View source for Heckler & Koch P7

{{Infobox weapon
|name=P7
| image= File:H&K P7 (6825671856).jpg
| image_size = 350px
|caption= H&K PSP
|origin=[[West Germany]]
|type=[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|service=
|used_by=See ''[[Heckler & Koch P7#Users|Users]]''
|wars= [[Lebanese Civil War]]{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}
<!-- Production history -->
|designer=[[Helmut Weldle]]
|design_date=1976
|manufacturer=[[Heckler & Koch]]
|unit_cost=
|production_date=1979–2008
|number=
|variants=See ''[[Heckler & Koch P7#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->
|spec_label=
|weight= {{Plain list|
* PSP: {{convert|785|g|abbr=on}}
* P7M8: {{convert|780|g|abbr=on}}
* P7M13: {{convert|850|g|abbr=on}}
* P7K3: {{convert|775|g|abbr=on}} (.22 LR) / {{convert|760|g|abbr=on}} (.32 ACP) / {{convert|750|g|abbr=on}} (.380 ACP)
* P7M10: {{convert|1250|g|abbr=on}}
* P7PT8: {{convert|720|g|abbr=on}}
}}
|length={{Plain list|
* PSP: {{convert|166|mm|in|abbr=on}}
* P7M8, P7PT8: {{convert|171|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7M13, P7M10: {{convert|175|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7K3: {{convert|160|mm|abbr=on|1}}
}}
|part_length={{Plain list|
* PSP, P7M8, P7M13, P7M10, P7PT8: {{convert|105|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7K3: {{convert|96.5|mm|abbr=on|1}}
}}
|width={{Plain list|
* PSP, P7M8: {{convert|29|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7M13, P7M10: {{convert|33|mm|abbr=on|1}} 
* P7K3: {{convert|29|mm|abbr=on|1}}
}}
|height={{Plain list|
* PSP: {{convert|127|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7M8: {{convert|129|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7M13: {{convert|135|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7M10: {{convert|145|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* P7K3: {{convert|125|mm|abbr=on|1}}
}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge={{Plain list|
* PSP, P7M8, P7M13: [[9×19mm Parabellum]]
* P7K3: [[.22 Long Rifle]], [[.32 ACP]], [[.380 ACP]]
* P7M10: [[.40 S&W]]
* P7PT8: 9×19mm PT
* P7M7: [[.45 ACP]] (prototype only)
}}
|action={{Plain list|
* PSP, P7M8, P7M13, P7M10: [[Blowback (arms)|Gas-delayed blowback]]
* P7K3, P7PT8: [[Blowback (arms)|Straight blowback]]
}}
|rate=
|velocity={{Plain list|
* PSP, P7M8, P7M13: {{convert|351|m/s|0|abbr=on}}
* P7K3: {{convert|275|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (.22 LR) / {{convert|330|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (.32 ACP) / {{convert|305|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (.380 ACP)
* P7M10: {{convert|300|-|345|m/s|abbr=on|1}}
* P7PT8: c. {{convert|410|m/s|abbr=on|1}}
}}
|range=
|max_range=
|feed={{Plain list|
* PSP, P7M8, P7K3, P7PT8: 8-round [[box magazine]]
* P7M13: 13-round box magazine
* P7M7: 7-round box magazine
* P7M10: 10-round box magazine
}}
|sights={{Plain list|
* Front blade, rear notch
* {{convert|148|mm|abbr=on|1}} sight radius
}}
}}

