Rounding out the collection: Hi-Power Opinions

[NCTexan]

For the last several years, I've flirted with adding a Browning Hi-Power to my collection.

I enjoy sharpening my bullseye skills at the range (non competitive) and the sheer fun of collecting.

I've always considered accuracy, the pride of owning quality guns, the beauty of design, the historical significance of a particular model, and the 'diversity' of my collection.

I resisted jumping on the 1911 bandwagon for years... but finally was overwhelmed by the "Everybody ought to have one" theory. Now, my customized Springer 1911 is one of my favorite shooters.

The Hi-Power has its enthusiasts that say the same thing.

My question: Is the Hi-Power a "must have" and does it stack up to its hype.

What say you?

BTW, I probably would buy a NIB with a target site.

 

[cmort666]

I've had a Belgian Hi Power since the late '80s. I carry it frequently.

If you want a reliable, accurate, all metal single action auto in 9x19mm, your first choice should be a BHP.

I don't like double action autos at all. I don't mind polymer guns, and have a couple of Glocks, but I also like traditional materials.

Like a well made M1911, a BHP is a piece of art that could save your life.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I think it is a must have. With it's history and being one of Browning's children it deserves a spot in your safe. I like mine, shoots well, feels great in the hand and it's a old school all steel gun. Now if I could only teach it not to bite!

 

[NFrameFred]

Got an old parkerized Belgian made warhorse in 9x19 and a duded up two tone in .40 cal. As reliable as anything I've ever owned and as comfortable to shoot as anything I've ever had.

Back in the day before the advent of the S&W 59, the BHP WAS the hi-cap wonder nine. As an aside, since Dino De Laurentiis just passed, one of my favorite lines from Serpico was when Pacino picks up a Hi-Power and spare mags from John Jovino's and the clerk asks him, "you planning on taking on an army?" and Al replies "No, just a division."

What's not to like ? It's a Browning, it's reliable, it's as accurate as one could need in a carry gun at reasonable distances ( and in most cases beyond). And it's cool. A classic . . . so, in that sense, yeah, a well rounded collection probably should have one. They only made a few prototypes in .45 and since the 1911 is what it is, the BHP fills its own niche nicely without the larger caliber since the .40 can come close. And with modern ammo and frangible projectile improvements the 9 holds it's own OK. Never met any of it's detractors willing to stand in front of one . . . .

 

[old tanker]

I have one just because it is a defining design, like the P-08 or a P-38. For me the safety is clumsy, the trigger is like dragging cats across broken milk bottles and the muzzle jump is all out of proportion to the cartridge. There are lots of folks that like 'em. It would not be my first choice as either a carry or a duty weapon but I wouldn't feel overly put upon if I were issued one.

 

[mkk41]

Currently my only BHP , a wartime Nazi occupation gun that came into my shop by the proverbial little old widow who found it after her husband died and didn't want it around the grandkids. She told me the police said she should turn it in to them because "it was probably not registered". I explained there was no registration in PA and gave her fair cash instead.

Holster is a repro.

I had a .40 S&W Practical model for a short time. But the weight they added to the slide to tame the bigger round ruined the beautiful balance of the 9mm. It got traded for what I consider the best .40 S&W pistol out there , the CZ-75B/SA.

 

[haggis]

The most accurate High Power is the FN Competition model.

A Critical Look at the FN Competition Model

If target shooting is your main interest, you might want to consider one of these. They are not produced anymore but obtainable on the used market.

Buck

 

[Bat Guano]

First shot one in 1960 in a "commando match", courtesy of our Northern cousins. Very high cool factor, and with modern ammunition, not to be sneezed at. Old ones have microscopic safeties; new ones are much improved. Triggers are not comparable to the 1911 for the most part, and I don't care for magazine safeties.

I have a tangent sighted Inglis in stock form, and a Mk. III slightly modded with Spegel Delrins. Both are extremely reliable. To me the BHP is the best reason to own a 9mm at all. However I shoot 1911s better, mostly because of the better triggers.

