Schoole me on the P7PSP before I take the leap

[dragongoddess]

Looking real hard at adding a P7 to my little collection. I need all information and quirks. Where to get extra mags. What these different grades mean and anything else I should know before making the leap. BTW this will be my first 9mm pistol.

[dragongoddess]

WoW. 48 page views and no response. Hope I can return the favor someday when you need a few questions answered.

[Kochaholic]

Try the magic search button

[AviatorDave]

Try the magic search button

+1

P7PSP will pull over 100 topics of P7 "schooling".

HKP7.com is an entire website dedicated to P7s as well.

[wulkyrie]

try park city tactical search engine. Someone posted a full page of pros & cons.

IMHO, cons:
trigger guard heats up fast;(M8 does it slower)
PSP has heel mag release that some people do not like; M8, M13 has thumb release;
gas piston is P7 series archilles' heel, you must keep it really clean to ensure proper functioning (do not shoot dirty bullets); carbon built-up will cause slide to lock open
FP bushing, drop safety spring, transmission bar are known to breakage w/ high round count;
8+1 capacity only (debatable)

pros:
low bore axis;
squeeze cocker functions as: safety, cocking mechanism, slide release;
no other buttons to mess w/ like decocker, slide release, safety etc;
good for ccw because of flat profile;
110 deg grip angle, easy to point;
4.13 " barrel for such a small gun
very reliable if you keep it clean;
second strike possible w/o having to rack slide;
can eject empty casings w/o extractor;

other shooters may disagree on some of the points

[Smarzak]

Hey Dragongoddess what is the meaning of the acronym " BTW". Anyway what are you looking for? If you are adding a piece to a collection; then what is the purpose of the collection, etc. Respond and I will do my best to walk you thru the process of what is collectible and what is a shooter.

[AviatorDave]

Hey Dragongoddess what is the meaning of the acronym " BTW". Anyway what are you looking for? If you are adding a piece to a collection; then what is the purpose of the collection, etc. Respond and I will do my best to walk you thru the process of what is collectible and what is a shooter.

http://www.google.com/search?q=BTW&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

[CZ-75]

The P7 is a great pistol.

I prefer the M8's mag release over the heel release found on the PSP.

But if I didn't already have 2 M8s before the prices really dropped on the PSPs when all the refurbs were imported... I would have forced myself to get used to the mag release on the heel.

[wulkyrie]

CDNN has 3 grades: $549, $599, & $699 ? for chrom slide. Heel release magazine $54 each also from same place.

M8, M13, M10 all have ambi mag release which can be activated w/ index finger of shooting hand, w/o changing the grip, although I have come across some complant that in CCW, bumping it in the car by ? holster can accidentally release the mag.

Some people actually prefer the PSP w/ heel release mag for CCW because quick mag change is usually not an issue in such situations unless you are confronted w/ multiple BGs

[dragongoddess]

Hey Dragongoddess what is the meaning of the acronym " BTW". Anyway what are you looking for? If you are adding a piece to a collection; then what is the purpose of the collection, etc. Respond and I will do my best to walk you thru the process of what is collectible and what is a shooter.


BTW = By the way.

I don't have a 9mm at the moment and thought that the P7PSP would be a nice addition to my collection and a nice weapon to shoot since 9mm ammo is cheaper then 45acp. It also is on my list of handguns to acquire like the P210,the C96 "Red Nine" Mauser and the Colt Anaconda in 45LC.

[gc70]

In my opinion, the P7 is in most respects an ideal carry gun. It has a full-sized barrel and grip in an overall compact package. The P7 is also thin and free of protruding controls. And it is very safe due to the operation of the squeeze-cocking mechanism. The only downside for me is its weight, which is heavier than a polymer gun, but not out of line for a steel gun of its overall size.

For a carry gun, the fact that a P7 only has 8 rounds in the magazine and heats up after shooting 5 or 6 magazines means little, unless you plan to recreate the Last Stand at the Alamo.

Another perspective on the P7 is that my son has one in his carry rotation with a Walther PPS .40 and a Springfield EMP .40. For a self-declared .40 junkie to carry a 9mm says something pretty positive about the gun.

