HK P7 the best HK pistol ever made?

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

As a New Jersey state trooper I carried this gun for years. It was extremely accurate and a blast to shoot. Before buying them, NJSP required H&K make certain modifications to the P7 design: an elongated trigger guard to accommodate a gloved hand, a lanyard ring on the butt, and the ambidextrous mag release levers. Thus was born the P7M8. The grip cocker is an amazing device that, when squeezed, charges the firing pin; and when released renders the gun safe even with a round in the chamber, which is how we were trained to carried them. In a combat situation, if your gun is taken from you by a bad guy, chances are he won't know how to operate the grip cocker, thus buying you precious seconds that could save your life. I also carried this gun when I worked undercover, as it was small enough and flat enough to conceal inside my waistline. Also, It was drilled into us that we had to clean that gas piston thoroughly, as a dirty piston could cause the pistol to malfunction. The gun came with a special brush just for that purpose. Also, the firing pin is removable by rotating that rear shroud about a quarter turn counterclockwise and then squeezing the grip cocker to push the pin out the rear. When I retired I made the huge mistake of not buying my H&K when it was offered to me....for ~$500. Today, a used HK P7M8 sells for at least twice that amount. Ouch!

[@peterschlosser7605]

Screwball, interesting history, thank you. I believe I purchased one of those pistols when your dept. decided on a different sidearm. The slide on the right side has a rough milled area where engaving was removed.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Wow. Lucky you! I don't remember what engravings were on the slide. Do you know?May I ask what they charged you for it? Any interest in selling it?

[@peterschlosser7605]

Screwball McAdams I believe I paid around $750, this was quite a while ago. We’ll never know what the engraving said, but I was told it was something that ID’ed your dept. NJSP or similar. Can’t sell, sorry!

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Still a steal at $750. Look me up if you ever change your mind on selling it.I don't remember the gun having any special NJSP markings on it but I'll ask some of my friends that still own them. I'll let you know if I learn anything. Thanks for the update.

[@joecascade5105]

Sir, Thank you for being a Trooper. Sharp dressers for sure. When cops like ptrlman quagliatto and patrlmn cano in Neptune City New Jersey throw our firearms application paperwork in the garbage or lose it, then blame you Troopers for the tie up, how do ' you ' feel? I mean, after we call you and tell you they are criminals and you do nothing about it, did you feel dirty because you left us hanging for your paycheck? I love the Troopers still, I just realize some will sell their mother or kid for the paycheck. Sad for ' you 'choosing to work with and cover for these local assclowns. By the way, quaqliatto is in charge of the other local ass clowns in Neptune City now. May go back shortly to collect on civil rights lawsuit vs. individuals (rather than Neptune City itself) re. paperwork. Would not bill the town for wasting my time while I was a resident. Moved out before the p.d. turned the place into a complete ghetto. Now I am ready for compensation from clint eastwood want-to-be clowns. $$$$ thank you Jersey and your fabulous attorneys!!!!!

[@farwalker3672]

My dad bought me and HKP7 when I graduated from college. It’s a great pistol and generally stays in the safe. The squeeze cocker is a great safety feature.

[@kalashloy4179]

damn, that's one hell of a graduation gift :)

[@farwalker3672]

Kalash Loy I was tickled to death. I had just turned 21 a couple months earlier. It was my first pistol. Lots of fond memories shooting with my dad. That’s nostalgia for you

[@babj615]

My absolute favorite pistol of all time. I love taking the grip panel off just to watch the intricate cocking and firing mechanism function like a swiss watch! HK - Please put into production again, or introduce Polymer P7 Mk2 8^)

[@Jason-nj8dn]

Yes . Best design ever. Even function if extractor breaks. The firing pin assembly easily removed as well.. little pressure on cock lol. Twist notch on firing pin indicator. Pulls whole firing pin assembly out easy strip. Nice design

[@tomharper8351]

Sounds great!

[@StGCfiLife]

If HK would just restrict themselves to the M8 and the M13 in 9mm, they could sell them for MSRP of circa $2,000 and they would sell like hotcakes. This is especially true if they did just a few tweaks, like polymer/alu mix frame, night sights, modern protective finish on the slide, updated grip and voila, instant classic.

[@anonypersona3189]

@@StGCfiLife Yeah, if they updated it to modern designs everyone would want one. All of the other handguns are practically the same and we all already own them.

[@Patriot-rising]

You must have some lousy Swiss watches. The P7 is a brilliant design. They are well built but not comparable to any Swiss watches I own. Well I do own a Tissot that could be better. Btw, I did understand what you meant. And yes they are rather cool. Dang things now are really valuable now. I would never pay the price they ask now for them.

