Finally got around to shooting my P7M8.
It's very accurate, I've been out of practice for almost a year yet when shooting at 25y braced 'Bianchi Cup' style I was able to get a very good group with it. Inherent accuracy seems to be greater than other guns I've shot.
Practical accuracy is still evolving as I'm getting used to it. I like to use the finger crease method as per Massad Ayoob but on the P7 it tends to pull the gun left. When I shifted to finger pad the gun shot straight.
Trigger is nice but reset is long, almost like a BHP. Much longer than my 1911 or Walther P99.
Muzzle flip is low but straight back recoil is pronounced and the thin grip makes it more so, nothing excessive however.
I may get some Nills grip to 'center it' in my hands a little better.
Cleaning was easy in regards to gas chamber and barrel. The frame was a PITA. I notice how some people on the Cult of the p7 describe it like an English Muffin which just picks up dirt/carbon in it's nooks and crannies, the small tight frame makes cleaning there hard. I'm considering getting an ultrasonic cleaner as many Cult members suggest fpr cleaning the frame squeaky clean.
The bluing is very weak, From daily trigger pull practice alone, lots of bluing has worn off the backstrap already. If I could arrange the border crossing, hardchroming would be ideal.
I shot it on a rainy day 5 degrees celsius...so I didn't find it too hot to hold even with rapid fire. Made a very nice handwarmer.
I do like the inherent safety, don't squeeze it and it can't go off, period.
The ergonomics and handling do make it the 'almost perfect' gunfighting pistol.
I still think in terms of trigger/accuracy/trigger reset (for my hands anyway), the 1911 and P99 edge it out a bit. However when one considers it's small size and comfort in carry, the P7 wins the final composite vote so to speak as an ideal CCW. It is high maintenance in cleaning however. Parts are also harder to get and taking it apart and back together is much harder than a 1911.
Still a very good gun.
