Behlert Browning Hi Power Value

[koz5614]

A co-worker has a modified Hi Power for sale. Normally, I wouldn’t be interested in a gun that wasn’t factory original. This gun, however, was purchased new from Austin Behlert & modified by him in 1982. It is full sized (not chopped) with a blued finish and factory wood grips. I would rate it at 90-95%.
The work included an action job, mag disconnect removal, polished feed ramp & a Behlert K frame rear sight with a plastic red “dot” inserted in the front sight. The gun is not marked with the Behlert stamp, but the owner has his original invoice from Mr. Behlert detailing both his purchase of the gun as well as the work performed.
The owner is asking $900. Is this out of line? The modifications are pretty tame compared the Behlert chopped versions.
Thank you for the help.

 

[murphydog]

Since the P35 was dropped from production prices for nice examples went and stayed up, so I would guess it is worth $900 as you describe it, if you like it. Good luck in your decision.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Not out of line.... with the letter you are good to go. A bargain........... maybe........but he did nice HPs in the day..........

I'd get it if I wanted that HP to carry and shoot....... most folks will not know AB....... but if the gun is something you'd use .......I'd go for it.

 

[Hapworth]

That's what gently used stock Hi-Powers are going for now; as-new are commanding retail more.

This is a Behlert? (Even a low-key one?)

How close are you with this co-worker? Because if he'a friend, I'd feel a little bad if I paid that for a high-condition item tuned by one of the masters from a bygone era.

Suggest you post this at 1911.forum.com -- their Hi-Power subforum is probably the best on the web and will have some folk who can give you a very good assessment of its real worth.

 

[s&wchad]

For $900, I'd already own it.

With the documentation, I'd guess it's worth somewhere between $1500 and $2K to the right buyer. It may bring more, depending on what 90-95% means to you.
.
He was a master and his work should bring about the same as that of Armand Swenson.

 

[K Frame Keith]

I had my only Browning HP customized by Pennsylvania's own Jim Garthwaite over 15 years ago when the sear wore out. It is a very conservative build that includes an extended beaver tail to eliminate hammer bite and about $1200.00 worth of other functional and cosmetic enhancements. I don't expect my money back, but it is one excellent handgun, made to my specifications. I admire it for the craftsmanship. On another note, Austin Belhert repaired a damaged rifle that I still own, nothing custom, just a clean repair at a reasonable price. I'd but a gun he worked on in an instant. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Bro. Dave]

It seems I'm "preaching to the choir" here, but I'll add my voice to the chorus. I'd buy that one pretty quick.

I have a Behlert Hi-Power with his engraving on the receiver and you wouldn't get from me; you'd have to deal with my heirs.

 

[max]

Yes, it is worth what he is asking and probably more.

 

[Grayfox]

Since they were discontinued, Hi-Power prices have gone through the roof! I've seen asking prices in the $1200-1500 range for a decent plain pistol.
Bubba, I'd be on that in a heartbeat!

 

[koz5614]

Thank you for the replies. I handled the gun today, and it is in great shape. No box, and only 1 mag, but it comes with an old Bianchi snap holster and a copy of the the Behlert invoice. I made an offer on it. if I pick it up, pics will be posted.

 

[gdogs]

Buy it. Easily worth $900. With the documentation it would likely bring $1500+ on the auction sites.

 

[moralem]

Offer? You are already getting the friends price what’s to offer.....that would have been in my safe the moment he offered it.....I guess I am a bit biased though. The one on the left was worked on by Bob Chow.

I pick this tangent sight version up today.

 

[rwt1405]

That would have been mine the minute he said $900.

 

[koz5614]

Well I bought it. The pistol is a time-capsule, as the original owner used it very sparingly and then put it in his safe for the next 30 years. The pistol permit (not shown) indicated that the owner purchased the gun from Behlert on the same day the invoice was created. He apparently did not want the Behlert stamp on the slide, and even requested the caliber designation be polished off of the barrel. I guess he liked a very "clean" look. Here's a few photos:

 

[max]

Are you sure that is a K frame sight? Looks a little big.

 

[koz5614]

Interesting observation about the rear sight. It may be the photo, as the sight is dovetailed beautifully into the slide with no overhang.
I have a 28-2 that has a Behlert rear installed. I’ll have to dig it out of the safe and compare them.

 

[Farmer17]

You got a steal of a deal on that gun, does it have a nice trigger pull?

 

[NYlakesider]

For that price I would have bought it pretty fast.

I have seen Mr.Behlert at work and it was like watching a well oiled machine. I even owned a pistol he worked on. Strange circumstances I know but he did a action job on my Ruger Super Black Hawk .44M

We were holding a state championship shoot in the mid 1970s and he was there selling a couple pistols and doing repairs and mods on competitors guns. I was working the event, not shooting.

Was BSing with him and laughing asked him if he could do that action. He said sure I'm not that busy. As I only lived a couple miles from the club called home and the wife brought me the gun. Wow what a sweet trigger pull he put on it. Only took him about 15 minutes.

I also watched him work on a few 1911s, very impressive!

 

[ken158]

Behlert had a good reputation and was well known for smithing the HP’s and verification with the gun would make a good deal at that price.

 

[Patrick L]

I truly regret letting my Hi Power get away. Nothing fancy, 90s vintage "Made in Belgium Assembled in Portugal" blue, fixed sight. I put in a spring kit, yanked out mag safety, and put on ultra thin Rosewood grips.

Really the only 9mm for a guy who likes 1911s and S&W revolvers.