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Browning Hi Power

M

MrG5122

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So it will be clear I know absolutely nothing about these pistols other than the fact that they are historic. I ran across one today in a pawn shop that my first impression was nickel. Were they made in SS?
 
Like I said, I'm clueless. It was priced at less than $600. All the ones I have seen before have been in the 700-1000 range. Should I pry deeper?
 
Sorry, no pics. It wasn't shiny chrome-like silver like a nice S&W but duller. Brighter than brushed stainless though. It had a few scratches that didn't go through the finish which got me to thinking stainless.
 
Could have a low price tag because the finish is not original. If so a
fair price might be hard to establish unless you can really get an idea
of what's under the plating. Look for evidence of pitting under the new
finish. The gun was probably originally blue.
 
My Practical model has a SS frame, but blued slide assembly, with black Pach's for grips. Maybe they started with that.

I would consider almost any Hi-Power for less than $600 a good deal.
 
$600.00 down to $350.00? You must know these guys pretty well.

The Hi-Power is a classic pistol. I still consider it to be the best-looking pistol ever made. Ultra-classsy.

Every collector, regardless of your favorite brand, aught to have one.
 
FN/Browning never made a stainless steel Hi Power but they did produce them in nickel and hard chrome.

Without pics we can't tell you exactly what the LGS has but if I had to guess based on your description it is an after market nickel plated finish.

You should be able to tell by looking closely at the rollmarks.
 
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In the mid 70's Browning produced a satin/brushed nickel model refered to as the Combat (?) model. It came in a Browning pistol pouch, had a gold plated trigger, buled hammer, slide release, safety and adjustable rear sight. This model came with the warp around Pachmeyer grips.

A similiar model was produced in the late 80's early 90's but had the newer type adjustable sights.
 
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jdlii said:
In the mid 70's Browning produced a satin/brused nickel model refered to as the Combat (?) model. It came in a Browning pistol pouch, had a gold plated trigger, buled hammer, slide release, safety and adjustable rear sight. This model came with the warp around Pachmeyer grips.

A similiar model was produced in the late 80's early 90's but had the newer type adjustable sights.
Click to expand...


I think that is what they called them as well, the Practical is no longer made for the US market. European markets still get them. When the two tone Practical was made they also made a Nickel or Chrome plated solid colored Hi Power which came with the Pacmayrs grips, some gold plated triggers and hammers.

The only Hi Powers available as of last year are the MKIIIs.
 
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