I have 2 clones, an FM Detective and an FEG. The Detective shoot's nice, has an acceptable trigger after removing the mag safety. I have not fired the FEG, the magazine disconnect is still intact. The FEG has a beautiful polished blue finish, the FM has a flat black finish. I've had the FM for at least 20 years, paid $150.00, I purchased the FEG about 3 years ago, paid $300.00. My only gripe about the Hi Power is that I find it impossible to fully load the magazine without using a loading tool.
Browning Hi Power Clones
- Thread starter Narragansett
- Start date
The real thing for nostalgia's sake!!
Comon Pete man, you just posted in another post that you gave the real thing to your son. I was going to do the same but son wants some other goodies, so my 1988 (s/n 245PP79538) will most likely be in my upcoming sale over on the private Forum, and if no movement then it goes up here on this Forum.
I know yours also had THE RUG (as in no substitute) so hold out..no clones...too late in life for substitutes.
Comon Pete man, you just posted in another post that you gave the real thing to your son. I was going to do the same but son wants some other goodies, so my 1988 (s/n 245PP79538) will most likely be in my upcoming sale over on the private Forum, and if no movement then it goes up here on this Forum.
I know yours also had THE RUG (as in no substitute) so hold out..no clones...too late in life for substitutes.
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LVSteve
Member
I have a rattly FEG that benefited greatly from different grips. The OEM style HP wood grips are just awful, nearly as bad as the original Beetta 92/M9 plastic grips. They just don't work with my hands. Speaking of which, having slim hands is an asset with a faithful HP clone; no hammer bite.
minconrevo
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Apparently a few of the early SA 35's had issues with reliable feeding due to barrel ramp contour. That's been fixed for several years now.
Yendor357
Member
I seldom sell a gun. But I had a Springy SA-35 about a year and a half ago that didn’t last. I could put up with the creepy 5 pound trigger. But 5 and 6 inch groups at 25 yards didn’t cut it.
I clamp down firmly with my left hand, and put hairline cracks in both right and left factory walnut grip panels.
The ”beaver tail” /tang has edges that were a bit too sharp. Uncomfortable for me. Hi Powers are cool for what they are, a piece of history. And they’re good looking. But as far as a shooter, No.
I have a Cajunized CZ-75 B, and have never looked back.
I clamp down firmly with my left hand, and put hairline cracks in both right and left factory walnut grip panels.
The ”beaver tail” /tang has edges that were a bit too sharp. Uncomfortable for me. Hi Powers are cool for what they are, a piece of history. And they’re good looking. But as far as a shooter, No.
I have a Cajunized CZ-75 B, and have never looked back.
Old Corp
Member
My FEG, purchased not too long after Browning announced their discontinuance came into the fold. It began as the weird FEG 'PF-9', with the vent rib. Tried to like it - just couldn't.
Sourced a stripped P-35 slide from Numrich, did a parts change-over and a little fitting. A ramp and chamber polish and it's a great stand-in shooter for my much prettier Browning.
- Will admit, I was a little miffed when this 'Franken FEG' consistently out-shot my pretty Browning.
Sourced a stripped P-35 slide from Numrich, did a parts change-over and a little fitting. A ramp and chamber polish and it's a great stand-in shooter for my much prettier Browning.
- Will admit, I was a little miffed when this 'Franken FEG' consistently out-shot my pretty Browning.
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44wheelman
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I got a SA-35, and it’s been fine. I wouldn’t have bought it, but the local outdoor store had it on clearance for $629.
Years ago, my T series bit me a couple times. I can’t say I’m a fan of the hi powers, but it’s growing on me.
Years ago, my T series bit me a couple times. I can’t say I’m a fan of the hi powers, but it’s growing on me.
OP
Comon Pete man, you just posted in another post that you gave the real thing to your son. I was going to do the same but son wants some other goodies, so my 1988 (s/n 245PP79538) will most likely be in my upcoming sale over on the private Forum, and if no movement then it goes up here on this Forum.
I know yours also had THE RUG (as in no substitute) so hold out..no clones...too late in life for substitutes.
