Browning Hi-Power as a carry gun

[Sportsterguy]

I have found the HiPower to fit very nicely in almost all 1911 leather, making finding a good holster pretty easy.
As for carry: Hard to find a better suited 9mm pistol in the world for that purpose.

Excellent advice there Chief! Long time no see. IF I were to carry a 9mm my BHP would be the weapon in my holster, stoked with 124 gr. Speer Gold Dots. I had a GS remove the mag safety and set the trigger at a sweet 4.5 lbs.

Lobo holsters makes a great Inside Waist Band holster for your BHP. Get yourself a good gunbelt fom the same man (Ray) and you have a very comfortable rig thats good for all day carry for around $110.00 (great price for a custom rig) if you don't have large love handles. Packed a 5" 1911 Springer for over 20 years that way and never had a single problem comfort wise. Rode with it in a Galco shoulder holster on my 40 day trip around the USA and up to Alaska on the Harley when I retired from the Coast Guard in 02. The best trip I've ever made and going to do it again on my Tour Glide when I retire permanently in 2016. This time it'll be my 2.5" model 66 in a Galco Miami Classic shoulder holster. As I've came full circle and I'm back to packin a six shooter.

Here's my 82 vintage that I bought when I made E-5. Installed a C&S extended safety and slapped on a set of Spegals I found at the Va. Beach gun show for $30.00 in the bag. Carried it for a few months but didn't want to ruin the finish and love my 1911's with 230 gr. Speer Gold Dots power more. The trigger was at a horrendous 8.20 lbs. before I had the work done on it. Improved my groups BIG TIME and was able to get it back on target much faster.

By far the Sexiest semi auto EVER made and a darn good SD weapon to boot IMO.

 

[OIF2]

Another nice one in the new, emerging BHP thread!
Bob

 

[Sportsterguy]

Another nice one in the new, emerging BHP thread!
Bob

Thanks Bob! Some real neat and good looking HP's on this thread. Love my S&W's and 1911's but my BHP is my favorite pistol. I still take mine out a couple times a year and it's 100% reliable. Wish they made one in .45 ACP. Truly think it would sell better than 1911s and know I'd be at the beginning of the line to buy the first one!

It is THE most natural feeling and pointing weapon I've ever held in my hands. I can put up a target at 3 yards, get a good sight picture and stance, close my eyes and hit the target COM 12 times on a regular basis. I only load 12 in the mags to keep the spring tension up.

R/

Roger

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Browning Hi Power as a carry gun

Isn't that what they were originally made for??????

 

[tenntucker]

I got a 40 for Christmas.

I've bought or sold over 100 1911's in my life. In the 100th anniversary of the 1911, the 1st gun I got this year was a 75th anniversary BHP. I got it the 1t week in Jan. The last gun I got this year was a BHP in 40. got it the last week of the year.

I did manage to sneak in a few 1911's though.

 

[BCDWYO]

I do not like a single action weapon for CCW ie- Browning P-35/Colt 1911
as I don't feel comfortable with Condition One or Condition Three.
Thus with Condition Two I don't like the addition step to cock the hammer to fire the first round.

That is certainly a viable opinion. It all comes down to what your are comfortable with and what you TRAIN with! I personally carry 1911s in condition one routinely, as that is how it was designed. As for BHP I recently got a .40S&W BHP with a .357 Sig conversion barrel. It is currently getting a custom carry makeover (stippling, dehorning, night sites, trigger job and reliability package). After all that I damn well HOPE I can carry it!! I intend to carry it in condition one, in a Kramer IWB holster.

 

[BluesHarp]

It's not a HP, but I have a Browning BDM that I have carried and I love it. The BDM is slimmer than the HP, and it's an unusual gun--it has a switch that converts it from full DA to SA. I don't like carrying it cocked and locked, because it confuses me when I carry my 1911. The Browning BDM safety mechanism is backwards from the 1911. I find the best way to carry it is in SA mode with a round chambered, lower the hammer, so your first shot is DA and then it's SA from then on. Great gun. I haven't shot the HP, but they seem quite similar. I've had this gun a long time, so it's hammered, but never fails me. It has a long trigger pull, which I may be able to get fixed, but there isn't a full size 9mm auto slimmer than this baby.

