Heckler & Koch H&K Model P7M8 P7-M8 9mm 4″ Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1986

SOLD FOR: $6125

LSB#: 230404PN001

Make: Heckler & Koch

Model: P7M8

Serial Number: 92593

Year of Manufacture: 1986 (IG 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 “P7 M8 / 9mm x 19” and “HECKLER & KOCH GMBH / OBERNDORF/N MADE IN W-GERMANY”, the right is marked with the serial number, “M8″, eagle over “N” proof and “HK CHANTILLY, VA”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number, eagle over “N”, “M8”, date code and Ulm antler. The left grip panel is marked “HK P7 M8”

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a white dot and is dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched base with two white dots, dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide has a low profile serrated rib. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece textured black synthetic panels, the left panel is marked “HK P7 M8” at the bottom. There are no major defects, just light handling marks. The texturing is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the polygonal rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is some thinning and a few little spots of minor discoloration on the grip frame, most noticeable on the backstrap. There is thinning on the edges, most noticeable on the slide. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine Plus 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 a heel magazine release. 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: An 8-round magazine is included.

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 1986 and still looks great! 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 one magazine and is 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!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red