Should I buy an HK P9S?

[FourTeeFive]

Some of these in 9mm are showing up locally and I've always been intrigued by this pistol. On one hand they supposedly shoot very well and make a great suppressor host. On the other hand I've got a P226R and G17 setup for a suppressor, so I'm not needing another gun.

And... do I really want to get a 30-year old gun that takes expensive magazines?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There was probably a reason they quit making it. If you're a collector who likes guns of unusual design, fine. I've done it. If your considerations are more practical, then no.

On one hand they supposedly shoot very well and make a great suppressor host.

How are they any better for suppression than other handguns?

 

[Pilot]

Why do you want it? CCW, HD, or just as a novelty/range toy? How many mags do you really need? If it comes with two, you're good to go. I'd say if you want it, buy it. They are solid shooters, with an interesting, rolling block design. They are also extremely accurate. There are no downsides to owning this pistol.

 

[autospike]

I've wanted one since I was a kid. Saw a target model and thought it was the coolest thing ever. I never got one though. I seem to remember that it has some type of buffer that needs to be replaced... Might want to check that out before you buy. See here:
http://www.hkparts.net/shop/pc/HK-P9S-Recoil-Buffer-p1449.htm

 

[FourTeeFive]

Yes, there is a buffer that needs to be replaced.

The P9S uses a roller retarded (delayed) blowback action. This along with the stationary barrel allows for a quieter suppressed gun (chamber is closed longer) and does not require a Nielsen device for the action to cycle properly.

For me it would be more of a range gun with possible SHTF uses.

I typically have at least six magazines for any pistol that I own. Guess there can always be exceptions to my own rules!

 

[dogsoldier0513]

FWIW, the 9MM version of the P9S wil take and function fine with the CHEAPER and PLENTIFUL Walther P-38/P-1/P-4 magazines.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The P9S uses a roller retarded (delayed) blowback action. This along with the stationary barrel allows for a quieter suppressed gun (chamber is closed longer) and does not require a Nielsen device for the action to cycle properly.

Interesting!

 

[9mmepiphany]

The H&K P9S is a very cool gun.

The roller delayed system make it self adjusting to different pressure cartridges. It is the only gun, with a internal hammer, that I know of that can be carried in Condition 1(cocked and locked) Condition 2 (trigger cocking for first DA shot) and Condition 2 (cocking with the de-cocking lever on the draw)

 

[Dr.Rob]

I always wanted on in 45... never heard that Walther magazines would work in the 9mm version.. is that for real?

 

[FourTeeFive]

The .45 models and their magazines seem pretty rare. And target models of both command a pretty high price.

 

[Loosedhorse]

At what price? Price should have something to do with the decision, after all.

I've shot one in .45. Because of the roller-delayed system, it is the easiest-to-rack .45 auto I've ever encountered; something to think about for some users.

The fixed barrel system is supposed to allow extreme accuracy.

If you buy one, maybe buy two. One day, you might have to cannabalize one, as spare parts are hard to come by ($40 for a recoil spring; $300 for a bolt head). With two, you'll feel better about shooting it.

 

[FourTeeFive]

$500 with two magazines.

 

[bannockburn]

FourTeeFive

That's what I paid for my P9S in .45 over 30 years ago. Great gun with soft recoil but I liked my M1911's better. And finding magazines for it wasn't any easier back then either.

 

[FourTeeFive]

$500 is for the 9mm version. I seem to remember them being quite expensive guns back in the 1980's.

 

[9mmepiphany]

$500 with two magazines.

At that price I can't believe there was any question about making that purchase.

I got mine in the 80s for $375 and sold it for $475 after about a year...only because I couldn't find mags or a duty holster for it.

The .45 ACP models were excellent shooters. My dream model was the 9mm Competition model with the extended barrel, adjustable sights and barrel weight

 

[FourTeeFive]

My dream model was the 9mm Competition model with the extended barrel, adjustable sights and barrel weight

I've seen one of those recently at a gun shop. I think it was about $1400.

 

[Pilot]

If I wasn't clear enough in my earlier post.


YES!

 

[Loosedhorse]

$500 with two magazines.

No, do NOT buy one. Buy two.

 

[vaupet]

I don't know about prices in the US, I paid mine, in the original boxwith everything to it including factory shooting slip, 550 euro.

It is the best build service pistol I ever handled and the most accurate 9 mm, due to its fixed barrel and rolling block system, with very mild recoil and an exellent trigger.

It can be carried decocked and you can cock the system with your tumb very easy, so it is a single action on the first shot without the need to use both hands.

If I see the workmanship on this pistol, I suppose they stopped producing them because:
a: they don't care for private customers
b: beancounters in LEO and defense wouldn't pay the price needed

I would love to compare it to SIG 210 someday.

(my other pistols: hämmerli 280, walther SSP, sig mosquito, BHP mkIII, USP 9, H&K P7, USP 45 match)

http://www.remtek.com/arms/hk/civ/p9s/p9s.htm