Browning Hi-Power: Educate me, please

**Spats McGee** · January 16, 2016, 07:25 AM

Truth be told, I really only started paying attention to BHPs in the last, oh, 6 or 7 years. And the more I look at them, the more I like them. I've heard them described (in Star Wars terms) as "a more elegant weapon, from a more civilized age."

I went to a gun show early this year (like the 2nd of January or something) and spotted a bunch of HPs in the ~$400-500 range. It's been a few weeks now, but it seems like most of the ones I looked at were made in Hungary (?). I didn't have the funds for one, nor did I know if that was a good price, so I came home. A quick Gunbroker search shows prices ranging from ~$300-1300 (plus the "super special, very rare, collector's edition," and the sky's the limit for those).

I think I'd like a HP, or a decent-quality clone, as a range gun. I don't really need it for HD or carry, and probably would not use it for either. So, with that background:
1. What's a decent price for a shooter? I'm aware that the market varies from place to place, price is based on condition, etc., but my gunbroker searches really aren't narrowing it down much. I'm also an absolutely atrocious collector. I won't buy a gun with the expectation that it will sit in my safe. If I own it, I shoot it.
2. How much difference does country of manufacture matter? Are some countries' HPs more desirable than others?
3. What other peculiarities should I be aware of in this hunt?

Thanks in advance,
Spats

Mobuck · January 16, 2016, 07:53 AM

I wouldn't touch the Hungary made HP with a 10' pole but that's just my opinion.
On the other hand, I've been impressed with my FM Hi-Power. I took it to Cylinder and Slide for some upgrades and their comment was "better than some and as good as most FN or Browning production". AIM Surplus has some Middle Eastern issue Hi-Powers listed at a decent price. Depends on whether you're looking for a collector or a shooter.

tallball · January 16, 2016, 07:55 AM

I bought a Hungarian clone for $200 in the late 1980's. It is accurate, fits the hand well, and has always functioned perfectly. The trigger and sights are so-so. I think that CDI Sales on Gunbroker usually has surplus clones for $400 or so. You really can't go wrong for that price. A lot of countries issued the BHP to their militaries. It served them well and would do the same for you.

alfredr · January 16, 2016, 08:33 AM

There are sites dedicated to the Hi-Power and clones. Look for some of them and you will find all the information you need. There is another thread on here right now about a Hi-Power and someone has posted a link to one of those sites.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571529

I like them, have a couple, including a F.E.G. clone (made in Hungary.) (assuming it shows up sometime and gets returned to me.) (Keep a list of your serial numbers; it makes it possible for them to get back to you if they ever get stolen.)

alfredr · January 16, 2016, 08:36 AM

Well, technically maybe I don't have the FEG, but I am the legal owner.

drobs · January 16, 2016, 08:38 AM

I have 3 FN Hi Powers - 2 MKIII and 1 MKII. Being a left hander I like the MKIII (latest version) the best. I like the factory ambi-safety and taller dovetailed sights.

Factory trigger pulls are between horrible and gawd awful. Removing the magazine disconnect on the MKIII helps. Replacing the trigger spring with a Wolf Extra Power Trigger Return Spring helps even more.

I get a little hammer bite from the MKIII hammer. The fix is to trim a hair of the back of the hammer spur. Haven't gotten around to that yet.

Regarding pricing - both of my MKIII's are Israeli surplus guns. My re-parked gun was bought from Coles on Gunbroker for around $480. His HP offerings are getting slim.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Semi-Auto-P...ellers=2621012

The beater looking MKIII is a PW Arms import and has horrible import markings on the other side of the slide. It is all matching as far as Serial Numbers. That one also came from Gunbroker for around $375.

The MKII pistol was bought from a friend for $450.

Regarding copies - FEG makes a good one that is interchangeable with FN/Browning parts.
Example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=536390749

The single action Bulgarian Arcus Hi Powers are good - just different looking.
Example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=534984732

The Argentine FM Hi Powers are good.
Example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=536388621

Personally - I like guns from the original factory = FN/Browning.

Edit: Looks like Aim Surplus just got another batch of Israeli FN MK3's
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...2&groupid=5389

Note some have solid trigger pins and some have roll pins for trigger pins. If you are so inclined to buy one from there - I'd call and ask them to handpick one with a solid trigger pin - not a roll pin.

