Rounding out the collection: Hi-Power Opinions

[NCTexan]

Wow... thanks for so many thoughtful responses and pictures.

As many might have guessed... my Hi-Power juices were already flowing and I was looking for a little encouragement.

I do appreciate the comments and perspectives.

BTW, as a shooter.... how does a High-Power compare to a Beretta 92FS?

 

[bennettfam]

Don't know how it compares to the Berretta 92 in shooting, but the High Power grip fits all hand sizes much better than just about any DA dbl stack auto, and very much better than the 92. My son is in A-Stan right now with the 92 and writes home about wishing he had my High Power with him instead. High Power field strips very easily too. Just a fun, easy to maintain, top quality classic.

 

[ColbyBruce]

A BHP is a must-have firearm, IMHO

 

[Frank237]

I've got a box stock Practical and a NOVAK modified 9x19 that I carry frequently. I think that at least ONE...should be in every true gun nuts safe. Had a forty and like a few previous posters...didn't care for it. The balance was different and it kicked just sharp enough that I didn't like it.

Buy a 9x19 BHP!!

FN in MT

 

[Pilgrim]

everyone needs or should have one. They are beautiful machines

T series from 1965:

 

[mkk41]

.... how does a High-Power compare to a Beretta 92FS?

Reliability and practical accuracy are about even. Handling, well , like a Corvette compared to a boxvan. The BHP is sleek , strong and well proportioned. The Beretta is big , fat and clumsy.

 

[pilgrim6a]

I don't really like the HP. I only have 3. Maybe 4 tomorrow.

 

[NFrameFred]

Reliability and practical accuracy are about even. Handling, well , like a Corvette compared to a boxvan. The BHP is sleek , strong and well proportioned. The Beretta is big , fat and clumsy.

Yep, pretty much.

But those of us who are partial to single action triggers and never mastered the crunchentickers shoot better with John Moses Browning and Dieudonne Saive's creation.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. In my opinion, whether or not the Hi Power is a "must have" for you depends upon ... you. If you want one because the P35 is a classic handgun, then I suggest that you do need at least one in your collection.

On the other hand, if it just "sings" to you as a shooter or just has that certain "something" is subjective and some folks cannot get enough of them. Other shooters wouldn't have one on a bet and another faction wouldn't care much one way or the other...and in my view, each group is correct!

Count me in with those who favor the Hi Power design strongly but that doesn't mean that the same will necessarily hold true for other folks. I've been shooting the things pretty regularly since 1971 and will probably do so from here on out or as long as possible. I never tire of them.

If interested, here are some observations and opinions that might be of some use:

Here is an article I did a few years ago on my first Hi Power:

Number 1

...and a few others:

Why should I buy a Browning Hi Power

Why the 9mm Hi Power Remains a Favorite of Mine

Shot One of My Old Favorite Hi Powers

Can the Hi Power Still Make the Cut

Best and good luck with your decision-making.

 

[Imshootin]

To me, they're one of the classics. I'll always have at least one 1911 and one Hi-Power. Or two or three.

 

[sipowicz]

Count me in with those who favor the Hi Power design strongly I never tire of them.

I am definitely in Stephen's camp!

 

[bmcgilvray]

The only serious 9mm is a Hi-Power. I'm another who admires the Hi-Power.

 

[Walter Rego]

Every handgun aficionado should own one. I bought one of the Austrian Gendarmerie trade-ins that appeared on the market about 12 years ago at very reasonable prices. It was made in 1955 and has the concealed extractor and "thumbprint" slide. I liken it to a 5 screw S&W in that it was made back before cost reductions and so called "improvements" were initiated. It gets out to the range for a box of shells occasionally and has never malfunctioned although all I have fed it is ball ammo too, in deference to the period from when it was made. The best of the modern era P-35's are the T-Prefix serial number series. You'll pay a premium, but they are beautiful.

 

[LedFowl]

I recently bought a used .40 caliber. It's a heavy duty piece. No power steering, no air. Definitely a keeper.

 

[NFrameFred]

I recently bought a used .40 caliber. It's a heavy duty piece. No power steering, no air. Definitely a keeper.

Yeah, the increase in slide weight and corresponding extra poundage of the recoil spring are not for everyone - I know a few guys and a lot of women who can't cycle the slide easily; but that is the most comfortable shooting and accurate .40 cal I've ever owned. Deadly on racks of steel plates all the way back to 25 yards.

 

[cmort666]

Yeah, the increase in slide weight and corresponding extra poundage of the recoil spring are not for everyone - I know a few guys and a lot of women who can't cycle the slide easily; but that is the most comfortable shooting and accurate .40 cal I've ever owned. Deadly on racks of steel plates all the way back to 25 yards.

CDNN were practically giving those away a few years ago. I'm still kicking myself for not buying one.

 

[Rule3]

I have the HP Practical. It is by far the easiest and most accurate 9mm I own to shoot. It is a tack driver. I like the looks of the traditional ones also and went to buy one they other day but was 10 minutes late.

 

[j38]

I wanted a Hi-Power for years - and finally bought this one several months ago. I'm only sorry I didn't buy one sooner. This one is a real pleasure to shoot, and goes to the range with me fairly often.

Jerry

 

[max]

I just read on the Sig forum that a number of hp's from Israel are now available. There are stories of prices under 400. If you look on auctionarms there are several listed there.

 

[george minze]

Still one of the best. Mine is mint condition and has been tweaked, shoots almost as good as a target pistol...I have a Belgium with some Camp recommended up grades. Read the articles by Steve Camp undoubtedly the foremost expert on the ageless BHP It is a steel pistol, that gives it a head start in my book...Of course I'm old,wish I aged as well as the High Power. Sometimes tried and true is better than every gimmick no matter how good the idea is.