 

[BluesHarp]

Those guns look like they just came out of the box!

 

[Darkenfast]

I have no need to carry, but I have to confess that in spite of being a long-time member of the S&W forum, my ONLY firearm is a nice 76C. It's completely stock, and I'm happy to leave it that way. Still like looking at all that S&W gun porn on here, though!

 

[Arik]

Always wanted one. Finally bought one about a year ago. It was a 1994 model based on the S#. Overall I liked the gun but, I didnt like the trigger pull or the mag not falling out (i know the safety thing) It also choked on few different HP and FMJs. I ended up trading it. I know a lot of that stuff can be fixed and really are a non isue but I didnt have the money at the time. Still looking to pick one up some day.

 

[38-44HD45]

I sometimes carry one of my BHPs, loaded with either WW RA9TA or +P 124gr. Gold Dots, and feel most comfortable when I do. I am baffled by anyone who is "not comfortable" with Condition One carry. Right now, I am in Glock mode, carrying a Gen 4 G-31 with grip frame cut down to G-32/19/23 length. The chopped frame gets me closer to 1911 grip angle.

Before that, for several months, I was mostly carrying 1911-types in 9x23, occasionally interjecting a BHP in the rotation. My G-31 .357 Sig gives me the same ballistics as the 9x23, and lots more rounds, but I'll likely revert to the 9x23 1911-types at some point, just because I'm such an old 1911 lover and their thinness is so appealing. The BHP, with its ultra-thin slide, is incredibly easy and comfortable to conceal, too, especially because its grip frame is so short.

 

[bennettfam]

Remington 115+P JHP

These weapons are designed for FMJ, so be sure the magazines and weapon will run with JHP.

I followed the lead of some PDs that only issued Remington JHP ammo due to their more conical shape that feeds like ball ammo. My Browning HP loves 'em.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I also use a BHP for a backup carry gun,I have a mark III 75th anniversary W/fixed sights.As long as you stick to mec-gar mags you will be fine,I like the flush fit 15rd.I carry the Winchester Ranger T-Series in 147gr,With 16 shots of those bad boys you can stop almost anything.

 

[AlwaysUp56]

Waiting on my first BHP from Gunbroker auction. Won't sleep good til it gets here!

 

[PALADIN85020]

I own three High Powers - two of them military issue, and one "clone" that I've optimized for defense work.

This is a Canadian "type 1" Inglis High Power, made in August, 1945. Inasmuch as that was the last month of WWII, I suspect it never saw action. Condition is excellent. I have the matching shoulder stock for it.

And this one is a "type 2" Inglis gun, which was definitely issued and has seen some use, probably with airborne or commando units. It was made in December of 1944, in time to see plenty of action with the British. It received a U.K. military "factory thorough repair" in 1962 before being released from service.

And this is my custom gun, an FEG High Power made in Hungary in 1993. It's a high quality piece that I had customized by Cylinder and Slide. The trigger has been worked over, an extended safety installed, a beavertail applied to prevent hammer bite, and a custom hammer. Novak sights were installed. As there was a scratch in the top of the slide due to my own malfeasance, I had the slide refinished with a matte upper surface and polished sides. As there was no extra charge for forward retraction grooves beyond that for refinishing , I had them go ahead, although the utility of that feature is doubtful. At any rate, this is as slick a 9mm combat gun as could be asked for.

At one time I had owned another commercial Browning, but foolishly traded it off in my younger years. No matter, the design is enduring, and whether military or commercial, few 9mms can match it. Not bad for a gun that entered the market way back in 1935 and which has seen very few changes. John Browning and Dieudonne Saive did themselves proud.

John

 

[szuppo]

I used to carry this 1971 vintage BHP in a TT Gunleather holster on a Milt Sparks belt. Was very comfortable. Loaded with 124 gr. Gold Dots.
Trigger is set to 3.5#.

Here is a 15 yard target with a magazine full in each one. Great gun!

 

[ACP230]

The latest issue of Shotgun News has a long article about the BHP.
It's dated March 20, 2013 and showed up in my mail this afternoon.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

Go for it! I love HP's and am in search of my first....hopefully a T. I'd carry a HP for duty over the G22 any day of the week!

