Heckler & Koch · Pistol

HK P7

Name: HK P7
Brand: Heckler & Koch

Delayed blowback · 9x19mm Parabellum · introduced 1979

Also known as PSP, Polizei-Selbstlade-Pistole, P7 PSP

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About the HK P7

The HK P7 is a German semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, designed by Heckler & Koch for the West German police trials of the 1970s. Originally designated the PSP (Polizei-Selbstlade-Pistole), it is renowned for its unique squeeze-cocking lever in the front strap that cocks and decocks the striker as the shooter grips the pistol, and for its gas-delayed blowback action with a fixed barrel. The fixed barrel, low bore axis, and gas-retardation give the P7 exceptional accuracy and controllability for a compact service pistol.

The P7 emerged as the winner of the West German police pistol trials launched after the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, which exposed the inadequacy of the police's aging Walther P38 sidearms. Its squeeze-cocking system was conceived so an officer could safely carry a loaded pistol yet fire it instantly with a simple, natural grip.

HK P7 specifications

General

Type: Pistol
Action: Delayed blowback
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single action
Trigger pull: 2.0 kg (4.5 lb)
Calibres: 9x19mm Parabellum
Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
Magazine: Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 105 mm (4.1 in)
Overall length: 171 mm (6.7 in)
Height: 130 mm (5.1 in)
Width: 29 mm (1.1 in)
Weight (empty): 0.79 kg (1.73 lb)
Weight (loaded): 0.95 kg (2.09 lb)
Sight radius: 148 mm (5.8 in)

Barrel

Rifling twist: 1:10 in (250 mm)
Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 4

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Slide: Steel
Finish: parkerized

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 351 m/s (1152 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 480 J (354 ft·lb)
Effective range: 50 m

History

Introduced: 1979
Discontinued: 2008
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: DE
Designer: Helmut Weldle

Features

Squeeze cocking lever
Gas delayed blowback system
Polygonal rifling
Heat shield
Fixed barrel
Low bore axis

Safety

Squeeze cocker
Automatic grip safety
Firing pin safety

The squeeze-cocking lever requires roughly 13 lb (about 58 N) to initially cock the action, then only about 1.5 lb to keep it cocked, allowing the pistol to be carried safely with the chamber loaded yet brought to fire instantly. The gas cylinder beneath the barrel can become very hot during sustained fire, which led to the addition of a heat shield on later models.