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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21632 Posts |
 Posted - 09/01/2007 : 15:28:25
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P7talk.com Reviews: H&K P7 PSP
H&K advertisement:
"As a discriminating hunter or sportsman, you will be impressed with the uncommon performance, advanced design, and superior quality of HK's p7(PSP) cal. 9mm Automoatic Pistol.
Skillfully integrated into the front of the hand grip is the P7's squeeze cocker which eliminates the conventional double action trigger. No other pistol in the world offers this unique feature! As the shooter grasps the weapon, natural finger pressure is used to depress or release the dqueeze cocker, thereby cocking or uncocking the pisol automatically. The P7's sleek, uncluttered design affords equal ease of handling to both left and right handed shooters along with unequaled speed, safety, and dependability.
At HK, every firearm is designed, tooled and manufactured under our strictest quality control and supervision, ensuring precision and unequaled performance."
Specific information and history:
"The Heckler & Koch P7 is a compact semi-automatic pistol normally chambered in 9 x 19 mm Luger manufactured by the German company of Heckler & Koch. It was designed beginning in 1971 to be compact and have enhanced safety features." CLICK HERE for more on the history of the H&K P7 PSP.
Miscellaneous:
The HK P7 has a distinguished look as well as a very unique design that can be mistaken for no other. It is a single action semi-automatic blow-back operated, interal striker fired pistol that is cocked by squeezing the unique grip cocker with about 12-14# of pressure. With the squeeze cocker held firmly with about 2# of pressure, the pistol fires the same as any other single action automatic. When you release the squeeze cocker the striker is decocked and the weapon will not fire until the squeeze cocker is re-engaged.
Although there is no obvious tactical advantage to this weapon, there is a difficult to describe but distinct fascination amongst shooters and enthusiasts with the P7. I can tell you that I have always wanted one, but i cannot tell you specifically why I have always wanted one. I do not feel it's just because it's something different from other weapons because there are many unique designs that don't appeal to me. The P7 however, is one of those rare weapons that has an irresistable mystique that makes you want to own at least one. With their cult-like following, it can be difficult to find a P7 in good shape for a reasonable price which is why I did not yet own one. While waiting on my flight to take off recently (so that I could unpack my portable dvd player from my carry on bag) I found myself thumbing through the CURRENT CATALOG from CDNN. When I reached the page showing the P7 I felt that I had found the weapon I wanted in the condition I wanted and at the price that I wanted. With that I placed my order.
P7PSP "excellent to new condition" $674
used magazine rated 90% $35
new H&K magazine $55
$13 shipping
$20 transfer fee (paid to my local dealer)
I ordered the weapon late on Monday, August 27, 2007. The weapon shipped on Tuesday the 28th, and I had the weapon in my hand on Thursday the 30th.
First impressions:
When my weapon arrived I was thrilled by its overall condition. Although stamped 11/85, I seriously doubt this weapon was ever issued. There is no holster wear at all, and very little indication that its ever even been handled. I browsed the owners manual to become familiar with the unusual controls, field stripped and lubed the weapon, and reassembled it. With everything ready, it was time to go to the range and find out what this little fascinating handgun is really all about.
I intended to purchase 500 rounds of Corbon 9mm +P ammunition in both 115 and 125 grain loads, but having depleted the local gun stores of Corbon ammunition last week in MY PPS REVIEW, very little could be found. I ended up purchasing 160 (80@115 grains and 80@125 grains) rounds of Corbon +P loads which is all i could find out of the three stores here that carry it. I cache this ammunition but do not pull from my emergency cache for practice. Since 160 rounds just isnt enough to fully evaluate any weapon, I headed over to walmart and picked up 500 more rounds of WWB.
It might seem a little silly that I would bother to post a picture of my ammunition receipt, but I find my enthusiasm stemming from ignorance to be quite funny....anyone ignorant to the P7 will not see the humor in someone thinking that they can shoot hundreds of rounds from a P7 in one trip. Those who have experience with the P7 are no doubt laughing at me pretty hard right now. 