Holster selection might not be the greatest, if you don't use Lobo Gun Leather or Milt Sparks.

I've read a few times that they don't like 147 grain bullets, but who knows.

And there is the whole mag disconnect issue. Do you open yourself for liability by having it removed? Even by a gunsmith? I'd say so, in this super liberal and litigious age. I'd talk to some of the guys on here who carried it on duty, like Loggunleather or an attorney like DougM.

 

[loc n load]

Browning HP's

I have carried and shot BHP's since the early 70's, always liked the fact that I could carry it the same mode as my 1911A1. I have worked the federal side of the fence most of my career and had to smile at post #25's (George Minze) comments on that area in Ky, it hasn't change a whole lot George,I was part of a multi agency task force that operated in there back in the mid 90's and we were not at all welcome. The BHP has a long history with many military units, especially the elite British units. The FBI HRT used this pistol back in the late 80's early 90's, Novak still modifies BHP's to that same format that they used. I had a cohort of mine who was on the Quantico training cadre and was also a HRT operator, he carried a BHP that had over 100,000 documented rds thru it. Great guns, good thread.

 

[Tuna1]

I have had my vet return Inglis for about 35 years now. I carried it off duty for over 20 of those years in a shoulder holster and an old pancake hip holster. It never failed to fire and never jammed and is reliable today as it was when I first got it. I prefer the Federal 115 HP
+P+ rounds as they are accurate and expand nicely. Can't do better then a Hi-Power.

 

[zebrajeb]

Like many have said - great guns. I've had one for 20 years or so and love it. Unfortunately my son now has it! It has been worked over some but just tweaking and changing out the hammer.

For carry I used a Milt Sparks Watch Six. Easy to carry IWB. If I was going to carry it now I'd look at the Garrett Industries "Silent Thunder" holsters Silent Thunder Holsters - Garrett Industries, LLC. I've got one IWB for a S&W 1911SC and a Springfield EMP. They carry well on a stiff belt. BHP would be just as easy .

John

 

[cbvanb]

As a young policeman in rural SW Michigan I carried a Browning Hi Power as my off duty gun for a number of years. I traded for it at the local Ace Hardware, which in the 70's still had a gun counter. I worked the store owner for days to get a deal I could afford, and as soon as I got it out to my car I loaded it and stuck it in my waistband. I don't remember what load I used in those days, probably something with 115 grs.
A few years later I moved to a big city police department, which did not authorize semi-autos. That Hi Power rode with me as back up, under my shirt for years, until we finally caught up with the 20th century. It is a slender gun that packs a punch, 13 times before a reload is necessary. I don't remember when I sold that gun, but I miss it, and can't afford to replace it.
I think the gun will serve you well.

 

[Roamingdoc]

Crying in My Soup...

Oh, this thread is killin' me. I adored my late '60s Belgium HP and carried it everywhere I went. Back then, LE... but I was like 19 or 20 when I bought it from a CT gun shop.
Concealed carry? Heck yes... back in that period LE was issued '158 rnd nose lead'... with the stopping power of a flea (I have personally witnessed someone get shot in the back of the head, higher on the curve of course, and still just keep runnin') It took a while but in a major west coast city and after a friend got shot up pretty bad (even returned fire and hitting his assailant, 158grn) I bought a shoulder rig and wore that HP ever watch. It road nicely under a fitted blue shirt just next to the old Second Chance vest. It gave me "great" peace... lost it in a divorce but she was a beauty, naturally pointing and just 'snick, snick, snick' as it became 'one' with your hand. Saw this thread and bemoan my loss. None of you guys give 'em up, ever! Be safe.

 

[getoff]

i carry one or the other of my BHP 3-4 days a week. love them, love how simple, and the platform is easy if you shoot 1911 at all. my carry one is duracoated, worked a little, and super reliable. its hi-cap, and will handle all but the most powerful +p+ 9mm ammo. love the gun, and trust it as many armies, and civilians do daily. its not a small pistol, but that is comforting to me. bigger gun, more control...

 

[Ed333]

... I have been looking at a 40SW caliber for sometime and trying to have some sense about buying or not....I really have never been a fan of that round for no good reason just didn't care for it......I would appreciate any info on that caliber as it relates to the BHP. ...

