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  #1  
Old 03-24-2017, 10:24 AM
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My other passion ( other than S&W revolvers) is Hi Powers. Took a group photo to share. Left to right;1967, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1993.

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Old 03-24-2017, 10:35 AM
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Default Hi Powers

Good looking "fivesome", always wanted one but have waited too long to own one, thanks for the photo!
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:41 AM
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The BHP is one of my "must have" pieces. Got my first one in Vietnam about 1970 and have had one or more ever since. Simple, solid, reliable, accurate, everything a defensive sidearm should be.

I don't carry one very much anymore but I always have one in the safe, ready for duty anytime.
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:42 AM
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Good looking "fivesome", always wanted one but have waited too long to own one, thanks for the photo!
I haven't purchased one for a while, and since retired, probably won't buy any more. The prices, even for a military or law enforcement surplus example, have gone crazy recently. Thanks for the nice comment
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:12 AM
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[QUOTE=OLDSTER;139523907]My other passion ( other than S&W K38/15) is Hi Powers. Took a group photo to share. Left to right;1967, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1993.

Very nice Hi Powers you have. I've been lucky and managed to put a set of Practicals together over the years. Standard models in both the 9mm and 40S&W calibers including one oddball; the BDM Practical. Love the way BHP's point and shoot.
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Old 03-24-2017, 11:21 AM
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Good looking "fivesome", always wanted one but have waited too long to own one, thanks for the photo!
No such thing! ...you're still breathin, ain't cha???
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Old 03-24-2017, 12:00 PM
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My first handgun was a BHP. I sold it to a guy from church and have been trying to buy it back ever since.
I bought one of those IDF brownings and had it blasted and refinished it myself and it's not too bad. Great shooter.

I told him id trade him this one and a GP 100 for it back and he still refuses...

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Old 03-24-2017, 12:43 PM
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My first handgun was a BHP. I sold it to a guy from church and have been trying to buy it back ever since.
I bought one of those IDF brownings and had it blasted and refinished it myself and it's not too bad. Great shooter.

I told him id trade him this one and a GP 100 for it back and he still refuses...

The picture isn't showing.
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Old 03-24-2017, 01:50 PM
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I've owned a Browning HP since the 90's and I sold it and instantly regretted selling it. So about 7 years ago I found the one I have now and bought it and it's not for sale.
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Old 03-24-2017, 01:57 PM
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A "T" series High Power was my first center fire handgun that I got in 1968. That one was sold to finance an engagement ring - should have kept the Browning because it would have lasted longer than the marriage! At least I have a replacement now for both the wife and pistol! It's still my favorite semiauto pistol.
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Old 03-24-2017, 02:10 PM
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A 1977 Hi Power with the beer can target sights was my first centrefire pistol and I still have it. It's since been joined by a 2003 MK III in .40 S&W and n early wartime Chinese contract Inglis.

OP.....those are some nice looking examples you have there.
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Old 03-24-2017, 02:39 PM
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Except for the so-so trigger, I think it's JMB's best design. Still wish it was made in 45acp.
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Old 03-24-2017, 03:02 PM
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Default Hi-Powers: Two things you should know

I have the original matt-gray magazines as well as a few blued 10 rounders to comply with NYS law. I recently re-installed the magazine safety and found that the gun operates much more smoothly with the ten rounders as the shiny blued surface generates much less friction than the originals.

I found that with just a little bit of work, S&W Model 59 magazines function flawlessly in the Browning HP. I converted a 20-round S&W magazine to function in the Browning. Better yet, after conversion, the magazine still functions in the Smith. All you need to do is plot and cut a new catch for the magazine holder and to add a few thousandths thick, plastic wedge, to that portion of the follower that engages the slide stop lever.

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Old 03-24-2017, 03:47 PM
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Some beautiful Brownings! I just picked up this new one a month or so back. Love everything about it except the thickness of the stocks. Any suggestions on where to pick up something thinner, checkered wood is preferable but not a must have. TIA
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Old 03-24-2017, 03:54 PM
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Some beautiful Brownings! I just picked up this new one a month or so back. Love everything about it except the thickness of the stocks. Any suggestions on where to pick up something thinner, checkered wood is preferable but not a must have. TIA
The guys over on the 1911/Hi Power Forum that want "thin" grips for their Hi Powers are buying the Navridex Grips from Brownells. Lots of good things to say about them.
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Old 03-24-2017, 04:04 PM
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I have Spegel grips on one of mine, good stuff. But I have those originals on the other, they feel better in my largish hands.

