My New P7, take a look.

[elduque1969]

Picked a P7 up from the local gun shop. Date Code IC, serial 35XXX. ARL, VA

Figured I paid maybe a little more than I should. Got a box of ammo and one mag for $775 drive out. Don't really care about the $100 bucks or so since its better than throwing it down the drain trading stocks. Wanted one for 15 years but never could afford one. Love it, fits great in the hand

What do you guys think?

[EdMan63]

Well I love the P7, but I thought there might be a picture here! Anyway congrats. I'm sure you will love the gun. I'm picking up a second one this week.

[elduque1969]

http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/share.do?invite=VEUr2b7q5Pklo8lYhUpU&shareName=MMS&messageState=RETRIEVED

[HKUSP84]

Edit: you must have added the pic as I was writing this, but that is one nice looking P7! ...I just recently bought a P7M8 as well and it felt like an attachment to my hand/arm when holding it and pointed more natural than any other handgun I have held...besides a 1911... I am already in the market for a P7 from CDNN and plan on refinishing it perhaps in Robars NP3 finish.... Let us know how your range session goes.. The only downfall about these little Jewls is that they tend to get a little hot after a few magazines has been through them, I took a pair of shooting gloves to the range and solved that problem..

[Phalanx1]

Nice pick up!

[elduque1969]

Anyone every thought of using them as a coffee stir/warmer after you go thru a few mags? Just kidding. I would like to get my next one in .40. I can't keep my hands off it, kind of like a super hot chic. Anyway, I need some mags and an IWB holster if anyone can offer. I plan on carrying it as the weather warms and coming out of the 45C. Any comments on the IC date code? Does value vary much over the years?

[wulkyrie]

Your P7 has the Arl VA stamp & exposed heel magazine release. It is not a police trade-in. It was one of the original imports in 1983. The magazine release is similar to the PSP. Subsequently the later models have the mag release shrouded because there was complaints that when the police officers were sitting in their vehicle, the mag release can accidentally rub/bump against the seat & cause accidental release of the mag. Since it is a direct import, it commands a higher price. Beware: after market grip panels may not fit this variant. Early models can have a slight crack in the weld between the breech block & slide. A lot of people believe those cracks are benign. Subsequently HK change their welding technique & eliminated the cracks

[ripley16]

Beware: after market grip panels may not fit this variant.

Nill still makes both styles. http://e-gunparts.com/ had both panels last time I checked. Enjoy your new pistol.

[elduque1969]

Great info guys. I appreciate it and will pass along the knowledge. Was kind of bummed to not get the original packaging, tools and extra mags, but I will track them down. BTW, how many mags came with the pistol from the factory. Is $775 a good indication of FMV?

[wulkyrie]

Facts of Life: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is --> there may be some hidden defect that the original owner does not want it.
While this not an earth-shaking deal, I consider it a good enough deal, considering: original ARL import, not a surplus, w/ 2 mags, & exposed heel release (BTW, there are not too many of these around & personally I think it has some collector's value down the road, although w/o the original matching box, test target may hurt the collector value a bit) for $775.
One guy over at park city tactical got a police trade-in from CDNN excellent to like new condition ($599), has a plum slide (I hate purple color slides) w/ pitting on the top of the slide! Consider yourself lucky that you do not have the same heart burn!
When you shoot the P7, be sure to keep the gas piston/cylinder really clean. It is the archilles heel of the P7.

[elduque1969]

The one I have says P7 on it. Will P7M8 mags fit or do I need PSP mags? Thanks in advance.

[wulkyrie]

P7 & M8 mags are NOT interchangable.
You can tell by the differences on the mag itself:
P7 mags have heel release, therefore the notch is located on the backside of the mag near the bottom;
M8 mags have the release on the front, therefore there is a protrusion on the front of the mag near the top (just below the feed ramp)