Smith 39/59s veresus FEG P9R

[Redcoat3340]

I've got a couple of 39s and 59s....and used to own two FEG Browning HiPower clones, twp with the BHP and one with the S&W actions. (You can tell which is which by the absence of the cross bolt, no cross bolt = a copied S&W action.)

I also have a good, very good, actually, Belgian BHP (which is why I sold off the clones).

I always had good luck with the 3 FEGs "HPs" I owned (since traded) but always sort of wanted the P9R which is the one with the safety/decocker on the slide and is DA/SA.....just like my Smiths, instead of SA only like the BHP.

So I'm wondering what the difference, if any, there is between the Smiths and FEGs. Aside from the obvious that S&W and FEG are two different manufacturers....

If all I'm buying is a Hungarian-made Smith 39 or 59, why bother? I have some good ones of them. But if there's anyone who can tell me if there's any of the old BHP "magic" in the FEGs, I might still keep looking for one.

thanks in advance.

 

[Marshwheeling]

I have one of the FEGs, but never even handled a 59 or 39. It has been a while since I shot a BHP, but as I recall, the Browning was finished better. Sometimes someone will take the FEG for a HP, but only at a distance.

It is a decent enough gun, always reliable for me, and it is more accurate than I am, which may be faint praise. I like it, but I don't love it so much I wouldn't trade it for a CZ82.

 

[scoobysnacker]

I have a FEG HP clone, a 39-2 and a 915 (value 3rd gen S&W). I have foraged around through the bargain basement pistols for years, searching for the hidden gems. Here's the sense I have gotten about this:

The FEG clone (SA, 1 to 1 parts swap with true BHP) is desirable because it gives you cheap entry into the HP format. It's comparable to the Filipino 1911's in a lot of ways (obviously not warranty).

The S&W 39/59 and especially the 3rd Gen guns are desirable because they are well-made, proven, highly competent pistols from a prestigious brand, out of production due to the market shifting away from metal DA/SA pistols to cheaper, affordable/disposable plastic guns (in other words, the Glock). If you wanted a metal pistol and chose another, you were either going value (Ruger), or simply preferred a different style (Beretta, Sig). You didn't skip the S&W because it was junk, you skipped it for the same reason a Mustang fan would skip a Camaro... it just wasn't your preference.

The FEG DA/SA guns have neither of these factors going for it, they are simply obscure alternatives from a defunct manufacturer.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Scooby....now that's what I was looking for, a cogent analysis of the two different brands. I agree with you on the SA FEGs....it's why I bought them, and sold them when I could afford a real BHP (and the extra to get it rehabbed.)

As far as the SA/DA P9R....it's what I felt, but couldn't really find the words. Now I'll be focusing on better guns....would love to find a Sig 220 in 9mm.

again, thanks.