At the range:
No matter how "pretty" a weapon is, no matter how expensive a weapon is, no matter what kind of reputation it has the only thing that ultimately matters is what happens when you pull the trigger. A weapon must function reliably in any situation from any position. It must shoot true, and be comfortable to carry and fire. For accuracy and proficiency a weaopn should be ergonomically matched with the shooter.
Click image above to view video.
The above featured video is not formal training, but simply an effort to become familiar with all aspects of my new weapon. I'm still experimenting with different stances for shooting from behind cover, trying to find a happy balance of comfort with agility. I do not yet have a holster for this weapon so I could not begin each drill by drawing the weapon. With no holster i began each drill by holding the weapon angled down with my trigger finger in the ready position. My testing in the past has shown this to be pretty comparable to the time it takes to draw the weapon from an IWB holster under an untucked shirt.
What i like:
 The overall accuracy of this weapon is very good.
Rapid target acquisition and complete control through controlled pairs, follow-up shots, and "double taps" was just viscious. I found that not only was I making A-zone hits faster than with other weapons, but I was hitting very well placed A-zone hits faster than with other weapons. Perhaps I was just having a good day, but on this particular day with this particular weapon I simply could not miss. I purposefully pushed myself for faster target acquisition, shorter target assessment, faster shots and faster follow up shots and each time I was pleasantly surprised that my hits remained consistant and true. It almost felt like I was shooting some type of self guided bullet. Although many of my 1911s may be capable of tighter grouping from a bench, as defensive shooting goes today I shot better than I ever have.
I know as soon as I say this that I will draw much criticism from the hardcore priests of the church of John Moses Browning (inventor of the 1911) but the purpose in publishing this review is to share my honest assessment of this weapon, good and bad. As a member of the church of JMB (not a priest, but certainly a dedicated member) I find it somewhat difficult to say but the truth is the truth so here it is:
I have never found a better trigger in any gun at any price, bar none.
The trigger breaks very crisp and clean at about 3 pounds. Pull is short, there is no over-travel, and most important for me the reset point and the break point are same point....the exact same point. This makes a tremendous difference if you shoot from reset which I do, and I feel this is why my follow up shots and controlled pairs were so visciously consistant and it is the biggest reason why I just couldnt seem to miss with this weapon.
The overall size of this weapon makes it perfect for carry. The slide is slim and rounded, perfect for IWB carry.
I didn't shoot it enough to fully evaluate reliability, but function was flawless.
The ergonomics were perfect. Being used to the 118 degree grip angle of the 1911, I often find European designs (such as the Glock) uncomfortable and unnatural for me. The 110 degree grip angle of the P7 however is a perfect match, possibly even more natural for me than the 1911. Trigger position was very good, I had no problems manipulating the trigger. The slide release is also located in the squeeze cocker, which you simply squeeze to release the slide making for a lightning fast reload. Alhtough different from what I'm used to, the magazine release at the base of the magazine isnt bad at all.
What i don't like:
Due to the blowback design the weapon gets hot.....very hot very fast. I noticed it warming up after two magazines (16 shots) and by 50 rounds in somewhat rapid succession it was uncomfortable to hold which affected accuracy and everything else. I found myself putting the weapon down to cool, and after about 100 rounds I was done. I don't see how the plastic heat shield on the M8 could make a difference when the trigger itself also gets very hot.
I consider the capacity to be low for a 9mm of this size. Although 9mm +P ammunition has come a long way in the last decade (in terms of ballistic numbers), I find a true strength of the 9mm in its capacity. You can get 14 round total capacity in the p7m13, but you must have very large hands to hold it comfortably.
Perhaps the reason the P7 PSP comes with 8 round magazines is because they figure after 8 rounds the weapon will be to hot to hold anyway.
Bottom line: This is not a range gun or an all day shooter, but as a defensive weapon I don't see how it could get much better. When you consider size, reliability, accuracy, trigger, ergonomics, etc. few pistols match up to the P7. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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Bill in Ohio
Senior Member
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2007 : 15:44:59
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Fantastic job, Nathan. Both your review and video!!!
Very intersting gun. I've got friends with them and they rave about them.