The '''Heckler & Koch''' '''P7''' is a [[West Germany|German]] [[9×19mm]] [[semi-automatic pistol]] designed by [[Helmut Weldle]] and produced from 1979 to 2008 by [[Heckler & Koch|Heckler & Koch GmbH]] (H&K).<ref name="Kinard2003">{{cite book |last=Kinard |first=Jeff  |date= 2003|title=Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ZVnuHX_6bG0C|publisher=ABC-CLIO, 2003 |page=267|isbn=9781851094707}}</ref><ref name="Woźniak">Woźniak, Ryszard: ''Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł'', page 112. Bellona, 2001.</ref> The P7M13, a variant of the P7 with a [[Magazine (firearms)#Box|double-stack magazine]], was produced until 2000.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wUbTS4OeUMUC&dq=heckler+%26+koch+p7+xm9&pg=PA47 |title=Annual Historical Review |date=1983 |publisher=Historical Office, U.S. Army Armament Materiel Readiness Command |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
After the [[Munich massacre|1972 Munich Olympics Massacre]], the German police forces decided to replace their [[.32 ACP]] [[Walther PP]] with a similarly sized but more effective pistol chambered for the [[9×19mm Parabellum]].<ref name="Woźniak" /> The new firearm was to weigh no more than {{convert|1000|g|abbr=on}}, not exceed 180 × 130 × 34&nbsp;mm, and have a muzzle energy of no less than 500 [[Joule|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 (both holstered and concealed in a pocket), and able to be quickly drawn and instantly ready to fire.<ref name="Woźniak" /> After a competitive bid, the German police forces selected three pistols: the Swiss [[SIG Sauer P225]] (designated the P6) and two German designs: the P7 (officially designated the PSP) and the [[Walther P5]].

The gun was announced in 1976 as the '''PSP''' (''Polizei-Selbstlade-Pistole''—"police self-loading pistol").<ref name="Kinard2003" />

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 [[Bundeswehr|German Army's]] [[special forces]] formations.<ref name="Woźniak" /> The P7 was produced primarily by H&K but also under license in Mexico by the ''Departamento de Industria Militar'' (DIM), as a sidearm for general officers and staff.<ref name="Mexico">{{cite web|url=http://worldinventory.googlepages.com/wiw_sa_mexico|title=World Infantry Weapons: Mexico|access-date=2009-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814214451/http://worldinventory.googlepages.com/wiw_sa_mexico|archive-date=2009-08-14|url-status=live}}</ref> The pistol was also exported to several countries.

The P7 was submitted to the U.S. Army [[Joint Service Small Arms Program]] as a replacement for the [[M1911 pistol]], but lost to the [[Beretta 92SB-F]], which was adopted by the Army as the [[Beretta M9]] pistol.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://archive.gao.gov/d4t4/130439.pdf |title=GAO report, Pistol Procurement, Allegations on Army Selection of Beretta 9mm as DOD Standard Sidearm, June 1986. (p. 18) |access-date=2010-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721043159/http://archive.gao.gov/d4t4/130439.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-21 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Design details==
===Operating mechanism===
[[File:P7 Gas-DelayBBack.PNG|thumb|left|A schematic of the P7's [[:en:Blowback (firearms)#Gas-delayed|gas-delayed blowback]] system.]]

The P7 is a [[Semi-automatic pistol|semi-automatic]] [[Blowback (arms)|blowback-operated]] firearm. It features a unique gas-delayed blowback system modeled on the Swiss Pistole 47 W+F (Waffenfabrik Bern) prototype pistol<ref>{{cite book |title=Pistols of the World |last=Hogg |first=Ian V. |author-link=Ian V. Hogg |author2=John Walter |edition=4th |year=2004 |publisher=Krause Publications |location=Iola, Wis. |isbn=0-87349-460-1 |oclc=56714520 |page=45 }}</ref> (and ultimately on the Barnitzke system first used in the [[Volkssturmgewehr 1-5]]),<ref>{{cite web|last=Popenker|first=Max R.|date=June 29, 2010|title=Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr VG.1–5 rifle (Germany)|url=http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl32-e.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808144930/http://www.world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl32-e.htm|archive-date=2010-08-08|access-date=July 29, 2010|work=Modern Firearms}}</ref> which used gas pressures from the ignited cartridge and fed them through a small port in the barrel (in front of the chamber) to retard the rearward motion of the slide. This is accomplished by means of a piston contained inside a cylinder located under the barrel that opposes the rearward motion of the slide until the gas pressure has declined—after the bullet has left the barrel—hence allowing the slide to end its rearward motion, opening the breech and ejecting the empty cartridge case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/PDF/p7-manual.pdf|title=Official HK P7 Manual|access-date=2009-05-23|page=4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724174919/http://www.hkp7.com/PDF/p7-manual.pdf|archive-date=2008-07-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The chamber has 18 [[Fluting (firearms)|flutes]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chinn |first1=G. |title=The Machine Gun Vol. 3 |date=1951 |pages=113–114}}</ref> that aid in the extraction process by allowing combustion gases to flow between the fired case and the chamber walls, preventing the case from "sticking". The drawback of this system is that the breech opens slightly prematurely to allow the slide to initiate its rearward motion.{{cn|date=June 2025}} The high temperature gases channeling into a tube located between the chamber area and the trigger made the early versions of this pistol uncomfortable, according to some, due to the heat generated after extended firing. The advantages of this system are a simpler manufacturing process due to the absence of a locking system and a high mechanical accuracy due to the barrel being fixed in the frame; the barrel is not subject to any sort of lateral or vertical movement during the operating cycle as with the Browning cam-action systems common to many locked-breech pistols.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/intro.htm|title=The Heckler & Koch P7 Pistol Family – Introduction|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408195850/http://hkp7.com/intro.htm|archive-date=2009-04-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Features===
The P7's spring extractor is contained within the slide, while the fixed ejector is a surface on the slide catch.