[@maxcactus7]

I've owned an M13 for 30 years now. Truly a revolutionary tool. Everyone who I've let shoot it marvels at what an incredible piece of engineering it is. Shoots like a laser, intuitive to operate after a brief initiation. Wouldn't trade it for any other hand tool made.

[@roberth4688]

Good enough for Hans Gruber.

[@AlaskanBallistics]

ha he got pushed out of a building by some no name cop with a Beretta

[@JimBrodie]

"There's a difference between not liking one's brother and not caring when some dumb Irish flatfoot drops him out of a window."

[@JohnLloydScharf]

Yippee-ki-ay..

[@heyzoos-cgr9369]

Boobie, I'm your white knight!

[@MPA249]

Helped save the world from an Asteroid. Ironically Bruce Willis was in that one too.

[@geoffmcnew5863]

Imported 2 HK P7s when I was a soldier in the late '80s from Frankfurt Rhine-Main's excellent Air Farce gun store...THANKS, to all Zoomies & Wing-Wipers! SPEARHEAD!!!

[@Loschh]

I’ve owned a p7 for over a decade. Well over 50k rounds through it and I’ve never had a single malfunction. Absolutely love it.

[@justin3594]

I’m sorry but this sounds suspect. 50,000 rounds? I’m pretty sure any gun will wear out after 50,000 rounds let alone having no malfunctions in army testing testing in the 80’s, thus gun Had a malfunction every 350 rounds or so

[@Loschh]

@@justin3594 mind you, this is a four year old post, Justin. Little side talk happed with my fingers. 5k is what I meant to say. Sorry for the confusion.

[@justin3594]

@@Loschh all good. Just popped up in my feed. KZbin algo you know. It is an awesome gun though. I had a friend who was a NJ state trooper and he carried one. I was always a bit jealous of that pistol tbh.

[@Loschh]

@@justin3594 they’re pretty awesome. I retired mine some years back. But ehh…. Oak at high noon? 🤷🏼

[@GilenusX207]

Manual slide lock is directly above the port side mag release. It's a small, flush button that you press to the rear.

[@MedicRNMike]

P7M13’s mag is also the only double stack mag that doesn’t use the Browning HP mag’s design. Credit on passing on that knowledge to Larry Vickers.

[@aaronfarnsworth7653]

The p365 mag is 'inspired' by the M13's mag design despite all of SIG's claims of uniqueness and pending patents. Another vote for the P7's return in both M8 and M13 forms.

[@bayertwin]

For years the M13 was the issued sidearm of the Detroit Police SRT. We were allowed to buy them when we retired them for the Glock 23. I own 3 of them.. M8, M13. & the very rare M10 in 40 S&W

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Hi - retired NJSP Trooper here. Any interest in selling your M8? It was my service weapon for years; just couldn't afford to buy mine when NJSP offered them for sale to us. Steve

[@handiediver]

Over the past thirty years I've collected three of these. They all shoot perfect. Excellent pistols.

[@dloobo2381]

The Police in Munich Germany still uses the P7 and it will continue till 2019. They recently adopted the VP9 as their new Service Pistol.

[@j.p.9522]

I can't wait until they dump all their P7s on the American market.

[@dloobo2381]

The only Police in Germany, is the Bavarian that sill uses this Oldtimer. could be a interesting opertunity for many Collectors of historical service Guns to get one. Apologise for my bad english.

[@arnomichaelmuller2727]

yes but ;) old pistol of the police in Bavaria HK P7 New service weapon of the Bavarian police HK SFP9 in 2019 New service weapons for the police in Bavaria. Approximately 35,500 officials will shoot from 2019 with new pistols. Because the existing model P7 Heckler & Koch is not produced since 2008. German Federal Police especially service weapons HK P30 since 2006 bb HK P7

[@Leon-ue8cl]

The standard police handgun Is the P99 in Germany

[@Barbarossa2312]

Thats wrong. First of all we have 23 diffrent Police authorities. We are like the USA a Federation with diffrent States. Every state choses the Police guns by its self also every Federal Police. de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Dienstwaffen_der_deutschen_Polizei thats an overview of old and new. Plenty of the old ones are still in use.

[@claytoncherry3192]

I remember as a kid in the 90s seeing Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Dr. Kaufman in Tomorrow Never Dies use these pistols. Always made me want one.