If I had your money Charlie I would find a NIB. Come to think of it, you got my money
I have/had four High Powers.
FEG. My first. I've tweaked a bit over the years. External polishing is amazing, internal less so. Solid value, regular HP parts fit, with some fitting.
Browning. Real deal, nice gun. Sold it, see SA-35 entry.
SA-35. Got an early one. These are the nicest HPs on the market. Everything about it is as close to perfect as it can get. Once I had the SA-35 I sold the Browning. The Springer was nicer in every way.
Inglis. A very good copy of the L9A1. This is the best value on the market right now. Finish is not a pretty as the SA-35 but over all the pistol is extremely well done. Very happy with mine.
General. I've never had hammer bite with the HP; my hands are smallish. The trigger will never be as good as a 1911. The safety isn't the best but it's an easy fix. Removing the mag safety will improve the trigger but don't expect miracles. The biggest advantage is mags drop free. The pistol fits my hand almost as well a Smith 39, which for me is perfection.
FEG. My first. I've tweaked a bit over the years. External polishing is amazing, internal less so. Solid value, regular HP parts fit, with some fitting.
Browning. Real deal, nice gun. Sold it, see SA-35 entry.
SA-35. Got an early one. These are the nicest HPs on the market. Everything about it is as close to perfect as it can get. Once I had the SA-35 I sold the Browning. The Springer was nicer in every way.
Inglis. A very good copy of the L9A1. This is the best value on the market right now. Finish is not a pretty as the SA-35 but over all the pistol is extremely well done. Very happy with mine.
General. I've never had hammer bite with the HP; my hands are smallish. The trigger will never be as good as a 1911. The safety isn't the best but it's an easy fix. Removing the mag safety will improve the trigger but don't expect miracles. The biggest advantage is mags drop free. The pistol fits my hand almost as well a Smith 39, which for me is perfection.
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I have shot an FN, a FEG and most recently a Girsan PI Ops. Aside from a heavy trigger there’s a lot to like with the Girsan. An alloy frame version would be a very viable carry gun.
Old Corp
Member
On my BHP with the spur hammer, never had any hammer bite.
The FEG with the rowel hammer delighted at chewing away at the web between my thumb and forefinger, I do have large hands.
Yes, I could've dumped more $$ into it for some aftermarket hammer that may have eliminated the problem.....but come on, how wise is it to try to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse? It's a frickin' Franken-FEG.
A good reliable and accurate piece, but still just a 'Hungarian Hi-Power'.
The draw towards the Dremel was strong. I worked away at the rear of the rowel hammer a bit at a time until it quit biting. Polished the ground away area, de-greased it, heated with heat gun and applied Brownell's Oxpho blue about 3-4 times. Doesn't look bad or affect the gun's operation in any way, and no longer bites.
Anyone knowledgeable enough would examine it and proclaim that Bubba had gotten his hands on it, but that's OK.
This Bubba does not like having a painful hole chewed into his hand.
The FEG with the rowel hammer delighted at chewing away at the web between my thumb and forefinger, I do have large hands.
Yes, I could've dumped more $$ into it for some aftermarket hammer that may have eliminated the problem.....but come on, how wise is it to try to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse? It's a frickin' Franken-FEG.
A good reliable and accurate piece, but still just a 'Hungarian Hi-Power'.
The draw towards the Dremel was strong. I worked away at the rear of the rowel hammer a bit at a time until it quit biting. Polished the ground away area, de-greased it, heated with heat gun and applied Brownell's Oxpho blue about 3-4 times. Doesn't look bad or affect the gun's operation in any way, and no longer bites.
Anyone knowledgeable enough would examine it and proclaim that Bubba had gotten his hands on it, but that's OK.
This Bubba does not like having a painful hole chewed into his hand.
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Never had any of these, but if I wanted a Hi Power, I'd get an original with a rowel hammer. Sometimes you get to a point where the original just has more desirability than a replica, though I have bought some copies that may have been slightly better overall guns than the original. I suppose it depends on what you want and/or what you'll settle for.
Inglis High Power?