The grip of this pistol features a built-in cocking lever located at the front of the grip. Before the pistol can be fired, this lever must be squeezed; thus this lever acts as a safety. The pistol is striker fired.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.gunfaqs.org/P7FAQ/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040313042230/http://www.gunfaqs.org/P7FAQ/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-03-13|title=Unofficial HK P7 FAQ|access-date=2009-05-23}}</ref> Squeezing the cocking lever with a force of {{convert|70|N|lb-f|1|lk=on|abbr=on}} cocks the firing pin. Once fully depressed, only {{convert|2|lb-f|N|1|lk=on|abbr=on}}of force are required to keep the weapon cocked. The weapon is then fired by pressing the single stage trigger rated at approximately {{convert|20|N|lb-f|abbr=on|1}} As long as the lever is depressed, the weapon fires like any other semi-automatic pistol. If the lever is released, the weapon is immediately de-cocked and rendered safe. This method of operation dispensed the need for a manual safety selector while providing safety for the user carrying the pistol with a chambered round, and increased the speed with which the pistol could be deployed and fired. The trigger and firing mechanism's method of operation (and the unique slide catch) were protected by {{US Patent|4132023}}, issued on January 2, 1979.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US4132023|title=Helmut Welde's HK P7 patent|access-date=2009-05-02}} </ref>

The P7 is fed from a single-stack [[Magazine (firearms)|box magazine]] with a capacity of 8 rounds,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/PDF/p7-manual.pdf|title=Official HK P7 Manual|access-date=2009-05-23|page=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724174919/http://www.hkp7.com/PDF/p7-manual.pdf|archive-date=2008-07-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> which is held inside the firearm's frame with a release located at the heel of the grip. After the last round has been fired, the slide will remain open thanks to a slide catch that can be released by pulling the slide further back or pressing the squeeze cocker.

The firearm uses a fixed, [[Polygonal rifling|polygonal rifled]] barrel ([[hexagon]]al with a 250&nbsp;mm twist rate) and a fixed notched [[iron sight]] with contrast dots that enable shooting in low-level lighting conditions. The pistol is completely ambidextrous and two-handed use is enhanced through the use of a profiled and enlarged trigger guard.<ref name="Woźniak" />

Between circa 1983 the P7 received several modifications, mainly to address American market demand and shooter preferences.{{cn|date=February 2023}} These modifications resulted in the '''P7M8''' and '''P7M13''' models.<ref name="Kinard2003"/> A new magazine release lever (available on both sides of the frame) was installed just beneath the trigger guard, which forced designers to modify both the pistol's frame and magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/psp.htm|title=Heckler & Koch PSP and P7|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410183133/http://hkp7.com/psp.htm|archive-date=2009-04-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> The trigger guard was equipped with a synthetic heat shield that protects the shooter from excessive heating and a lanyard attachment loop was added in place of the previous magazine heel release. The firing pin and its bushing were also changed.

== Variants ==
Based on the P7 several other variants were built: the '''P7PT8''', '''P7M13''', '''P7K3''', '''P7M10''' and the '''P7M7''', none of which remain in production. Production of the "P7" heel release design ended in 1997 with the KH date coded pistol marked "P7" on the Grip and "PSP" on the slide.

