Doc - since the R9 is usually not your first handgun, and one of impecable taste; same goes for the P7 and hence you have a following of connoisseurs on this site as well.
While the great Col. Jeff Cooper thought the CZ 75 was the best fighting 9mm, I, with others have to disagree. The P7 squeeze cocker is very ergonomic, fewer controls due to the squeeze cocker; no safety, no slide release. Inherently accurate due to the fixed barrel.
While the squeeze cocker may feel awkwark to some, it is pure natural to me and it's followers. It takes roughly 12-15 lbs of force to squeeze the cocker to cock the gun. However, keep in mind that you are using your whole grip, NOT just your trigger finger. Then once depressed, it only takes 2 lbs of force to keep it depressed. You don' t even notice it because of your natural grip. But it does freak some guys out.
No safety needed - it's on safe until you cock it. Release your grip, it's back on safe.
Talk about speed loads - after last round is fired, the slide locks back. Drop your mag, insert a new one, depress the cocker and down goes the slide! No need for a slide release. A true one-handed gun operation...after mag insertion.
The down sides -
Costs and availability - Supplies dry up, then some will show up. Euro- heel mag latch, like he R9 have been bringing $600-$800, depending. With the American mag release, they start at about $1200 for single stacks.
The other down side is they heat up fast. You really can't go ape like a 22 yr old with his first auto pistol. If you do 3 - 4 mags rapid fire, the frame will get hot aroung the trigger gaurd area and is quite uncomfortable to hold. You will have to let it cool for about 10 min before firing, depending upon weather conditions. HK introduced a plastic "heat gaurd" on the trigger gaurd area which was a total joke.
There's more, but that's it in a nutshell. I'm sure Richard will "show and tell" his fine works of art and maybe Thor.
This is similar to one of mine.