Browning Hi Power Clones

I have a 1994 FN HP that I really like. I had a SA-35, an early one with all the issues you've heard of, tried several "fixes" and nothing worked. I no longer have it. But, I'm real close to having another, real soon as I liked everything about the Springer except the reliability issues which I believe they have worked out, I shall see.

I just this week picked up one of the new Inglis L9A1's. so far after initial cleaning, shooting 150 rounds, and 2nd cleaning, I really like it.

I just have a weakness for HP's. Now, a new SA-35? A new Inglis stainless model? Or an original HP? Or better yet......... all 3?
 
trashy said:
I have a 1994 FN HP that I really like. I had a SA-35, an early one with all the issues you've heard of, tried several "fixes" and nothing worked. I no longer have it. But, I'm real close to having another, real soon as I liked everything about the Springer except the reliability issues which I believe they have worked out, I shall see.

I just this week picked up one of the new Inglis L9A1's. so far after initial cleaning, shooting 150 rounds, and 2nd cleaning, I really like it.

I just have a weakness for HP's. Now, a new SA-35? A new Inglis stainless model? Or an original HP? Or better yet......... all 3?
Click to expand...

I think the Hi Power is the most elegant pistol ever design...I'm a 1911 guy but admit "Old Slabsides" is more purposeful looking than beautiful.

I've heard about some early issues with the SA-35 but mine is operating 100% out of the box. I haven't fired my Browning Capitan and likely won't but I've little doubt it would be 100% as well.

I used to have a Hi Power Mark III...shoulda never sold it but that's water over the dam.

SA35-Hi-Power.jpg
 
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I have been a fan of the P35 since my youth. A Browning Hi-Power saved my bacon in Tierra Amarilla in northern NM soon after I turned 21.

Presently I own an FN (excellent), an FEG (a bit less refined but a great shooter), a Tisas in Stainless (but it took almost a complete rebuild before I was happy with it), and a Girsan (more below).

The Girsan absolutely blows me away. It is hard to believe that a P35 that inexpensive could be so good. Definitely value for the money, and then some.
 
I currently own 4 High Powers with 1 being a Springfield clone. With the value of the originals, I seldom take them out. My very first carry gun was a HP that was stolen. I replaced it with the Browning BDA. Although not a HP I put a lot of miles on that gun.
 

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A seldom seen variation (at least in my experience)

Here's a variation that is the only one which I've encountered, although I'm sure there are plenty of them around - the Ishapore Mk IA. I picked this up many years ago to begin my experience with the Hi-Power, but never fired it after picking up a genuine 1969 gun, so it's been sitting ever since in my safe. Thought about having turned into a S-FS system gun, but never got around to it.


(Sorry about the dog hairs.....)
 

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Finally got a later version of the sa 35. Really like the sights, fit, safety, lack of mag safety and finish. At least in the one owned, the trigger was lightened by using lighter springs in the trigger return, sear and hammer. Lightened too much for my personal preference. These were replaced with standard weight springs, and the sear modified in the style of the originals owned.

Still well worth the money and a keeper.
 

(Click for larger image)

I have owned an original Browning in the past, but now own a couple of historic Inglis WWII originals and one Inglis shoulder stock/holster. For shooting, I turn to my FEG which was inexpensive enough to customize to correct some annoyances that exist in the design itself. I turned the gun over to Cylinder and Slide with instructions on the modifications I wanted. The beavertail eliminates any possibility of hand biting. The little sights were replaced. The small safety lever was replaced. There is no magazine safety. Forward grasping grooves were added at no charge as part of the refinishing process by C & S. The hammer was replaced with one that fits the beavertail perfectly.

I now have one that is way more ergonomic and functional. The FEG was a good basic platform to work on and is quite accurate and reliable.

John
 
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