Wish I had one of the Mk II High Powers with the rib on top of the slide, just because I like that feature for it's looks, and that was the first of the type to reliably feed jacketed hollowpoints..
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Old 03-24-2017, 04:16 PM
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The guys over on the 1911/Hi Power Forum that want "thin" grips for their Hi Powers are buying the Navridex Grips from Brownells. Lots of good things to say about them.
Thank you. I had seen those mentioned and was wondering how they are? They only have the micarta in stock.
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Old 03-24-2017, 04:32 PM
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I finally broke down and got a MkIII.
It's in very good shape but not a collector.
That is exactly what I wanted because I want to shoot the snot out of it!
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Old 03-24-2017, 04:36 PM
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Except for the so-so trigger, I think it's JMB's best design. Still wish it was made in 45acp.
It was....the model 1911
( With an excellent trigger )

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Old 03-24-2017, 05:18 PM
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I have Spegel grips on one of mine, good stuff. But I have those originals on the other, they feel better in my largish hands.

Wish I had one of the Mk II High Powers with the rib on top of the slide, just because I like that feature for it's looks, and that was the first of the type to reliably feed jacketed hollowpoints..
Yes, a popular Model (especially with military units), with relatively short life; ca.1981 through ca.1988. Several unique features--first with straight feed ramp, first with ambidextrous safety, machined rib with machined front sight on top of slide, water drain hole on front of slide under the barrel, factory black polymer grips, and factory "parkerized" type of finish, last model with the elongated barrel bushing, and last model with forged frame. My MKII is second from right in my group photo
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Old 03-24-2017, 06:02 PM
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I don't know anybody who doesn't like a BHP. It was one of the first guns I ever shot, and it is one I would buy in an instant if me, the money and the gun ever came together at one time. They are a bit rich for my post-retirement blood, so for now I'll just have to be a spectator.
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Old 03-24-2017, 07:15 PM
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Here is a Hi-Power I picked up a few weeks ago.
1991 Vintage with Herstal FN markings instead of the Browning roll marks.
A vendor next to me at a show passed on it because of the markings....
IE...not marked as a Browning.



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Old 03-24-2017, 07:34 PM
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For some reason sold the real nice one I had 20+ years ago. Now have
this plain Jane one. Not as nice looking but shoots great!
how to take a screenshot on a pc
Replacement grips, fit my hand better and look better too!
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Old 03-24-2017, 07:39 PM
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Here is a Hi-Power I picked up a few weeks ago.
1991 Vintage with Herstal FN markings instead of the Browning roll marks.
A vendor next to me at a show passed on it because of the markings....
IE...not marked as a Browning.


You did good-that's a nice MKIII Browning is simply the importer to this country. So not all Hi Powers have Browning roll marks. Hi Powers have always been manufactured in Belgium by FN And Argentina (FM) manufactures licenced copies and FEG of Hungary makes a high quality clone.
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Old 03-24-2017, 07:43 PM
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Hi Powers have the best ergonomics for me of any bottom feeder. It is a crying shame that FN never decided to make a Commander version. I know the Argentine's did but I would love to have a FN Detective.




My Browning badged FN with Spegel's.




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Old 03-24-2017, 08:10 PM
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I don't know anybody who doesn't like a BHP. It was one of the first guns I ever shot, and it is one I would buy in an instant if me, the money and the gun ever came together at one time. They are a bit rich for my post-retirement blood, so for now I'll just have to be a spectator.
I know the feeling. And it's even more expensive when you finally find one around here because of our "lists" and "regs" (the BHP is not MA-compliant).

But I'm still hoping for a miracle. Let me ask the free state members this: If you were to acquire a new or near new BHP today, which current version would you choose? Traditional or Mk III?
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Old 03-24-2017, 08:12 PM
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[quote=lonestar57;139523946]
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My other passion ( other than S&W K38/15) is Hi Powers. Took a group photo to share. Left to right;1967, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1993.

Very nice Hi Powers you have. I've been lucky and managed to put a set of Practicals together over the years. Standard models in both the 9mm and 40S&W calibers including one oddball; the BDM Practical. Love the way BHP's point and shoot.
After looking at all these fantastic Browning Hi-Powers and posting pics of my Practical set I decided to get my lazy butt up and get a photograph of my 1981 all Belgium Silver Chrome that's been in safe for awhile.
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Old 03-24-2017, 09:13 PM
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I know the feeling. And it's even more expensive when you finally find one around here because of our "lists" and "regs" (the BHP is not MA-compliant).