I have one of the original Inglis HPs dating from the early part of WWII after the Inglis Co in Canada made them. Still "works" but it lacks the "signage" that was on it originally. Dave_n
I have one of the original Inglis HPs dating from the early part of WWII after the Inglis Co in Canada made them. Still "works" but it lacks the "signage" that was on it originally. Dave_n
Banjo 10-79
Member
I have 2 clones(Girsan and the new iteration Inglis) and one real deal Browning.
The Inglis is nickel and my favorite of the 3 to shoot. It comes with the stupid magazine safety removed. I wanted a Springfield when they were first released but they were unobtainable around here and reports of malfunctions. I’d still like to pick one up but I already have 2 Turkish imports. I don’t see paying such a premium over the other imported clones.
The Inglis is nickel and my favorite of the 3 to shoot. It comes with the stupid magazine safety removed. I wanted a Springfield when they were first released but they were unobtainable around here and reports of malfunctions. I’d still like to pick one up but I already have 2 Turkish imports. I don’t see paying such a premium over the other imported clones.
Norton 750
Member
No clones, but Cylinder and Slide can put a trigger on a Hi Power that will amaze you. It is never going to be a 1911, but it is a dramatic improvement.
I decided to bump this one as it it still recent.
I got hands-on yesterday with one of the 'new' Inglis clones.
Inglis Manufacturing - A Legacy Reborn.
I was amazed at the finish quality. Superior to the Springfield version, and also against the Regent version in the case beside it. I would encourage you to get your hands onto one before buying any other clone.
I got hands-on yesterday with one of the 'new' Inglis clones.
Inglis Manufacturing - A Legacy Reborn.
I was amazed at the finish quality. Superior to the Springfield version, and also against the Regent version in the case beside it. I would encourage you to get your hands onto one before buying any other clone.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
I shot my Springfield SA-35 a few days ago...perfect...accurate with no hiccups of any kind.
The only thing it's missing is the magnificent blue finish FN was capable of.
The only thing it's missing is the magnificent blue finish FN was capable of.
Rock185
US Veteran
My only Hi Power clone experience is with the Springfield SA-35 that I've had for almost 3 years now. The SA-35 has some features I paid gunsmiths to add to my Brownings years ago, e.g., sights and thumb safety. The stock trigger is lighter, at around 4 1/2#, than the stock trigger of any of my FN/Brownings, other than the GP Comp model. I've used several kinds of factory ammo, and have had one malfunction.
Perhaps some of the other clones are as good or better, maybe "best", I confess I don't know. While the SA-35 is not a precisely fitted target pistol, it seems a decent duty/carry type pistol to me...ymmv
Perhaps some of the other clones are as good or better, maybe "best", I confess I don't know. While the SA-35 is not a precisely fitted target pistol, it seems a decent duty/carry type pistol to me...ymmv
lawandorder
Member
Have owned a BHP , at least one, since I was 14. Was down to two and gave away one with a connection to the profession. Passed it to a good friend still currently serving as LE. That left a very nice T, too nice to carry, so it stays in the bank.
I picked a Springfield the other day. The weather has not been conducive to going to the range so it is on the bench until warmer weather. As far as looks ,feel, features I am pleased with it.
I picked a Springfield the other day. The weather has not been conducive to going to the range so it is on the bench until warmer weather. As far as looks ,feel, features I am pleased with it.
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good question
I had a Springfield Armory Loaded 1911, one of the first ones with a parked finish, (it was junk), I'd bought at Fishman's in Girard, Illinois... took it back to trade and Jim had a .40 Browning Hi Power Practical, he checked it empty, I checked it empty.. I knew I was going to leave with "that" Hi Power, because it had belonged to "Pinky", our local gun mechanic.., So... I cocked it and locked it, gave it a mighty spin on my right fore-finger!! and watched my gun-Dude's mouth drop clean to the floor and sit there, LOL!!!
when his face had regained some of its color?? I asked "How much to trade you this junk Springer back for this nice High Power?? I think he said a "hundo"?? we did all the paper work, I picked up my High Power, spun it again on my fore-finger, stuck it in my back pocket and walked out!
