Goodbye Model 10/Made the trade

[otis24]

Of the few bottom feeders that I like, the Browning Hi Power is at the top of the list. I love my circa 1976 Model 10 heavy barrel, but I may have a chance to swap it even up for a BHP 9MM. I figure that Model 10's are common enough that I should be able to replace it one day. Just hope that I will like the BHP as much as I think I will. Trade is with a good friend, and I promised that if I ever part with the BHP, it goes back to him.

 

[Engine49guy]

The BHP is a classic design but very dated.
If they are in the same condition your slightly ahead in the deal,

Low condition BHP shooters have become much more available since outfits like Century started bringing used military versions in by the shipload in the last 10 years.

 

[GyMac]

I try not to sell or trade guns. I almost always end up regretting it.

 

[Gatofeo]

I have both, a Hi-Power and a Model 10. Love them both. If you can avoid losing that Model 10, and just pay cash for the BHP, do it.
I have nearly every firearm I ever acquired, and don't regret hanging onto them. My father gave ... GAVE away a number of nice firearms before I was born, and regretted it for years. One of them was a like-new 1903 Colt in .32 ACP!
Thankfully, he kept the Colt Single Action Army his uncle gave him in 1931. It's a martial .45-caliber, 5-1/2" barrel, and in beautiful shape. And here's the kicker: it's a very early SAA, made in 1874 and reworked by the armory in the 1890s.
If he'd given THAT away I WOULD have killed him! LOL
But seriously, hang on to that Model 10 if you can. Prices on them have gone up markedly in just the past five years, from $150 to over $300 now. People are waking up to them.

 

[Rapidray]

The High Power...

I have always liked that model. I have owned 2. Was planning on getting another. I have read were you can only shoot standard pressure ammo. If you shoot higher pressure the locking lugs will get destroyed. I read this in the Handguns Custom Combat 2012 issue. It is on page 55. On another Forum, a gentleman posted pictures of his HP after shooting high pressure ammo...my heart sank, it was not a pretty site. I would keep the model 10, unless you want a safe queen HP.

 

[sodacan]

In an either or situation, I would take the HP depending on the condition and vintage, unless there's something REALLY special about the 10, they're a dime a dozen. Great guns, but easy to find. Yeah the HP is an old design, but so the 10 and the 1911. HP design elements have been copied in many modern designs. A real tribute to JMB. As far as hot loads in the HP, anything in moderation will not hurt the gun.

 

[semperfi71]

I am a revolver man first and foremost. When it comes to semi-auto handguns I am a dinosaur. As far as I am concerned NOBODY ever made a better semi-auto other than the M1911 or M1911A1.

But again, I don't follow semi-autos that much, these Glock and SIG things might be good guns.

I never had a Browning Hi-Power until a few months back. It was like kissing my first girl...I should have done that a long time ago.

Any sensible load in a Browning Hi-Power will do anything a 9MM cartridge needs to do. The fit, in my hand is almost sinful. Depending on the model, I have a "T" series, they are as finely finished as any handgun made.

S&W M10 and M&P revolvers are common as dirt. If your M10 has sentimental value then keep it and buy the Hi-Power. If you are indeed being allowed to trade the M10 straight across for the Hi-Power you are getting the better deal.

You might want to go to the below site and study Hi-Powers. He discussing ALL aspects of Hi-Powers and even the hotter loads.

Good luck.

Hi Powers and Handguns

 

[Darkenfast]

I'll second Semper Fi's advice. If you're not already aware of it, Mr. Camp was not only an expert on the BHP, but a career law enforcement officer and trainer, and a real gentleman. His articles are a joy to read. The forum associated with that site (handgunsandammunition), has some very good resources. My only firearm is a pristine C-series BHP.

 

[KEN L]

You would be getting the better end of the deal. Even though I'm a BIG fan of the M&P models, I'd make that trade in a heartbeat! You won't regret the trade, ever!

 

[otis24]

Thanks for the posts gentlemen! Nothing special about the Model 10, other than I am first and foremost a revolver guy and love the Model 10. Particularly the heavy barrel. I've owned both the HB and pencil barrel models. Great revolver, but again, very common.

I've visted Mr. Camp's web site often. Very knowledgable guy, and not just about Hi Powers. The Hi Power I will be trading for is made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. I don't know where that puts it age wise. Condition is very good. I will probably perform the hammer reduction (trimming the hammer at the second serration) as suggested, I believe by Mr. Camp. This helps reduce or eliminate the chance of hammer bite.

With the right holster, I might opt to use the BHP as my CCW pistol, although it would take a lot for it to replace my Model 640. Once I receive the pistol and get familar with it, I will began to search for info regarding a good self defense load for the BHP in a non +p loading.

