Browning HP--Sell?

[SS57]

I was recently reading thru the FM BHP thread and now I don't know what to do. I was thinking about selling my BHP 9mm, serial #245NW80***, to fund other guns. In 1998 I had Herb at Novak's install a MRKlll 3 dot LMC sight package, do a reliability package, and do a combat trigger job. Everything else is original. I am not sure of the year is was manufactured but I would guess mid 90's.

So now I have 2 questions: would I kick myself later if I sell it and what is a fair price to ask for it if I decided to part with it? I have the original box and docs and documented Novak's work. I also have 5 Browning 13 rd mags with it. It has a polished blued finish and is in great condition. Your input will help me make my final decision so thanks.

Lastly, do the young shooters of today even know what a Browning Hi Power is?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a Belgian that I bought NIB for $114.00 back in 1972(for my high school graduation). Still have it. Only thing I've done to it is add Millet adjustable sights many years ago. Its the best feeling double stack pistol I've ever held in my hand. Killed a lot of critters with it over the years and when Super_Vel ammo was available it was one rip snortin pistol. Don't shoot it much anymore but will never sell it. If I were you I'd do the same.

 

[Marshwheeling]

The previous post establishes the market price; I'll take it for $114.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Browning Date Your Firearm - Hi-Power Pistol

Looks like your BHP was made in 1994. I have never been able to recoup 1/3 of the money spent on custom parts or work, you might do better or worse. In my area, a new shooter can buy two pieces of fantastic plastic for the price of a used BHP. My son is twenty-eight years old, most of his friends have no idea what a Browning HP is, or his HK P7 PSP. The young people today seem to recognize guns that are featured in video, PS, and X-Box games.

I would suggest you keep your BHP.

 

[SS57]

My graduation gift to myself(1975)was a Ruger 22 auto. Great gun!

 

[muzzleblast]

Keep It

My first handgun purchase was a BHP. The BHP is still #1 with me.

You wouldn't be able to replace the one you have for the price you can sell it for.

Keep it.

MB

 

[Protected One]

There are two types of people:
Those who own a Browning Hi Power,
and those who sold one and now wish they hadn't!

Don't join the later group!

 

[SS57]

Browning Date Your Firearm - Hi-Power Pistol

Looks like your BHP was made in 1994. I have never been able to recoup 1/3 of the money spent on custom parts or work, you might do better or worse. In my area, a new shooter can buy two pieces of fantastic plastic for the price of a used BHP. My son is twenty-eight years old, most of his friends have no idea what a Browning HP is, or his HK P7 PSP. The young people today seem to recognize guns that are featured in video, PS, and X-Box games.


I would suggest you keep your BHP.

I changed out the adj rear sight b/c it looked like a tootsie roll on the top of my gun. The Novak's really look nice on it and can be picked up quickly.

 

[drgbike]

I say this in my deepest desire to help a wayward friend " never ever ever ever sell or in anyway deprive your self of any, I repeat any, firearm it only results in grief, despair, and self loathing" Honest!

 

[silentflyer]

The BHP and 1911 are the only 2 semi's worth mentioning IMHO....the Cadillac and Lincoln of semiautomatic handguns. Plastic is for Tuperware..

 

[M3Stuart]

Do NOT sell it. You'll hate yourself in the morning...

 

[Watchdog]

I was recently reading thru the FM BHP thread and now I don't know what to do. I was thinking about selling my BHP 9mm, serial #245NW80***, to fund other guns.

I'd be interested to know what other guns you might sell your 1994 HP for. Are you talking about a multi-gun deal, or do you just have a few different individual guns you'd think of buying, and the Hi Power would buy one of them.

Although I don't know what a "reliability package" for a Hi Power might consist of (or even why one would be needed), and I don't know what a "combat trigger" means...I'm thinking you wouldn't get your money's worth out of it in a sale. You've tweaked the gun to suit yourself...another shooter (some ol' fogie like me, for instance) might not like it.

...would I kick myself later if I sell it...

I asked my Magic 8 Ball your question, cause folks around here don't take my word for certain things.

I think that answers that question.

Lastly, do the young shooters of today even know what a Browning Hi Power is?

I think they've probably seen today's incarnation of the Hi Power...the black one "Made in Belgium" and "Assembled in Portugal." The one with the ambi-safeties, the one that looks like a less expensive clone of the classic Hi Power. Yeah, I expect they've seen the thing. I've seen 'em, too. If they're like me, they won't even pick one up for a second look. I'd pay $1100 plus shipping and transfer fees for a classic before I'd pay $900-$1000 for a new one.

 

[.455Eley]

My first post-21 purchase a couple of years ago was an early '60s BHP. I liked it a lot but couldn't really get used to the wide grip. I traded it for a Model 19 back in January and couldn't be happier about the trade. My 9mm and only automatic is now a Model 39-2.

 

[Watchdog]

The BHP and 1911 are the only 2 semi's worth mentioning IMHO....the Cadillac and Lincoln of semiautomatic handguns. Plastic is for Tuperware..

Agreed...although the Tupperwear pistols will kill someone just as dead. Thing is, if I have to shoot someone, I wanna do it with some class.

 

[SS57]

Thanks for the responses guys. The HP will stay put. I will find another way to finance the next purchase. I have had it for almost 20 yrs. Maybe that says something.

 

[jinx]

^^^^
I am glad to see that you came to your senses.

 

[sw282]

l have a HiPower Comp that came to me about 5 years ago. Weird looking thing with its 6'' barrel and a weight on the end...Cheap sites that look like they came off a pellet pistol..lt sure can shoot.

 

[Drm50]

HP

Don't sell unless you have to. They don't eat anything and price
of classics just keeps going up. If I had the guns back that I
sold, I didn't need the cash, I would be a millionaire several
times over. Money went for fast cars, cheap booze, loose wemen
and I wasted the rest. I did manage to hang on to a couple HPs.

 

[Andyd]

Lastly, do the young shooters of today even know what a Browning Hi Power is?

If young people do not share the interest in our hobby in the same way, we have failed to pass it on but more and more the newer generation is not only influenced by parenting but also by the overwhelming media exposure.

My youngest son is 24 and, of course, loves ARs, Glocks, "tactical" shotguns and suppressors. He also loves shooting revolvers and his favorite pistol is a RIA 1911 Tactical in 9mm. He also loves the FN 35 and has bought one of the distraught Israeli surplus clones and refinished it with an express rust blue. Once he is out of school, he will get a Belgian Browning for sure.

The FN High Power has quite a following and I think that your model is very desirable but if you do not shoot it, move on.

...and since threads without photos are not as entertaining, here is a photo of my son's $275 treasure.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

The BHP and 1911 are the only 2 semi's worth mentioning IMHO....the Cadillac and Lincoln of semiautomatic handguns. Plastic is for Tuperware..

Amen, brother. I have three Hi-Powers - a T series tangent sight, a second-gen like yours, and a Silver Chrome model. None are for sale.