[bhp]

I'm curious:
Is the grip girth of the P88 about the same as the Hk P7M13?
Has anyone performed a handling / shooting comparison of these two "Wundernines"?
I have a couple of M8s but haven't seen a M13 in a long time...

 

[JMH]

I own neither a P7M13 (I have an early P7) nor a P88 (PPKS and P5), but I have shot both and as I recall the P88 had a noticeably slimmer feel. I hope we'll see more of the M13s around with the repeal of the mag ban.

I think my P7 is one of the finest pistols I've ever owned. It's never given me the slightest problem. The design's only real flaw is the heat generated by the gas piston under the barrel, which can bake your trigger finger over the course of a long range session. My early one is bad; newer models with the heat shield are somewhat better. It only crops up after 50-100 fast rounds, and would never be a factor in a defensive shooting (not that you'd notice it anyway if someone were shooting back at you. . .)

 

[JMH]

bhp: Obviously that ramble was directed more at those unfamiliar with the P7 than you.

The only P7 I tried and couldn't stand was the ungainly .40 model. It was a monstrosity. I'd love to have one of the little .380s.

 

[extremist]

In The Complete Book of Autopistols Buyer's Guide - 1992", Gene Gangarosa did a "German Shootout" between the P88 and the P7M13. Part of the reason I bought a P88 before I bought a P7M13 was due to this article. I've owned both, I currently only have a P7M13, having sold the P88.

Specs P7M13/P88:
Overall Length: 6.7"/7.4"
Barrel Length: 4.13"/4.0"
Weight unloaded: 30oz/31.5oz
Capacity: 13/15

His accuracy tests at 25' gave the overall nod to the P88 with it shooting all 5 shot groups in under 2" except for Winchester STHP. At 50', his one ammo test of Winchester 115gr FMJ yielded almost identical groups of 4.2/4.3" respectively for the P7M13/P88.

He made the comment that the P88's grip was bulky, but not as bad as the P7M13.

Now my comments:

I couldn't shoot the P88 NEARLY as well as any of my P7s including the P7M13. I find the P7M13 grip VERY comfortable and I don't have large hands. I can shoot my P7M13 very accurately. The P88 I had had a terrible trigger, and I wasn't willing to invest shooting it 500 rounds to smooth it out. The P7M13 (as do all of my P7s) had a crisp trigger out of the box and is just marvelous.

I thought the P88s grip was wider and fatter than the P7M13 myself. And it is a much bigger feeling gun.

Just my .02 worth

James

 

[bhp]

Many Thanks for your time and posts - I really greatly appreciate it!
It is only a matter of time for me to find a Chantilly era M13 that I'll call my own - I've often wondered how these two wündernines compared in size, feel, and performance. I do love my p7s and haven't found a gun that fits me better but I am very fond of the Walthers.
Interestingly, I also thought the P88 felt like a larger gun overall than it really is - side by side they are very close.
Again, Many Thanks for your time and the great info!!!
I guess I need that book ....

Here's my m8 & p88 for a visual comparison

 

[J Hoss]

I have both and agree on the previous posts. The P88 "feels" a little better but it really depends on the day.

I do notice that my P88C is very finicky on ammo where the P7 digests anything that fits in the tube.

Can't say either shoots any better than the other. When you place everything in a palm sized group, most in the 10X, what do want to complain about?

 

[P88]

I've never shot the P7, but I do own a P88. I've found the mine has a nice smooth trigger and my groups shot with it are exceptional. It is bulkier than my P99's.

I love that picture with the P88 and the P7-M8. Beautiful!!

I do know that the wood grips add to the bulk of the grip. They are not as slim as the original plastic.

 

[bhp]

Many Thanks - It seems I always go for the nostaglia of wood sided guns. The Nills' swell fit me nicely and I like the stippled finish far more than the Rhomlas. So much so, when I learned they were phasing it out I bought sets in anticipation of the guns!

b-

 

[JMH]

Wow! Finally some fast-paced activity on this board. Uh, bhp. . . "Chantilly" era??? Am I just dense?

As a (possibly) interesting aside, I sold an S&W .357 Magnum in 1983 to finance my P7 purchase. When I recieved the pistol, I was delighted to note the serial number: 35783.

 

[bhp]

No you're not dense - The Chantilly era is the period of time when the P7s were imported to Chantilly Va and so stamped. I personally prefer the craftsmanship and overall clean look of that time - the silver etching, general finishing, etc. To me they are just nicer but that is splitting hairs. It is also rumored that they have fewer problems with breakages but that is unofficially based on a poll over at the Cult of the P7.
BTW, That is a really great serial number for you!!!
b-