Edited for Ibmikey

Ibmikey · January 16, 2016, 09:46 AM

FN has identified two of their models (Mk II and Mk III) but there has never been a Mk I other than the Englis HP of WWII which was designated Mk I *. Many owners are quite happy with their FEG made clones and I have shot several that were every bit as functional and accurate as my FN produced pistols (Browning imports FN produced pistols, has not made a HP in this country).
The pistols offered by Aim, Mk II and MkIII, are a real bargain most of the time as you take "pick of the litter" and may get a newer pistol or one that has some mileage on it. All will have scratched enamel that can easily be removed and refinished giving you a really nice High Power to shoot. I have found their Mk III pistols to be in better condition than the Mk II as they are newer and possibly carried/fired less......they also cost a little more.
The Mk III is probably the best of the High Power pistols produced for long term shooting although prior years are really collectable for their craftsmanship and finish.

tallball · January 16, 2016, 09:50 AM

Here is my FEG clone. It has been rode hard and put up wet for over 25 years and still functions perfectly. The original grips were wooden. I have never approached it with a 10' Pole, though my friend Peotr is 6'9"...

Ibmikey · January 16, 2016, 09:59 AM

Tallball, Ha ha, great reply!!

Mystro · January 16, 2016, 10:00 AM

The BHP was the standard in IPSC "minor power factor" competition in the 1990's. They ooze quality. I had one worked over by Cyliner & Slide back in the day. They are heavy so if edc is your plans, be prepared with a quality holster.

**Aguila Blanca** · January 16, 2016, 11:19 AM

Spats, there's a lengthy article about the Hi-Power in the new issue of Firearms (formerly Shotgun) News.

The "go to guy" for all things Hi-Power was the late Stephen Camp. He had a web site dedicated to the Hi-Power at http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/ . The site is still up, maintained (I believe) by his widow in his memory. There's also a decent discussion area for the Hi-Power on the M1911.org forum at http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay....wning-Hi-Power

The Hi-Power is an iconic handgun. In Europe (and many other parts of the world) it's much more iconic than the M1911. I have had no exposure to the FEG Hi-Power clones, but I have shot the Argentinean FM clone and they're excellent shooters. For some reason, though, they didn't narrow the slide at the muzzle, so they don't look quite like a "real" Hi-Power.

Quentin2 · January 16, 2016, 11:34 AM

Spats, in the $400-500 range that you saw, consider getting a real FN or Browning roll marked Hi-Power over the FEG unless you find a beautiful FEG. The surplus FNs will look rough but probably just have cosmetic issues. Some FEGs have nice, shiny bluing but they aren't licensed Hi-Powers (though they are good clones that use standard parts, except for the double action model).

I got a surplus Mark III for around $425. The epoxy finish is scratched but otherwise it's functionally in good shape. I like having the Browning rollmark also (most will say FN). The Mark III has decent sights and the feed ramp is throated to feed ammo better, and has the ambi safety lever.

The Pre-1990 Argentine FM is an FN licensed Hi-Power, made to FN specs. Later models are good but no longer are FN licensed. I have an older FM which is excellent but paid much less than an FN.

Quentin2 · January 16, 2016, 11:44 AM

Quote:

... I have shot the Argentinean FM clone and they're excellent shooters. For some reason, though, they didn't narrow the slide at the muzzle, so they don't look quite like a "real" Hi-Power.

That was a non-FN licensed FM. The pre-1990 models have the narrow muzzle. It's cheaper not to machine the front of the slide and it gives an interesting 1911 look. (Old slab side Hi-Power!)

gyvel · January 16, 2016, 02:55 PM

Quote:

I wouldn't touch the Hungary made HP with a 10' pole but that's just my opinion.

You have a sad misconception about Hungarian firearms. FEG has been around (until they went bankrupt a few years ago) since 1891 and, until the last two years of production, the HP clones were first class, as good in both fit and finish as any Belgian made Hi-power.

Historically, their production of handguns includes the Frommer Stop series, the 29M and 37M pistols, and the Walam and PA 63 pistols, all first rate weapons made of excellent materials with excellent old world craftsmanship.

gyvel · January 16, 2016, 03:01 PM

I purchased a reparked Israeli surplus Hi-Power from CDI Sales, and it basically looked like a new Parkerized gun, with which I was very pleased. Total cost with shipping was round $440.00

Harry Callahan · January 16, 2016, 04:16 PM

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

Pretty much anything you want to know about the BHP. I miss this guy.