But I'm still hoping for a miracle. Let me ask the free state members this: If you were to acquire a new or near new BHP today, which current version would you choose? Traditional or Mk III?

As much as I like the classics, If I were to buy just one today, it would definitely be the MKIII.
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Old 03-24-2017, 10:57 PM
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I only have one, a Practical in .40 S&W
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Old 03-25-2017, 02:06 AM
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I believe the MKIII's have the cast frame which is supposedly stronger than the MKII's. CDI sales on gunbroker has at least some MKII's and MKIII's Israeli surplus. I bought a Ex Israeli MKIII in October of last year. Trigger pull with the magazine safety was terrible. Removed the offending mag safety and trigger pull is much better. Now I have to find a better slide lock/safety as the issue one leaves a lot to be desired. Think JMB goofed with the Slide lock/safety on this one. Have to repaint the slots in the front and rear sights as most of the old paint is discolored and badly chipped. Enjoy your High Powers. Frank
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Old 03-25-2017, 06:26 AM
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I believe the MKIII's have the cast frame which is supposedly stronger than the MKII's. CDI sales on gunbroker has at least some MKII's and MKIII's Israeli surplus. I bought a Ex Israeli MKIII in October of last year. Trigger pull with the magazine safety was terrible. Removed the offending mag safety and trigger pull is much better. Now I have to find a better slide lock/safety as the issue one leaves a lot to be desired. Think JMB goofed with the Slide lock/safety on this one. Have to repaint the slots in the front and rear sights as most of the old paint is discolored and badly chipped. Enjoy your High Powers. Frank
Those Israeli Army (IDF) surplus HP are solid shooters, and for the price very fun project guns; really popular as a custom platform. Enjoy Regard the MKIII; you are correct. When Browning requested a .40 cal from FN, the FN engineers went to a cast frame for more strength ( using the same frame for 9mm and .40). Other MKIII improvements are a firing pin safety, improved ejection port shape, updated combat sights dovetailed front and rear, target sights, that great epoxy/polymer black finish with black nylon grips( polished blue with wood grips still available), and on the later MKIII, a wider trigger.
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Old 03-25-2017, 08:20 AM
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Default MKIII Price

Beautiful high powers in this informative thread.......got me interested!

Online dealer has three MKIII in nice condition based on limited photos. These are 9mm. What is a fair price for a MKIII in nice, original condition? Just the gun, no box/docs. If I can copy a photo I will post it later.

Thanks for your help.
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Old 03-26-2017, 12:38 AM
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Check CDI sales on gunbroker for prices while you may not buy one there look at the descriptions given for each pistol and how they effect the prices. At least that would give you an idea of what pistol in a certain condition would go for. The ones I saw went from around $500 up to approximately $600 depending on condition. If the ones you are talking about are commercial rather than military surplus then used figure from $700 and up again based on condition and how they are setup. Adjustable sights rather than fixed sights would be one consideration. Frank
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Old 03-26-2017, 07:24 AM
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Beautiful high powers in this informative thread.......got me interested!

Online dealer has three MKIII in nice condition based on limited photos. These are 9mm. What is a fair price for a MKIII in nice, original condition? Just the gun, no box/docs. If I can copy a photo I will post it later.

Thanks for your help.

Mach1Arsenal on Gun Broker has some really nice MKIIIs for sale now in the $400 to $600 range
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Old 03-26-2017, 08:04 AM
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I only have one, probably my best shooter, and a little heavy for everyday carry, but it's kind of unique, 1969 vintage and we think it is hard chromed.




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Old 03-30-2017, 06:51 AM
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I only have one, probably my best shooter, and a little heavy for everyday carry, but it's kind of unique, 1969 vintage and we think it is hard chromed.



I really like the re-finish. I'd agree it's "hard-Chrome", and whoever finished the gun did an excellent job. The roll-marks appear to be nice and crisp with no signs of being buffed or sanded. NICE shooter
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Old 03-30-2017, 09:19 AM
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I've said it before......if I carried cocked and locked..... it would be one of my Mk III Browning's....both of mine have the Millet ramp front sight like the Practical..... big bold red/white strip for 60 year old eyes.

Both wear Houge Grips and are GTG in a Spark's Summer Special.

One is mat the other bright blue ....... which I found at a big Pittsburgh gun show for $350 in the box ....in this Century!!!!! Didn't even try to haggle nor did I sit it back down. Guy was selling 'parts" and the Browning was the only gun on his 2 tables.......


