The HK P9: appears to be only for right-handed people.

[Ignition Override]

With the decocker just behind the trigger, it looks like a very bad choice for a lefty.

Even the grip probably can't be exchanged for an ambi or lefty style. Such a shame as it appears to be a very interesting type, based on Youtube videos and Wikipedia.
The Compact must be a really superb weapon.

 

[RX-79G]

It can be fired left handed and the mag release is on the heel, so it can be operated with the off hand, but it would suck to use lefty all the time.

The compact was never released.

 

[PabloJ]

With the decocker just behind the trigger, it looks like a very bad choice for a lefty.

Even the grip probably can't be exchanged for an ambi or lefty style. Such a shame as it appears to be a very interesting type, based on Youtube videos and Wikipedia.
The Compact must be a really superb weapon.

I looked over boxed .45ACP with sticker shock price of $1400. In my estimate it was not superb enough. Another downside is if something breaks you end up with ugly paper weight common gemstone paperweights are much more pretty and whole lot cheaper. While I think the P9 is a better pistol than the PSP or P7 given high prices and no spare parts I would still pass on one.

 

[Ignition Override]

"Roger that".
For a similar German gun style in 9mm, the Walther P5 or 5S appears to be a nice competitor, although I have no idea how good the trigger is, or spare parts avail.

 

[GarrettJ]

although I have no idea how good the trigger is...

For a factory gun, the trigger is superb other than having a somewhat long reset. It's light and smooth with a crisp let off.

Accuracy is also very good, likely due to the fixed barrel design. It uses a roller locking mechanism, similar to the MP5 or HK 91.

I had the barrel on mine threaded and extended for a silencer, since adding a big weight to the muzzle won't affect function. The Sport model has taller adjustable sights which are handy when shooting suppressed.

 

[Dragonfly]

It is indeed an odd pistol—the decocking lever is also the slide stop, and can also be used to cock the pistol (for training or second strike capability I don't know). The double action pull is stiff but the single action pull is light and crisp (although marred with atrocious overtravel in the Combat model). I wrote a detail post earlier this year in here in this thread about the pistol. I do prefer the P7 when it comes to classic 1970s H&K pistols.

 

[RX-79G]

It is indeed an odd pistol—the decocking lever is also the slide stop, and can also be used to cock the pistol (for training or second strike capability I don't know). The double action pull is stiff but the single action pull is light and crisp (although marred with atrocious overtravel in the Combat model). I wrote a detail post earlier this year in here in this thread about the pistol. I do prefer the P7 when it comes to classic 1970s H&K pistols.

The combo lever is from the Sauer 38H. It is to allow you to cock the pistol for the first shot, almost like the P7. The original P9 didn't even have a DA trigger.

The DA trigger is heavyish, but super smooth. One of the better DA triggers. I've never had trouble with SA and rapid fire. There is very little muzzle rise.

 

[9mmepiphany]

It is to allow you to cock the pistol for the first shot, almost like the P7. The original P9 didn't even have a DA trigger.

Yes the original P9 was SAO. The combo lever was used to cock the internal hammer it you didn't want to carry it in Condition 1 (Cocked & Locked)

The slide mounted thumb safety can be applied with the hammer in either position and is fairly easy to push off during the presentation

 

[Ignition Override]

You guys must all be right-handed.

Despite the positive characteristics you all described, as a lefty the decocker lever and right-handed molded grip seem to be real obstacles.

That's why I am curious about the Walther P-5.

 

[9mmepiphany]

As a lefty the decocker lever and right-handed molded grip seem to be real obstacles.

The Cocking Lever can be easily activated with the trigger finger. The Nills grips are pretty neutral

 

[Ignition Override]

9mmepiphany: And so the decocking lever is not a physical obstacle for the trigger finger when a lefty holds the gun?

Those are some of the nicest grips.

 

[9mmepiphany]

When I had a P9s, it had the non-contoured plastic grips...it was a LE surplus gun...and I never had a problem shooting it with either hand.

When shooting left handed, my trigger finger was above the shelf of the lever

 

[RX-79G]

It really isn't a big deal shooting with the left. As long as the safety is off, just treat it like any other DA/SA gun. If dropping the slide with the trigger finger is too hard, sling shot it. But your right hand is going to come in handy to decock afterwards.

A note on decocking - the P9S has a hammer intercept that works when the lever is depressed. So while it seems crude to have to decock by pulling the trigger, pushing the lever down even a short distance activates the intercept, completely preventing an AD because the hammer can't get to the firing pin.

Another plus for the P9S are really great sights. The blade and notch are the right widths and the rear is wide. For a pistol designed in the late '60s, the sights are better than many pistols that are brand new.

 

[Dragonfly]

It really isn't a big deal shooting with the left. As long as the safety is off, just treat it like any other DA/SA gun. If dropping the slide with the trigger finger is too hard, sling shot it. But your right hand is going to come in handy to decock afterwards.

A note on decocking - the P9S has a hammer intercept that works when the lever is depressed. So while it seems crude to have to decock by pulling the trigger, pushing the lever down even a short distance activates the intercept, completely preventing an AD because the hammer can't get to the firing pin.

Another plus for the P9S are really great sights. The blade and notch are the right widths and the rear is wide. For a pistol designed in the late '60s, the sights are better than many pistols that are brand new.

I dug the P9S out of the safe before work this morning to dry fire it left-handed and, as mentioned upthread, it wasn't bad. Mine has the grips with the thumb rest on the left side and my (left) trigger finger fit it fairly well. Manipulation of the lever was not bad either. I was surprised at how well it felt. Made me wish I was heading to the range instead of the office, though!

You're right about the sights--they are very good!

 

[Ignition Override]

Superb photos.

Some of the features of this HK decocking lever--it seems--were inherited/'borrowed' from my Sauer 38H (very nifty little .32 Auto).