[@CrustyChucky]

I've owned a P7 since 1986. The best little cannon ever. So reliable. I will never sell it and I have been offered hundreds for it. Did I mention I paid $250 for it at FT Campbell? I consider it the Mercedes Benz of 9mm Parabellum.

[@wolfnstrings]

Hey HK Please make these again!.!.!.!

[@ashleygiarratana5181]

There is a manual slide lock on left side of frame, it is flat, sits behind the grip panel and, full disclosure- I had my P7 PSP for well over a year before finding that little tidbit in the manual... I believe this is also the same on M13... Keep up the AWESOME work guys!

[@Militaryarmschannel]

I’ve never had an owners manual! Haha

[@j.p.9522]

Military Arms Channel You can also silently decock the P7 by depressing the small lever underneath the trigger guard, and then releasing the grip.

[@valor992]

The P7 is one gun I wish I could afford. Such a unique well thought out firearm.

[@lrm1981]

Hands down my favorite handgun. I just picked up a mint, 1981 (my birth year) date coded commercial version a couple months ago.

[@ZorinDenu]

Great Video! The slide lock is on the Left side right above where the mag release would be like on the M13. It is a bar that you slide to the rear.

[@USClight]

Tim, I love my P7 PSP and thanks for the vid. Did you know you can lock the slide to the rear without putting in an empty magazine? There is a little slide lock just above where the mag release would be on a P7M8/P7M13 on the left hand side that you move towards the rear (as opposed to moving upwards on most semi automatic hanguns) after moving the slide to the rear.

[@klextacy]

Haha! Whoops! I posted the same thing above. Didn't see that you had already addressed it. The P7M8 was the first semi-auto gun that I learned to shoot, as a kid. Haven't had on in my hands in years, but I remembered that slide lock button. LOL

[@WhiteDwarfVR4]

Thanks for the knowledge! I was wondering if that was present on the PSP. I know it's there on the M8, M10 and M13

[@benenglishtx]

@@WhiteDwarfVR4 Yes, it is present on my PSP.

[@davidhobbs8949]

Same here. I posted this very same comment above and I also didn't see that you had already addressed it..

[@mohawkdriver4155]

There is a slide hold-open button that does not require an empty magazine to activate. On the left side of the pistol (looking from the rear), right above the magazine release, there is a small and barely visible slider. This is the slide lock. Holding the pistol in your firing hand with no magazine in the well, use your thumb to press this small slider toward the rear of the weapon while simultaneously drawing the slide to the rear. You will feel the slide lock engage, and you can release the slide, which will stay open. Empty magazines are NOT required to activate the slide hold-open device.

[@quint57]

I have a P7M8 that I used in IDPA matches for year. Love it. Also have a P9S.

[@residentflea]

Hey Mac thanks for all the videos and your stance for our #2A Rights!!

[@AlaskanBallistics]

Yes thank you MAC!

[@JohnLloydScharf]

I have lost all use for the US Constitution. It is obviously just a piece of paper. Ultimately only rifled metal protects your rights. Barrel rifling was invented in Augsburg, Germany in 1498 because they thought the devil rode balls to make them erratic; so making it spin would throw the devil off.

[@michaelhatfield3430]

I Love the H&K P7 series and used to use a P7M13 for my ccw. I have a P7M8, P7M10, Two P7M13 and a P7K3 with all 3 caliber conversions. I had a PSP but sold it to a collector that made me an offer I couldn't refuse,lol. Great video as always. Good luck on your hunt Tim.

[@731trident]

For years I never understood the 'mystique' of the P7-series, save that they had HK on them. Thank you for this video, it makes sense to me now. The only downside that I can see of these is the price on the secondary market. This is a simple, brilliant design worthy of the HK brand.

[@j.p.9522]

Wait for the next (and probably last) surplus P7s to hit the market, and don't hesitate to buy one.

[@jayboss3102]

They have rare ones 17-7xxxxxx serial number p7 m13 that cost a arm and a leg there was only 23,600 made so the price makes sence if not banged up

[@slightlyprofessional]

I thought the same thing about this gun until I watched this video. And another video about this gun, by a firearms channel I won’t name, really had me wondering why anyone liked this thing. But this video not only made me “get it” but also made me want one.

[@1.forestrunner]

Tim, some additional information if you are interested? The information is from a former German Police detective(friend) who was issued a P7 (HK) after the trial between the P5(Walther), P6(Sig Sauer 225) and the P7. Some states in Germany adopted the P7, others the P6. After issue several accidents happened were officers in high stress situations shot themselves when they re-holstered the P7. They holstered the P7 like other handguns holding the firearm with the finger off the trigger but firmly holding the P7 and doing so engaging the grip safety the trigger touched a part of the holster and a shot went off. The police then changed the training and the P7 was to be holstered holding the firearm with all fingers pointing forward holding the P7 only with the thumb in the open hand. However the damage was already done and the P6 became the issued police pistol of the German Police. HK required the P7 to be sent in for maintenance after a certain time in service to inspect/maintain the piston assembly. The barrel can only be changed by HK all that added to take the P7 out of service.