The P7PT8 is a dedicated, straight blowback training pistol modified for use with the 9×19mm PT training cartridge (made by Geco) with a plastic bullet (weighing 0.42 g).<ref name="Info">{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/p7pt8.htm|title=Heckler & Koch P7PT8|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409121024/http://hkp7.com/p7pt8.htm|archive-date=2009-04-09|url-status=live}}</ref> A "[[Floating chamber (firearms)|floating chamber]]" adapter is used inside the barrel which enhances felt recoil for use with the special ammunition. The pistols were marked with blue dots on both sides of the slide to differentiate the P7PT8 from other P7 pistols that can chamber lethal ammunition.<ref name="Info"/> To date about 200 pistols of this type were produced that are used mainly for simulated firing in enclosed spaces.

The P7M8 is the P7's counterpart with larger trigger guard, lengthened trigger, heat shield, thumb operated magazine release, larger rear sight dovetail, protruding firing pin bushing and lanyard ring. Production began in 1983 and continued until 2007. A final production run of 500 P7M8 pistols were produced under the AH date code (year 2007). Each is marked on the right side of the slide with X of 500.  Other than the slide marking no other features nor accessories were added to the usual kit. To commemorate 25 years of P7 production, H&K offered a limited run of P7M8 "Jubilee" edition.  Only 500 examples were ever made.  Included in the package were a wooden lockable presentation case, P7 challenge coin, and special markings.  The slide's top-left radiused edge has the designer's name (Helmut Weldle) and "1 von 500" (German, and including the double quotes; it translates to "1 of 500" in English) etched onto its surface.  The wooden grips were made by Karl Nills and had the H&K logo.<ref name="Kinard2003"/>

The P7M13 is the P7's counterpart with a double-stack magazine and a 13-round capacity.<ref name="Kinard2003"/>
<ref name="P7M13">{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/p7m13.htm|title=Heckler & Koch P7M13|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409084441/http://hkp7.com/p7m13.htm|archive-date=2009-04-09|url-status=live}}</ref> This pistol was entered to the [[US Army]] [[Joint Service Small Arms Program|XM9 pistol trials]] as a replacement for the aging [[M1911 pistol]],<ref name=":1" /> but ultimately lost to the [[Beretta M9]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Unboxing the Sweetest HK P7 Ever|url=https://www.guns.com/news/reviews/unboxing-the-sweetest-hk-p7-ever|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Guns.com|language=en}}</ref> A variant known as the '''P7M13SD''' was produced in limited numbers exclusively for German special forces, featuring a longer (compared to the P7M13) threaded barrel and a sound suppressor.<ref name="P7M13"/> The P7M13 was produced until 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-03-26|title=Gun Review: Heckler and Koch P7M13|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/03/26/heckler-koch-p7m13/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>

The P7K3 is a shortened version of the P7 (inspired by the [[Heckler & Koch HK4|HK4]] pistol) that uses straight blowback for operation. This version has a removable barrel and uses a sealed hydraulic recoil buffer in place of a gas cylinder.<ref name="P7K3">{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/p7k3.htm|title=Heckler & Koch P7K3|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409120955/http://hkp7.com/p7k3.htm|archive-date=2009-04-09|url-status=live}}</ref> After swapping out the barrel and magazine it can use [[.380 ACP|.380 ACP (9×17mm Short)]] or .32 ACP (7.65×17mm Browning SR) pistol cartridges and after replacing the slide, magazine and barrel (with floating chamber insert)—it can also be used to fire [[.22 LR|.22 LR (5.6mm Long Rifle)]] ammunition.<ref name="P7K3"/> The hydraulic recoil buffer of the P7K3 is prone to wear and causes a serious problem to operate the gun when it is worn down. Heckler & Koch does not make a replacement part for the buffer. However, there are some commercial buffers available. When the .22 LR slide and barrel are installed, the buffer is not engaged.
The slide of the .22 LR has an opening at the front that allows the buffer to be unused when firing the gun. Heckler & Koch provides a special scraper tool for the .22 LR-barrel. The tool is needed to clean the inside of the floating chamber for safe operation. An additional exchange tool is provided for all calibers to screw and unscrew the barrel nut that attaches the barrel to the frame. Both tools can be seen in one of the pictures of the P7K3 on this page. P7K3's are more rare in the U.S. than in Europe and are valued at higher prices especially when they are in good condition.<ref name="Kinard2003"/>

