[Dacos]

Today I finally rented one at the local range and it dropped off my "To Buy" list. Here's what I thought:

1. Very ergonomic piece. The manual of arms isn't that different from other autos where I would feel uncomfortable handling the firearm. Also, my hand was just the right size that the sight profile didn't alter pre/post squeeze cocking - something I was worried about.

2. Great trigger pull and nice sights. All of the aforementioned characteristics plus its wonderful trigger made for some highly accurate shooting.

3. After 40 rounds (shot s-l-o-w-l-y, no blasting away here), the trigger guard and upper were definitely hot. After 56 rounds it was painful. I've heard other P7 owners say, buy two and use the second while the first cools down. New pistols cost $1K+, so be realistic when it comes to finances! Yes, a shooting glove could solve this but I don't like to wear gloves especially when I'm training with a "combat/defense" auto. Is this point that important; yes b/c I like to shoot extensively with my guns and I felt this would limit my ability to progress where this particular firearm is concerned.

4. Cleaning and the limited ability to take down the gun is somewhat of a concern.

I can see why this firearm has its followers, but it doesn't fit in with my philosophy when it comes to handgun training.

Dacos

[10-Ring]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion. If the P7M8 doesn't fit into your handgun training hopefully you have others that do.

[Marko Kloos]

Hey, at least you gave it a fair shot. Too many people condemn a design without ever having tried it out. If the P7M8 is not for you, that's cool...that's why they make all kinds of guns. Personally, I love the design and all the positive aspects it offers in one package, but I readily concede that the design is different enough to make it a love-it-or-hate-it sort of gun.

I found a handy solution to the overheating problem...I bring one of those gel freezer packs to the range with me and rest the underside of the P7 on it between shooting strings. The ice pack funnels the heat off the steel very well.

[Dacos]

Gel freezer pack, neat idea. Not worried about corrosion or is your P7 hard chromed?

It's funny that you mention love/hate when it comes to the squeeze cocking design. I think those that hate it just can't get used to the manual of arms or their hand is either to small or large for the m8/m13 models that the sights are off suring shooting. Those that love the design do so b/c of the ergonomics and accuracy. My problem is that I have two guns that I think will hold their own anytime against a P7, a Sig P210 and a Sphinx AT2000.

Best, Dacos

[Campusninja]

Just bought a used one today, this gun fits me PERFECTLY, I will need much more practice and work on the manual of arms. This gun works for me!!!!
:evil:

[dude]

funny thing......I've been a P7 owner/fan both 8 & 13 (prefer the 8) for almost 20 years now but have never had a 'heat' issue with the pistol. Now I never shoot more than 100 rounds per session but the pistol has neve been so hot as to be uncomfortable as long as the heat shield was in place.

oh well



if you don't mind me asking: what exactly does- 4. Cleaning and the limited ability to take down the gun is somewhat of a concern. -- mean?? The P7 is the fastest take down gun for cleaning ever!!

A detailed cleaning is a bit of a pain ( so I don't do them) but the slide pops instantly off leaving the fixed barrel exposed and the gas piston port ready for a quick scrape
........... and the firing fin & bushing come out of the back of the slide almost as fast. Other than that there is no other cleaning areas required for perfect operation. Intestingly-- the most common cause of 'broken' P7s is from tearing them down beyond what HK recomends .....and the 'going together' does not often go well!!

Yes, they do break and can break in a very expensive and time consuming way but remember they were never desinged as a Military sidearm, but rather a Police/LEO weapon. That's the 'P' in P7 btw.

No, they are not for everybody but I have had 2 diehard Glock fans convert to P7s after shooting mine for only one range session!!



shoot well and often (whatever your choice)

[Skunkabilly]

P7M8s have off-the-charts CDI :p ...to the nth degree.

4" barrel, flat, good out of the box trigger (well sure paid for it that's for shore), decent stock sights.

The bullpup pistol. NOt for everybody.

Personal preference, relaly. Sigs and Glocks are neat, but I can't get attached to them.

[sanchezero]

The heat is definitely an issue. I have 2 P7s since it's my primary CCW (one cheap refurb). I shot just under 1000rnds in 2 days thru the 2 of them alternating when one would get hot. The second 1/2 of the second day we were in the sun and neither of them ever cooled off. I taped my fingers but still got a coupla mild blisters.

While that's a pain in the ???, it's not a real concern in a carry weapon, especially since I'm usually only carrying 17 rnds anyway.

As far as the cleaning, I'm with dude.

But hey, it's cool if you're not into 'em. Personally I can't stand the feel of Sigs even tho I know they're great guns, so I relate somewhat to where you're coming from.

:)

[boing]

Too many people condemn a design without ever having tried it out.

And too many people worship a design just because "everybody" else loves it so.

And some people do both, like me with my SIG. :p

[Trebor]

"Just bought a used one today, this gun fits me PERFECTLY, I will need much more practice and work on the manual of arms. This gun works for me!!!! "

Hi D,

Glad you're happy. I thought you might show up here. :)

Take care and good shooting.

Rob

[Skunkabilly]

Too many people condemn a design without ever having tried it out.

Or base it on Internet lore.

[Chipperman]

I agree with dude.

I think it cleaned quickly and easily. The only part taht takes a couple of minutes is the piston. All you have to do is douse it with MPro7 and let it sit while you're cleaning the frame/barrel. The carbon fouling will come off easily, as much as it needs to.

The heat issue is way overblown IMO. I use my M13 every Monday in tactical shooting. I sometimes fire 100-200 rounds within an hour. The gun gets very hot, and stays hot for a long time. I have NEVER burned myself on it, however. It's actually nice when shooting in cold weather.

"Happiness in a warm P7" :cool:

This post is not intended as a flame to Dacos. You gave it a fair chance, and it didn't turn you on. I have no problem with that.

[martin]

I bought one of the German refurbs that came to market a while back. The P7M8 is a unique design and I enjoy shooting it, although I don't shoot it as well as my other pistolas. Of course that is more on me than the gun.

For what it was designed for it is excellent. For extreme accuracy I grab something else.