Browning Hi Power Clones

[Narragansett]

Of the clones that are out there, who is making the best and why?

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I recently purchased a Springfield Armory SA-35 but haven’t fired it yet. It has several detail improvements over the original FN…but it could be as good as it gets. I’ll find out soon I hope.

The one thing no Hi Power clone has…if the magnificent finish FN was giving them.

 

[sigp220.45]

My kid has the FEG clone and he loves it.

 

[Ματθιας]

I think the DGFM, and FEG clones are some of the best.

I like the Israeli Kareen, too.

 

[huntsman22]

I like the heck outta my Springfield.

and the little Girsan is a dandy.

 

[Eddietruett]

I’ve heard great things about the Tisas clone but have not played with one personally

 

[Bullet Bob]

I can't keep track of all the alpha numeric "names" these days, but I have the Girsan copy with a beavertail and no magazine safety (and no rail on the dustcover, hallelujah), I like it a lot.

There's a picture of it in post #13 of this old forum post if you'd like to see it:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/firea...gun-topics/724869-hi-power.html#post142024741

 

[Eddietruett]

I’ve heard great things about the Tisas clone but have not played with one personally

 

[Fishinfool]

Well, the best is hard to say. I have owned a couple blued Browning HP's, a pre-Portugal factory nickel BHP, a blued FEG that is faithful to the HP design, and recently picked up a "Inglis" Turkish version imported by SDS that is polished fully case hardened. Also shot a friends early Springfield version quite a bit that had a lot of feeding issues.

I kept the Nickel HP for its value. Kept the FEG because it seems to me to be as well finished and made as my original blued BHP's. Its a KBI Arms import. I have high hopes for the new case hardened gun, based on initial quality of manufacture and finish, though I haven't shot it yet. The Turk made guns seem to be acquiring a good name for themselves.

Larry

 

[VictorLouis]

IF the novelty of it appeals to you, Girsan is the only one I know of now that is offering one or two models with an alloy frame.

 

[Pisgah]

Best? Don't know. I'm very happy with my Girsan P35.

 

[Grayfox]

I currently own six Hi-Powers. A Browning MK III, a Springfield SA-35, a FEG, an FN Detective, a Girsan OPS and a Girsan PI.
All of them are good guns, but, there is no doubt, the SA-35 is the best. All the most popular upgrades and a better trigger.

Sorry, no pic of the OPS.

 

[minconrevo]

The SA 35 is more than a copy of the Browning; it's an upgrade in a few important areas. The SA 35 is friendly to use as it is. If you want a 1/2# or so lighter pull to the already nice trigger, fit a EGW hard sear.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Have an FEG w/vent rib&Browning style internals. My understanding is that there are two styles made by FEG that look the same. One has S&W "type" internals the other Browning type. Fit,finish&blueing are very nice. Unfortunatley havent fired it yet.

 

[gwpercle]

I would love to have a Springfield SA-35 .
Read a lot of positive things ... good trigger , well finished , accutate .
Hear very little negative .

It's a Fine Looking 9mm and would be my pick .
Gary

 

[Krogen]

I have a Springfield SA-35. Probably 500 rounds down the tube. It hasn't hiccupped once. They fixed some oft-stated deficiencies in the original pistol design. The gun is a pleasure to shoot.

I will say I'm not in love with the factory grips, though. While it's functional, the checkering is harsh. Not a big issue with the mild 9mm cartridge, but I prefer smooth grips. The good thing is afternarket grips fit the gun without issue.

 

[Markmontana]

I have fairly large Belgium Hi Power collection and also have many of the “clones”:
Girsan MC35 Match
Girsan PI
Springfield SA-35
FN High Power (new production)

As posted here, the SA-35 is a nice package with several improvements over vintage. Price has come down since introduction, I see $699-$725 at gun shows. The Girsans are IMO excellent pistols and great value. They look good, have even more upgrades - my Match versions come with magazine disconnect removed and extended slide stop. The detective model PI is in my carry rotation. Both are reliable and accurate and can be had in the $525-$600 range.

The FN High Power is the best of the bunch but costs the most, $1200-$1350. It feels the best in my large hands and overall produces the tightest groups. I have the FDE model but they’ve recently released a stainless version which is a nockout. I intend to get one with my tax refund.

Bottom line though, if I were going to get just one I’d get one of the Girsans. They are an unbeatable value.

There is a new clone on the market called Inglis Hi Power. They are getting good reviews and can be had in nickel for around $500. I may get one later this year.

 

[Skyhunter]

I have the Springfield SA-35.
No magazine disconnect, so a much better trigger.
I like the finish and the grips.
The sights have been "spot on" for everything I've shot out of it.
And most important of all - It Doesn't BITE ME!!
I have +500 rounds thru it and there's not a mark on my shooting hand! I cannot say the same for every other iteration of JMB's last design that I've tried!

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[Bajadoc]

I have had the FEG (PJK-9HP) Hi-Power clone for many years and have shot it a lot. Never a problem and great fit and finish.

 

[38 Specialist]

I have a Tisas clone. I've never had any problems with it and I enjoy shooting it. If you're not dead set on the "real thing", I see no reason to avoid Tisas.