Heckler & Koch P9
Heckler & Koch · Pistol · Discontinued · 1969
Also known as: HK P9, Pistole 9
Overview
The Heckler & Koch P9 is a West German semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1969. It was the first H&K handgun to adapt the company's roller-delayed blowback locking system, derived from the G3 rifle, to a pistol format, and one of the earliest pistols to combine a polymer frame with polygonal barrel rifling. The original single-action P9 saw very limited production before being superseded by the more common double-action P9S.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 880 g (31.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 980 g (34.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 192 mm (7.56") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 132 mm (5.20") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Sight Radius | 148 mm (5.83") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 351 m/s (1152 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 459 J (339 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Polygonal |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
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: Manual Safety, Cocking Indicator
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Polygonal Rifling, Polymer Frame, Fixed Barrel
Variants
- Heckler & Koch P9S - Double Action
Service history
Operators
- West German police units
Production
Estimated total produced: 485 · Production years: 1969-1973
Original single-action P9; the double-action P9S that followed was produced in far larger numbers into the 1990s
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch
Discontinued: 1973
Notes
Only about 485 single-action P9 pistols were produced between 1969 and 1973 before the design was replaced by the double-action P9S, making the original P9 a rare collector's item.
Background
The P9 pioneered the polymer-frame, polygonal-rifling, roller-delayed approach that H&K would carry forward into later designs, but its single-action-only configuration was quickly eclipsed by the double-action P9S, leaving the original P9 a scarce and sought-after collectible.