I have the opportunity to get a FM-Hi Power in excellent condition. the finish is 98% or better. The store owner has put 50 rounds through it, and says it functions perfectly and is accurate. This is from a small local GS that I have done a lot of business with over the years. He wants $400.00 out the door, with three magazines. I am very tempted, should I bite?

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Can my S&W Mdl 10 shoot +P

Offer him $350.00 OTD. See what he says.
But with 3 mags I'd do the deal at $400.00.
They are good clones.
Good luck.

If it’s as nice as you say with 3 mags I sure would go for it!

I'd play the "offer him 350" game, too, but the fact is I would jump on it for 400 if I had to. They are excellent pistols.

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Pisgah

I had one of these. The quality was excellent. It is not a bad price with 3 mags!

They were FN-licensed production, not just copies.

If you can get it for less that would be great but I would pay the $400 as well and be very pleased with that.

With 3 magazines for $400 OTD, I would take it. But, try negotiating a lower price, the worst he can say is no. I have an FM hi-power and it's a great clone. The fit and finish is not quite up to the standard of a genuine FN/Browning hi-power, but is a great gun. Given the recent discontinuation of production of the FN/Browning hi-power, hi-power clone prices are also on the rise.

Bottom line: Even if he doesn't come down on price, take it.

I would do it if it's really as nice as you say. The Argentine Hi-Powers I've messed with have had, in general, better triggers than the real deal BHP's! Unfortunately, I have not yet found one in great cosmetic condition like the one you are describing.

I feel it is a fare deal for all concerned. If that is what you want I would go ahead with the purchase..

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NRA Benefactor

+1 on taking a shot with the offer. It never hurts to ask, worst he can do is say no. Great deal on the package at $400 with the mags.

They have announced that the High Power is being discontinued. Prices are going up fast, even for clones. The Argentine is not really a clone, it was licensed, much like the model 1927 1911A1.

The original FM Hi-Power pistols were generally very good. The later imports were generally less than very good. The differences can usually be seen in slide profile (later production eliminated the slimmed-down forward section toward the muzzle, instead using a straight slab-sided slide), slide release, safety lever, and grips. Some later pistols featured raised sight ribs and high profile sights. Early production FM's were pretty much accurate copies of the FN P35, while the later guns were a mixed bag of cosmetic changes (for unknown reasons, although I suspect ease of manufacture and reduced cost of production). There was even a later production variant called the "Detective Model" with shortened barrel/slide group.

A little research on-line should help you in knowing exactly what you are looking at.

Uh, where was that shop?

Be there when they open the doors tomorrow and grab it before some one else figures it out!!!
Randy

I'll agree with the rest - I'd take it for $400. A HP is one of the few guns which I have never owned, even though I have shot several of them, one being a WWII Inglis, another being a Browning Renaissance grade. Maybe you can get the dealer to eat the sales tax.

Argentine FM ( fabricaciones militares) is a Hi-Power clone licensed by FN ( fabrique nationale ). No longer made but true to the design and quality of the FN. If it is as you describe, I would give him $400 ASAP. To try to dicker for $25-$50 isn't worth losing out on a great deal. Good luck, and if you get it, please post some photos ( us Hi Power guys would love to see it ).

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John

Nothing to add other than "Take it". I spent a lot of time in Argentina in years past and tried several times to get one home. Couldn't get them out of the country. Might trade my '72 Hi Power for one.

Yeah, do it pronto!

It's already hard to find a FEG in that good a condition (98%) for near that price, and FEGs are unlicensed clones. The Argentine is a legit copy.

Hi-Powers are going to be in demand soon.

At the end of the day, it will NEVER be a true Browning.

But at that price it should make a good shooter but again, not a real Browning.

Yes Browning(FN) changed the profile for the .40, but not in the way FM did. They were beefed up, but still had the Hi Power profile on the front. They weren't slab sided.
FM made 1911 style slides for the 9mm. Cost savings is my guess. I have never seen an FM slide made in the Browning .40 configuration. Might be out there but have never seen one.

I got the Argentine hi power I had been looking at. The LGS would not come down from $400, but did agree to eat the sales tax. The finish looks brand new and even field stripped shows little if any wear. This pistol has not be carried and shot very little. I am happy.

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Can my S&W Mdl 10 shoot +P

Sounds like you did good, I hope it serves you well! I’d be happy with it!
The last three words of your above statement is all that matters!

Pictures dude? Hey Harrison, this is "tray burge" from the Colt forum, I'm 03hemi over here.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

That's not a bad price.

I think you got a very good deal.
Long time Hi Power fan.
Near always have one close at hand.
But..with the sudden jump in price I retired my
T series HP's.
I bought this one a couple months ago to keep handy.
1995 vintage...very good condition.
I need to swap out the grips and I do not like
ambi safties.

I was in Argentina last year and saw Hi-Powers being carried by male police officers. Female officers carried a double action pistol about the size of a SIG 225.

$400.00 is a good buy for a Browning HP or clone provided its in good condition.

The FM HP is a great pistol for the price. I bought mine nib some years ago and been very happy with it now have 4 HP's 3 FN made + the FM.

Congratulations on your new acquisition. Frankly, I thought he was going to "meet you in the middle" at $375.00. I think you did just fine.

Regards,

Dave

Congratulations on the purchase and that was a good deal at that price.