No more Hi Power

[cmort666]

It's not about "best" v. "obsolete" or "old" v. "modern."

It's about appreciating what came before and understanding how yesterday's innovations laid the foundations for today's modern firearms.

Some people get it, some people don't. But this is the wrong forum to troll; respecting the sentiments of people who have different views from yours would serve you well in life.

There are other 9x19mm pistols that do what I want differently. There are none which do it BETTER.

Only the SIG P210 rivals it.

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[Frank46]

Try CDI Sales, they were selling the Israeli high powers in both cast and forged frames. Since they post pics you see exactly what you want. Jeeze first Sig stops making the hammer fired P239 series of pistols now Browning stops making the Highpower. What is this world coming too?. Frank

 

[robvious]

I still remember when my father got his one and only BHP in the red rug back in 1976/1977... it felt great in the hand and was amazingly accurate... of course everything was amazing then, I was 10... my father used it for carry and IPSC competition... Bill L.at C&S even did a minor tweak to it back then... they shot at the same range... my father is gone, but the Browning is in my care and protection and will one day go to my son... it is too bad they are no longer making the BHP at Browning, similar to Colt stopping production of the 1911...

 

[cmort666]

Try CDI Sales, they were selling the Israeli high powers in both cast and forged frames. Since they post pics you see exactly what you want. Jeeze first Sig stops making the hammer fired P239 series of pistols now Browning stops making the Highpower. What is this world coming too?. Frank

Southern Ohio Gun had Israeli guns the last time I looked.

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[Marshwheeling]

There a lot of guns I don't care if I ever own, and there are a few I would own in a minute. The HP is one of the latter.

 

[sigp220.45]

This was rumored a few months ago, now it has sadly come to pass.

I try not to be a curmudgeon about things. I like new guns even though I am an old fart, and I have an open mind about all kinds stuff.

But I am sure of one thing: The Browning Hi-Power is the best 9mm pistol ever made. It may be equaled one day (no it won't) but it won't be bettered.

Here is mine. I carry it all the time. I replaced the grips and the safety, and removed the mag disconnect. If I hadn't done those things, it would still be fine.

It has never jammed. Not once. I think it would consider doing so to be rude.

It lands whatever I put into it directly on top of the front sight.

I'm glad it is mine. I feel bad for people that think there is something better, but that is their problem and not mine.

PS: I bought Number One Son an FEG clone for Christmas. He loves it. If a Browning is out of reach and an FEG is available, I'd say give it a try.

 

[OLDSTER]

My BHP alongside my Glock 19:

Both great. "Utility truck" on the left, and "Sports car" on the right

 

[OLDSTER]

SPECIAL PISTOL

I showed my "T" series in post #10. This is my other "Special" pistol; a 1977 "C" series The demise of this great iconic pistol is a sad day indeed, especially for us old guys that still believe the P35/HP to be the finest 9mm pistol ever created.

 

[OLDSTER]

Nice photo! Curious...did you buy the pistol new?

Thank you. I've owned the "T" series about 20 years, and the "C" series( post # 38) for nearly as long

 

[CajunBass]

I've only got one, a rather finish challenged Belgium made, T-Series from 1965. I'd like to have a nicely finished one, but Smith & Wesson revolvers keep getting in the way.

 

[BAM-BAM]

If I carried cocked and locked..... it would be one of my two Browning HPs. Mine are both Portugal MkIIIs blue and matt. for the sights and safety upgrades.... added Millet's ramped front sight( standard on the "Practical" model/wide white stripe) and Spegel or Hogue grips and they are GTG

Though I've got to say the CZ 75/85s give the BP a real run for the money!!

 

[TTSH]

I'm going to be the optimist here. I predict that they will be back in production again within 3-5 years if not sooner. Mark my words on this.

BTW, I just lost what I believe to have been the very last brand spanking new-in-box BHP Standard 9mm available anywhere due to circumstances beyond my control. Extremely disappointed about that.

Now, I must look for used... ... or wait for that "Back in Production" announcement I'm predicting!

 

[zeke]

Bought my first BHP from Aim Surplus. An Israeli surplus for $270 with holster and 2 mags. 2 pistols fit my hand the best, BHP and S&W k/l frame rb with houge rubber bantams. Have since added a newer 9mm, high polish 40 and lastly found a competition gp (if that is correct name).

Don't believe any plastic striker fired is "better", although some may be more suited for a specific purpose like a single stack small lwgt conceal carry.

 

[Farmer17]

There are so many people who love the HP you would think some company like Ruger might start making one. Better yet, Rock Island and sell it for around $450 bucks. Some people don't think the prices will go up for a long time because there are so many out there but I bet the prices start going up pretty quickly.

 

[cmansguns]

I live where Cajunbass does and I can say that the last 4, maybe 5 years the BHP (even Portugal) prices have been crazy at most all the LGS. I have actually seen them asking $800 to $850 for 75 - 80% examples!

To me I agree with all....mine is Portugal (1988) but is the best handling 9mm in the stable and it is a treat to shoot, easy takedown and cleaning, 13 rd cap....so....could be a carry gun, just not for me.

I am not a collector of HP but I love mine even though it was, is and will be a $400 gun.

Look at what used (well used in some cases) Sigs (the real deal...all steel) are doing at my LGS...$900 & up? crazy?

I don't own any Sig and really don't have a interest, but even supply and demand laws are brought into question with prices like that. Of course I'm not really watching so maybe they are not moving out the door either.

Anyway you cut it, John Moses knew what he was doing right up to the end with his Model 1935.

Just my two cents worth.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Yeah, it's amazing what die stamps you can buy on Ebay these days.