[@j.p.9522]

This is why we can't have nice things.

[@josephsolimando9864]

One of the very best carry guns. Beside the all steel construction, cocking mechanism, single action trigger, gas delayed blow back action, the P7 PSP has many details. Namely, a squared trigger guard with front serrations. The back strap and cocking piece are stippled. A cocked indicator, ambi stippled grips with thumb rest and slight palm swell. Fluted chamber and polygonal rifling. A serrated trigger, bold dovetailed front and rear sights with white dots. Beveled surfaces, angled slide serrations. A slide lock and serrated top strap. H&K engineers really thought about this design.

[@nsansa7552]

Please H&K listen to MAC, bring back the P7!!!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

With modern CNC and automation, it's hard to believe that they couldn't figure out a way to make them cost-effectively. The problem is the risk of the investment when the handgun market is already extremely crowded.

[@williamflowers9435]

The P7M13 would likely sell very well @$1000-1200. I question whether the American market would get too excited about a gun with 8rnds but with 13 I think it would sell.

[@ratagris214]

Great video and pistol I knew an officer who carried one of these and was much respected for carrying as a duty weapon she bought and everyone thought it was too expensive, but her thoughts were simply if my life is on the line you spend money for a functioning pistol to help her do her job.

[@vaughanellis7866]

I've found the P7 to feel like each one is a custom build even though each one came off a production line with the trigger feeling smooth and you'd swear that it had been worked on by a custom shop.

[@bigrich713]

You can lock back the slide by pressing in the lever on the left side of the pistol directly behind the trigger. If you don’t look close for the slide lock lever you can miss it due to it being very sleek and streamline, it blends right in with the grip. You can also press the take down button on the left side of the pistol to lock the slide back that way as well, though it will not be locked back as far when using that method compared to the actual slide lock

[@timshannon5980]

Wow! Thanks for the cheat codes.

[@reds7vn644]

this is absolutely positively my unicorn pistol there is one at my local gun shop that I have seriously considered letting go of a few guns in order to have it.

[@geoffm683]

There is a way to lock the slide to the rear without an empty magazine in it. There is a small button/tab on the front top of the left side grip panel. Use your right thumb to depress while pulling slide back. Great video as always and greetings from Kansas!

[@Garandasaurus]

I wanted to buy one st my local shop NIB 2K. I can't believe you've had that many of these and let them all go. For that much I begin thinking a custom 1911 is a bargain. Jesting aside, they are really smooth shooting pistols, and I think they'd make a very nice carry piece.

[@MPA249]

One of my favorites. No P7M10 (40s&w) or P7M7 (45ACP) though? I went through an HK armorers course back when they were still in Sterling and Luckily for me I got to go in the Grey Room and saw all the generations. The gentleman (that is in the old school HK video featuring the Benellis) he showed me that you can also hold the trigger in and discharge the pistol by squeezing the grip as a panic feature. I do not know if it was intended as that kind of feature or not. Great guns and if I could find one that I could afford I would buy that one. The P7M8 ranks up there with the Browning Hi-Power and the P210 for me. Great video.

[@markwilliamson6002]

Best pistol EVER for abdominal CC because it cannot go bang due to the 15lb squeeze cocker weight. The trigger is completely dead until the 15lbs are exerted on the squeeze cocker. Almost zero chance of an AD due to snagging it on clothing. I have a P7m8 and it is my summer IWB EDC with shorts. Great pistol and great video Mac!

[@badkarma2202]

Owned my P7-M8 since 1991, best all around pistol ever. Only issue with the P7 line of guns are Parts if any breakage.

[@cameronizatt7480]

There is a way to lock the slide back. On the original P7 on the Left side , just above the squeeze cocker, there is area right at the top that can be pushed in when the slide is retracted back. When it is depressed the slide will lock open. Try it, it works.

[@bavariasuhl]

p7m13 was my first, when australia passed its stupid gun bans, i moved to the usa and had to sell it. i picked up another one recently within 10 serial numbers from mine , 20 years ago

[@cokoladkacz347]

omg, HK is one of few other who can take my attention beside of CZ, and this one is really nice one !!!!