[Shakey]

I own a P7M8 and the P7PSP. I carry my PSP frequently. It is very accurate, safe to carry and has been drop dead reliable. It is a unique design that will continue to retain its value while being a really useful firearm IMHO. CDNN has some great prices on P7PSPs. The pistol I purchased from them looked as if it were new. Research on your own and buy one. I've never regretted owning either of mine and have been tempted to purchase another just because I can and I enjoy shooting them. So many toys and so little time. :)

[benderx4]

Great list! Since this will be your first 9mm, I'm interested to learn what you've acquired to date?
Watch the following video to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the venerable P7:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=hk+p7&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=7&ct=title#

Believe it or not, I'm just a novice and know enough to make myself dangerous. (I own 7) Don't laugh, once you get to the range and spend some time with one of these babies, you'll understand. (You'll also start searching for specimen #2) If you have in-depth questions, the folks over at Parks Cities Tactical are true experts and fanatics. I've learned a lot from them over the past 2 years.

CDNN is a great place to start for your first P7. Ask for Marshall and tell him you're a newbie, he'll take good care of you!

Good luck and happy shooting!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3194774657_a8352a8955.jpg?v=0

[dragongoddess]

Well this may be a diffcult problem. Buy a P7 or P30L. Maybe both. It would be my duty as an American Citizen to spend the money.

[EdMan63]

I absolutely love my PSP. I bought it locally and it's in great shape. Seems to have barely been shot. I have yet to really carry cause finding an in stock holster is a little crazy and I want a leather one long term. And yes, I already have a second one in layaway.

Great accuracy in a very concealable package. Yes it heats up! But if I have to shoot it till it gets hot in a real life scenario, I'm in a war not a self defense situation. Felt recoil is very low to me. I just love everything about this little engineering marvel. Get one and hopefully see for yourself.

[benderx4]

P30Ls are just now starting to become widely available without having to pay $1000 for one - if anything, they will come down a bit more like the P30.
You can get an A to B grade P7 for $549 at CDNN and an A grade for $599. These will only go up in price as supplies dwindle. (Not being manufactured anymore.)

Both are amazing weapons - I'm with you - buy them both!

[dragongoddess]

Are there any problems using the aluminum cased blazer ammo with the P7.

[benderx4]

Not as long as you clean it! Breakdown is super simple with a P7 but cleaning the piston and the chamber can be a bit challenging. If you get one, make sure you watch the videos on cleaning since there are some dos and don'ts regarding the piston. Blazer tends to be a dirty round, IMHO.

[igcsteve]

Since you are thinking about other models, I have both the P7 PSP and a P30L but if I had to choose just one it would definitely be the P30L. IMO, probably due to the design differences, the P7 is more snappy to shoot. I enjoy shooting the P30L and it winds up in my range bag every trip. Hopefully you can shoot them before deciding.

[amstaffHK]

Hey Dragongoddess what is the meaning of the acronym " BTW". Anyway what are you looking for? If you are adding a piece to a collection; then what is the purpose of the collection, etc. Respond and I will do my best to walk you thru the process of what is collectible and what is a shooter.

Im sure he means his own personal collection...

[dragongoddess]

Well I made the leap to the P7PSP. Traded my Ruger Vaquero for it.Should be ahead on the trade when I buy the first 500 rounds of ammo. The 45LC is going for $0.56 a round without shipping or tax versus $0.23 for the 9mm.

[legion3]

I have only had PSP or P7's actually and you have made a great choice.

[carboncycles]

Welcome to the addiction...I expect an "I got a darn M8" any day now.

[benderx4]

Let us know once you shoot it! Wish we could see that "dragon" smile that inevitably appears on everyone who has ever shot that little P7 gem. Congrats!

[Naro]

Are there any problems using the aluminum cased blazer ammo with the P7.

Both H&K and a tech. guy I spoke with at Blazer say don't do it. I find answers pro and con, but IMHO the majority at ParkCity' P7 forum say do NOT. Neither steel nor aluminum are recommended in the P7's fluted chamber. Why take a chance? That little beauty will digest any brass cased ammo I've fed it, since I bought my first one in the early 1980's.

I have 2, carry 1 with CCR CeraHide finish. I've never shot a more accurate or reliable 9mm.

