Heckler & Koch H&K Model P7M8 P7-M8 9mm 4″ Hard Chrome Semi-Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $3300
LSB#: 230720TT012
Make: Heckler & Koch
Model: P7M8
Serial Number: 16-127535
Year of Manufacture: 1997 (KH Date Code)
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Grip-Cocked, Gas Delayed Blowback, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “HECKLER & KOCH GMBH / OBERNDORF/N MADE IN GERMANY” and “9mm x 19”, the right is marked with the serial number, “M8″, eagle over “N” proof and “HK Inc. Sterling 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 tritium lamp and is dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched base with two tritium lamps, dovetailed to the slide. The top of the slide has a low profile serrated rib. The lamps hold a dim glow in low light environments.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece textured black synthetic panels, the left panel is marked “HK P7 M8” at the bottom. The back strap and grip safety are textured as well. There is some notable scuffing at the lower edge of the right panel. Otherwise, only light handling wear is present. The texturing is mostly strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Hard Chrome
Finish Originality: Refinished
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, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the edges, most noticeable on the slide. The left of the slide also shows a few faint marks. There are some operational marks on the right side of the grip safety. There is a small patch of faint discoloration on the right side of the dust cover. 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 blowback 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: This pistol comes in its original serial matching box with two 8-round magazines and a bore brush.
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 1997 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 hard chrome finish has only light handling marks and it appears this pistol was used seldom if at all. It comes in its original serial-matching case with two magazines 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!
-Greenfield
