Recent range trip HK P7 PSP

[sailor723]

So, I finally got my new HK P7 to the range the other night. I am a little sad to say I was somewhat underwhelmed. Maybe I just need more hands on time but I found the whole squeeze to keep cocked thing a little awkward and I seemed to push a lot of shots. OTOH, it's still a very neat little gun and I don't regret adding it to the collection. It's just that is doesn't seem to be the recoil free laser that some owners suggest.

My feelings about the HK might also be influenced by the other guns I took to shoot that night....a recently aquired Sig X5 Scandic, a '57 S&W 4 screw K-38 Masterpiece and a '64 Colt OMM in .38. When it comes to punching holes in paper those are pretty tough competition.

On another note, I now understand what all the fuss is about when it comes to the German X-5's Firing 147gr ammo it's recoil felt like a .22 and it had revolver like accuracy.

 

[skoal]

Sounds like you have some pretty sweet toys,the last p7 I shot I couldn't hit #### with it but their defiantly really cool guns.

 

[sailor723]

Sounds like you have some pretty sweet toys,the last p7 I shot I couldn't hit #### with it but their defiantly really cool guns.

Yeah, my targets with it weren't great either. Although, in fairness, I suspect that's more me than the gun. It's a different feel and I expect that would take some getting used to. I'm thinking I was concentrating to much on keeping the cocking lever depressed and probably was squeezing it much harder than I needed to. I've read that it takes something like 13-14 lbs to depress the lever but only about 2 lbs to hold it in.

 

[gdawg]

Considering the P7 is steel gun with a low bore axis, I was also surprised at the muzzle flip.

In terms of accuracy, initially i had issues until i realized it was because I was squeezing the hell out of the grip cocker and that was changing my grip. It take a fair amount of force to #### the gun, but once cocked, it takes little force to keep it cocked. Once I adjusted, I have been able to shoot respectable groups now. That may not be your issue but something to keep in mind.

Also don't shoot 147 gr ammo in it. The gas system is not designed for it. Lots of info on the net as to why.

 

[gnmontey]

Seriously, you have to squeeze it and manage the trigger for every shot? I thought the squeeze was just for the initial cocking and then it behaved like every other DA auto.

M

 

[gdawg]

looks like you have self diagnosed the same problem

 

[sailor723]

Seriously, you have to squeeze it and manage the trigger for every shot? I thought the squeeze was just for the initial cocking and then it behaved like every other DA auto.

M

No, if you release the cocking lever it decocks the striker.....sort of like the grip safety on a 1911 except it's on the front.

 

[Master-G]

I'm sorry that it didn't live up to expectations. I also had to focus on relaxing my grip a bit after the initial cocking (as you noted it takes significantly more force to #### than to keep it cocked). I don't shoot 147gr ammo in anything except current 9mm pistols.

 

[dogzilla]

After a coupe of trips you don't notice it. It doesn't take a death grip to keep it cocked. I love mine and it shoots excellent for me, never had any kind of an issue.

 

[tobin]

Sounds like you have some pretty sweet toys,the last p7 I shot I couldn't hit #### with it but their defiantly really cool guns.

I had a P7M8 and sold it, could not get used to the squeeze cocking and I found it heated up really quickly and got quite warm to the touch.

 

[Kidd X]

Around 14lbs pressure to squeeze the grip and only 1lb of pressure to hold it there. Yes they heat up, they're gas operated.

 

[marshall]

I have a m13 and had PSP, that a bit getting use to
The troubles is relaxing your grip, one it is back you can hold it in with your little finger.
I find it very accurate when you get use to it, but they are snappy,
I don't shoot it very much in summer as we are taking up steel and have to use lead ammo, which you don't want to do.
I really like the slide release when you #### it.
BTW any here have a extra cleaning tool? Ya, I know stupid question.

 

[airbatic]

I had a P7M8 and sold it, could not get used to the squeeze cocking and I found it heated up really quickly and got quite warm to the touch.

50 rnds is about it for me, mine gets extremely hot too. The p7m8 apparently has an insert in front of the trigger to help guard against this....not sure if that helps as compared to mine (p7 psp)

 

[tobin]

50 rnds is about it for me, mine gets extremely hot too. The p7m8 apparently has an insert in front of the trigger to help guard against this....not sure if that helps as compared to mine (p7 psp)

Maybe a bit better but still quite noticeable. I wish I had hung on to mine a little longer, bought it brand new for $600, sold it used for $650!

 

[Still alive]

Maybe a bit better but still quite noticeable. I wish I had hung on to mine a little longer, bought it brand new for $600, sold it used for $650!

Ouch! You must have sold it back in the early 90s or late 80s?
I agree with the comments about the underwhelming performance of the P7 series. The snappy recoil, can't use lead ammo, hard and wide grip, meh trigger, difficulty in getting used to the cocking action. As a US CCW gun, it's heavy, has limited rounds in M8 form and the loud click and clacking of the cocking mechanism is a nuisance if you have to be stealthy.

BUT in the end, it's still a rare and magnificent piece of history. The workmanship and features of the gun is amazing. I wish I kept mine also. This is a gun worthy of safe queen status.

 

[sailor723]

It is a neat piece of firearms history, I was just expecting it to be better as a gun.

However, they do certainly appear to be in huge demand by collectors. I saw a P7 PSP sell at the Switzer auction last month for $3957 plus tax and shipping (and the scraper appeared to be missing from the tools)............the 3 piece tool sets are pushing $200 USD on Ebay last time I looked

 

[jimbo14]

I don't know all the variants of that little guy, but it's a cool gun. A friend has one and let me shoot it. 1.5-2" group at 10 yds first time I tried it. Very accurate. Not sure what the issue is with the grip you guys were finding, maybe different versions are different?. I just ignored that part of it and used my usual firm, steady grip. I didn't even notice any negative issues with the grip, aside from the size. Quite different from what I'm used to.

 

[tobin]

Ouch! You must have sold it back in the early 90s or late 80s?
I agree with the comments about the underwhelming performance of the P7 series. The snappy recoil, can't use lead ammo, hard and wide grip, meh trigger, difficulty in getting used to the cocking action. As a US CCW gun, it's heavy, has limited rounds in M8 form and the loud click and clacking of the cocking mechanism is a nuisance if you have to be stealthy.

BUT in the end, it's still a rare and magnificent piece of history. The workmanship and features of the gun is amazing. I wish I kept mine also. This is a gun worthy of safe queen status.

I think it was in the mid to late 80's, I think I bought it from Lever Arms when Allan Lever was still there. He used to get very interesting guns at great prices back in the day. Lots of overruns, samples, etc. from S&W, Colt, etc. you never see that today.

 

[marshall]

I keep hearing about the clank from all the guys that don't have them any more, so opened up the safe to check,
There is a clank when you release it, but cocking it , no more than the safty going off on a lot of guns.

 

[sailor723]

I keep hearing about the clank from all the guys that don't have them any more, so opened up the safe to check,
There is a clank when you release it, but cocking it , no more than the safty going off on a lot of guns.

Funny, I went downstairs and checked mine too. Definite "clack" when the squeeze cocker is let off.....not much when you squeeze it in.