loeman
Member
The P7 IMHO is one the coolest semi-autos ever made. It's unique, beautiful and incredibly accurate. I feel very lucky to own one.
My 'grail' pistol, HK P7
- Thread starter American1776
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May I also suggest that if you plan to carry it, get a holster that allows the gun to sit "deep". The P7s, especially the M13 are very "topheavy" when holstered because the barrel is mounted farther back on the receiver than other semi-autos. Holsters that go just high enough to cover the trigger guard don't hold the gun tight enough for my tastes. Just my opinion. Your results may vary.
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A1776, you bought the best iteration of the breed. I have had one or two of each flavor over the years. The PSPs with exposed heel releases would trip mags as I sat back against carseats. The Americans would get tripped on the seat belts! I holster with a shielded release for the American is a MUST.
Anyhoo, don't let that heel button fool you. If you've not figured it out already, you can punch it and PULL your mag free...or punch and HOLD it down to EJECT the mag clear. Mine would pop the mags well clear of the gun even when held UPSIDE DOWN.
Anyhoo, don't let that heel button fool you. If you've not figured it out already, you can punch it and PULL your mag free...or punch and HOLD it down to EJECT the mag clear. Mine would pop the mags well clear of the gun even when held UPSIDE DOWN.
Vulcan Bob
Member
Nice find, glad you found one! I had one of the older P-7's with the heel mag release. Used to drive some folks to distraction shooting it in IPSC match's now and again just fer grins, managed to win a few with it despite the minor caliber and heel release. I sure wish I hadn't traded it off!
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Excellent pistol. The only suggestion I have to get several more mags. There is no telling how long they will be obtainable at decent prices since HK is the only manufacturer of P7 mags, to my knowledge. You might get a few spare parts, springs and such.
The HK website will probably have better advice on this, but you have to plan now for keeping it running without factory support.
The HK website will probably have better advice on this, but you have to plan now for keeping it running without factory support.
samandglove1
Member
I love HK's.
friendlyfire
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The P7 Series is amazing for what it is. Highly accurate, very fast, very safe. It does have some drawbacks though. It gets supremely hot after a few magazines. It needs to be kept clean as carbon builds up in the gas cylinder and needs a special scraper to get the crud out, often. There are not a lot of holsters available for it. And if you lose the ability to squeeze the grip, it is useless. I detached the flexor tendon on my right middle finger and was not able to bend that finger or squeeze the cocking lever on the grip for nearly a year.
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American1776
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Thanks for all the feedback and photos.
From what I can tell, my P7 is a very early model (1979-1980), since it has a 4 digit serial number and no date stamp. It's a Lower Saxony pistol.
For those of you who own one of these early 80s P7's, here's something to note: the welds that mate the breech block to the frame have a tendency to develop tiny hairline cracks. Mine indeed has tiny cracks, and they can be very hard to find. I've come to learn that these cracks are usually nothing to worry about. My father is a mechanical engineer and a tool and die maker for 40 years now, and he explained to me that after the welds cool, the material contracts. Due to the contraction, surface cracks will form. But these are typically 'harmless' because they are only on the surface, and the weld underneath is strong. Check your P7's with a bright light and magnifying glass, and you might find these tiny cracks in the welds. Don't be alarmed if you do see them, your pistol is probably just fine.
I have a Don Hume pancake leather holster coming, and in the meantime, the P7 fits PERFECTLY in a Desantis pocket holster N3, which fits the Ruger SP101. Yes, the P7 fits well in a front pocket of jeans. This is what makes this gun so versatile: it is a full-sized service weapon that can be carried on the hip, OR, it carries like a pocket pistol if that is preferred.
From what I can tell, my P7 is a very early model (1979-1980), since it has a 4 digit serial number and no date stamp. It's a Lower Saxony pistol.
For those of you who own one of these early 80s P7's, here's something to note: the welds that mate the breech block to the frame have a tendency to develop tiny hairline cracks. Mine indeed has tiny cracks, and they can be very hard to find. I've come to learn that these cracks are usually nothing to worry about. My father is a mechanical engineer and a tool and die maker for 40 years now, and he explained to me that after the welds cool, the material contracts. Due to the contraction, surface cracks will form. But these are typically 'harmless' because they are only on the surface, and the weld underneath is strong. Check your P7's with a bright light and magnifying glass, and you might find these tiny cracks in the welds. Don't be alarmed if you do see them, your pistol is probably just fine.
I have a Don Hume pancake leather holster coming, and in the meantime, the P7 fits PERFECTLY in a Desantis pocket holster N3, which fits the Ruger SP101. Yes, the P7 fits well in a front pocket of jeans. This is what makes this gun so versatile: it is a full-sized service weapon that can be carried on the hip, OR, it carries like a pocket pistol if that is preferred.
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