Guys, I'm working on a little P9 FAQ. Excuse the crudity, and please help me add to and refine it.
1. Description: The P9s is a double action semi-automatic handgun that uses a miniaturized version of the roller-locking system found in older H&K rifles. The pistol was ahead of its time with extensive use of plastics and sheet metal in non-critical areas, an exotic locking system, a cocking lever, a recoil buffer, and fixed barrel.
2. Variants. The P9 started as a single action 9mm with a nine shot capacity. This model was produced in low numbers and is very rare. Confusingly, there are apparently some later guns marked “P9†that are actually double action. The “P9s†is the later double action model. This is by far the most common P9 and is often refered to as the "Combat" model. Soon after the P9s was introduced a seven shot .45 model was made available. Other variants include “target†versions of both the 9mm and .45. The target was identical to the standard “combat†model except for adjustable sights, a trigger stop, and a sear screw that allowed adjustment for let-off or crispness (not for weight). There were also “competition†models which included the features of the target but had 5.5inch barrels and a barrel weight. These models also had the front sight on the barrel weight to extend the site radius to X. These models came with elaborate walnut target grips in addition to the standard plastic "combat" grips.
3. Notes: The P9s is found with two types of plastic trigger guard. The earlier model was plain looking and sleek. The later model has a “recurve†along the front that was the fashion in the late 70s-80s. This trigger-guard is usually referred to as the “Navy Seal†version.
4. Finish. The earlier models tended to have a nice “blued†finish that shined quite a bit. The later version was a duller “parkerized†style finish.
5. Pros.
A. Accuracy. The P9s is famed for its accuracy. This attribute is owed to a combination of its fixed polygonal barrel and lightweight, smooth single action trigger.
B. Low recoil. The roller-locking system adapted from the G-3 seems to go a long way towards lessening the recoil in both 9mm and .45. Additionally, the P9 features a plastic “buffer†built into the receiver that assists in this regard.
C. Trigger feel. Classifying a trigger is a subjective business. However, reports of bad P9 triggers are nonexistent. It is smooth and crisp in both single and double action (and obviously the adjustable target/competition models are even better in this respect).
6. Cons.
A. Buffer. If the P9’s plastic buffer isn't replaced before it is worn out, the P9 will eventually fail, often catastrophically (destroyed frame). This buffer need only inspected and replaced occasionally to avoid this.
B. Safety, The P9’s safety blocks the hammer from falling. The trigger of the P9 can be pulled with the safety on. Eventually, this will result in the safety being flattened enough to allow light primer strikes, and the possibility of accidental discharge.
C. Decocking involves pulling the trigger! To decock the P9s you must actually depress the cocking lever and pull the trigger. Obviously, you should put the safety on while you do this, but it is unsettling nonetheless. In actuality, this procedure isn’t too different than letting the hammer down on a 1911-- except you can do it with the safety engaged on the P9.
D. Age. The P9 has been out of production for approximately 20 years. Understandably, not inexpensive weapons to begin with, they have become even more costly in the time since. On top of this, parts have become somewhat scarce. This could eventually become a problem with regard to buffer replacement.
1. Description: The P9s is a double action semi-automatic handgun that uses a miniaturized version of the roller-locking system found in older H&K rifles. The pistol was ahead of its time with extensive use of plastics and sheet metal in non-critical areas, an exotic locking system, a cocking lever, a recoil buffer, and fixed barrel.
2. Variants. The P9 started as a single action 9mm with a nine shot capacity. This model was produced in low numbers and is very rare. Confusingly, there are apparently some later guns marked “P9†that are actually double action. The “P9s†is the later double action model. This is by far the most common P9 and is often refered to as the "Combat" model. Soon after the P9s was introduced a seven shot .45 model was made available. Other variants include “target†versions of both the 9mm and .45. The target was identical to the standard “combat†model except for adjustable sights, a trigger stop, and a sear screw that allowed adjustment for let-off or crispness (not for weight). There were also “competition†models which included the features of the target but had 5.5inch barrels and a barrel weight. These models also had the front sight on the barrel weight to extend the site radius to X. These models came with elaborate walnut target grips in addition to the standard plastic "combat" grips.
3. Notes: The P9s is found with two types of plastic trigger guard. The earlier model was plain looking and sleek. The later model has a “recurve†along the front that was the fashion in the late 70s-80s. This trigger-guard is usually referred to as the “Navy Seal†version.
4. Finish. The earlier models tended to have a nice “blued†finish that shined quite a bit. The later version was a duller “parkerized†style finish.
5. Pros.
A. Accuracy. The P9s is famed for its accuracy. This attribute is owed to a combination of its fixed polygonal barrel and lightweight, smooth single action trigger.
B. Low recoil. The roller-locking system adapted from the G-3 seems to go a long way towards lessening the recoil in both 9mm and .45. Additionally, the P9 features a plastic “buffer†built into the receiver that assists in this regard.
C. Trigger feel. Classifying a trigger is a subjective business. However, reports of bad P9 triggers are nonexistent. It is smooth and crisp in both single and double action (and obviously the adjustable target/competition models are even better in this respect).
6. Cons.
A. Buffer. If the P9’s plastic buffer isn't replaced before it is worn out, the P9 will eventually fail, often catastrophically (destroyed frame). This buffer need only inspected and replaced occasionally to avoid this.
B. Safety, The P9’s safety blocks the hammer from falling. The trigger of the P9 can be pulled with the safety on. Eventually, this will result in the safety being flattened enough to allow light primer strikes, and the possibility of accidental discharge.
C. Decocking involves pulling the trigger! To decock the P9s you must actually depress the cocking lever and pull the trigger. Obviously, you should put the safety on while you do this, but it is unsettling nonetheless. In actuality, this procedure isn’t too different than letting the hammer down on a 1911-- except you can do it with the safety engaged on the P9.
D. Age. The P9 has been out of production for approximately 20 years. Understandably, not inexpensive weapons to begin with, they have become even more costly in the time since. On top of this, parts have become somewhat scarce. This could eventually become a problem with regard to buffer replacement.
