I watched 2 Brownings sell on an online regional auction this past weekend. One made in 66 brought $1600 and the one made in 69 brought 2400. They both had zipper cases and I think the 66 had 2 magazines.
BHP's Holding Their Value
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I believe they are still an excellent choice for carrying, especially decked out with an SFS and new barrel, trigger group, and a few other goodies from BHSS. I carry one every day, as a matter of fact.
LVSteve
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I was never taken in by the mystique of the Hi Power, especially after hearing from users in the UK military. The above list of "things that need replacing" reinforces my skepticism about the design.
I love them. I have one made in 1977 I think that has been fired quite a bit. Still looks and feels like new with nothing replaced. I also have one of the MKllls that are said to be more durable than the older ones. I'm sure both will outlast me by many years.
Telecaster
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I've read the Stephen A. Camp website many times and don't recall him saying anything needed to be replaced to make it a good gun, just removing the mag safety if that's your preference.
On Florida Gun Trader I've seen quite a few BHPs offered for sale well below $1000. I have no idea of their condition, but that surprised me. Maybe there are people who don't realize they're collectable.
On Florida Gun Trader I've seen quite a few BHPs offered for sale well below $1000. I have no idea of their condition, but that surprised me. Maybe there are people who don't realize they're collectable.
The BHP that I have is an Israeli police surplus and is in excellent shape. According to the serial number, it was made in 1990.
When I shoot it, the recoil tends to pound the inner tendon of my index finger on my shooting hand but other than that, I like it.
It's my little piece of history.
When I shoot it, the recoil tends to pound the inner tendon of my index finger on my shooting hand but other than that, I like it.
It's my little piece of history.
03hemi
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I have a 69 T series and the day I bought it was able to compare it side by side with Nighthawk's $3,500 BHP iteration and my T was exceptional in every way, even the trigger with the mag disconnect still in place was exceptionally better? So, don't think all older HP's need tuning, not true.
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03hemi
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Climb baby, climb!
The HP's was always one of my grail guns since I was a kid and then in one month came across two in fantastic condition and got both around $1k each. Later that year Browning announced the end of production and they've only gone up since, I'd love to see them reach "Python" price status. Mine aren't going anywhere.
Telecaster
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We need a popular TV show where the hero uses a BHP...
I bought a High Power MkIII in 40 S&W the second they were available back in the very early '90s. Carried on-duty to retirement, in uniform, during SRT missions, and sometimes off duty. Still have it, still shoot it; several thousand rounds and nearly 20 years later I have replaced the grips. Period.
I also removed the magazine disconnector for an immediate improvement in the trigger.
I also removed the magazine disconnector for an immediate improvement in the trigger.
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Not on TV, but there's always Axel Foley...
Maybe it's just because I pay more attention to them, but I've noticed that everytime a BHP thread comes up, the owners pound it with photos of their babies. It is quite the photogenic pistol.
It is quite the photogenic pistol........
Yep....
Yep....
Hi-Powers across the board have been holding/increasing in value, especially T Series and C Series guns.
otis24
Member
Watched Beverly Hills Cop again about a month ago. Eddie Murphy carried a BHP. It annoys my wife to no end that my 17 year old son and I are constantly discussing and trying to identify the weapons being used.
Valentine's Day a year ago, found a 1976 BHP with parkerized finish in really good shape. Marked $550. Left with it at $475 + tax. Spent another $150 to have the slide dovetailed and the Mk 3 sights installed. Wish I could have afforded to have Novak sights installed. Love my BHP. Not always a fan of Hogue grips, but really like them on my Hi Power.
Valentine's Day a year ago, found a 1976 BHP with parkerized finish in really good shape. Marked $550. Left with it at $475 + tax. Spent another $150 to have the slide dovetailed and the Mk 3 sights installed. Wish I could have afforded to have Novak sights installed. Love my BHP. Not always a fan of Hogue grips, but really like them on my Hi Power.
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Depending on how you view the term 'hero'....
There's the Raymond Reddington character of The Blacklist.
Old-school bright blued finish, and wood grips. Carried in an
Small-Of-Back rig, Galco's perhaps.
As to the mag disconnect, I am one of the weirdos that leaves it in place.
I have shot identical HP's side-by-side with and without to confirm this.
For me, the trigger return is lacking once removed. In place, the spring
force helps to boost trigger return, allowing a faster, more positive reset.
I'm okay with that in exchange for a pound or two of increased let-off.
lawandorder
Member
If I ever need to carry a hangun other than my usual revolvers it will be a Browning Hi Power. One of the great handguns of history.
45Wheelgun
Member
1964 FN. I never should have let it go.
I have genuine complaints about the Hi-Power and it cannot crack my long list of favorite semiautomatic pistols, but this isn't the place for my complaints. Instead I will post about the bits that I love.
Not many double stack 9mm handguns feel quite as thin and svelte. Fits the hand extremely well. And these are very attractive handguns. The "Hi-Power" cuts at the muzzle end of the slide are distinct, beautiful and they make others want to copy them. These are classic good looks. And the brushed stainless guns and "Practical" models are gorgeous also.
When it comes to historical significance and service/duty use around the globe, the Hi-Power is carved in to the Mt. Rushmore of semiautomatic pistols. The word that absolutely fits is iconic.
Not many double stack 9mm handguns feel quite as thin and svelte. Fits the hand extremely well. And these are very attractive handguns. The "Hi-Power" cuts at the muzzle end of the slide are distinct, beautiful and they make others want to copy them. These are classic good looks. And the brushed stainless guns and "Practical" models are gorgeous also.