So what are you saying?????My Nazi marked 66-1 is a fake?????????

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I'm going to be the optimist here. I predict that they will be back in production again within 3-5 years if not sooner. Mark my words on this.

BTW, I just lost what I believe to have been the very last brand spanking new-in-box BHP Standard 9mm available anywhere due to circumstances beyond my control. Extremely disappointed about that.

Now, I must look for used... ... or wait for that "Back in Production" announcement I'm predicting!

Nope. Gone forever. Replaced by plastic.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I live where Cajunbass does and I can say that the last 4, maybe 5 years the BHP (even Portugal) prices have been crazy at most all the LGS. I have actually seen them asking $800 to $850 for 75 - 80% examples!

To me I agree with all....mine is Portugal (1988) but is the best handling 9mm in the stable and it is a treat to shoot, easy takedown and cleaning, 13 rd cap....so....could be a carry gun, just not for me.

I am not a collector of HP but I love mine even though it was, is and will be a $400 gun.

Look at what used (well used in some cases) Sigs (the real deal...all steel) are doing at my LGS...$900 & up? crazy?

I don't own any Sig and really don't have a interest, but even supply and demand laws are brought into question with prices like that. Of course I'm not really watching so maybe they are not moving out the door either.

Anyway you cut it, John Moses knew what he was doing right up to the end with his Model 1935.

Just my two cents worth.

I've never saw a Sig "all steel" quote...........I own a couple and all the grip frames are aluminum.

 

[Triathloncoach]

Totally in agreement with that. For semi-auto pistols, the only two must have pistols for me are the vintage Hi-Power (Before Portugal and before ambi-safeties) and the Series 70 1911 or 1911A1 (and maybe a Series 70 Combat Commander).

Those are the two benchmark semi-auto pistols, and I really don't think any shooter's or collector's collection is complete without them.

What about a Gen 1 Glock 17? The game changer.

 

[Triathloncoach]

So what are you saying?????My Nazi marked 66-1 is a fake?????????

Maybe not. Still plenty of Nazi Wanna-Bees.

 

[gdogs]

Lots of imports in the last few years flooded the market, no doubt a reason why Browning is no longer making them. Hard to sell a $1000+ gun when they are all over the used market for less than $500. That said, if you want another Belgian HP, I'd recommend getting on it before the prices do start to climb. I think I'm good on HP's at the moment... till I find another old custom job that needs to come home with me anyways

 

[Watchdog]

Thats a shame I never owned one but I always thought I would get one but now its passed me by. Jeff

Cheer up, Jeff. The opportunity to buy a Hi-Power hasn't passed you by.. It isn't as if all the Hi-Powers are going to suddenly vanish from the planet. They're still in the gun market and probably will be forever. Just like original 1911s, just like the Colt SAA.

You can buy one today if you want one. Or next week. Or next year.

 

[blaser1234]

Bought a Hi power NIB a few years ago knowing that they were destined to be discontinued. Simply no one had any in stock and Browning seemed not to be importing in any quantities. Purchased as Safe Queen and will remain in that status. Beautifully crafted and finished. Obviously it's expense as compared to current production polymers led to its demise. Progress and marketplace doomed further FN production. A bit of firearm history now.

 

[Rick_A]

The wife has a .40. It's been discontinued for some time. It's a nice gun, certainly the softest shooting .40 I've come across, but it's a bit small for my tastes.

The black baked on finishes are just aweful and the trigger is mediocre, best.

 

[petepeterson]

Cheer up, guys! Maybe the ones you have will increase in value.

I have a MK II and 2 MK IIIs. I'd still like to find an older one, but I'll be paying through the teeth, I'm sure.

 

[WVSig]

They have been out of production for over 11 months. The last High Powers that Browning received was back in March of 2017. Rumors of their demise were circulating at that time by Ayoob and DPris. It was confirmed shortly after that.

The reasons that were given at the time were lagging sales and that the tooling was at its end of life. The cost to retool could not be justified especially because most of the contracts for the BHP had sunset.

Prices spiked a bit when this was first announced. They have gone back down to their normal levels. DO NOT OVER PAY for a BHP. They can be had for very reasonable prices. There are hundreds of thousands of these guns in the marketplace. With Browning finally putting this on their site there will be a temporary bump in pricing but do not be a sucker. Wait 6 months and pay a fair price for a good gun.

There are new Tisas Turkish clones being brought into the country under the Regent label. They are being offered in Cerakote black and Stainless steel. The run $445 to $485 based on the finish of your choice.

The barrel lugs are reported to be different so you cannot swap barrels. You might be able to swap complete slides. The barrel is a one piece not a 2 piece like the FN gun. No one has tried to swap small parts yet but I am sure someone will.

9MM

 

[WVSig]

I don't need more but will most likely buy more....

 

[WVSig]

Anyway you cut it, John Moses knew what he was doing right up to the end with his Model 1935.

Just my two cents worth.

JMB did not design the gun we call the Browning High Power. This is the last gun JMB designed.

Dieudonné Saive designed the gun we shoot which is based on his double stack magazine design and JMBs starting point the Grand Rendement.

 

[dr. mordo]

OP - I love CZ75s also, but a BHP is a pretty different beast. The ergos and perfect balance between barrel and grip length make the BHP the most confortable gun I have ever held. I use to the think a G19 was pretty much the ultimate 9mm CCW, but since getting a BHP I have changed my mind.

I do think the HP will live on thru Turkish and maybe Philippino copies. In fact, maybe they will break the mold and improve the safety so it's more like a 1911.

 

[Grayfox]

A Hi-Power was the first semi-auto pistol I ever owned. Bought a MK III brand new back in 1980. It will be the last semi-auto to go.