To answer TTSH's question .....I'd stick with the MkIIIs for the sights, safety and feed ramp (hollow-points)

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Old 03-30-2017, 01:03 PM
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My Transitional Mk II and a friend's Mk III:



(Just because.)

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Old 03-30-2017, 08:03 PM
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You did good-that's a nice MKIII Browning is simply the importer to this country. So not all Hi Powers have Browning roll marks. Hi Powers have always been manufactured in Belgium by FN And Argentina (FM) manufactures licenced copies and FEG of Hungary makes a high quality clone.

I think FEG is out of business. They made the Chas. Daly Hi-Powers imported here as well as FEG marked ones. I've read that the Browning used to shoot a Pope was a FEG faked to look like a Belgian gun.

I had an Argentine one for a while and it was a solid gun. Later ones have slides shaped in front more like Colts. And I've owned two Belgian ones, one with a tangent sight.


My son carried an FN-marked example in Iraq as a security contractor after he finished two tours there in the Army. He wore the Browning everywhere, often on his combat vest. It was handy to draw from that way, if he was in a vehicle and someone ran toward them with a knife or a bomb. There are a LOT of crazy Jihadists there...


The gun was accurate and reliable. He killed several men with it, and found the 9mm ample, although he shot twice in a couple of cases. In one battle, he fired four magazines! That was after his rifle ran dry.


He owned a MK III as a teen and was very familiar with the gun. And had been coached not just by me, but by Jo Anne Hall, then the world champion Ladies class IPSC shooter. He was about nine on that occasion, but paid attention. I suppose that I should mention that Jo Anne was not only a famous shooting champion; she was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. I don't think we've seen that combo since.


The gun my son had in Iraq was a MK III with the usual FN markings. It didn't have the US market Browning markings, but it killed just fine. The Jihadists didn't even seem to know that 9mm is a "minor" caliber to some.


I wouldn't buy another Hi-Power unless it was a MK III, which has a beefed up slide around the ejection port, to lessen the likelihood of cracks there. UK military and cops found the Browning to break under a heavy diet of their hot ammo.


The recent ones also have stronger cast frames. It doesn't bother me that they're assembled in Portugal. Quality has remained high.


I think the HP is okay with a diet of Federal's 115 grain JHP No. 9BP load which has a good street record. I'd use Plus P sparingly, but unless you shoot a boxcar of ammo a year like those SAS men did, it should hold up well.


These days, I lean toward the CZ-75B and the Beretta M-92FS for my 9mm's. But I understand the appeal of the old Hi-Power and it does handle and point well. Many examples are also quite accurate.

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Old 04-01-2017, 07:30 AM
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My Transitional Mk II and a friend's Mk III:



(Just because.)

Nice HPs ERICH Look like Herrett grips on the MKIII . And the grips on your Sport Model are cool. What are they ??

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Old 04-01-2017, 07:57 AM
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I think FEG is out of business. They made the Chas. Daly Hi-Powers imported here as well as FEG marked ones. I've read that the Browning used to shoot a Pope was a FEG faked to look like a Belgian gun.
Found my first FEG in a local shop the other day. Obviously old and used, but not horrible. The wood grips were in unusually excellent condition... perhaps replacements? Trigger on it was excellent... much better than the last BHP I found in a MA shop at over twice the price.

Price tag read $400.00. Probably little or no bargaining with this particular dealer. I must admit, I was tempted. I've added it to my 2017 Possibilities List.
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Old 04-01-2017, 08:11 AM
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All our shooters are always looking for HPs with FN, Columbia, S.C. I'll get some posted soon.
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Old 04-01-2017, 08:11 AM
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Found my first FEG in a local shop the other day. Obviously old and used, but not horrible. The wood grips were in unusually excellent condition... perhaps replacements? Trigger on it was excellent... much better than the last BHP I found in a MA shop at over twice the price.

Price tag read $400.00. Probably little or no bargaining with this particular dealer. I must admit, I was tempted. I've added it to my 2017 Possibilities List.
Had a couple over the years ..... nice guns.... sold them when I was able to transition to a MkIII.... if I came across another I'd grab it for $400.

Case I ever needed a 'truck gun"


I'm serious grab it; worst case you can 'rent" it for $100
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Old 04-02-2017, 10:13 AM
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Had a couple over the years ..... nice guns.... sold them when I was able to transition to a MkIII.... if I came across another I'd grab it for $400.