[@pckanellopoulos]

cokoladka cz CZ does blow away all others

[@varanid9]

You have good taste in pistols. IMHO, HK first, closely followed by, in a tie, German-made Sigs or CZ. After those to choose from, who really needs anything else?

[@mia1shooter]

Cz is such trash...im baffled why idiots cream themselves over them, i have not been impressed by any cz on my life. They are garbage

[@mcseavers]

How did you get the Sgt Chevrons next to your name?

[@devabstergo1645]

mia1shooter This simply shows ignorance and your opinion not being very valid.

[@christiansandmann6155]

My father carried one of these for most of his 42 years of service. He trained other officers when it was introduced in the eighties. I always liked his and the attitude of his colleagues for their kind of work. In contrast to a US police officer he was never rubbing it into others that he is doing a service to the public nor did he expect any applause from the public. I also never heard him talk much about retiring except that he considered extending his service another 2 years. Very different to any US police officer I ever met at a party or elsewhere. They always seem to talk about their 25 years of service and all the benefits they will receive.

[@phoophop8167]

I'm x CPD K9/T officer and for about a year or 2, this was my backup till I switched to a Smitty 6906 ..

[@nathanc30]

Just bought a p7m8 in 2023. Please don't ask me how much it cost. It's painful, but it is the best pistol I've ever shot. High end 1911 ed brown in 9mm second best.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

In the early 2000’s German police departments retired the P7PSP and rather than scrap them,HK refurbished them and they were available in the US for around $400,depending on the condition. I worked at Cabelas in Fort Wort at the time and we sold hundreds of them. You can tell if it’s one of these refurbed guns because the slide has a purple tint to it. I wish I had bought a couple of them back then but I have a P7M8 that I cary daily!

[@stefstaf]

Having fired hundreds of rounds with this pistol (P7M13) in the Production category of IPSC matches I admit it was my biggest mistake to sell it. Three points of interest: There is a rather inconspicuous slide catch above the left magazine release that you push back while pulling the slide back to lock it in the fully retracted position even without the magazine When reassembling the gun, you don't have to press the button again when fitting the slide. The upper side of the latch has a ramp that the slide when pressed down, will push it open. It would be interesting to see how that squeeze cocking mechanism would perform through the Gauntlet !

[@nmarbletoe8210]

Comment on Forgotten Weapons video on the HK P7: "David Krause 1 year ago There is also a manual slide lock...to lock the slide back without a magazine inserted...it's just behind the trigger on the left side...it is flush with the frame...surprised Ian didn't mention it."

[@gearbarrel6237]

Was in a little shop years ago when I lived on Chicago. They had one of these in their case-even now I kick myself for not picking it up. It is was fairly priced too. MAC you taught me tons more than I ever knew. Thanks sir!!!!

[@ingolfleiblle6661]

In Germany several police units used it. They were pestered with accidental discharges, several with lethal ends. No mecanical faults were found, the accidents apparently were due to insufficient training, indicating that this pistol was dangerous in the hands of ordinary policemen. Special units like SWAT reams had no problems with the P 7, but they spent much more time at the shooting range and in tactical training. So, this excellent weapon is a demanding much more training than most other pistol to be handled safely.

[@joenicholson6597]

I have a PSP since 1991 and it's my everyday carry gun, I love it. Great video as usual.

[@jeffreyphillips3048]

There is a slide lock. it is on the left side above the mag release. the tiny piece of metal... just push it in while the slide is back and it will lock. I've had mine for about 10 months now. I absolutely love it. the best trigger of any gun I own, but it does get surprisingly hot, surprisingly fast. great video.

[@varanid9]

My first was an m8, then I got an M13, then a PSP. Wish to hell I'd kept at least one of them. Can't afford them, now. They were the finest machined objects I've ever held in my hand. Absolutely loved the way they operated and shot. Absolutely nothing else comes close.

[@meshaft]

My father used a M13 on the highway patrol, he bought it when he retired, I absolutely love it.

[@dwar8483]

i finally after 10 years found an unused one and am getting it next month!!! i cannot wait. been on my want list for a long time

[@WhiteDwarfVR4]

Hope you managed to scoop that puppy up, they are damn fine machines!

[@mustafankamil1973]

I owned a P7 M8 back in the 90s and it was by far the most elegant pistol I have ever owned, thanks for posting this video it bought back great memories

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Why did you sell it? (I know silly question- we all sell guns for strange reasons even when we love them).

[@mustafankamil1973]

I would never sell it, it was stolen along with Glock 36 and HK USP

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Oh man. I'm sorry. That's really tragic.

