What was the Market for Browning Hi-Power?

[bushmaster1313]

I know that Sig sold its 210 to he Swiss Military.
What was the market for the Browning Hi-Power?

A nice one is on GunAuction.com under "Guns For Sale - BROWNING HI-POWER 9mm"

 

[A10]

Mr. Brownings last design (input anyway, he didn't do the whole thing) was intended as a military sidearm. One whole truckload of countries issued it. I don't recall who the first was, but I know the Brits and the Canadians used them for a very long time.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Mr. Brownings last design (input anyway, he didn't do the whole thing) was intended as a military sidearm. One whole truckload of countries issued it. I don't recall who the first was, but I know the Brits and the Canadians used them for a very long time.

That makes sense as it reminded me of the Sig P210

 

[2152hq]

I think the Belgian Army was the first to adopt it.
China was a big pre WW2 contract.

 

[Texas Star]

I think Latvia and Estonia were also very early users. Finland has used some, and maybe 50-60 nations issued it.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK still use it, although not exclusively. Australia has issued some H-K USP's and the UK special troops often have SIG's. Generals and some others have used Walther PP's and RAF pilots had to turn in their Brownings for PPK's.

It has been made in Canada and Argentina and I think in Indonesia. Certainly faked in Hungary, by FEG. Some were sold under the Mauser name. Those were FEG-made.

Think who used FN-FAL rifles, and the chances are, they also had Hi-Powers.

 

[jinx]

I recall seeing many photos and footage of Saddam wearing one.

 

[msinc]

My favorite pistol...and the most accurate I own. It had the distinction of being one of the very few firearms in history to fight opposing sides of WWII.

 

[UncleEd]

I believe it was the most issued and used military handgun around the world until around 1980. Clones of the Hi-Power were also widely distributed. They were much sought after in Vietnam by GIs and I believe they were sold in the PXes. I've also read that GIs sought them in the Korean War.

 

[max]

It was designed to meet requirements put forth by the French. They were looking for a new service pistol after WWI. I don't think the French adopted it, but many other countries did.

 

[2152hq]

The French never adopted it. They complained of weight and overall size in different 'trials',, FN made changes to satisfy them but in the end (1933),,Belgium was the first country of actually place an order for them. The first 1000 or so were the early oval ejection port pistols.

FN even made up trial pistols for France in 7.65 Long using a single stack magazine (8rd I think),,trying to comply with any of their ideas for a perfect Military pistol I guess.

France ultimately went with the Model 1935 in 7.65Long.

 

[pilgrim6a]

If you're interested. This will tell you more then you want to know.
Hi Powers and Handguns

 

[semperfi71]

I love mine!

 

[Beemerguy53]

I have two Hi-Powers, one in 9mm and one in .40S&W...

They are accurate, reliable, and easy to take down. Plus, with their very low bore axis and natural "pointability", they fit the hand better than any other pistol made, in my humble opinion.

 

[cmort666]

The Hi Power was designed for the French Army, who then passed it up for the M1935a and M1935s pistols and the silly 7.65mm French Long round.

I believe that the Belgian Army was the first to adopt it, followed by dozens of others, including the British AND the Germans in WWII.

There's a pretty good short write-up on the Hi Power on the Smallarmsoftheworld website.

 

[Ray]

I have an old Combat Handguns from the early eighties featuring the SAS.They used Hi-Powers back then.
Regards, Ray

 

[45Wheelgun]

Seems like this post needs some pictures.

This is a prewar Hi-Power that shipped to China in 1938:

 

[1911a2bphil]

Dave, Thats real nice. Does ATF consider the stock/holster a short-barreled rifle?

 

[45Wheelgun]

Dave, Thats real nice. Does ATF consider the stock/holster a short-barreled rifle?

No there is a specific exception for prewar Hi-Powers in the C&R regs. Don't try the same thing with a post war that has the slot. The stock has original FN hardware with replacement leather and wood.

Here is a pic with the COA attesting it was manufactured and imported with original prewar hardware purchased direct from FN in the '70s:

 

[Rule3]

John Marshall (Paladin)writes excellent articles for the Dillon Blue Press. Here is some info on BHP.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/259352-not-all-browning-hps-were-made-fn.html

 

[Pilgrim]

The Browning historian told me that this one was sold to someone in the US Air Force in 1965. It was a plain jane blue. Somewhere along the line it was BBQ'd. I couldn't resist it when I saw it. Gold, pearl and nickle.........

It shoots as good as it looks.