You can stick your hands in some ice, now. |
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rngerdv
Average Member
578 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2007 : 18:53:46
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quote:
It might seem a little silly that I would bother to post a picture of my ammunition receipt, but I find my enthusiasm stemming from ignorance to be quite funny....anyone ignorant to the P7 will not see the humor in someone thinking that they can shoot hundreds of rounds from a P7 in one trip. Those who have experience with the P7 are no doubt laughing at me pretty hard right now.
I started laughing the second I read this. You covered it later on, but it got hot quick huh 
I always enjoyed shooting the P7, but always found the price over the top to own one. Now that there are alot of them hitting the market from police handmedowns, I might reconsider. |
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Barry in IN
Advanced Member
3178 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2007 : 19:40:06
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Well done.
I'm glad you like it (or mostly like it).
The proof is in the shooting with any gun, but I don't know of any handguns which illustrate that better than the P7 series. Machine gunners talk about the "30-round grin", which is what people invariably get after buzzing through their first full-auto magazine or belt. But I think I've seen the same "P7 grin" every time someone shoots mine.
I get affected by heat faster with the PSP than the P7M8. I wouldn't think the heat shield would matter much, but it must.
Still, I can get through all of my mags at least once before needing to cool it down, so it's not that bad.
If that's the cost to have such a slick-shooting pistol, I don't mind.
The biggest drawback to the heating for me is that it's made me hesitant to take my M8 to a training class. I can stop for a gun cool-down at my leisure when it's just me, but not in a class. I thought I might try it now that I have two P7s, switching guns as they get hot, but I don't know if that will allow enough cooling time.
It's still not as bad as some would have you believe. Most people don't own enough mags to get it that hot.
The trigger is plastic-covered on both of mine. Is yours?
I think they started out making them using uncoated steel triggers, then later switched to plastic coated steel. But I'm not sure about that.
I would think the all-metal trigger would get toasty. And quickly.
I would rather have more rounds too (I'd prefer 80 over 8) but I got used to it.
I'm no fan of "spray and pray" but I always felt that if I carried a 9mm, I wanted more bullets than eight.
But I thought I could feel OK with a compact 9mm (8-shot mag) IF I could shoot it well enough, and tried a few (like the S&W 3913, Sig P225 and P239, etc).
It wasn't until I got a P7 that I felt like the gun's handling qualities and accuracy offset the magazine capacity.
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"I like marksmanship and think it is a good judge of character. A good shot is almost always a good man, because shooting calls for self-control, and self-control is one of the important aspects of a good man."
-Col. Jeff Cooper |
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Will
Junior Member
206 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2007 : 22:33:35
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| Excellent review Nathan! I'd love to shoot one of those but I don't know ANYONE who has one. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I've even seen one in any of the local shops. Glad you found (yet another) good match! ;) |
"A free people ought to be armed." (Jan 14 1790, Boston Independent Chronicle.)
-George Washington
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mhiggi02
Starting Member
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2007 : 06:33:48
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Interesting gun Nathan - I hadn't seen one of those. What's more impressive, honestly, is your shooting. Man I've got some practicing to do!!!
Michael |
S&W 642 |
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Craig
Advanced Member
USA
2146 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2007 : 12:07:30
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| Well Nathan, since you have so easily adapted to this gun I am certain you regularly practice patting your head and rubbing your tummy ambidextrously! I know more than a couple people who have tried them and it is either a 'love-it' or 'hate-it' experience. |
U.S. Armed Forces Veteran & NRA Endowment Member ... Will Travel!
Why do I fear my government? I am a proud Veteran. I am honest in my tax return. I do not participate in criminal/illegal activities. I have been scared of the unknown and startled by surprise, but I have never before experienced fear. I have faced overwhelming odds in which failure would have cost my life; however, I am still here because I had no fear. I have no fear of anything that bleeds. Why do I fear my government? |
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SparxSP
New Member
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2007 : 11:52:15
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| Great review! One of the local stores got one of those German trade-ins, as well. They're asking a little more for it, but they've been good to me on some other things, so I may likely go ahead and do it. I just can't help myself...lol |
Sparks in Gainesville, FL |
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iceman
Average Member
563 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 12:22:29
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| Great review Nathan. I would say this had the review been on another gun too. As you know I'm a huge P7 & HK fan in general and if I could still have the M13 as my duty gun I would. Your skills on the computer are truly appreciated here on this site. Hope you don't take your skills elsewhere, I for one would be lost. Keep up the great work. |
Robert Avery
NRA Member
LEAA |
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opac.45
New Member
90 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2008 : 19:45:16
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| great review, beautiful gun... |
Opac.45
"A clean kitchen- is a clean mind" |
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jwilli44
Junior Member
314 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2008 : 12:43:51
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bravo!
very educational |
'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.'