WVsig · January 16, 2016, 04:32 PM

Right now in the BHP market not clones there are 2 ways to go IMHO.

Lots of people will direct you to CDI sales on GB AKA Coles Distribution is running low. They used to be the prime source for good surplus guns. He is at the bottom of the barrel these days. I would pass unless he gets some more guns in.

FN Belgium Hi Power 9mm Pistol Standard Mk 2 are available at AIM. They will be finished challenged but at $439.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...e6aba-18942077

Or

FN MKIIIs for $479.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1FNHPMK3I

The differences between MKII and MKIII guns can be found here.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/D...IIandMkIII.htm

For the most part is a stronger cast frame on the MKIIIs and dovetail front and rear sights. Personally I would go for a MKIII because they will last longer. In the end for me price drives the market. I have BHPs from the 50s to the 00s and they all shoot. Look for condition and for price.

People pay a larger premium for T series guns. Hard to find one less than $800 that is not a beater and when they are at that point the T means nothing. They are considered the height of fit and finish for many BHP collectors.

If you find a nice C series get it but most of them will have a small thumb safety and a half moon front sight or a adjustable rear sight. Hard to find a good one for less than $700.

I would pass on anything with an internal extractor. The internal extractor is a known weak point of the design. They break and are not produced anymore. Replacement extractors are hard to replace and when you find one they are expensive. That is why I recommend them for collector occasional shooters only.

If you are looking at clones the FEG, Charles Daly & FMs are the best of the breed but with their prices climbing into the $400 range I would choose a true FN/Browning even if it is finish challenged.

FM were made on Browning equipment under lic at one time. They are good clones. You see more FEGs than anything else and some of them are excellent. Some of their blued clones are stunning but you will pay a premium.

Charles Dalys are FEG parts assembled by Dan Wesson or Magnum Research, Inc. Only the first 500 were assembled by Dan Wesson. Their serial #s start with HP the Magnum Research guns serial #s start with HPM. If you find one of these they are great clones. The Spegel designed Uncle Mike grips that came with them are worth $60 by themselves. They are not seen very often but are great shooters. Only downside is that they have a XS big dot sights.I personally do not like them.

The other way to go is to stalk GB. You can find deals there. I bought a LNIB MKIII there for about $525 last year. I also picked up a lightly customized 1969 C series with a Bomar rear sight for $400. If you have the cash and are patient you can get nice BHPs on GB for the $500 to $600 range.

mete · January 16, 2016, 05:17 PM

There was a change in the steel at the point where they were offering the .40 cal version. The pre-change versions should be used only with standard pressure ammo while the post-change can also be used with + P ammo.
Treat your BHP well and it will last.

gyvel · January 16, 2016, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Lots of people will direct you to CDI sales on GB AKA Coles Distribution is running low. They used to be the prime source for good surplus guns. He is at the bottom of the barrel these days. I would pass unless he gets some more guns in.

Agreed. I just looked at what Hi-Powers they have left and it's all pitted crap.

kilimanjaro · January 16, 2016, 06:28 PM

The Hungarian FEG P9R is a well-made clone, worth the $250 or so you will pay for it.

The real Browning HP is getting pricey, but they are also worth the money. Condition is everything, though. When prices are at the levels they are now, every piece of poorly maintained metal comes out of the closet and gets a price tag slapped on it.

The AIM Surplus pistols are pretty good and another bargain.

WVsig · January 16, 2016, 06:37 PM

Quote:

The Hungarian FEG P9R is a well-made clone, worth the $250 or so you will pay for it.

FEGs do not sell for $250 anymore. More like $350-$400 unless it's trashed.

Kosh75287 · January 16, 2016, 07:40 PM

If it was possible to obtain a P-35 in .45 ACP, I would own one instead of the 1911A1. Despite its venerable design, I still regard it as the premier 9mm defensive pistol, the standard by which all others should be judged.

Then again, I've been accused of being biased in these matters.

alfredr · January 17, 2016, 08:51 AM

You do need to be advised though that FEG made some pistols that look very much like a Hi-Power, but aren't. And their model designations are sometimes confusing or unclear which is which. I believe mine is a 9HP (the clone) and the P9R mentioned by kilimanjaro is sometimes a clone and sometimes not. Still a fine enough pistol, but it may not be a Hi-Power clone. (Or then again, it might be.)