Stephen Camp has an excellent book out on the High Powers that is well worth reading.

 

[hsguy]

Here is an Inglis model made in Canada during WW2. An interesting variation and fun to shoot.

 

[cmort666]

My BHP, along with a Glock 19. The Browning has the Pachmayr adjustable rear sight.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

My first handgun-which I still have-is a 1960s Belgian HP. You will be getting a real "classic", the first "wondernine" and the only objection I have to the BHP is that since John Browning and Dieudonne Saive designed it as a 9MM there never was a 45 ACP version.

 

[bountyhunter]

For the last several years, I've flirted with adding a Browning Hi-Power to my collection.

I enjoy sharpening my bullseye skills at the range (non competitive) and the sheer fun of collecting.

I've always considered accuracy, the pride of owning quality guns, the beauty of design, the historical significance of a particular model, and the 'diversity' of my collection.

I resisted jumping on the 1911 bandwagon for years... but finally was overwhelmed by the "Everybody ought to have one" theory. Now, my customized Springer 1911 is one of my favorite shooters.

The Hi-Power has its enthusiasts that say the same thing.

My question: Is the Hi-Power a "must have" and does it stack up to its hype.

What say you?

BTW, I probably would buy a NIB with a target site.

I have two HP's. They have the distinction of probably the simplest design for an auto. Known for reliability. The trigger can not be made to be as good as a 1911, nor can the accuracy, but many can shoot a 2" group at 25 yards. Overall, they are a very fine gun.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Another virtue of the BHP-at least my 1960s one-is that the cut of the barrel is such that it shoots lead bullets well. I also recommend a 22 conversion unit-I have the Ciener-for low cost practice.

 

[cmort666]

My first handgun-which I still have-is a 1960s Belgian HP. You will be getting a real "classic", the first "wondernine" and the only objection I have to the BHP is that since John Browning and Dieudonne Saive designed it as a 9MM there never was a 45 ACP version.

Actually there were some prototypes in Canada. I know some were in a very powerful, longer cased .45 round, but I think some were .45acp too.

 

[cmort666]

Another virtue of the BHP-at least my 1960s one-is that the cut of the barrel is such that it shoots lead bullets well. I also recommend a 22 conversion unit-I have the Ciener-for low cost practice.

They've always had conventionally rifled barrels and hence shoot lead very well. I've shot hundreds if not thousands of hardcast bullets through my gun. I haven't loaded a jacketed bullet in a 9x19mm case in decades.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Everyone should have at least one High Power! Here are the two I currently own; an FEG Hungarian clone (customized by Cylinder and Slide), and an original WWII British-issue Inglis:

 

[Danny Abernathy]

As the owner of four HiPowers I can say that they are the only 9mm for me. Two of mine are customized (Novak and Don Williams) and they can be made to be tack drivers. The other two are box stock a 71 and 73 vintage. Personally I would stay with the older guns, they have a certain appeal. The new ones are great shooters but I like the older ones.

 

[Onomea]

My dad was a CIA officer in Vietnam, and carried an HP. He told me the story of someone trying to swap him two 1911s for it, and him turning the offer down.

I had one for a while, and plan to get another. I, too, think they are a classic which belongs in any collection.

 

[don95sml]

Yes, you want a Hi-Power in your safe, since it is one of the most definitive 9mm pistols ever designed. There are a few concerns, though. I own a Mark III model, but would not recommend it unless you plan to get rid of its very confusing rear sight. Whichever model you get, you need to remove the magazine disconnect "safety" that makes the trigger pull very gritty. (There are instructions on the web on how to do this yourself, or just have a gunsmith do it.) Then, for the complete package, have a gunsmith reduce the trigger pull to an acceptable level. When you're done you will have one of the finest, most accurate pistols out there.

 

[pharmer]

Just don't try to get one of every variation made. Joe