HK P7
Heckler & Koch · Pistol · Discontinued · 1979
Also known as: PSP, Polizei-Selbstlade-Pistole, P7 PSP, HK P7M8
Overview
The HK P7 is a German semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, designed by Heckler & Koch for the West German police trials of the 1970s. Originally designated the PSP (Polizei-Selbstlade-Pistole), it is renowned for its unique squeeze-cocking lever in the front strap that cocks and decocks the striker as the shooter grips the pistol, and for its gas-delayed blowback action with a fixed barrel. The fixed barrel, low bore axis, and gas-retardation give the P7 exceptional accuracy and controllability for a compact service pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 785 g (27.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 950 g (33.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Barrel Length | 105 mm (4.13") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 29 mm (1.14") |
| Sight Radius | 148 mm (5.83") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 351 m/s (1152 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 480 J (354 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Squeeze Cocker, Automatic Grip Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Squeeze Cocking Lever, Gas Delayed Blowback System, Polygonal Rifling, Heat Shield, Fixed Barrel, Low Bore Axis
Variants
- HK P7M8 — Magazine Capacity
- HK P7M13 — Magazine Capacity
- HK P7M10 — Caliber Conversion
- HK P7K3 — Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) · adopted 1979 · as P7
- GSG 9 (German counter-terrorism unit)
- New Jersey State Police · adopted 1984
Production
Production years: 1979-2008
Adopted by German federal and state police forces; discontinued by Heckler & Koch around 2008. The original PSP/P7 used an 8-round single-column magazine.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Helmut Weldle
Discontinued: 2008
Notes
The squeeze-cocking lever requires roughly 13 lb (about 58 N) to initially cock the action, then only about 1.5 lb to keep it cocked, allowing the pistol to be carried safely with the chamber loaded yet brought to fire instantly. The gas cylinder beneath the barrel can become very hot during sustained fire, which led to the addition of a heat shield on later models.
Background
The P7 emerged as the winner of the West German police pistol trials launched after the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, which exposed the inadequacy of the police's aging Walther P38 sidearms. Its squeeze-cocking system was conceived so an officer could safely carry a loaded pistol yet fire it instantly with a simple, natural grip.