I have this Hi Power here that I would like to know more about. It is the standard service model in 9mm with 13 round magazine with the small fixed sights tiny saftey and standard hammer with black plastic checkered grips. The markings are, left side of slide, F.N. Browning, a import stamp from Armscorp, made in Argentina. Right side, serial number of 2966xx on slide, barrel and frame with very small proof marks on frame, slide and barrel. Finish appears to be a baked on black epoxy and all machiening is very well done inside and out, a quality looking piece. Now most Argentine handguns I have seen were not as nicely done as this and usually festooned with large crests and such. Is this a commercial model or an early one made by F.N. for the Argentines? The dang thing just looks too nice to be an Argy! Thanks in advance for any info!

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Stay safe people!

Probably an Argentine FM, licensed copy of the BHP. Don't have my references immediately to hand but the Stevens book on the BHP covers it as a variant. I passed on buying one for about $270 years ago and probably shouldn't have. The FMs have a pretty fair reputation, with the main disadvantages being, as you already know, the very small sights and safety.

Stephen Camp's website (www.handgunsandhipowers, I think)--has lots on the BHP and generic variants, and his book on the High Power is an excellent user's guide.

If you come up completely dry PM me and I can check the books.

"... an early one made by F.N. for the Argentines ..."
That would be my guess. There has to be a lot of information about this on the internet. IIRC, Colt did something similar with the M1911 in Argentina. Sold them the machinery and taught them how to use it. The first ones made were essentially Colts, except for the markings. I believe FN did something very similar.

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You're shy a few manners.

I would agree with Bat Guano and Jack Flash. I also had a chance at an FM several years ago and passed and wished I hadn't. As I recall, one of the interesting things that occurred during the Falkland Island War was that the Brits and the Argentinians shared a lot of the same small arms - including the Hi-Power/FM. One notable exception was that the Brits had the Ghurkas, who I'm to understand don't mess around with pistols, but rely instead on their knives.

Regards,

Dave

Thanks for the opinions guys!

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Stay safe people!

You might want to ask the folks over at the BHP forum.

http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?forumid=86

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You are what you learn.