I wish I could say I still had that .40 High Power,, it had a gorgeous trigger, (no magazine safety), shot amazing, and nothing on the planet will actually spin on your finger like a Hi Power, NOTHING!!!
but eventually another gun shop in Springfield, Illinois had gorgeous, Stainless Springfield Loaded 1911, I laid my Hi Power on the counter, did the paperwork to place it on consignment, ( a Springfield, Illinois LEO bought it a week or two later, I eventually came up with a little wad of cash to make up the difference, and brought that "Loaded" home... I proud to say, I can go to my gun safe right now, pick up that gorgeous Springer and spin it on my fore-finger, (not of course nearly as nicely as the High Power),,, did I say "Nothing spins like a Browning Hi Power",, LOL, it true!
That gorgeous Springfield has made a few trips back to Geneseo,,, the original 8 round stainless magazines were absolute junk! they knew that too!! One day I called them and enquired about a nice "Custom Shop" gun,, and I asked them, what magazines do you send out with the custom shop guns??? "ONLY 7 round Metalforms!!!" I said thank you, and then called my gun Dude at Springfield and said, I want you to replace these 5 garbage magazines with 7 round stainless Metalforms,, he said NO! I can't do that, and insisted on sending my 5 more junk 8 round stainless mags,,, which were still junk..
I finally wrote a very nice, but firm letter to "Randy", enclosed in the box with that second round of garbage magazines back to the factory! after a couple of weeks a nice package with 5 brand new 7 round Metalform's arrived! and like the Springfield Stainless Loaded, I still have them all!
I've been attempting to acquire a nice 44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, but I can imagine an SA-35 will someday sit beside that nice Loaded 1911.. I hope, LOL.
I had a Springfield Armory Loaded 1911, one of the first ones with a parked finish, (it was junk), I'd bought at Fishman's in Girard, Illinois... took it back to trade and Jim had a .40 Browning Hi Power Practical, he checked it empty, I checked it empty.. I knew I was going to leave with "that" Hi Power, because it had belonged to "Pinky", our local gun mechanic.., So... I cocked it and locked it, gave it a mighty spin on my right fore-finger!! and watched my gun-Dude's mouth drop clean to the floor and sit there, LOL!!!
when his face had regained some of its color?? I asked "How much to trade you this junk Springer back for this nice High Power?? I think he said a "hundo"?? we did all the paper work, I picked up my High Power, spun it again on my fore-finger, stuck it in my back pocket and walked out!
I wish I could say I still had that .40 High Power,, it had a gorgeous trigger, (no magazine safety), shot amazing, and nothing on the planet will actually spin on your finger like a Hi Power, NOTHING!!!
but eventually another gun shop in Springfield, Illinois had gorgeous, Stainless Springfield Loaded 1911, I laid my Hi Power on the counter, did the paperwork to place it on consignment, ( a Springfield, Illinois LEO bought it a week or two later, I eventually came up with a little wad of cash to make up the difference, and brought that "Loaded" home... I proud to say, I can go to my gun safe right now, pick up that gorgeous Springer and spin it on my fore-finger, (not of course nearly as nicely as the High Power),,, did I say "Nothing spins like a Browning Hi Power",, LOL, it true!
That gorgeous Springfield has made a few trips back to Geneseo,,, the original 8 round stainless magazines were absolute junk! they knew that too!! One day I called them and enquired about a nice "Custom Shop" gun,, and I asked them, what magazines do you send out with the custom shop guns??? "ONLY 7 round Metalforms!!!" I said thank you, and then called my gun Dude at Springfield and said, I want you to replace these 5 garbage magazines with 7 round stainless Metalforms,, he said NO! I can't do that, and insisted on sending my 5 more junk 8 round stainless mags,,, which were still junk..
I finally wrote a very nice, but firm letter to "Randy", enclosed in the box with that second round of garbage magazines back to the factory! after a couple of weeks a nice package with 5 brand new 7 round Metalform's arrived! and like the Springfield Stainless Loaded, I still have them all!
I've been attempting to acquire a nice 44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, but I can imagine an SA-35 will someday sit beside that nice Loaded 1911.. I hope, LOL.
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