Hi Powers
- Thread starter OLDSTER
- Start date
policerevolvercollector
Member
Great shooter Charles.Ya just can't beat the Israeli (IDF) surplus MKII, especially for the price. I've got one ( not pictured on my thread photo) that I shoot the heck out of and don't worry about it being pretty. And when I've got it out at the range, or sitting in my bed-side drawer, I know that the gun has, most likely, been in harms way
Let's see your MKII!!!
one eye joe
US Veteran
My other passion ( other than S&W revolvers) is Hi Powers. Took a group photo to share. Left to right;1967, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1993.
THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION OF HI POWERS, OLDSTER. I HAVE DROOLED OVER PISTOLS LIKE YOURS, THROUGH THE YEARS, WHEN VIEWING PICS LIKE THIS......
MY ADDICTION TO COLT 1911s, AND THE .45ACP CALIBER, HAVE KEPT ME FREE OF YET ANOTHER SEMI-AUTO PISTOL DISEASE......
OP
OLDSTER
Member
collection
Thank you for your kind words. I haven't purchased one in a while being on a retirees income, but I still need to add an early post war "thumb print" to the collection
Thank you for your kind words. I haven't purchased one in a while being on a retirees income, but I still need to add an early post war "thumb print" to the collection
OP
OLDSTER
Member
Before I forget, thank you to those folks who offered up their opinions on the two current Browning Hi-Power offerings... very helpful. Neither one is exactly what I want, but those are the only choices we have left today in a brand new gun... so it's a matter of pick one and learn to be happy with it. 
But another question please: What do BHP-type collector folks think of the .40S&W BHP?
Is it viewed as just another variant of the same gun? Or is it considered a different beast altogether? I don't want to be more specific than that right now because I don't want to influence any responses I might get. 
Neither one is exactly what I want, but those are the only choices we have left today in a brand new gun... so it's a matter of pick one and learn to be happy with it. But another question please: What do BHP-type collector folks think of the .40S&W BHP?
Is it viewed as just another variant of the same gun? Or is it considered a different beast altogether? I don't want to be more specific than that right now because I don't want to influence any responses I might get.
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OP
OLDSTER
Member
.40 HP
Regarding your question about the .40 cal. Hi Power; FN kept the "integrity" of the Hi Power in the .40 cal., but made a few beneficial engineering changes including--going with cast vs. forged frame in 1993 for strength ( a feature shared by all MKIII HPs), a wider slide to add weight and slow the slide recoil speed, a stronger recoil spring, an extra barrel locking lug, an altered extractor, and a slightly thicker ejector.
Before I forget, thank you to those folks who offered up their opinions on the two current Browning Hi-Power offerings... very helpful.
But another question please: What do BHP-type collector folks think of the .40S&W BHP?
Regarding your question about the .40 cal. Hi Power; FN kept the "integrity" of the Hi Power in the .40 cal., but made a few beneficial engineering changes including--going with cast vs. forged frame in 1993 for strength ( a feature shared by all MKIII HPs), a wider slide to add weight and slow the slide recoil speed, a stronger recoil spring, an extra barrel locking lug, an altered extractor, and a slightly thicker ejector.
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Before I forget, thank you to those folks who offered up their opinions on the two current Browning Hi-Power offerings... very helpful.
But another question please: What do BHP-type collector folks think of the .40S&W BHP?
TTSH.... I'm a traditionalist; but not a collector, with just 2 Mk IIIs, .....I have to go with the FBI on this one...... 9mm.
Novak built the FBI HRU ...... 9mm Brownings in the 80s........
and for you probably a lot more " pre-ban" hi-cap magazines out there!!!!!
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Well, there are a lot of competing considerations here as I continue to whittle down the "must have" guns remaining on my bucket list. With just 3 "good years" left... and not a whole lot of money left... completing my list in the highly-restrictive state where I live is not so easy.
BHP's are not approved guns here in MA (generally meaning no dealer sales or transfers) and precious few of them come up for sale here. Of the ones that do come up for sale, most are mega-valuable collectibles (in actuality or sometimes just in the eyes of their sellers) or just plain crazy over-priced anyway. One exception to that rule is .40S&W BHP's. A couple of them have come up in recent years at reasonable prices, comparatively speaking.I have several "irons in the fire" right now re: BHP's but nothing happening very quickly... so the question begs itself: Should I jump on one of those .40S&W BHP's in lieu of a 9mm?
Or should I wait and continue to work toward getting a 9mm. The pre-ban magazine thing is a whole separate issue... and yes, that would tend to favor the 9mm versions over the .40S&W versions. Still, the attractiveness of the prices on good condition .40S&W models cannot be understated. If I could convince myself that it wouldn't be such a bad thing, overall enjoyment-wise, to go .40 instead of 9mm, it could make a lot of sense.
One big question: Do you consider it the same shooting experience? Or does it feel like a different gun to you?Regarding your question about the .40 cal. Hi Power; FN kept the "integrity" of the Hi Power in the .40 cal., but made a few beneficial engineering changes including--going with cast vs. forged frame for strength ( a feature shared by all MKIII HPs), a wider slide to add weight and slow the slide recoil speed, a stronger recoil spring, an extra barrel locking lug, an altered extractor, and a slightly thicker ejector.
bmcgilvray
Member
An FN lives here, an Austrian Rural Police contract gun. AIM was selling them in the mid-1990s in several grades. I sprung for the top grade and they sent one which appeared new, unfired with box, spare magazine, and cleaning rod.
