If not an HK P7 then what?

[Fat Boy]

The local shop has 3 HK P7's for sale. I like the size, simplicity, and quality of the HK. I have read about the heat factor of the gun and other issues. So I am on a bit of a fishing expedition to see what you would recommend that is as high-quality, compact, all-steel 9mm that would be a suitable substitute for the HK. Or is there a substitute? Thanks!

 

[Strykervet]

The Kahr is about the same size, but the P7 is the only grip cocker I know of.

 

[usp9]

what you would recommend that is as high-quality, compact, all-steel 9mm that would be a suitable substitute for the HK

Almost exactly the same dimensionally as the P7 is the Kahr T9, another all steel, thin profile, 9mm, 8+1, 4" barrel, accurate, soft recoiling pistol. It has the added panache of being much more rare than the P7. The polymer Kahr TP9 is another similar sized choice but is much lighter than the P7.

Maybe not in the same league but the Wilson ADP has a similar gas system but in a polymer frame.

 

[Zerodefect]

The P7 is unique.

I know of no fair comparison. Excellent CCW. Small size, light recoil, light trigger. It's a shame HK deosn't still make them ( I think?), allthough plenty are still around NIB. Probally the best HK product ever made IMO.

The downside is it isn't easy to draw from IWB. OWB holsters suit this shorty best.

 

[56hawk]

Yeah, you will have a hard time finding a 9mm that is nicer than a P7. The only downside is the cost.

 

[orionengnr]

I may be a bit biased, as I have owned six P7s in the last 27 or so years.
I have also owned numerous other 9mms, although at the present the only 9mm I own is a Kahr PM9.

That said, there is nothing like a P7, and although I do not have one currently, that is always subject to change...

 

[oneounceload]

I cannot honestly compare my P7 to anything else I currently or have previously owned - the only common denominator is the cartridge

As a LH person, and having the PSP, it is completely ambidextrous - which if your household has opposite handed folks who might use it, this is a nice advantage

If that is not a major concern for you, then any plastic-fantastic gun will do a great job

 

[ExMachina]

To the OP, what attracts you to the P7?

Is it the overall design?--it's definitly a singular design and very neat. However, because it is unique it also has a manual of arms unto it self. And it does get hot fast. So to get in meaningful trigger time, you really have to have two P7s (which is not necessarily a bad thing!)

Or is it more that you want a small, slim 9mm? If that, then there are other good choices--the Walther PPS comes immediately to mind.

 

[GlockFan]

I have 2 "A" grades. Bought them a little over a year ago from CDNN. I have shot 1 of them a few times...the other is more for investment. It does get pretty warm if shooting a few mags in a row. The trigger is veeeery nice and it is quite accurate. I think it is a unique gun and I had always wanted one.

 

[aryfrosty]

P7s

I have owned/carried/shot dozens of 9mm pistols in 40 years and will say that I have never had one as sweet as my P7psp. It is high is cost but it also is in value. I have owned Kahr Arms pistols and they can't hold a candle to the P7.

 

[Fat Boy]

The things I like about the p7 are the compact size, the simplicity, the fact that it is steel, and the quality of HK. (response to question about what attracted me to the gun)

 

[legion3]

As others have said the P7 is unique. Kind of a retro pistol these days.

Other similar single stack retro guns from that era are, in no order

The HKP9S is another unique 9mm pistol.

The Walther P5 is top notch and the P5 Compact is a cool euro 9mm.

The Walther P4 and the P38K are neat versions of the P38/P1.

But nothing comes close to the P7 in design and just being different.

If retro is not what you want plenty of modern single stack 9mm's to choose from.

 

[dogsoldier0513]

Not 'all' steel, but some excellent BEY high quality single stack 9s are: Beretta 92FS Compact Type M, Walther P5/P5 Compact, Walther P4, S&W 3900 series, etc.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've owned a H&K P7 (PSP) for years and carried one as a duty gun, I also have a M8 that I bought as a LE trade-in when the NJSP changed guns.

There really is nothing that is a safe, reliable and simple to use in a single package as the P7...I've never even heard of a P7 magazine wearing out.

The closest comparable pistol I think you'll find is the Kahr T9 or K9

 

[Vonderek]

I would love to own a P7 but that said, more for a pride of ownership thing to shoot on occasion and less as an everyday carry piece. For me, availability and cost of magazines and spare parts factor into what constitutes an appropriate EDC.

If the price is right, I would buy a P7 in a heartbeat.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

For me the heat issue is a non issue, unless you plan on firing off 75 rds in succession. It is one shootin machine.

 

[paddling_man]

I've not found heat as an appreciable issue when shooting although it does get warm. The heat limits range time no more than the range time may be limited by some other models due to their long, heavy DAO or heavy recoil in a small carry package.

in short, I love my P7-PSP. It is quite accurate and a pleasure to shoot. I do carry it though usually it is relegated to being my "motorcycle gun" with a OWB retention holster. Buy the magazines once and you're done.

There are many, many single stack steel guns of the same size to consider if the P7 is out for you. One interesting comparison might be to look at the other two guns that entered into the same competition as the HK: the Sig P6 and the Walther P5.

I (regrettably) sold my P6 but when I still had it, I was on the lookout for a Walther P5 to complete that triad.

P6


P7


P5 (Pic from Photobucket search)

 

[Sapper771]

Today, I got a chance to handle a blacked out Kahr K9 with Hogue grips and night sights. I was impressed with it. I think if you could deal with the DA trigger, it may be your huckleberry. I would buy one if they would offer one with a decent SA trigger and thumb safety.

I always liked the P7. Very enjoyable pistol to shoot, kinda wish I still had the two I use to have. I would like to see a company make a gun similar to it, but with out the squeeze cock. Maybe add a safety somewhere. With the thin profile and excellent pointability , one would be hard pressed to find a better CC pistol. I have heard that the kimber solo is close, but I havent had a chance to handle one. Plus, the solo is made by kimber, and I dont buy kimbers anymore.

 

[Mr. Happy]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this love fest - I just bought an unfired hard chrome P7 and my strong side forearm muscle has begun to ache from dry-firing!

From what I've read here, I better forget about keeping it "investment grade," take it to the range, and shoot it!

 

[IMTHDUKE]

Mr. Happy....you're goin be happier.