HK P7 question

My P7 isn't as easy as my SIGs or other HKs to take down, but it's not difficult at all (I'd rather take the P7 down for cleaning than my 1911 any day of the week). Don't let that scare you off from getting one. They are GREAT pistols.

So I was wondering if there are any other negatives about them (such as possibly a difficult takedown).

Click to expand...

Takedown is accomplished by removing the mag, clearing the chamber, pushing in the takedown button, pulling the slide back, up and off the slide and pulling it forward...done. Can be done a couple of seconds.

Cleaning takes longer because of the added piston and gas tube to be tended. Other than that the gun is a dream.

But if you're going to take any gun classes, buy TWO, so one can cool while you shoot the other one.

They get too hot?

So what's the deal. These things get really hot? I am like the OP, I really want one too and have since they were selling them new for $1,200 20 years ago.

I know they don't use the short recoil operated Browning system. So I guess the gas system heats up? I had not heard this...although it makes sense. Please elaborate if someone can. Thanks.

QB

Sorry for the dupe post previously. Hey, I'm a senior citizen, cut me some slack..

Jesse

JMOFartO:

The standard BASIC cleaning procedure of the HK P7 is extremely simple (as described in an earlier post. The part that always makes folks nervous, (gas tube/piston) does NOT require constant cleaning, but should be done after shooting a couple of hundred rounds..

IF you don't clean your P7 often enough it will advise you of it's need as the slide will quit operating properly.. That generally never happens unless you are dedicated to seeing how many rounds you can shoot through it before it gums up to where it won't function perfectly.

I keep hearing about how quickly P7's heat up as if that were a concern for daily personal defense carry.

In my experience the HK P7 WILL heat up quickly, but quickly is relative to what you have previous experience with. Some firearms never seem to have a heat problem and if that is a big deal to you, don't buy a P7.

But my P7's (I have three) are all pretty constant in that it takes shooting 4-5 magazines, rapidly, through the pistol before heat becomes a problem..

When I carry my P7 for personal protection I generally don't even have a spare mag along.. The HK P7 does NOT heat up in the use of one or two rapidly fired magazines so that's a non-starter as a problem for me, and I would suggest most folks who chose to carry the fine HK P7 for personal protection won't have more than one spare mag along.

If you are the type person who would be put off by this, buy something else.

Truthfully, there are many new pistols and revolvers out there on the market which offer easier maintenance, more capacity, certainly lighter... And for most folks one of those is a better choice for daily carry.

But if you can be satisfied with 8+1 capacity and the weight of an all steel pistol (steel is heavier than plastic, duh?) you will find the HK P7 of absolute top quality, as accurate as any pistol I've personally ever owned or fired, and a pistol that is as reliable as anything man made can be. Being a "squeezecocker" makes the HK P7 extremely safe also.

HK P7's are like Jag XKE's... They are a bit rare, a bit expensive, and could be considered slightly high maintenance when compared to the Glocks and other plastic pistols available.. But they ARE HK P7's, and have a mystique of their very own that calls out to dedicated pistol lovers in a way that in unexplainable, but definite.

Frankly HK P7's are NOT for everyone. But I would suggest IF you have the chance to hold and fire one you will either love it or hate it... If you love it, you'll ignore the warts, if you hate it you won't one anyway.

Now, having defended the HK P7 I will admit that I chose NOT to carry one of my daily.. I just stick my puny little Seecamp LWS380 in my back pocket and I'm good to go.

So, I don't carry my P7 daily, but I'm not selling them either.. I think everyone who is a gun nut (as I am) needs a P7, BHP, and Walther P1 (or P5) in the gun case just because they are all unique to some degree, and have a great history.)

Just personal opinion, no offense to those with contrary opinions.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

It's always better in stereo.

Thanks PX15. The kind of heat you describe is not off-putting to me at all so thanks. The way some folks were talking I was starting to think if you fired four or five rounds the thing would be too hot to holster.

QB

Hoosier:

I had never fired an HK P7 before, and the photo below is the results of my first magazine fired from my first CDNN "A" grade HK P7.



I was shooting from only 7 yards (which is what I personally consider a reasonable MAXIMUM self defense distance), standing, two hands (actually resting on the side of my wife's golf cart).. But I'm a senior citizen w/shaky hands and declining vision.. A better marksman could have blown the center of the X ring away.

I would say the absolute best thing about the HK P7 is it's inherent, outstanding accuracy. After that it's just a fantastic, high quality pistol.

IF you buy one I recommend you buy the best grade you can afford (all of mine are "A" grade), and try and get a couple of extra mags.. Extra mags are often hard to acquire, and pricey when you find 'em.

But IMO, for general purpose defensive carry heat buildup is simply not a concern.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

Better sell three if you want some extra magazines to go with it!

rc

wb:

I normally would never say to sell a gun, but I make an exception to that rule when I sell a gun, I'm NOT using, to buy a gun I have an interest in.

Also I've found that selling guns of lesser quality (even several of them) to acquire a firearm of greater quality (and therefore will hold it's value better) is not a bad thing.

Last year after I bought my first P7 I was so taken with it that I sold several other pistols/revolvers that I was not using to finance the last two P7's., and I'm more than happy with the exchange.

I just hate to see someone sell a firearm and not replace it....

Best Wishes,

Jesse

wb:

NONE, other than (as I understand it) the early models were engraved "PSP".. Later when other models were added it was marked HK P7, or the Americanized version (plastic heat shield top of triggerguard, and dual mag release near top of grips) P7 M8, then P7 M13 (13rds), etc.

