What to buy browning hi power vs. 686 vs. G19

[640ALEX]

I just sold my 1911 so I have $800 to spend on a new gun. Neither would fill the role of home defense what would buy a pre lock 686 plus with a 2.5 barrel or browning hi power 9mm or glock 19 if I go with glock I would also buy a snub j frame.

 

[fyimo]

While I own a bunch of revolvers and between your choices I would buy a Browning HP in a second. I owned one and sold it a few years ago and man have I regretted it.

 

[ColbyBruce]

The BHP would operate like your 1911 did, so it would be familiar to you. I like and own BHP's and 1911's, and would choose either over a L frame revolver. I gave my Glock 19 to our son, but still have Glock 17, 32, and two 26's. I like them enough to carry one. I think the BHP might work best for you. Is there a range near you where you could rent these guns and shoot them to determine which you like best?

 

[Badkarma 1]

Hi-Power! They have a certain style and grace that no Glock can match, and a lot of real world experience. And they're just so easy to shoot! Dale

 

[bennettfam]

Neither would fill the role of home defense

Then what is the purpose?

Plinking? I'd go with the HP.
Trail gun? I'd pick the revolver.
Collector? The HP again.
CCW? The Glock/J frame combo.

 

[OIF2]

Nothing wrong with the BHP. Over 50 countries have issued it since the late 30's. This one was purchased from "handejector" and given a few minor custom touches.
Bob

 

[MWark]

Then what is the purpose?

Plinking? I'd go with the HP.
Trail gun? I'd pick the revolver.
Collector? The HP again.
CCW? The Glock/J frame combo.

This man nailed it.

I have 4 686s a 646 and a 681 so you know I like my L frame revolvers but the HP is a must have. I have one and don't shoot it very often but when I do I always say " this is one hell of a pistol". I think a nice one might cost you a little more than a nice L.

 

[squidsix]

BHP
Reliable, accurate, classy, VERY easy to CCW. Get one immediately if not sooner.

 

[617X10]

I'd get another 1911, but that's just me.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Go with the 686, it is the real man's gun. You can shoot it from inside the coat pocket, upside down, and no other feed problems like the auto does. Auto's are for the ones that can't shoot or able to hit anything with a revolver. I would take a pump shotgun over a auto any day.

 

[RGPM1A]

Go with the 686, it is the real man's gun. You can shoot it from inside the coat pocket, upside down, and no other feed problems like the auto does. Auto's are for the ones that can't shoot or able to hit anything with a revolver. I would take a pump shotgun over a auto any day.

Maybe you should tell us how you really feel.

If you ever had a BHP and shot combat courses with it you would know that they will shoot upside down, sideways and every which way even when fouled to the max with 124 grain factory ammo. Even weak handed or with a limp hold.

That being said, for home defense, I would rather have a revolver. Just pick it up and pull the trigger.

 

[Marshal Tom]

All of the above would serve you well for the intended purpose. Some just feel better with a revolver. It is simple to operate with no bells or whistles that you have to remember when you need it most. I love the HP. It has a great feel and is an excellent design for a number of reasons. It also has many more rounds on board. If you are familiar with the 1911, there would be no reason why you would not do well to stick with that nomenclature since you are already familiar with the design. However, you could not go wrong with any of the above munitioned.

Tom

 

[amazingflapjack]

Choices choices

If you are already comfotable with the 1911, maybe it's time to try the other Browning Masterpiece, the High power. There really isn't anything like it. The list of those that put their trust in them is long, not to exclude our own CIA. It was their choice in Nam. I have a HP in .40 S&W under a towel next to my chair. It holds 10, and has the SFS system, which allows me to put it into action from safe in a split second, a much better idea than cocked and locked in my view-much safer. The SFS system can also be installed on a 1911, but only those two. Look at the numbers on a .40 S&W compared to a 357, it's interesting reading when you start into the lighter bullets. Enjoy safely. Flapjack

 

[Condition Yellow]

Auto's are for the ones that can't shoot or able to hit anything with a revolver.

Really? Must ... hold ... my ... toung.

What to get depends entirely on your purpose, and what you already have in your stable. If, like most, you can't afford every handgun you want, you may consider spreading out what you get to cover a broader base of uses.

-Carry? The Glock and J frame.

-Just to have something else? Draw straws.

-Pride of ownership? As most have said, the Browning, but it will depend on why you got rid of the 1911. Since the Hi-Power is the same platform as the 1911, you may love or hate it (but it will never match the 1911's trigger).

I have the Glock 19 and the 686 (4"). The Glock is a wonderful tool, and I don't worry much about babying it. The 2 1/2" 686 is quite limited in what you would use it for. But a Browning, well, John Moses was inspired in pretty much everything he designed, even if the Hi-Power was actually finished by a Frenchman. I'm not biased.

Because most on this site, including myself, tend to be older rather than younger, I suspect the classic over the plastic will be the trend ... IOW, Browning. However, as I said, it depends on your intended use and current inventory.

 

[Broker50]

I'm gonna' go against the grain here. Love 1911's, BHP, not so much, they never felt right to me. Of your choices, for a "woods gun", the 686, too big & heavy for 365 day carry though. For carry & home defense, even though I don't care much for the HP, it's the best of your choices for CCW, IMHO. And yes, I don't like Glocks, they feel all "wrong" to me. I do like J-frames though, maybe a 686 & 642 would work for you. $800 should get you a good used 686, & a new 642-1 without a lock. Just my two cents.

 

[6pack]

BHP is certainly a sweet gun.

You also mentioned a G19. Give the M&P a hard look, too. I was a GLOCK fan until shooting my wife's M&P 9mm. Exceptional shooter.

 

[alwslate]

I love the BHP. I have two, an older blue and walnut model and a more
recent gun with plastic grips and black finish. I also have a Glock 19 and I think the 19 is the best all around model Glock makes. The BHP is great for holster carry while woods walking but being single action
means it is not really suited for CC in my opinion. The Glock purchase
allows you to buy a J frame also, so I don't see how you can go wrong
with this choice. Again I love my BHPs but the Glock 19 some how
seems to have that " just right " feel to me.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I knew that would fire this bunch up, but you have to remember this is the "SMITH & WESSON" forum and the "REVOLVER" section where the revolver is KING . OK - now my true feelings even if you don't like it, the REVOLVER is king no matter where you are or what forum you are on. That is my two cents and $3.98 will get you a gallon of gas, I must be getting old - I remember when you could fill the tank for $5.00 . Each to his own is my true 2 cents worth, that is what makes the world go round or square - which is it ??????????????????

 

[Smith357]

It depends on the vintage and place of manufacture. If it's a nice old Belgian Browning then you could probably convince me. If is a new one assembled in Portugal then I would easily choose the S&W. The Glock is and always will be just a Glock.

 

[Sportsterguy]

BHP for me out of your choices. Though I love my S&W's I'm a die hard 1911 guy but my BHP points more naturally than ANY other weapon I own and I shoot it well IMO. If its an older model with the mini safety so highly recommend a Cylinder and Slide extended safety as the stock one is too darn small to operate in a high stress situation. Add a mag of Speer Gold Dots and you're very well armed.

Here is my very first semi that I bought for myself with my first paycheck from the Jensie coal mine back in 77. Paid a whopping 200.00 for it IMS. Couldn't bring myself to carrying it full time to keep it looking good so went the 1911 route. Has the mag safety removed, sports a set of Spegals and has the C&S safety. I shoot it once a year, clean it thoroughly and put her back in the safe.