The P7
Back in 1979, Heckler and Koch marketed the P7 with the tagline, “Why the P7 is the Most Expensive Handgun in the World.” That’s fairly bold. You’ve got to be pretty confident in your position in the market to brag about how much your ridiculously high-end gun costs.
Featuring a radical gas-retarded blowback action and a unique squeeze-cocking mechanism, the P7 was purported to be the combat pistol for the gunman of distinction. The gun came in either 8- or 13-round versions and was produced in 9mm, .40 S&W, .22 LR, .32 ACP, and .380 ACP with either black or nickel finishes. The chamber was fluted like that of the MP5 submachine gun.
The P7 featured polygonal rifling and fixed sights. The chassis was trim and packable, and the execution was, as expected, flawless. However, it was the weird squeeze-cocking action that really set the gun apart.
When riding about in a holster, the P7 was completely inert. Upon presentation, pressure on the front strap of the grip compressed the striker. Relaxing pressure on the front strap automatically rendered the gun safe. With the grip compressed, the trigger was unusually crisp and smooth. However, managing that exotic squeeze-cocking mechanism was an acquired taste.
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