[chrisct]

Both H&K and a tech. guy I spoke with at Blazer say don't do it. I find answers pro and con, but IMHO the majority at ParkCity' P7 forum say do NOT. Neither steel nor aluminum are recommended in the P7's fluted chamber. Why take a chance? That little beauty will digest any brass cased ammo I've fed it, since I bought my first one in the early 1980's.

I have 2, carry 1 with CCR CeraHide finish. I've never shot a more accurate or reliable 9mm.

FWIW, I shoot aluminum Blazer in my P7 with no problems. The aluminum case doesn't expand like brass, but with the extractor AND the fluted chamber pulling those cases out, you shouldn't have a problem. For the record, there's no "taking a chance" with aluminum cases. They either work for you or they don't, but they certainly won't harm your firearm.

[wulkyrie]

I think the the instances cited in Park city tactical are about AL plated bullet rather than case, because of report that Al shavings may occlude the gas port, same problem w/ lead bullets.

Good call on the P7 Dragongoddess!

[benderx4]

Dragon: Did you find one yet? There is a dude on PCT selling TWO P7s for $1000. (package deal = better price) Hello? Can you say "incredible deal"? Tell you what, you go over there, buy them both, pick the best one, and then I'll buy the other one sight unseen from you for $500. Deal?

Reason being, I'm looking for an inexpensive P7 to send over to Robar for a NP3 treatment.

[AviatorDave]

I think the the instances cited in Park city tactical are about AL plated bullet rather than case, because of report that Al shavings may occlude the gas port, same problem w/ lead bullets.

Good call on the P7 Dragongoddess!

Aluminum plated bullets?

Never heard of such a thing. I'm not sure those even exist. There were some silvertip something or other that may have been aluminum plated, but that was a long time ago.

[wulkyrie]

there are threads in park city tactical that cited al shavings in the gas cylinder when it is being cleaned. Any body who is interested can do a search to verify. I have not heard of al plated bullet either, but that is what I read over there. But then I do not claim to be the world's expert on bullet manufacture.
I also read in park city that al cases are not a problem as compared w/ al bullets

[AviatorDave]

there are threads in park city tactical that cited al shavings in the gas cylinder when it is being cleaned. Any body who is interested can do a search to verify. I have not heard of al plated bullet either, but that is what I read over there. But then I do not claim to be the world's expert on bullet manufacture.
I also read in park city that al cases are not a problem as compared w/ al bullets

I tried to find what you were talking about, but their search function sucks. It searches each forum one at a time, and came back with over 200 hits for 'aluminum' but zero for "aluminum plated".

I wouldn't run aluminum plated bullets in anything, if anyone still even makes them, that is.

[dragongoddess]

Dragon: Did you find one yet? There is a dude on PCT selling TWO P7s for $1000. (package deal = better price) Hello? Can you say "incredible deal"? Tell you what, you go over there, buy them both, pick the best one, and then I'll buy the other one sight unseen from you for $500. Deal?

Reason being, I'm looking for an inexpensive P7 to send over to Robar for a NP3 treatment.


I got it. Traded my Ruger Vaquero for it. One thing is for sure. I'm going to save a fortune on ammo.

Now I need to find some mags for it.

[tool1075]

there are threads in park city tactical that cited al shavings in the gas cylinder when it is being cleaned. Any body who is interested can do a search to verify. I have not heard of al plated bullet either, but that is what I read over there. But then I do not claim to be the world's expert on bullet manufacture.
I also read in park city that al cases are not a problem as compared w/ al bullets

As a P7 owner, I can confirm that shooting aluminum cased ammo such as CCI Blazer aluminum will leave fleks of aluminum residue/shavings in the gun.

My best guess is that this happens because of the fluted chamber.

Just shoot brass-cased ammo out of the gun, and you won't have a problem.

I shot a couple of boxes of CCI Blazer aluminum once.... and there was definitely aluminum in there when I was cleaning the gun.

I only shoot the aluminum stuff in my Sig now. It's good ammo, just not good for the P7, in my opinion.

It's not like it ever jammed the gun, or the gun didn't operate properly; I just didn't want to run the risk of a bunch of aluminum fouling.