[@mustafankamil1973]

Thanks buddy

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I was just reading about the HKParts guy that got busted with 200 HK P7's. Bummer those will probably never see the market.

[@JR-N-TX]

@6:58 The slide can be locked by the small, nearly flush lever, just aft of the trigger on the left side. Hold your thumb on it while retracting the slide.

[@jimvincent6408]

New Jersey State Police carried the P7M8 until the 90's, great gun, the grip cocker has saved several officers who had their weapon taken away from them in a confrontation. The perp had no idea how to workthe weapon giving the officer time to recover and get their weapon back.

[@davidhobbs8949]

At 6:57 mac states that "There's no way to lock the slide to the rear that i'm aware of.." There actually is. On the left hand side of the later P7M8/M13s, there is a small tab directly above the magazine release. If you pull the slide to the rear without a magazine, and push inward on that tab, it catches on the slide and it remains locked to the rear.

[@joelohms2629]

This video was bad assed!I've seen p7's in magazines ,but never in action.Seems like a very solid design,and I couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be very little muzzle flip while you were firing.I hope to get the chance to fire one someday.

[@ClumsyBirb]

Is this bait for Alex C?

[@j.p.9522]

I hear Alex C left TFB to elope with a P7.

[@Xopher1222]

Bait or 'bate?

[@j.p.9522]

Hateful Hermit Patrick is no longer with TFB

[@tom92fs]

I unsubbed when Alex c left TFB

[@oldskoolhoss7534]

tom92fs why did alex c leave anyways?? I loved mr c

[@royjones59344]

When this gun was originally produced I couldn't afford it but would love to see them come back now. Excellent review.

[@vonbottorff7141]

I agree! I had one of those I kept it for years and Loved it, Never had an issue with it! Then I sold it and have regretted it ever since. I would love to get another one but cant find one I can afford. I Miss it!! It was the safest carry gun I ever owned.

[@filmfan8116]

Just FYI, there is a little flush button on the left side of the gun, at the rear of the trigger guard, which you can push back with your finger nail that will lock the slide open without the mag inserted. Finest handgun ever made (which is why I have 5).

[@bobbymccaslin9911]

I love my P7 SPS. Tim mentioned the Kansas Highway Patrol carried the P7; The Troop on the Kansas turnpike carried the M13 while at the time the regular patrol carried Sig 220 in 45ACP

[@bobbymccaslin9911]

HKGuns yeah sorry it was early and the caffeine hadn't kicked in yet ..lol

[@duke927]

The P7 M13 was my service handgun from 1993 until I retired in 2006. Very safe weapon to carry and safe at home around children. 12 lbs pressure to cock but only a couple of pounds to hold. So when holding someone at gunpoint just uncock back in battery with a quick squeeze if necessary. The US model had the ambi paddle mag release near the trigger guard. I'm left handed and sometimes the seat belt would release the mag. It is very accurate and every round is SA by but uncocked in the holster. BTW the small tab behind the left side of trigger is a slide hold open hard to see and a little tricky to operate. I purchased one when I retired but since have retired mine as replacement parts and to replace the gun itself would be exorbitant.

[@douglasphillips24]

Always wanted a P7 & I'd buy one if HK would make some again cause what a great little pistol that is still ahead of it's time in innovation. I remember those little guns that nobody wanted due to price & I was into big revolvers back then & I could slap myself for not buying one.

[@johnhall9228]

Hey Tim, great video as always. Just a bit of info, but all P7’s can lock the slide back without an empty mag. There is a tiny lever left side of gun near the mag release on m8/m13. It’s on the p7psp also, same place. Anyway, rack slide back and push little lever back to lock slide back manually. Enjoy!

[@samal146]

Best review on hk p7, big difference when someone does a review and knows what he’s talking about 🤙🏻

[@Bigpapaim]

I have a p7m13. Love it. The main reason for it's demise is that you can't get the drop on someone with it(too loud to cock). Even though with the original design you can by pulling the trigger then squeezing to shoot. So taking it to an extreem a police instructor disregarded every safety rule about finger on the trigger and trained police officers to always have the finger on the trigger and squeeze to shoot the first shot(how stupid do you have to be? What is the first thing you do when you are startled?) Needless to say, police officers were unintentionally shooting each other and that was the begging of the end for the P7. Thank you for the excellent videos. My favorite feature is the ability to remove and put back the striker in a few seconds. If you ever have to leave your gun for any reason, that can come in handy.

[@TheIrishd501]

I so regret selling my P7, that pistol was extremely accurate and just plain fun to shoot.

