p7m8 price?

[xwingband]

Today I went to my first gun show. I took the CWP class and was very pleased that even as a smaller show I got to see all the guns I'd been wanting to handle.

Among them was some P7's. I really want to get one for carry when I'm able to.

Now...

I saw a P7M8 for $1500. Cherry and amazing looking. I was thinking that was pretty standard from what I remembered.

The real crux is I saw a P7M8 at my local shop for $750. It was definitely used. The cocker and back strap were well worn. The bluing on the slide was fine (not plum) and there looked to be some weird plastic damage like some one had clamped it at the trigger guard. That was very minor mind you.

Given the drasticly lower price might it be worth it to get it and possibly refinish it later?

[benderx4]

Oh yes! For $750, run and grab that puppy. Just make sure it's not a regular P7, and it is, indeed, the M8.

[wulkyrie]

If something is too good to be true, it probably is!!!
$750 for an M8 is too cheap. Exercise caution.

I am concerned about the description of that "plastic thing clamp on the trigger guard". Is it a fake , home-made heat shield? There have been some trade-in M8s w/ the dept property stamp ground off (GSG, I wa told). Things to check for a real M8 (commercial import), not trade in

1. staghorn proof mark
2. Date code
3. matching serial # on slide & frame
all of above on R side of frame & slide
4. no grind mark.
Trade-ins have Fed Govt proof marks: square w eagle inside & BWB or BMI under eagle. Any time you see this , it is a trade-in

I saw the M8 pics posted by a member at PCT: the R side of the slide is completely BLANK, w/o serial #, proof mark etc. It was a trade-in & refurb to match the mill mark done in Germany. However, if you do not mind a trade-in, get it. Just a Caveat: a member here bought a "NIB" M8 only to find that it is a refurb because he did not see the R side of the slide & frame. Do not make the same mistake.

Because of the ## of ignorant/dishonest sellers out there, I just want to point out the differences between PSP & M variant (externally)
M variant:
1. heatshield on trigger guard
2. ambi thumb magazine release
3. FP BUSHING protruding above the back of the frame; flush for P7
Hope this helps. Good luck on your search

BTW $1500 for an M8 is too high. Yes you can refinish w/ nickel, chrome, NP3, melonite etc, etc

[xwingband]

Oh yes! For $750, run and grab that puppy. Just make sure it's not a regular P7, and it is, indeed, the M8.

I'd be surprised if it wasn't an M8... it had P7M8 on the grips and slide. Ambi mag release too. I'm not all that experienced with P7's but those should be good indicators!

I wish I knew more about the markings too. I guess I'll hope they still have it tomorrow and start looking at refinish options.

[xwingband]

If something is too good to be true, it probably is!!!
$750 for an M8 is too cheap. Exercise caution.

I am concerned about the description of that "plastic thing clamp on the trigger guard". Is it a fake , home-made heat shield? There have been some trade-in M8s w/ the dept property stamp ground off (GSG, I wa told). Things to check for a real M8 (commercial import), not trade in

1. staghorn proof mark
2. Date code
3. matching serial # on slide & frame
all of above on R side of frame & slide
4. no grind mark

I saw the M8 pics posted by a member at PCT: the R side of the slide is completely BLANK, w/o serial #, proof mark etc. It was a trade-in & refurb to match the mill mark done in Germany. However, if you do not mind a trade-in, get it. Just a Caveat: a member here bought a "NIB" M8 only to find that it is a refurb because he did not see the R side of the slide & frame. Do not make the same mistake

Gah, double post but I was replying...

The right side was fine as far as my limited knowledge is.

1) Had that...
2) Not knowledgeable on that.
3) Didn't check.
4) No grind mark.

It had the chantilly, VA on the slide. It also had the eagle mark with an N. Not sure there... maybe I can get some replies to that.

To clarify. The little bit of plastic on the side of the trigger guard (small triangle near the front up near the slide) just had a bit of damage. The tip for maybe the first 1/8" seemed to be crushed a bit like it'd been clamped there at one point.

[wulkyrie]

from your description, it does sound like a commercial M8.
The eagle w/ N under it is the nitro proof mark: the waepon is capable of handling smokeless powder. It is different from the Staghorn proof mark. (Both should present)If it shows Chantilly, most likely a commercial M8.

Date code is a two letter code to show year o manufacture, eg IB, KE, again on R side of Frame & slide

[benderx4]

Here's one to show you what the mill mark will look like. Obviously, it's hard to miss. I paid $699 for this baby about two years ago. Personally, I have no issues with the police trade-ins and would buy another in a heart beat. I've got 3 other M8s, 1 M13, and 3 other P7s, and this little gem outshoots them all! Good luck!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3194918057_39e7255318.jpg?v=0

[wulkyrie]

Benderx4,

I read somewhere in this website that the Trade-in M8s were used by the GSG
BTW, very nice specimen

[SIGtrarian]

The eagle w/ N under it is the nitro proof mark: the waepon is capable of handling smokeless powder.
Sorry, but I can't resist: As opposed to black powder?

[wulkyrie]

smokeless powder=nitrocellulose, of course it can handle black powder also

[benderx4]

BTW, very nice specimen

Thank you sir! For awhile after I got it, I considered sending it to Ford's who can refinish the slide and re-engrave the roll marks, but decided against it. The mill mark tells a story, HK did a nice job refurbishing the internals, and the gun operates beautifully. I just found another fairly rough M8 that is heading to Ford's for hard chrome - I'll post pics once I get it back!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3397304824_1c77929de9.jpg?v=0

LOVE my two-tone!

[wulkyrie]

Yes, I agree w/ you. All those roll marks, stamps are part of the history of the gun. Reminds me of the proof marks on those 19th century British double rifles.

[HKUSP84]

Nice P7M8 Bender, and I agree with you about leaving that one as is, like you said..it tells a story...xwingband if the P7 in your shop is a true m8 and from the description you have given us it does sound like a M8, I would buy it at that price and use it as a carry gun.. Get you a nice IWB carry holster like a Milt Sparks VMII and you will be good to go!!!