Heckler & Koch H&K Model P7M8 P7-M8 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, 2006
SOLD FOR: $3,101
WOA#: WY240119MS003
Make: Heckler & Koch
Model: P7M8
Serial Number: 16-133890
Year of Manufacture: 2006 (AG Date Code)
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Grip-Cocked, Gas Delayed Blow Back, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “HECKLER & KOCH / MADE IN GERMANY”, “9mmx19”. The right side of the slide is marked “16-133890”, Nitro Eagle, “HK”, “WARNING / REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL / HKI-Trussville AL”. The right side of the frame is marked “16-133890 M8”, Nitro Eagle, “AG” and Ulm Antler. The right side of the rear sight is marked “TRU / DOT”.
Barrel Length: 4.25”
Sights / Optics: The sights are Meprolight Tru-Dot Self Illuminated Pistol Sights. The front sight is a dovetailed blade with a tritium lamp. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight dovetailed to the slide with two tritium lamps. (3 Dot Sighting System).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are high strength polymer with textured sides, showing only very light handling marks. There are no cracks or chips. The grips rate in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the polygonal rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol features a gas-delayed delayed blow back system. The pistol’s action is cocked by squeezing the fore strap of the grip frame, delivering a smooth, short trigger pull. The pistol has an ambidextrous magazine release located on the trigger guard. The slide to frame fit is tight. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black plastic Heckler and Koch box with the serial number molded into the front face of the lid, manual, a gas-cylinder scraping tool, a bore brush with plastic cover, a total of four 8-round magazines, and a Bianchi leather holster.
Our Assessment: The decision to equip West German police with an advanced 9mm service pistol and replace existing 7.65mm Browning-caliber weapons was prompted after the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre. The new firearm was to meet the following requirements: chamber the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, weigh no more than 1,000 g (35 oz), the pistol’s dimensions would not exceed 180 × 130 × 34 mm, it should have a muzzle energy of no less than 500 J and a service life of at least 10,000-rounds. The pistol was also to be fully ambidextrous, safe to carry with a loaded chamber and able to be quickly drawn and ready to fire instantly. As a result of a competitive bid the German police forces selected three different pistols into service: the Swiss SIG Sauer P225 (designated the P6) and two German designs—the P7 (officially designated the PSP) and the Walther P5. Series production of the P7 started in 1979. Shortly after, the pistol was adopted by the German Federal Police’s counter-terrorism unit (GSG 9) and the German Army’s special forces formations.
The P7 was produced primarily by H&K but also under license by the Greek defense firm Hellenic Arms Industry as well as in Mexico by the Departamento de Industria Militar (DIM), as a sidearm for general officers and staff. The pistol was also exported to several countries. The P7M8 has a couple of notable improvements over the original P7 design. Due to the placement of the gas chamber immediately above the trigger guard, the inside of the guard tended to heat up rapidly when fired. The P7M8 introduced a larger trigger guard with a polymer heat-shield to protect the user. It also relocated the magazine release from the heel of the frame to the rear of the trigger guard, a much lauded improvement for the American commercial market.
This pistol is from quite late in production, made in 2006. The polygonal rifling is still well defined with no erosion and the pistol has a superb trigger pull that is initiated by squeezing the fore grip of the grip frame. Its blued finish has only light handling marks and it appears this pistol was used seldom if at all. It comes with its original box, four magazines, cleaning brush, manual and gas cylinder scraping tool, perfect for adding to a collection, to add to your carry rotation, or just to have fun with on the range. Please see our pictures and good luck! – L.S.