When it comes to historical significance and service/duty use around the globe, the Hi-Power is carved in to the Mt. Rushmore of semiautomatic pistols. The word that absolutely fits is iconic.
otis24
Member
I would like to find a BHP with SFS or have the kit installed on my BHP.
hyena
Member
Bought mine new in 1974 for $184.50. (Adjustable sight model.) My first handgun. In countless thousands of rounds, never a failure with factory ammunition. Nothing has ever been replaced, including the original magazine spring and recoil spring. I don't shoot it often anymore, but no way I'll ever get rid of it.
Not a film, but those who read Robert B. Parker's Spenser books know he carried a Hi Power on those occasions he needed more firepower than his usual snubnose Smith provided.
Not a film, but those who read Robert B. Parker's Spenser books know he carried a Hi Power on those occasions he needed more firepower than his usual snubnose Smith provided.
"Black List"... doesn't Raymond Reddington use an HP??
BHP is my all time favorite pistol. I have a 91 Silver Chrome that I bought used. It had mega issues with reliability. Mr. Camps short book on the BHP allowed me to fix it by replacing the home cut main spring job with a 28# spring. 100% reliable ever since. Not for sale at any price. 4.5# smooth trigger. The OP's guns were priced low if in excellent condition. T Series have shot way up in price.
Rock185
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I'm a very long time fan of the Hi Power, and have owned, probably more than my share, my first about '66 or '67. IIRC, I paid something like $97.00 + tax for my first new T-Series. Used one for the API 250 class at Gunsite, carried one off-duty, etc. If used for carry, Gunsite type training, etc., the pre MKIII guns could benefit from a larger thumb safety of some kind and larger sights. BarSto, etc. barrels can improve accuracy, and I did use Barsto barrels in 2 or 3 of my Hi Powers, including the one I used at Gunsite. The down side is, that the closer fit of the BarSto barrel did not tolerate any significant debris, or even a tiny fleck of jacket material, etc., before function was compromised. Every day at lunch time, while the other guys were eating, smoking and joking, I was thoroughly cleaning my Hi Power. The factory Hi Power barrel would have been plenty accurate for any training I experienced at Gunsite. The only time I could detect any advantage to the match barrel, was when I was shooting carefully from a rest.
In any case, not perfect, but still very good pistols IMHO. I may still have one or two around here somewhere
In any case, not perfect, but still very good pistols IMHO. I may still have one or two around here somewhere
Lilly
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Lilly
Member
How does the Argentine Hi-Power compare?
cyberdemonbfg
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CMudrock
Member
I too am fond of the HP Platform, But have purchased mostly Hungarian FEG Clones (I had to sell one to buy another "must have")
My other remaining Feg Is one marked & marketed by MAUSER (Model 80 SA) I completely refurbished it with new parts & stainless barrel.
My last HP is one of the first 200 REGENT BR9 SS (TISAS) imported to the USA. It really needs to be seen & experienced to appreciate it - not a tool mark anywhere on it - flawless fit & finish. Only mods made were removing the magazine safety (trigger pull greatly improved - same as with my Feg ) I also installed a pair of the rare thin checkered rubber Uncle Mikes Grips. Biggest difference noted between my Mauser FEG & TISAS BR9 are the sights, the Feg as small military sights - the Tisas has NOVAK copy 3 dot combat sights. Surprisingly both the refurbished 40 year old Feg Mauser & My Tisas BR9 shoot the same, & are both extremely accurate. The Stainless Tisas were about $500 when I got mine. I really had to stretch to afford it - but had decided to have one since I heard rumors of their existence. My Turkish clone like my Feg Mauser have been really great. The one genuine Browning I want & am holding out for - is an Early example with Tangent Sight & Butt Stock.
I take very guarded care of my HP clones & would trust them with my life - but lately I have been bringing along my $400. Turkish CZ75B Clone - The "SARSILMAZ 2000", a stainless DA-SA, on my away from home adventures. It is also amazingly well made & finished. I feel safer with a pistol (with round chambered) in a DA/SA action. The Sarsilmaz Handles a lot like my HP clones. Because of my latest preference of DA/SA & size - I prefer to carry one of my Russian Makarovs concealed.
To each his own - right ?
My other remaining Feg Is one marked & marketed by MAUSER (Model 80 SA) I completely refurbished it with new parts & stainless barrel.
My last HP is one of the first 200 REGENT BR9 SS (TISAS) imported to the USA. It really needs to be seen & experienced to appreciate it - not a tool mark anywhere on it - flawless fit & finish. Only mods made were removing the magazine safety (trigger pull greatly improved - same as with my Feg ) I also installed a pair of the rare thin checkered rubber Uncle Mikes Grips. Biggest difference noted between my Mauser FEG & TISAS BR9 are the sights, the Feg as small military sights - the Tisas has NOVAK copy 3 dot combat sights. Surprisingly both the refurbished 40 year old Feg Mauser & My Tisas BR9 shoot the same, & are both extremely accurate. The Stainless Tisas were about $500 when I got mine. I really had to stretch to afford it - but had decided to have one since I heard rumors of their existence. My Turkish clone like my Feg Mauser have been really great. The one genuine Browning I want & am holding out for - is an Early example with Tangent Sight & Butt Stock.
I take very guarded care of my HP clones & would trust them with my life - but lately I have been bringing along my $400. Turkish CZ75B Clone - The "SARSILMAZ 2000", a stainless DA-SA, on my away from home adventures. It is also amazingly well made & finished. I feel safer with a pistol (with round chambered) in a DA/SA action. The Sarsilmaz Handles a lot like my HP clones. Because of my latest preference of DA/SA & size - I prefer to carry one of my Russian Makarovs concealed.
To each his own - right ?
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