Browning Hi-Power questions.

[bassetman1974]

I've been a Hi-Power fan for some time starting with my first one being a T serial number made in 1964. Its magazine has an aluminum follower with two posts (legs). Well, the other day I purchased a minty T made in 1969. It's follower is black plastic which looks identical to the plastic follower from my Belgium made Hi-Power from 1981.

My questions is, what year did they switch to the plastic followers? I've also noticed different styles of the aluminum followers from pictures. Actually, I really need a history timeline of the followers for the commercial hi-powers.

What's the best Hi-Power forum in regards to the commercial Hi-Powers? I've yet to find a book that is informative to the Hi-Power like the Standard Catalog is to S&W's.

thanks,

BM

 

[Darkenfast]

According to Anthony Vanderlinden in "FN Browning Pistols", the follower was changed to plastic in 1962-63. Handgunsandammunition is a forum who's core purpose is the High Power. It is also the home of the late Stephen A. Camp's many fine articles on the High Power and other pistols. I highly recommend his writings.

Handguns and Ammunition Forums

"FN Browning Pistols" by Anthony Vanderlinden, Wet Dog Publications.

 

[bassetman1974]

Darkenfast,

Thank you very much for this info.

 

[Texas Star]

There's another big classic book on the Hi-Power, but I can't think of the author or title just now. But if you Search, you may find it. Oh: Blake Stevens is the author, I think.

Geoffrey Boothroyd's, "The Handgun" also has quite a bit on this pistol. But it predates the introduction of the MK III, so it isn't included.

The MK III is designed to be more durable, especially to avoid the slide fracturing just behind the chamber. That has sometimes happened when one is shot a lot with hot ammo.

The Hi-Power is a good gun. I've owned a couple, and my son has. He also used a MK III in Iraq as a security contractor. He said it bailed him out of a few tight spots. He had to use NATO ammo, but said that it killed well, if bullets were well placed. The 9mm is often underrated.

The Browning feels very good in most hands and points very well. It's an easy gun to shoot well.

I think I'd probably use Federal's No. 9BP 115 grain JHP ammo in one most of the time, unless I was especially expecting trouble. It's effective, but not really hot, and stresses the gun less than Plus P ammo. That especially applies to older guns.

Of course, std. speed hardball ammo is fine for the range and plinking.

If anyone here has shot a coyote, etc. with that 9BP round, how'd it fare? It used to have a pretty good rep with cops who carried 9mm's.

 

[federali]

1911 Forum

The 1911 Forum has a separate sub-forum on the browning Hi-Power.

 

[max]

Here is a website with some good bhp info. Mr. Camp is now deceased, but he sure knew his business.
http://hipowersandhandguns.com/index.html

This site has some good info on magazines.
http://www.handgunsandammunition.com/hi-power-forum/7071-fn-contract-magazine-comparison.html

 

[6GUNSONLY]

An excellent little manual on the Hi-Power is still available from Stephen Camp's wife. I bought one a couple of years ago and it's a very good resource on care and feeding of the P-35. Not a lot of historical data like you asked for on the change to the plastic follower, however; more on basic operations, ammo, custom work, etc..

 

[bassetman1974]

Thanks much to Darkenfast, Texas Star, Federali, Max, and 6GUNSONLY. I don't have time tonight, but I'll post pics of my meager Hi-Power collection Saturday.

So far, I have accumulated two T's. One from 1964 and a 1969 that appears unfired with black pouch and manual, a true Belgium from 1981 that appears unfired, and a MKIII that I bought new but was made in 2002.

The MKIII shoots great but I dislike the ugly big eared ambidextrous safety. I also dislike the sights with the white dots. I think that one is going to Novak for new sights.

I would still like to find an Inglis, preferably with the shoulder stock, and a few FN's of various makes. What can I say, it's my favorite auto.

 

[bassetman1974]

Here's my latest acquisitions. A T from 1969 and a HP from 1981. By the way, Steve Camp's and Blake Stevens books are on the way.

 

[Aircrewman]

I am adding a BIG second to looking at the late Stephen Camp's site noted above. He was a High Power aficionado and knew his stuff and reported it in a thoroughly professional and rather unbiased way. He did a lot of research and wasn't afraid to say "I'm not sure but..." His other work and writings other calibers and guns was very, very informative.

I miss him very much but I did not know him, other than through his web site. A very terrific guy it sure seemed... Still a very well done site for handgun information.