There is ZERO difference in function and performance between the HK P7 and the HK P7 PSP.

I'm sure someone with more insight will come by and straighten me out if I'm off base, but I think what I've said is pretty accurate.

For DETAILED answers from folks who know and love the HK P7 line of pistols monitor www.parkcitiestactical.com.. That's where you'll get good info.

Hope this helps.

Jesse

P7

HoosierQ, Jesse gave you some great insight into the characteristic's of the HK P7. That kind of straight talk (either good or bad) is what makes this forum such a wonderful resource to everyone seeking information or conformation on any handgun out there.
I'm a senior as well and a big gun enthusiast for many years (and yes I hate cleaning my 1911 also). Like Jesse and many, many others I've never been as impressed with a semi auto handgun as I am with the P7 or P7M8 which is the updated P7 and eliminated the heating up issue my integrating a heat shield above the trigger. The P7M8 is a rather expensive gun (between $1200-$1600), but are unbelievable in every respect. In the gall, winterand spring months I carry miy P7 in a OWB Kramer MSPaddle holster that is very concealable wearing a jacket, weatshirt or something similar and forget I have it on. In the summer months I carry my little Ruger 380 LCP in my pocket because I've yet to find a IWB holster you can properly conceal down here in FL in the summer heat.
HoosierQ, where you located? I'm from around Kokomo.
Best,
JimK

jimk:

I carry my LWS380 every day and the absolute best way I've found to do so is with a rear pocket (wallet style) holster.



I just slip it in my back pocket and it's hidden, no trouble, no problem.

I'm not sure of the size of the LCP, but if rear pocket (wallet style) would work for you I think you'd be amazed at how well it conceals.

I live in SE Ga. and the heat and the humidity of the long summer makes it impossible to wear an outer garment, or even have your shirt worn out of your trousers without folks wondering why you're doing such a thing..

So, for me my Hedley holster does the job.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

P

P Jessee, you know I've tried those backpocket holsters and just couldn't get comfor
table sitting down with it in my back pocket. I guess with the hankymti's too much W in the rear poacket. Might be too big a butt as well. lolr
We go to Atlanta quite often to see our daughter. Where are you in SE GA? We also Jgoing to Jackel Island for the weekends. Any where close to you?
JimK

jim:

I've found out that what works for me as regards the pocket holster is the only thing I have in my left rear pocket (I'm a lefty) is the wallet holster with the Seecamp in it.

In my other back pocket is where I keep my wallet (small fold type) along with my hankerchief, which I like because it "wedges" the folded wallet in the bottom of my pocket and helps prevent loss..

JoAnn and I live in Metter, which is an exit off I16 roughly 75 mi. N. of Savannah, (or 100 SE Macon). I'm guessing if you live near Atlanta you probably take I75 S. to Tifton, then take "Corridor Z" thru Waycross to Brunswick thence to Jekyll?

Waycross is my old home place, and I graduated from hs school there in 1961 (old fart here ), then went off until we moved back when our Son was 5 to get him a better education (he graduated a National Merit Scholar Finalist). I retired in 2000, and we moved from Waycross to the friendly woodlands near Metter in 2002.

We are now poster children for redneck retirement... We love the woods, and I can shoot, pee, or picnic in my back yard here. I walk my Buddy (Australian Shepherd) two or three times a day back near the creek behind our property and I'm surrounded by conservative, gun loving folks.. The local Sheriff lives two doors down, and the crime rate is unbelievably low here in our little corner of the country.

The only results you get around here if my buddy and I (who lives directly behind us) shoot our guns is the local Game Warden who lives just up the road (& also he's a Police Swat team member) hears the shooting and comes up here on his 4 wheeler to get into the action...

My wife and I are blessed..

Best Wishes,

Jesse

P7

Jesse, your description of your home environment makes me homesick I spent my first 40 years in north central IN and led pretty much the same lifestyle as yourself. HS 1958, Purdue 63.
My wife JoAnn and I have had 43 great years together with two fantastic children and two unbelievable grandsons (7 and 10) Work brought me down here to Orlando in 79 and we like it here on a nice little chain of lakes. I also walk with my best pal Opie who is one fine little pointer.
My daughter is in Atlanta and we visit her frequently and when we do I can go to one of the close indoor ranges and pass some time and have fun.
Here is a pic of that Kramer rig I mentioned that I carry the P7 in.

Best,
JimK

Hi Jim,

Opie seems like a nice member of the family.. Here's a photo of Buddy, a valued member of our family... Buddy was abandoned near our home two years ago with heartworms, fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and both ears infected.



We spent the necessary $1000+ bucks getting him well, (including the heartworm treatment that almost killed him), and then JoAnn was afraid he might get hit by a car in the road in front of our place so we put a 5 acre chain link fence around the place...

Turns out Buddy is without a doubt the best pet we have ever had... What a wonderful pet.. We weren't looking for a long-haired, male dog of any kind when God said, "how about I send you what you need, not what you THINK you need"?

Turns out he was right.. (As always)

Buddy takes me for a walk two or three times a day and I think it does us both good.

Between the 43+ years you and "your" JoAnn have, and the 41+ years MY JoAnn and I have of blissful matrimony I think our combined 84+ years is probably just a touch above the national average for the length of most marriages..

P7 heat issue

If you put 40-50 rounds through the P7 rapidly it will get uncomfortably warm just above the trigger finger. This is due is due in part to the gas retarded action. If you take a handgun course that involves a lot of rapid fire this can be problem. For self defense or an IDPA match this is not an issue. For example, the max round count in an IDPA stage is 18 rounds.