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
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SyNapse007
Starting Member
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2009 : 20:13:09
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| The P7 is a work of art - a truly unique handgun. I find it a little heavy compared to my normal carry guns, but what a great weapon... |
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cowart
New Member
USA
74 Posts |
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BWCRITCH
Starting Member
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2009 : 17:34:26
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| I was able to put my hand on one a couple of weeks ago, and I am sold, I want one, and I have never fired one. |
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and a lot of bitching."
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pinkhamr
Advanced Member
USA
6078 Posts |
Posted - 02/13/2009 : 00:00:53
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I am in the process of upgrading my wife's 'Carry' from a Kel-Tec .380 (loaded with Hydroshocks) to the new 'Tiny' Kel-Tec 9MM .... It seems to fit her smaller hand very well. (Yep, I have some Black Talons in 9MM for it ...
Just can't justify the cost of the H&K for her use ... she seldom carries ...  |
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LandonJ
Advanced Member
USA
6375 Posts |
Posted - 02/13/2009 : 07:52:32
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quote:
Originally posted by pinkhamr
Just can't justify the cost of the H&K for her use ... she seldom carries ...
If you are interested in a used P7 there is one where I live that is running at about $500. I'm in UT. E-mail me if you're interested. |
"You are only out-gunned if you miss." -Jeff Cooper
Amatuers train until they get it right. Professionals train until they get it wrong.
NRA Life Member
NRA Certified Instructor
Utah CFP Instructor
USMC veteran
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Stickmaker
Junior Member
182 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2009 : 20:40:31
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Be warned; most people who buy one, wind up buying more. :-)
I have three. One was teflon-refinished and is my carry piece.
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Just passin' through. |
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pitbullman
Junior Member
USA
473 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2009 : 06:10:11
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| i just had the pleasure of seeing and handling one of these yesterday at my local gun shop.on the way there i was thinking i have never seen a p7 in person as i had just watched Nate's vid on it.low and behold there was a used one sitting in the case with a $1099.00 price tag on it. i was seriously thinking of buying it when i took my eye off of it and out the door it went:( |
he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." - jesus christ-luke 22:36
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FFemt5287
Baron of Obscure Calibers
USA
3577 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2009 : 22:43:21
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| nathan, have you tried a p9s? id be interested to hear your review of that. i fired one when i was like 12, but only about 20 rounds worth. |
 The Baron of Obscure Calibers |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21632 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2009 : 23:45:59
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| i have never even seen one outside of pictures, but its definately on my buy list...if i can ever happen across one. every time somebody tells me they found a p9 it ends up being the FN. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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LittleChickie
Starting Member
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2009 : 16:33:59
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| Web site address and full name of CDNN? Thank you. |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21632 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2009 : 16:46:00
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| CLICK HERE. they do not advertise gun sales online but if you download their catalogue it lists them. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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LittleChickie
Starting Member
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2009 : 22:01:40
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| Nathan - Thanks, got the catalog. |
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vic2367
Starting Member
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2009 : 21:54:35
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| great review,,im saving my $$$ for one now |
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whiskeymike
Starting Member
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2009 : 09:38:33
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I bought one of these puppies about 30 years ago;original version with the heel-mounted magazine release.
One of the most accurate handguns I've ever shot outside of a large DA Smith revolver.Back in the '80's, the local gun shop used to have informal competitions after closing once a week.I did very well in the 9mm shoots.
It was also my carry gun for quite a while, in a Milt Sparks Summer Special.
I still have it but tend to carry Glocks or J-frames now.
I just showed it to a friend a couple of days ago;I think I'll take it to the range next time I go just because. |
Bill
Kennesaw,GA.
NRA Life Member |
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Heclker & Koch P7 PSP