Case I ever needed a 'truck gun"

I'm serious grab it; worst case you can 'rent" it for $100
Once again, I did a sweep of gun shops south of the border yesterday and am going up north of the border again today (mostly in search of "pre-ban" magazines). During my travels yesterday, I found one 1977 vintage BHP for a grand plus another FEG, although it was not an exact BHP copy. I now see that it was a P9R variant. Price on the latter was good for its decent condition ($339) but it just isn't the same as a BHP. On the other hand, the '77 BHP's trigger was clean but very heavy (more than I could have lived with in a single action pistol). Add the cost of a trigger job and getting it into the state (if even possible) and it's a lot more than I can afford.

Yes, I may go back and take a very hard look at that FEG I found last week for $400 and see if I can't pick it up for a little less. You know I am not in the habit of buying guns in a condition that "Dad would not have approved of", but I may have to make an exception for that FEG rather than keep dreaming of finding a BHP with an already decent trigger that I can afford.
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Old 04-04-2017, 12:28 AM
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Question for Hi-power fans- I picked up one of the Kareens recently, it seems to have an ejection issue. I've read that this can be fairly common- extractor isn't holding the case firmly enough to throw it out, and you get a FTE.

Should I be looking at the extractor, spring, or both?
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Old 04-04-2017, 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by scoobysnacker View Post
Question for Hi-power fans- I picked up one of the Kareens recently, it seems to have an ejection issue. I've read that this can be fairly common- extractor isn't holding the case firmly enough to throw it out, and you get a FTE.

Should I be looking at the extractor, spring, or both?
Kareens ( Israeli) are robust HP copies,but you probably need a spring set. Since you'll want to enjoy this "shooter", you might as well spend a few bucks on a new extractor also. I've always used Numrich for HP/HP copy parts. Enjoy that fine, proven pistol
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Old 04-04-2017, 12:27 PM
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Except for the so-so trigger, I think it's JMB's best design. Still wish it was made in 45acp.
John Browning had very little to do, almost to the point of nothing, with the design of the GP 35; that is the brain child of Dieudonné Joseph Saive. Browning did the work on the original concept, the striker fired Model 27 Grande Rendement (which Saive designed the concept of the staggered magazine specifically for), but died before that came to fruition. That pistol did not find many friends due to weight and other features.

When FN came back to take another stab at addressing the interest in a high capacity pistol, it was Saive who did all the design work that resulted in what we call the High Power. There were some common features - not surprising as Browning and Saive had worked together on the design of the original Model 27. Side by side, the Model 27 and GP 35 differ in far more than they are similar.

Saive was also a firearm design genius in his own right, the FN FAL probably being his most recognized design. He is a topic for discussion all by himself.

The "so so" trigger had reasons for being the way it is as well. Of note is that the service pams for the Inglis HP pistols, which Saive aided in the reverse engineering of, mandate a trigger pull weight of 5 - 7 lbs. That is all of about 1 lb heavier than the apparently also "so so" trigger pull specified for the government M1911 from the same time period. It's also in the same weight range of factory trigger pull weights in S&W revolvers, Lee Enfield service rifles, and the current M16 service rifle variants (MIL-C-71186 says 5.5-9 lbs). Presumably, all of these weapons could have had 3.5 - 5 lb. trigger pulls, if the military had found that preferable.

My almost-unused Inglis has a trigger pull of 5 lbs; my personal carry 69C HP comes in just a tad over 4.5 lbs. The HP trigger will never keep up with a 1911 trigger (or a CZ or others) designed/refined for use on the square range. But the HP was never designed as a target pistol (although some target variations have been offered that have some modifications) - it was designed as a pistol for fighting with, as was the 1911, the Lee Enfield, the M16, etc that have similar trigger pulls.

You can certainly remove the magazine disconnect, and some even claim it is necessary. No country or police force who has ever issued the HP has removed the magazine disconnet that I am aware of. It is worth noting that the top tier units that used the HP for decades (i.e. the SAS of various countries, the CAR, etc) never saw fit to remove the magazine disconnect on their pistols. And they certainly could have, given they have an ample supply of gun plumbers supporting them and pretty much carte blanche as far as what they do with the weaponry they choose. Presumably, the SAS and some of the other high end units who used the HP have some knowledge of fighting with a handgun at close quarters, and what they do and don't find acceptable in triggers.

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Old 04-04-2017, 12:35 PM
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The guys over on the 1911/Hi Power Forum that want "thin" grips for their Hi Powers are buying the Navridex Grips from Brownells. Lots of good things to say about them.
The Navidrex grips are quite popular with many. It is probably a tie in popularity between the Navidrex grips and the rubber Uncle Mike's licensed clone of Craig Spegal's wooden grips for the HP. Spegal's wood grips are actually slightly thinner than the rubber Uncle Mike's version.

