Heckler & Koch HK P9S 45 ACP 4” DA/SA Single Stack Semi-Auto Pistol 1979

SOLD FOR: $1,559.00

LSB#: LSB250518JG031

Make: Heckler & Koch

Model: P9S

Serial Number: 402 486

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (HK Date Code)

Caliber: 45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Double Action Single Action with thumb cocker/de-cocker lever and heel magazine release. 

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “HK Mod.P9S HECKLER & KOCH GMBH OBERNDORF/NECKAR / US.PAT.NO.3.566.745 Made in Germany”, “402 486” with a Nitro Proof. The left side of the frame is marked “402 486”.  The right side of the frame is marked “HK” with a Nitro and Ulm Proof.  The chamber is marked “45 ACP HK 402 486”.  The left side of the grip is marked “HK”. The left side of the barrel is marked “HK INC ARL VA” 

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the slide with white painted face.  The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight with orange painted rectangles on each side of the notch dovetailed to the slide.  

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grip is one piece black checkered plastic that is screwed to the backstrap in two places. The grip has a thumb rest on the left side and is also marked “HK” at the bottom in red letters. The backstrap and areas bordering the checkering have a pebbled finish. The edges of the magazine well shows marks and scrapes from use. There are no visible chips or cracks. The grips shows scattered light marks and rubs with some worn areas from use. Overall the grips are in Good+ condition. 

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes four x 7 round single stack magazines.  

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the polygonal rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There are some minor lines from use. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear from use present with scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The single action trigger pull is crisp. The safety blocks the firing pin when engaged, allowing the hammer to fall without firing the pistol. The De-cocker serves to cock or un-cock the hammer as well as functioning as a slide release when fully depressed. To un-cock the hammer, the safety is engaged, the de-cocker depressed and the trigger then pulled and released while holding the de-cocker down. The single action trigger is light and very crisp, although with some take-up, as expected. You can adjust the trigger with the fine adjustment feature also found on this pistol.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes the four magazines, manual, paperwork, and box.  

Our Assessment: The Heckler & Koch P9S in .45 ACP, especially a 1979 production model, represents a remarkable blend of German engineering and innovative firearms design. Unlike most traditional semi-automatics, the P9S uses a roller-delayed blowback system, similar to that found in HK’s G3 rifles. In this system, two rollers in the bolt head retard rearward movement until chamber pressure drops to safe levels, allowing for smoother operation and significantly reduced felt recoil, particularly useful in a .45 ACP handgun.

Another standout feature is its combined cocking and de-cocking lever, located on the left side of the frame. This control allows the user to manually cock the internal hammer for single-action fire or safely de-cock it for double-action carry without needing to manipulate the slide. This feature added a level of versatility and safety that was ahead of its time. The barrel features polygonal rifling, a smooth, rounded internal profile that enhances bullet-to-bore seal, improves velocity, and simplifies cleaning. Together, these characteristics make the P9S in .45 ACP a soft-shooting, highly accurate, and technically fascinating sidearm that was well ahead of its era. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.