[@nedduffy4801]

I regret selling mine as well. It was the best!

[@MySmokingToaster]

I'm sort of old and carried revolvers for most of my adult life, Usually a K frame 3" BBL Round Butt. Several years ago I went looking for my first semi auto and came across a beautiful used P7 at my local gun shop. Instead of buying it I went with a new Sig P 250. At the time I thought the transition to a double action only would be easier for a revolver user. Now that I'm used to a semi auto I regret not buying the P7.

[@thallium200]

Got a P7M8 with case (matching serial number on case) unfired in 2015 for $1600. Good luck finding that deal today. The lowest bore axis of any pistol. Almost no muzzle rise. It's just a great pistol. The NJSP used the M8 for a long time.

[@leegrimjr.3005]

A wonderful piece for carry which is why I carry one. It will burn the snot out of you under continuous fire no doubt about it. I thought my P7 m13 would be better to carry but let's face it we're not going into a scenario where 40 rounds go flying though it. Good video Tim I appreciate all you do. You're a Patriot and have taught me a lot. Sic Semper Tyranis.

[@charlesbaldassano4046]

MAC You can lock the slide back on the PSP without a mag, there is a tiny flush triangular slide lock button on the left side of the gun. It looks like part of the gun, not a button.

[@clydezackery_hootie26]

that little thingy on left side above/rear of trigger guard. It's triangular in size, it is the slide lock! most P7 owners are not aware of it

[@wmrustycox]

Yes...definitely the best ever made.... trusted my life with it for years !!!

[@bluemax229]

I Purchased a P7 I believe in 1983, when they were first available in the United States. Worst mistake I ever made was selling it when I got out of the gun business. I was a state trooper in Ohio, and wore it in a modified ankle holster. When the frame showed mild rusting from my leg sweat, I sent it away to get a Nitex coating. It was then even better than perfect.

[@sethp5876]

Kraut Space Magic

[@arunravi4866]

thanks for showing the double stack M13 also; nice job and i liked it.

[@fjk6657]

To Lock the slide back, on the left side just above the mag release(M8-M13) is a small tab. Push the tab to the rear it will lock the slide.

[@JanoBanano1996]

these are still in use in some parts of Germany. I live in Bavaria and, especially in the more rural regions, the new handguns haven't yet found their way to our police forces here.

[@odinsh8962]

The Bavarian Police is going to replace the P7 With ne HK SFP9 right?

[@JanoBanano1996]

@@odinsh8962 for the most part, yes.

[@ericmoss8344]

One of my all-time favorites! Love my P7 PSP... just became too valuable so I pulled it from my main carry piece. I too wish H&K would bring these back... although that might kill the value of older P7's. Either way, if they brought them back I'd buy one.

[@poetwp975]

This and the python are my two favorite hand guns. The m13 version is my dream gun.

[@33Luger]

I have both but prefer the 8 round version. The 13 grip size is too big.

[@thewildes5719]

MAC. I don’t know about the P7 but the P7 M8 and the M13 have a little metal lever that sits almost flush on the left side of the gun near the top of the grip and above the mag release if you push it up it is a slide lock lever.

[@ernietaylor1444]

Hi Mac yes you can lock the slide back on the P7 in your Visio on the left side of the weapon where you would have a mag release there’s a flush mounted slide lock. Great stuff.

[@rmac8706]

I’ve always found these handguns fascinating and yet I have never seen one in person lol. Thanks for the video! Great information as always!

[@Kain8719]

The P7 is really a wonderful gun. Love mine. I too wish they were still made. A P7M13 would be a nice gun for CC, a P7M8 is also wonderful to carry. Would seriously consider it over the P2000 that I am looking at going to for CC.

[@Chayonray]

I love my P7! Extremely accurate as you say. One other added quirky feature which I'm sure you're aware of Tim but just didn't have time to mention is that if you hold the trigger depressed and then squeeze the cocking lever, the gun will fire too. Certainly not as accurate but definitely an occasion bit of fun!

[@conker33350]

There was 1 thing I was hoping you showed in the video. The gun can also fire if you hold the trigger and squeeze the lever (acting as the lever is the trigger)

[@Patriot-rising]

I have always liked the P7 series . The squeeze cocker kinda takes a bit of getting use to. I have owned a few P7 M8's and one P7M13 but I was offered so much for them that I saw a opportunity to purchase a few firearms for the price of one. One of th he P7's I owner was a German law enforcement issue. They are very solid well built and rather ingenious creation. I miss them kinda .