Money is in short supply, so an even up trade is a good deal for me. I know the BHP is probably worth more dollar-wise, but that is of little consequence. I have promised to trade it back to my friend should I ever decide to part with it.

 

[Professor Frink]

Around my neck of the subburb, NIB BHPs are going for close to $1000, used are around $650 to $800.

I'd do it.

 

[310Pilot]

Made in Belgium, assembled in Portugal guns are either late MK-II or MK-III guns, relatively recent production, still being made. They are excellent guns, and worth 3 times the value of a like condition Model 10. You have a good friend, enjoy your Hi Power.

 

[chief38]

I recently sold my Belgium made (70's production) Hi Power not so much because I did not like the gun, I just was not thrilled about the 9mm cartridge. I truly had no use for it and since it was the only 9mm I owned, I decided to get rid of it. I took the money I got for it, added some and bought a pristine NIB Colt Gold Cup Series 70 (made '74) that I now use all the time and I love the .45 acp.

The gun I sort of regret selling (25 years ago) is my blued M10 2" RB snubby. I sold it back then to buy a M60 Chief's Special because of the smaller frame size and concealability issue. While I would not likely carry the M10 anymore, there are times I do miss having it.

Chief38

 

[M2MikeGolf]

The BHP is a classic design but very dated

I disagree, the Hi-Power is the peak of John Browning's design capabilities of handguns. It's an improvement of the 1911/A1 pistol, which not many will call outdated, even though it's an old design. There are lots and lots of more modern designs, but the Hi-Power stands on it's own, in a modern handgunning environment. I would call it a choice issue, like a M1911, which even some law enforcement agencies still issue. It's definately less "dated" than a Model 10, which I am a big fan of. Of course, this is just my opinion, don't mean to make any statement of "facts" other than how it seems to me.

As far as I am concerned NOBODY ever made a better semi-auto other than the M1911 or M1911A1.

Actually, John Browning, the designer of the M1911/A1, did make a better semi-auto. It was the Browning High-Power. At least, that was John Browning's view. However, I share your admiration of the M1911/A1. Just trying to illustrate the Hi-Power's design and use, as you also pointed out.

If it were me, I think I'd trade for the Hi-Power, most especially if were straight across the table. The Model 10 4" HB may be my favorite revolver design of all time, but a Hi-Power is almost the Model 10 of semi-auto 9x19s. Maybe you can replace your Model 10 later with a Model 547 in matching 9x19!

 

[Hoppe's no.10]

I disagree, the Hi-Power is the peak of John Browning's design capabilities of handguns. It's an improvement of the 1911/A1 pistol, which not many will call outdated, even though it's an old design. There are lots and lots of more modern designs, but the Hi-Power stands on it's own, in a modern handgunning environment.



Actually, John Browning, the designer of the M1911/A1, did make a better semi-auto. It was the Browning High-Power. At least, that was John Browning's view. However, I share your admiration of the M1911/A1. Just trying to illustrate the Hi-Power's design and use, as you also pointed out.

My handgun passion runs to both S & W and Hi-Powers.

I agree with the above post and also hope you can keep the M10 and acquire one of JMB's finest.

Hoppe's no.10

 

[steamloco76]

I have a couple model 10's and luckily didn't need to trade one to purchase my Belgium made, assembled in Portugal High Power. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to trade an M10 for a BHP. The Browning is a superb range pistol! I dressed mine in a set of Herrett's coco bolo checkered grips to compliment its high luster blue finish. Go for the High Power, every shooter/collector should have one.

 

[CajunBass]

I'd swap a run of the mill Model 10 for a BHP in a heartbeat.

I buy/sell/trade guns all the time. They're just guns. Make the right offer, and I don't have a one that I won't let go.

 

[Ken NC]

The BHP is truly a classic, and if you get it, then you will be able to join the magazine safety disable or not debate! Here is one thread that discusses how to (without endorsing one way or the other): Mag safety removal pics - 1911Forum. Another option is to order in the Cylinder & Slide wide combat trigger. I did the latter on my MKIII and am very happy with the result.

 

[otis24]

I made the trade this weekend. My friend thinks it is a 1962 vintage Hi Power. The side plate states Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah and Montreal P.Q. (Province of Quebec?).

The good: it came with two spare magazines (three total), a Bianchi M-12 side holster, a shoulder holster and has the original walnut grips, in addition to the Pachmayr grips. Mechanicallly, it is in excellent shape.

The bad: Being carried in the Bianchi Model 12 holster, there was some severe bluing wear. I will have a re-blue job done. Any idea's as to what this should run? Does S&W re-blue other pistols, or just S&W's?

 

[johnyakima]

Browning High Power

I carried a government issued Browning HP in Vietnam for three years. Never fired it in anger, but it sure made me feel and sleep better in the various locations my work took me. Especially during the Tet offensive. During monthly practice at the range it never failed to function correctly.