The P7M10 was introduced to the American market in 1991.<ref name="Woźniak" /> It is chambered for the [[.40 S&W|.40 S&W (10×22mm Smith & Wesson)]] round and has a double-stack 10-round magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/p7m10.htm|title=Heckler & Koch P7M10|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409081009/http://hkp7.com/p7m10.htm|archive-date=2009-04-09|url-status=live}}</ref> With the American market in mind, a variant known as the P7M7 designed to use the [[.45 ACP|.45 ACP (11.43×23mm Automatic Colt Pistol)]] cartridge was also created. However, it remained only a prototype due to excessive costs and complexity of creating such a weapon.<ref name="MF"/><ref name="Kinard2003"/>

== Reception ==
The P7 was "very well received" by the German Police, who complained when it was removed from service in the 2000s.<ref name=":0" /><ref>https://combatoperators.com/firearms/pistols/heckler-koch-p7-psp/</ref> While the P7 was lightweight, reliable and accurate, because of its high cost, it lost many sales in both military and police units to cheaper offerings by other companies, such as [[Beretta]], [[Glock Ges.m.b.H.|Glock]], and [[Smith & Wesson]]. Today, P7s can sell for anywhere between $600 and $2000.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The HKP7 Handgun: The gentlemen's squeeze cocker|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2013/04/18/hkp7-handgun-squeeze-cocker|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Guns.com|language=en}}</ref>

However, the P7 is also subject of criticism as well. According to 1996 report by the [[:de:Deutsches Waffen-Journal|German Weapons Journal (Deutsches Waffen-Journal / DWJ)]], the P7 had caused various deaths in [[Lower Saxony]] in the 1990s due to [[human error|incorrect operation/human error]]. The P7 is designed so that it can be fired when the trigger and safety/cocking handle are being held at the same time. A design oversight means operator can pull the trigger first and then the cocking handle, as the pistol does not differentiate which is pressed first. Because of this, several accidents occurred in stressful situations, when police officers would reflexively pull the trigger and then the safety/cocking handle, resulting in unintended injury and/or deaths of colleagues as well as suspects.<ref>DWJ Deutsches Waffen-Journal Ausgabe 1996 - 10 Hefte - siehe Bilder</ref>{{page needed|date=January 2022}}

At same time, DWJ published an article on how the P7 could be changed so that the trigger becomes inoperative if it is pulled when the grip is relaxed and after pulling the grip only after relieving the load, such as after a shot, is re-armed. It is unknown whether or how many weapons were converted accordingly.<ref>DWJ Deutsches Waffen-Journal Ausgabe 1996 - 10 Hefte - siehe Bilder</ref>{{page needed|date=January 2022}}

Due to the firing system, the gun gets very hot in the area of the front grip, where the gas cylinder is located. This was particularly troublesome with the original version of P7, the PSP. Subsequent models, such as P7M8, rectified this by installing a plastic heat shield above the trigger guard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hkp7.com/intro.htm|title=The Heckler & Koch P7 Pistol Family – Introduction|access-date=2009-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408195850/http://hkp7.com/intro.htm|archive-date=2009-04-08|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gunnuts.net/2014/06/05/no-hk-cant-make-the-p7-anymore-but-thats-not-a-bad-thing/|title = No, H&K can't make the P7 anymore...but that's not a bad thing|date = 5 June 2014}}</ref>

HK operating instructions indicate it is possible to reduce the sound of the firing pin/spring relaxing, by pulling the slide back a little while relaxing; however, the movement of the handle is still clearly audible when tensioning and relaxing, which is perceived as a disadvantage in certain tactical situations.{{cn|date=January 2022}}

<gallery widths="200px" heights="160px">
File:HK P7M8 - pic1.jpg|P7M8 with Karl Nill wood grips.
File:HK P7M13.jpg|Heckler & Koch P7M13.
File:HK P7K3.jpg|Heckler & Koch P7K3 (.22 LR slide and barrel installed, additional .32 ACP (7.65mm) slide, barrel and two magazines are visible, so are the exchange tool and carbon scraper)
File:Heckler&Koch P7K3 leftside.JPG|Heckler & Koch P7K3
File:HK P7K3 exchange tool.jpg|Heckler & Koch P7K3 using the exchange tool to tighten to barrel nut to install a .32 ACP barrel
</gallery>

