hk p7

Fat Boy

I would say check out Bruce Gray at grayguns.com for any work or parts you might need for an HK P7.

HK still works on them too. Some are still under warranty.

Parts are definitely available. I have heard mixed reports on HK servicing them though. Mine is one of the originals (4 digil s/n) and I have put a few parts in it.

There are a few specialist around who service P7's, James Williamson of Teufelshund Tactical has a very good reputation in Hk circles.

There should still be parts on HKparts.

They're fantastic albeit unconventional guns, I still miss mine and kind of regret selling it

gotboostvr

You know I must be one of the small minority who didn't think all that much of the P7. I had one years ago and just never got accustomed to the whole squeeze cocking mechanism and it's subsequent manual of arms. As I recall you couldn't use lead bullets in it, had to keep the gas assembly meticulously clean, and it definitely could put off some heat if you were doing any kind of rapid fire shooting.

No, no regrets trading it in on something else but I am glad I at least had the opportunity to find this out for myself (kind of reminds me of the same way I felt towards an HK P9 and Benelli B76 I use to have too).

bannockburn said:

You know I must be one of the small minority who didn't think all that much of the P7. I had one years ago and just never got accustomed to the whole squeeze cocking mechanism and it's subsequent manual of arms. As I recall you couldn't use lead bullets in it, had to keep the gas assembly meticulously clean, and it definitely could put off some heat if you were doing any kind of rapid fire shooting.

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I found the manual of arms to be very intuitive, I actually greatly liked them.

Lead bullets are a no-no. Not just because of the gas system, but it also had a polygonal rifled barrel.

Mine ran pretty good dirty, never had an issue. It was very easy to take down and clean I always thought.

The heat issue was definitely bothersome. It shot beautifully especially considering it was a single stack mid-size.

gotboostvr

Mine had very good accuracy and the low bore axis kept muzzle rise to a minimum; I will give it those two points. Take down was fairly easy but my P7 seemed to get dirty very quickly (with any kind of factory ammo), and had to be kept really clean for optimum performance. The heat problem was most annoying, especially since it didn't take all that many rounds to get it really hot.

Fantastic James Bond style guns. I've seen them at shows in rough shape for sky high prices. Too expensive and challenging to make today, so HK will never make them again. Many consider them the finest fighting handgun EVER.

Buy it.

Cooldill said:

Fantastic James Bond style guns.

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Don't you mean Hans Gruber style gun?

Buy it! The P7 is built like a tank--a meticulously built tank--and normally does not need much in the way of repair parts. I've had five of them, and they would all run like a fine watch.

HexHead said:

Don't you mean Hans Gruber style gun?

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Ahhhh....

P7 in a 007 movie. Why is it always a bad guy with the P7?

I have a P7M8. Had it hard chromed and night sights installed a couple years back. Runs great although I don't shoot it a lot. Does take some time to get used to the squeeze cocking action.

I wouldn't be worried about breakdowns or availability of parts. P7 is a fantastic relic from the past, overengineered, heavy for its size and unless you've practised a bit, awkward to operate with the squeeze cocking mechanism. It's probably the least likely gun you'll discharge accidentally in a high-stress situation. I love mine, after almost three decades it feels like an extension of my hand. They've become somewhat of a cult during last 15-20 years for a reason, there's nothing like it on the market today and probably never will be again.

You're far from being in the minority Bannockburn, most gun owners don't even know what a P7 is, half that know and try them trade them off. The other half happily joins the P7 cult and is very vocal about the pistol they fell in love with.

I have a pristine P7M8 that has become more of a safe queen, but I have a P7 PSP (BMI German police surplus) that I shoot, and yes carry. They are Wonderful pistols, but are getting a bit ridiculous in price.

If you do buy the pistol you should also pick up the scraper and brush tool for cleaning the gas cylinder. It was a pain to find one when I bought mine a couple of years ago but well worth it—you don't want to mess up a (literally) irreplaceable part of the pistol.

I bought a PSP a couple of years ago and was surprised how much I really enjoy the pistol—I posted a detailed thread here.

HK was more than aware of the PSP/P7 in keeping it clean and extended shooting. The factory recommended cleaning every 500 rounds - plenty enough for more shooting than one range session would allow. Yes, it can heat up, but that wasn't a problem when the gun was fielded. With at best four magazines carried, the soldier or agent using the firearm wouldn't heat it up to an unmanageable point - same as a soldier firing an M16, he carries less ammo than can affect it.

Don't rapid fire a P7 thru multiple mags and it's not a problem. Doesn't sound like a practical problem when the majority of owners are now CCW and aren't going to take on ISIS in the Mall.

I looked at the gun when they were new - and under $450. Instead I bought something else. The reason was the toggle cocking, which was an ingenious solution to carrying without the striker cocked. However, it does go to that concept, which hasn't shown any relative value. Most striker fired guns are carried partially cocked, SA are carried cocked and locked, the defensive and safety advantage of having the gun completely uncocked? It was more a reflection of the political times in Germany and their view of gun use in the services.

Had it been a more standardized grip with a simpler safety I think it woudn't have been so short lived. It's said the slide alone cost more than than a Glock and that does go to the manufacturer doing things to a engineering degree that a gun based on public sales wouldn't have allowed. Now the collector value is so high it rivals custom 1911 makers. I'll put my collector money in American stainless from the 80s and 90s and get three guns in comparison. Which is about the same decision I made the first time around.

Fat Boy said:

I have an opportunity to buy a p7. if I do and it would need service are parts and service available?
Thank you

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It is a discontinued model, so parts are not readily available, and it is an unusual design, so service is going to be difficult too. On the other hand, it is a VERY high quality gun - think Colt or S&W in their prime, but with the steels of the 1970's - so it the odds are that it is going to be hard to break something or need service. But it IS a question of odds, and it is understandable to not want to gamble.

I have one, and it is very accurate and pleasant to shoot. But it so much different from any other gun that I do not think I would wish to carry it, or use it for home defense, unless I was going to train hard with it first.

I almost bought one back in the late 90s. I wish I had.
I have fondled a few used ones a few years ago, but they were way over priced for my taste.

One thing I don't quite understand is when folks say that the squeeze cocking mechanism is hard to get used to. When holding a pistol to shoot it your hand would naturally be squeezing the front of the grip anyway. It seems to me that squeezing the front of the grip is just what you do. Not sure how that is an unnatural movement. Not trying to start an argument. Granted I have never fired one, just played with one.

Anyway, I wish I had bought one new when I had the chance.

I've had a P7M8 for at least 5 years. I shoot it regularly and have never had a problem with it. No parts have required replacement at all. It's a solid, solid gun.