December’s meeting. The deadline is November 15.

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RBMD2020 2A
RBMD2020 2A
30 oct 2023
Contestando a

It can be both. I may have contacted them a couple of months ago. However, I will reengage.

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