==Users==
[[File:Heckler & Koch P7 Users (June 2025).jpg|thumb|A map with Heckler & Koch P7 users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

* {{flag|Democratic Republic of Congo}}: ''P7M13'' variant.<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
*{{flag|France}}<ref name="weaponsystems.net">{{Cite web |url=http://weaponsystems.net/weapon.php?weapon=AA01%20-%20P7 |title=H&K P7 &#124; Weaponsystems.net |access-date=2014-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006133352/http://weaponsystems.net/weapon.php?weapon=AA01%20-%20P7 |archive-date=2014-10-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{flag|Germany}}: Was used by the military police ([[Feldjäger]]),<ref name="FJg">{{cite web|url=http://www.streitkraeftebasis.de/portal/a/streitkraeftebasis/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKL9443CXMBSZnFW8SbuAXrR4IZ_gYQMaB0sCVIDKIuKCVV39cjPzdV31s_QL8gNzSi3NFREQC2ccDQ/delta/base64xml/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS80SVVFLzZfS180VkU!?yw_contentURL=%2F01DB040000000001%2FW26A9ENC242INFODE%2Fcontent.jsp|title=streitkraeftebasis.de: Pistole P7|language=de|access-date=2009-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727152540/http://www.streitkraeftebasis.de/portal/a/streitkraeftebasis/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKL9443CXMBSZnFW8SbuAXrR4IZ_gYQMaB0sCVIDKIuKCVV39cjPzdV31s_QL8gNzSi3NFREQC2ccDQ/delta/base64xml/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS80SVVFLzZfS180VkU!?yw_contentURL=%2F01DB040000000001%2FW26A9ENC242INFODE%2Fcontent.jsp|archive-date=2009-07-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> Federal Police ([[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]]) and several other police departments.<ref name="MF"/><ref name="Kinard2003"/> The P7 PSP remained in use with the Bavarian state police until 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kleine Anfrage mit Antwort|url=http://www.landtag-niedersachsen.de/Drucksachen/Drucksachen_16_2500/1501-2000/16-1609.pdf|access-date=2017-05-17|page=2|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gao|first=Charlie|date=2020-01-07|title=The 5 Most Complex Guns in the World|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/5-most-complex-guns-world-111381|access-date=2021-04-20|website=The National Interest|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-08|date=2018-01-12|title=SFP9: Das ist die neue Dienstpistole der bayerischen Polizei|url=https://sek-einsatz.de/polizei-themen/polizei-intern/sfp9-das-ist-die-neue-dienstpistole-der-bayerischen-polizei/21248|website=SE news|language=de}}</ref>
*{{flag|Greece}}: ''P7M8'' variant.<ref name="MF">{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg52-e.htm|title=Modern Firearms' Heckler – Koch PSP P7 P7M8 P7M13 P7M10 pistols (Germany)|access-date=2009-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301101002/http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg52-e.htm|archive-date=2009-03-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flag|Iceland}}: Used by the [[Víkingasveitin|Viking Squad]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Starfssamningur við tólf lögregluþjóna|url=http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?issId=279595&pageId=4034123&lang=is&q=v%EDkingasveitar|access-date=2014-08-18|language=Icelandic}}</ref>
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: ''P7M8'' variant is used by [[Indonesian Marine Corps|Marine Corps]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasmar1 |date=2025-01-02 |title=MEMPERTAJAM NALURI TEMPUR, PRAJURIT YONMARHANLAN XII LAKSANAKAN LATIHAN MENEMBAK |url=https://pasmar1.tnial.mil.id/post/mempertajam-naluri-tempur-prajurit-yonmarhanlan-xii-laksanakan-latihan-menembak |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250327205925/https://pasmar1.tnial.mil.id/post/mempertajam-naluri-tempur-prajurit-yonmarhanlan-xii-laksanakan-latihan-menembak |archive-date=2025-03-27 |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=pasmar1.tnial.mil.id |language=Indonesian}}</ref>
*{{flag|Lebanon}}<ref name="weaponsystems.net" />
*{{flag|Luxembourg}}: ''P7M13'' variant is used by the ''[[Unité Spéciale de la Police]]'' intervention unit of the [[Grand Ducal Police]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usp.lu/armement-pistolets-fr.php |title=Unofficial Pistols Page, Equipment |publisher=USP.lu – Unofficial Website of Unité Spéciale, Officially Endorsed |access-date=2009-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722161231/http://www.usp.lu/armement-pistolets-fr.php |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usp.lu/media/raids.pdf |title=L'Unite d'Intervention de la Police Luxembourgeoise |date=March 2006 |language=fr |publisher=RAIDS Magazine |access-date=2009-09-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722160041/http://www.usp.lu/media/raids.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}</ref>
*{{flag|Malaysia}}<ref name="weaponsystems.net"/>
*{{flag|Mexico}}: Locally manufactured version with frame-mounted safety lever placed on the right side of the frame as required by the Mexican government, known as the '''P7M13S''', created under license in 1983 by the ''Departamento de la Industria Militar'' (Military Industry Department) of the ''Dirección General de Fábricas de la Defensa''.<ref name="Mexico"/>
*{{flag|Norway}}: ''P7M8'' variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>
*{{flag|Pakistan}}: Used by [[Special Services Group]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pakistan's SSG|url=http://www.specwarnet.net/world/pakistan_ssg.htm|website=specwarnet.net|access-date=7 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701153338/http://www.specwarnet.net/world/pakistan_ssg.htm|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Portugal}}<ref name="weaponsystems.net"/>
*{{flag|Singapore}}: ''P7M8'' variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>
*{{flag|Republic of Korea}}: P7M13 variant. Used by the [[National Police Agency (South Korea)|Korean National Police]] SWAT.<ref name="KNPA">{{cite web|date=January 2007|title=SWAT Round-Up International 2006: Team Insights|url=http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/articlearchive/details.aspx?ID=1022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711162931/http://www.hendonpub.com/resources/articlearchive/details.aspx?ID=1022|archive-date=2011-07-11|access-date=2010-09-13|publisher=Hendon Publishing Company}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}: ''P7M13'' variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>
*{{flag|United States}}: Used by several police departments, including the [[New Jersey State Police]] (P7M8), [[Utah Highway Patrol]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Aristocrat's Parabellum: Heckler & Koch P7 PSP|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2019/08/08/the-aristocrats-parabellum-heckler-koch-p7-psp|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Guns.com|language=en}}</ref> and the [[United States Park Police]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Are Revolvers for LE Dead?|url=https://www.officer.com/tactical/firearms/handguns/article/21208604/are-revolvers-for-le-dead|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Officer}}</ref>
*{{flag|Uruguay}}: ''P7M8'' variant.<ref name="jones2009"/>