OP
OLDSTER
Member
.40 HP
I don't own a .40 cal, but have shot them. Feels like a Hi Power should. Can't tell the difference
One big question: Do you consider it the same shooting experience? Or does it feel like a different gun to you?
I don't own a .40 cal, but have shot them. Feels like a Hi Power should.
Can't tell the difference 
Erich
Member
My .40 HP was very accurate. I found it had more recoil than the 9mm version, but that it was not difficult to shoot. I was not in love with the ambi safety they chose to use on it, though, preferring the more definitive click of the Cylinder & Slide version. I almost regret trading it off - the only .40 I've had that I can say that about.
Beyond that, I can't really comment on whether it's a different beast. It's a Mk III, and there's not a heck of a lot of collector interest in those (or wasn't the last time I checked).
Beyond that, I can't really comment on whether it's a different beast. It's a Mk III, and there's not a heck of a lot of collector interest in those (or wasn't the last time I checked).
OP
OLDSTER
Member
IDF shooter
Here it is in all its glory and a coat of engine block paint
But a true shooter that I really enjoy, and shoot the heck out of
Let's see your MKII!!!
Here it is in all its glory and a coat of engine block paint
But a true shooter that I really enjoy, and shoot the heck out of
I don't own a .40 cal, but have shot them. Feels like a Hi Power should.
Recognizing that it *is* a different caliber, what I'm really interested in are the different dimensions & weight and whether or not those differences affect the "feel" of the gun (for lack of a better term)? One of the things that attracts me to the BHP is the somewhat delicate feel of the gun and the narrow slide. Did the mods necessary to make a .40 version change that feel?
If they did, I'm probably better off waiting for the right 9mm to come along. If the feel is the same... with just a little more kick or snappiness from the .40... then I could save a lot of money going for one of those (relative bargain) 40's.
one eye joe
US Veteran
Here are some, I prefer the older ones. L to R are W. German police, Austrian Police, Argentine police, and the exception a mid 80's in 7.65mm Luger. Last is a Inglis w/stock.
THAT'S AN INTERESTING COLLECTION, CZU.....
I OFTEN REGRETTED NOT PURCHASING AN INGLIS FROM SOUTHERN OHIO GUNS, BACK WHEN THEY WERE AVAILABLE......
THEY WERE REASONABLY PRICED, AND I HAD A C&R LICENSE AT THE TIME......
AS USUAL, IF YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE......
Erich
Member
Recognizing that it *is* a different caliber, what I'm really interested in are the different dimensions & weight and whether or not those differences affect the "feel" of the gun (for lack of a better term)? One of the things that attracts me to the BHP is the somewhat delicate feel of the gun and the narrow slide. Did the mods necessary to make a .40 version change that feel?
That's a smart question, and it's one that only you'll be able to answer as to your aesthetics. For me, the .40's heavier slide shifted the balance sufficiently so as to destroy the "grace" the 9mm BHP has always embodied to me. That was part of the reason why I traded it off . . . that and the reduced round count together with the fact that you can't convince me a 9mm is less effective than a .40 (and it's darn sure cheaper to shoot!).
Anyhow, I know what you mean about the feel of the 9mm BHP and - to me - no, the .40 didn't have it.
Yeah, this is kind of what I expected and was concerned about. I don't want a BHP that doesn't feel like a BHP in virtually every respect... other than maybe a little more kick from the .40.
I've waited this long so I guess I can wait a little longer.I'm getting some interesting vibes from a friend with a BHP who has contemplated selling it from time to time. His BHP is a dream to shoot, but discussing money with a friend over his beloved BHP has always been a little weird. Much better if I can find a BHP to buy on my own without the emotions and friendship issues involved.
Lee's Landing Billy
Member
Two BHPs. One with a .22 conversion.The other pretty special, even if 40 year old tech.
The safety is of my design to Quell the Awesome recoil of the 9mm. It works. Lotsa thumb pressure on that lever works for shot recovery .The sights are what Armand Swenson said we needed back in the 70s.
This gun has a s&w model 52 barrel bushing modified to fit the HP. Of all the HPs I have had, seen, and shot, it is the only one that would shoot groups. Not patterns...groups.
The grips are paper thin BHP stocks. Wayne Novak asked once what they were finished with. I told him with what I had on hand..black paint and dirt. Works fine.
The safety is of my design to Quell the Awesome recoil of the 9mm. It works. Lotsa thumb pressure on that lever works for shot recovery .The sights are what Armand Swenson said we needed back in the 70s.
This gun has a s&w model 52 barrel bushing modified to fit the HP. Of all the HPs I have had, seen, and shot, it is the only one that would shoot groups. Not patterns...groups.
The grips are paper thin BHP stocks. Wayne Novak asked once what they were finished with. I told him with what I had on hand..black paint and dirt. Works fine.