I had a BHP in .40 S&W as well as a 9mm BHP. I preferred the 9mm, simply because I found the .40 to be on the 'snappy' side of things, and loud. But it did fine, no problem, they beefed up the frame to handle the .40, as Camp explained in his book on the Hi Power. I can think of no reason not to try it. If I were selecting a carry piece, it would be a tough call between a Hi Power and a 1911 with an officer grip and commander length slide, the CCO as Dan Wesson calls it.

 

[scat530]

Steven Camps widow is still taking orders and has updated some of the books. His site has the information.
Milt Sparks summer special works quite well and is as comfortable as any I have. You might also look at cross breed they make quite comfortable IWB holsters

 

[Harkrader]

I see this is a rather old thread, so I suspect the OP has long ago made up his mind. In any case, here's my HP.

I was just back from Vietnam in 1971 and was recruited to work with units at Ft. Carson Colorado to apprehend people in the very active trade in stolen military property. The only semi-auto I had ever used was the issued Colt Government Model, which I took to like a duck to water. Military issue at the Fort was a .38 revolver. Pilots in Vietnam were issued one and I fired it only in qualification. I got a Government Model as soon as I could.





The other guys in the unit, all older NCOs and a couple officers, told me to get a Hi-Power, which I did, from a gun store in Denver. How things have changed.

Back at the base I was handed two yellow boxes of 9mm hollow-point ammo I had never heard of, "Super Vel." My level of trust was low until I touched one off. I remember staring at my hand and saying "S&%T!" As a result I never took to the Browning. I also did not take to the 9mm until I was issued a Sig 228 in the mid-'80s.

I did carry the Browning a few times into the mid-'80s, then put it away until our sons reached an age where I would let them shoot anything I had. Out it came, showing rust and wear I had completely forgotten about. Some of that came from those days in Colorado Springs, while sweating bullets waiting for a buy to take place so we could pounce. Even though I was in superb physical condition in those days, I would sweat a lot in the high desert heat. The Browning suffered. My wife commented on how I would stink when I got home sometimes, and how difficult it was to clean some of my clothes.

One reason I did not develop a new relationship with it in the '80s was the tiny sights. The Sig's were so much better (for me) and I was wearing glasses by '91.

The old angle-head flashlight is from the day. I hear they are collectible. I have two, "G.T. Price." They are original, as issued. Any collector interested in buying, send me a PM. I have an older one that does not have the storage at the bottom for color filters. It belonged to a flying buddy, MIA, BNR. Not for sale.

 

[Horseless Trooper]

The BHP was my off duty carry for much of the 90s. Got mine in an even trade for a Ruger P89. After I retired it became my work gun with an armed security company I worked for and I still carry it occassionaly at one of my part-time PD's and when I am in the mood for CCW. Mine is usually stuffed with FederaL 115+P+ or CorBon 115s. I had my MarkIII fitted with a lanyard ring for woods-bummin and it would be my first choice for a bug-out handgun.

 

[oldcorps76]

I have had several. All were impeccable quality as is par for Browning. I sold them all and always regretted it. I just bought one off GunBroker from gcole distributing. It is an Israeli milsurp, first year Belgian production T-series (1964). Has a few very tiny rough spots but was basically finish intact and mint mechanical/bore. I cleaned 'er up, replaced all springs, new pair of cocobolo grips, polished the feed ramp....and left everything else (including the tiny 'hump and a bump' sights and mag safety) intact. Bought 4 MecGar 13 round magazines immediately after the frenzy started - they're unobtanium now. Shoots *everything* reliably and to point of aim up to 25 yards. It is now my CCW next-level-up when the 642 might not be enough. And I am only 5'7", 170#.

A great choice, my friend.

 

[lawandorder]

Posted this image in another thread and

thought I would put a copy over here. Three companions that bring me a lot of comfort during times of concern.

Several folks have mentioned Steve Camp. I never had the honor of meeting this gentleman but I did get to visit him on the phone a couple of times. A very nice and very knowledgeable man who was taken much to soon. If you haven't you owe it to yourself to visit his web site and get copies of his books.

He and I shared a fondness for BHPs and J frames. This picture is to honor his memory and contributions to the world of firearms and protection.

Thank you Steve Camp!