==See also==
* [[List of delayed-blowback firearms]]
* [[Arsenal P-M02]]—another pistol using the Barnitzke system
* [[Steyr GB]]—another pistol using the Barnitzke system
* [[Walther CCP]]-another pistol using the Barnitzke system

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book| last = Woźniak| first = Ryszard| year = 2001| title = Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł| publisher = Bellona| location = Warsaw, Poland| isbn = 83-11-09310-5|language=pl}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110711172657/http://www.hk-usa.com/-images/shared/P7_Ops_Manual_Trussville.pdf P7 operator's manual]
*[http://www.remtek.com/arms/hk/civ/p7/p7.htm REMTEK] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912114723/http://www.remtek.com/arms/hk/civ/p7/p7.htm |date=2007-09-12 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110911131700/http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=1475&cid=28 Historical overview of the P7 from ''American Rifleman'']
*[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/p7pro-the-legendary-p7-reborn-in-the-usa-44816305 P7Pro]
*{{YouTube|JIstcoZo9dM|Video of operation}} {{in lang|ja}}

{{Delayed Blowback Firearms}}
{{HK firearms}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heckler and Koch P7}}
[[Category:9mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.40 S&W semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:Gas-delayed blowback firearms]]
[[Category:Heckler & Koch pistols]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic pistols of Germany]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1979]]