The wooden versus the rubber Spegals are on the two HPs in the picture above. I find the Navidrex grips to feel a little too square edged in the hands. You could probably easily address that, but as they didn't feel better than the rubber Spegals in my hands anyways, they went on the market to somebody else.

The Uncle Mike's are no longer made, and it is not uncommon to see people asking for $80 a set, and getting it. A few weeks ago Buds advertised new Uncle Mike's that they had found somewhere, and they were asking something like $40. I imagine they went very fast at that price, but perhaps they still have a few sets.
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Old 04-04-2017, 12:40 PM
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Kareens ( Israeli) are robust HP copies,but you probably need a spring set. Since you'll want to enjoy this "shooter", you might as well spend a few bucks on a new extractor also. I've always used Numrich for HP/HP copy parts. Enjoy that fine, proven pistol
Thanks for the info- the gun had me just a little confused with the FTE.
The Kareen in question is identical to my FEG other than finish, and the serials are within a couple hundred (B4xxx for both). To my untrained eye, the extractor claw looks ok, and functions fine with snapcaps hand-cycling.
.
The extractor doesn't "feel" any looser than the FEG's, at least to me. I read up on this, and it seems that the extractor spring is a common culprit, it's often too weak.

The gun arrived and looked very nice... FTE almost every shot. I've shot it down with brake cleaner right into the extractor channel, and that has reduced it to about 50% of the time.

It does this with mags from my FEG too, so it isn't mag related (my FEG is a 100% functioning gun).

So- I will order an extractor, and a set of springs, and go from there
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Old 04-04-2017, 01:03 PM
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Let me ask the free state members this: If you were to acquire a new or near new BHP today, which current version would you choose? Traditional or Mk III?
Traditional... all the way. I can be happy with either, but there is no question that the classic HP feels better in the hand than the newer, stronger Mk III. At least, not to me, and I have five of them to choose from. The one caveat is I wouldn't choose one with the internal extractor, unless you like the ambiance of that original design and are willing to put up with the difficulty in finding a replacement should you ever need to do so.

Some people are concerned about beating the original designs to death. The Inglis pistols are still working for the Canadians, and they have been shooting those same pistols manufactured in 1944/45 for about 70 years now, on a diet of nothing but military 9mm ammunition. They don't have a problem with assorted parts breaking - probably mostly because the gun plumbers inspect the recoil springs on a regular basis and replace springs that are out of spec. Some of the recoil springs in civilian HPs I have been shown have recoil springs that are greatly shortened and probably would be more like 13 or 14 lbs than the stock weight. I would suspect much of the problem lies there. Stephen Camp never managed to shoot any of his HPs to death - but he said he also changed his recoil springs every 5000 rounds.

With modern police service ammunition, you don't need +P ammunition. I recognize that there are those who feel otherwise; I'm not interested in visiting that debate again and would simply say that if you believe that take it up with Dr. Gary Roberts instead. That man looks at more OIS reports and autopsy/medical reports in his work in a month than most do in a lifetime. The last time he was asked that I am aware of, he said he carries standard pressure Federal HST 147 grain loads in both his personal carry gun and in his position as a reserve police officer where he also has his choice of caliber.

If you do want to feed a steady diet of +P ammunition and are worried about it in a classic HP, choose the slightly heavier recoil springs available and change them regularly. Easy-peasy.

The original feed ramp can be a problem in some classic HP pistols with hollow points, and no problem at all in others. My 69C has fed everything I put in the magazines since I bought it for police work around 1977 or so. Others have had to spend a few minutes polishing feed ramps.

So I would choose an original for carry, but I would recognize that the original hump and bump sights are less than ideal, particularly once old timer's eyesight sets in. Happily, Novaks and others will fix that for you with a set of very nice, very classy sights in a very short time frame for a very reasonable amount of money. And they look very classy on a very classy pistol to begin with.

A classic Israeli/European surplus HP from importers like CDI would be a great place to start. Those who have bought them, and then refinished and had new sights involved have ended up with some beautiful and very businesslike carry pistols for less than the cost of a new Mk III. I haven't heard anyone who bought from CDI say they were dissatisfied for what they got for the price they paid. Most, if anything, said the condition of the pistol they received was well above what it was advertised as, and most of the wear appears to be holster wear.
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