P7A13: H&K's Entry into the US XM9 Pistol Trials

Published on August 5, 2019
Duration: 6:53

This video details Heckler & Koch's P7A13, their entry into the US military's XM9 pistol trials. It highlights the evolution from earlier P7 variants and the specific modifications made to meet trial requirements, such as a double-stack magazine. Ultimately, the P7A13 lost to the Beretta M92 due to its significantly higher cost.

Quick Summary

The H&K P7A13 was Heckler & Koch's entry into the US military's XM9 pistol trials. It featured a 13-round double-stack magazine and other modifications to meet trial specs. Despite its technical merits, it lost to the Beretta M9 primarily due to its significantly higher cost.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to H&K P7A13 (XM9)
  2. 00:33Early Trial History & Requirements
  3. 01:19The P7A10 Prototype
  4. 02:30Development of the P7A13
  5. 03:51P7A13 vs. Commercial P7M13
  6. 05:14Trial Outcome & Cost Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the H&K P7A13?

The H&K P7A13 was Heckler & Koch's prototype pistol submitted for the US military's XM9 pistol trials in the 1980s. It was an evolution of the P7 series, modified to meet trial specifications like increased magazine capacity.

Why did the H&K P7A13 lose the XM9 trials?

The P7A13 ultimately lost the XM9 trials primarily due to its high cost. While technically capable, its production cost was significantly higher than competing firearms like the Beretta M92, making it less viable for mass military procurement.

What were the key features of the H&K P7A13 for the XM9 trials?

The P7A13 featured a widened frame to accept a 13-round double-stack magazine, a crucial requirement for the trials. It also incorporated an ambidextrous magazine release and a heat shield, features later seen on the commercial P7M13.

What was the cost difference between the P7A13 and the Beretta M9?

In 1986, the commercial equivalent of the P7A13, the P7M13, had a dealer price of $499. In contrast, the Beretta M92, which won the trials, had a military contract price of $178.50, highlighting a substantial cost disparity.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →