HK P7K3
Heckler & Koch GmbH · Pistol · Discontinued · 1988
Also known as: P7 K3, P7K3
Overview
The HK P7K3 is a compact semi-automatic pistol produced by Heckler & Koch, a shortened member of the P7 family chambered in .380 ACP. Unlike the larger 9mm P7 variants, which use a gas-delayed blowback system, the P7K3 operates on straight blowback with a removable barrel and a sealed hydraulic recoil buffer to tame recoil. It retains the P7 family's signature squeeze-cocking mechanism, in which the front strap lever cocks the striker when the grip is squeezed and decocks it automatically on release. Interchangeable barrel, slide and magazine kits allow the same frame to fire .380 ACP, .32 ACP or .22 LR, all with an 8-round magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 816 g (28.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Barrel Length | 96 mm (3.78") |
| Height | 125 mm (4.92") |
| Width | 29 mm (1.14") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 280 m/s (919 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 240 J (177 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Squeeze Cocking Lever, Automatic Striker Decock
- Features: Squeeze Cocker, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Removable Barrel, Caliber Conversion, Fixed Barrel
Base model
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police
Production
Production years: 1988-1994
Produced in comparatively small quantities; considered a collector's item
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Helmut Weldle
Discontinued: 1994
Notes
Conversion kits allowed the P7K3 to switch between .380 ACP (9x17mm) and .32 ACP (7.65mm) by swapping barrel and magazine, and to .22 LR by additionally swapping the slide. Produced in relatively small numbers, it is a sought-after collector piece.
Background
The P7's squeeze-cocking action was developed for the West German police pistol trials of the 1970s that followed the 1972 Munich Olympics attack. The P7K3 miniaturized the concept into a pocketable .380 handgun, trading the gas-delayed blowback of its 9mm siblings for a simpler blowback action with a hydraulic buffer.