SOCOM (Heckler & Koch MK23) as a Custom Pistol
I know little about modding, even less about modeling, so...
My request is the SOCOM pistol from Metal Gear Solid, rather called the Heckler & Koch MK23 as a standalone weapon.
I hope it's not too much to ask, I'm just saying it would be great to be able to play with it.
Thanks.
Replies
So after a bit more intensive research, I found out something interesting about the subject.
First, from the Navy SEALs own website:
"The MK23 can also attach a high-tech Laser Aiming Module (LAM) which consists of a 3-dot system of white, self-luminous tritium dots. The LAM operates in one of 4 selected modes: visible laser only; visible laser/flashlight; infrared laser only; and infrared laser/illuminator. The MK23 is kept in the armories of both the SEALs and the Special Boat Teams."
However, the LAM THEY are referring to is the PEQ-6, which is the final product actually accepted for service.
As it so turns out, the boxy LAM that's become so synonymous with the "SOCOM Pistol" in media (most notably MGS) is actually the prototype LAM that was used during the trials, best as I can tell, and, I feel stupid for not remembering sooner, it's even mentioned in the damn game that the gun's fitted with a prototype LAM (as a convenient explanation for how you're able to handily aim your gun top-down in the game).
As a result, most of the SOCOM images you find online with that profile of LAM are actually of a Tokyo Marui Mark 23 airsoft replica that they reproduce. It maintains the boxy profile and has a flashlight in it, but also a couple of holes where a laser can be, it would seem. In fact, the very first image in my post above this one actually IS a photo from that specific model.
The way I see it, you could do it a couple of ways. You could make the LAM shown in the picture above and that'll work. But since the post is about an MGS styled one, you COULD take inspiration from the airsoft version and make that one instead, and still have it function as both (you could call it the "Solid Module" or something). Or make both if you wanted, though that'd probably be a lot of extra work and I don't know how in-depth you wanted to go. Ultimately it's up to you, and I'm terrible at modding, so the best I can do is provide this research. I hope it helps.