[@fw1421]

The DFW Airport police carried the P7M8. I’ve had my P7 since 2007. Great pistol,very accurate and modest recoil. He has the PSP variant. The P7M8 is a better cary gun. The magazines are stupid expensive though.

[@nilescoyote4829]

Glad to hear of the heat shield and poly trigger. I had the PSP, a predecessor to the P7, and man would that trigger area get hot. Three rapid mags would heat it to the point of pain. Aside from that, I loved it.

[@johnhosstx]

The slide can be locked back by depressing the small button/detent on the left side of the frame just aft of the trigger. Hold it in while retracting the slide. It will lock in place.

[@mistamef87]

Had the joy of shooting one and got some great groupings on 25 meters. Almost as good as my STI rangemaster in fact and i would love to own one

[@robrobinette]

I was a fighter pilot in the 80's and lusted after the HK P7 because it could be easily used with one hand in case we were injured during ejection. Some Air Forces issued the P7 to their combat pilots for this reason. I'd love to have one so HK, get these back into production.

[@borism68]

I agree. Posibly the best handgun I’ve used ever. My brother had one and I just drooled over that P7m8

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

I remember reading about the P7 when it was first introduced. The squeeze cocking was only one of the features they were talking about at the time. I remember it being said to make the gun child safe, and someone mentioned that it was a good feature for the police as if someone managed to snag the gun from an officer there was a good chance they wouldn't know to squeeze it hard enough, giving the officer a few seconds to act. As we now know security through obscurity doesn't really work well, and calling something child safe is risky, especially if it's a loaded gun. Polygonal rifling was touted as longer wearing with less drag and gas leakage than conventional rifling. According to the marketing material that meant higher muzzle velocity, less fouling and easier cleaning of the barrel. By now it seems most manufacturers who gave polygonal rifling a try has gone back to conventional rifling so I guess the advantages weren't as large as H&K commercials wanted us to think. H&K also claimed that mechanical simplicity meant the gun would be more reliable than other guns on the market. To illustrate this they compared the P7 to a M1911, and if you count the number of moving parts the P7 wins by a wide margin. I'm not sure how it would measure up to a modern polymer framed gun though. The gas piston was supposed to require minimal cleaning, and it was said to change the recoil impulse so it would feel smother than other guns. Don't know how well it measure up to those claims as I've never had the chance to shoot one of these. It's ironic that while they claimed that the gun was so mechanically simple it turned out to be quite expensive to manufacture. I think a big problem was that they had to machine the gas system into the frame. As the frame started out as a solid block of steel it takes a number of steps to bore out the cylinder and the gas port. It should be easier using modern CNC mills though.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Nice comment. Yeah I've always wondered why HK didn't license the P7 design out to some enterprising young manufacturer who wanted to try to bring it back to market at a competitive price. I'm sure that one could outsource all the fiddly bits and just do the slide and frame in house to maintain cost control. This gun would sell these days for sure, and with a few updates to the design, it might even become popular. The 'child-safe' claim is dangerous, but that heavy pull on the cocker probably did keep some kids from killing their folks at some point. Remember that tragic shooting in the Wal Mart when the two year old found his mother's 9mm in the purse and shot her with it? My guess is the P7 design wouldn't have allowed that.

[@nindger4270]

When they first came out the price was actually very competitive (a bit cheaper than a Beretta 92, for example), so I don't think manufacturing costs were a problem. Economics bit them in the ass. In the 10 years after it first came out, the German Mark more than doubled in value against the Dollar - so on the American market in 1985 you had to pay double the price of 1976 without H&K getting any more money.

[@johnivanp]

Love my P7 wish I could afford a m13

[@retrocny5625]

One of my favorite HK pistols. I don't own one but I've shot one on multiple occasions. At first blush, I didn't think it would be that great of an experience due to the squeeze cocker functionality however it was a very pleasant shooting pistol. I wouldn't say it's my favorite HK handgun, that award goes to the P30(other than it's awkward decocker), but it's definitely up there. Wonderful little handgun that was ingenious for it's time.

[@26muca07]

Love the P7. Since I was a little kid watching Die Hard i wanted one of those

[@SMShannon55]

Of course the height of the bore axis above your hand makes a difference. That’s just physics. I’m very glad that I still have my P7 with threaded factory extended barrel.

[@mia1shooter]

"tHaTs jUsT Physics pHySicS"...oh shut the fuck up and stop trying to sound "knowledgeable"...nobody is impressed dumbass

[@TommyTombstone]

@@mia1shooter except that he's right, fucko. Go eat a Snickers, you're not you when you're hungry.