WVsig · January 17, 2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

I believe mine is a 9HP (the clone) and the P9R mentioned by kilimanjaro is sometimes a clone and sometimes not. Still a fine enough pistol, but it may not be a Hi-Power clone. (Or then again, it might be.)

Yes some of them are more like S&W 39s had sex with a BHP and spawned the P9R. The non-BHP clones sell for under $300 the actual BHP clones by FEG run in the $350 to $400 range. You might be able to find one for less but they are harder and harder to find there days.

rtpzwms · January 17, 2016, 09:45 AM

I have a Browning HP made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. I bought it in like new condition about 5 years ago for 700. I don't think it had a round cycled by the original owner. I traded in a Glock 17 gen 2 for the upgrade and it was a great trade. I don't see it going anywhere for a very long time. It shoots well and is well fitted. It cycles like a dream with what ever I choose to use for ammo. I feel guilty leaving it home on a range day.

January 16, 2016, 07:25 AM	#1
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	Browning Hi-Power: Educate me, please Truth be told, I really only started paying attention to BHPs in the last, oh, 6 or 7 years. And the more I look at them, the more I like them. I've heard them described (in Star Wars terms) as "a more elegant weapon, from a more civilized age." I went to a gun show early this year (like the 2nd of January or something) and spotted a bunch of HPs in the ~$400-500 range. It's been a few weeks now, but it seems like most of the ones I looked at were made in Hungary (?). I didn't have the funds for one, nor did I know if that was a good price, so I came home. A quick Gunbroker search shows prices ranging from ~$300-1300 (plus the "super special, very rare, collector's edition," and the sky's the limit for those). I think I'd like a HP, or a decent-quality clone, as a range gun. I don't really need it for HD or carry, and probably would not use it for either. So, with that background: 1. What's a decent price for a shooter? I'm aware that the market varies from place to place, price is based on condition, etc., but my gunbroker searches really aren't narrowing it down much. I'm also an absolutely atrocious collector. I won't buy a gun with the expectation that it will sit in my safe. If I own it, I shoot it. 2. How much difference does country of manufacture matter? Are some countries' HPs more desirable than others? 3. What other peculiarities should I be aware of in this hunt? Thanks in advance, Spats __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

January 16, 2016, 07:55 AM	#3
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I bought a Hungarian clone for $200 in the late 1980's. It is accurate, fits the hand well, and has always functioned perfectly. The trigger and sights are so-so. I think that CDI Sales on Gunbroker usually has surplus clones for $400 or so. You really can't go wrong for that price. A lot of countries issued the BHP to their militaries. It served them well and would do the same for you. Last edited by tallball; January 16, 2016 at 11:02 PM.

January 16, 2016, 08:38 AM	#6
drobs Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2015 Location: South Central MO / Africa Posts: 1,111	I have 3 FN Hi Powers - 2 MKIII and 1 MKII. Being a left hander I like the MKIII (latest version) the best. I like the factory ambi-safety and taller dovetailed sights. Factory trigger pulls are between horrible and gawd awful. Removing the magazine disconnect on the MKIII helps. Replacing the trigger spring with a Wolf Extra Power Trigger Return Spring helps even more. I get a little hammer bite from the MKIII hammer. The fix is to trim a hair of the back of the hammer spur. Haven't gotten around to that yet. Regarding pricing - both of my MKIII's are Israeli surplus guns. My re-parked gun was bought from Coles on Gunbroker for around $480. His HP offerings are getting slim. http://www.gunbroker.com/Semi-Auto-P...ellers=2621012 The beater looking MKIII is a PW Arms import and has horrible import markings on the other side of the slide. It is all matching as far as Serial Numbers. That one also came from Gunbroker for around $375. The MKII pistol was bought from a friend for $450. Regarding copies - FEG makes a good one that is interchangeable with FN/Browning parts. Example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=536390749 The single action Bulgarian Arcus Hi Powers are good - just different looking. Example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=534984732 The Argentine FM Hi Powers are good. Example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=536388621 Personally - I like guns from the original factory = FN/Browning. Edit: Looks like Aim Surplus just got another batch of Israeli FN MK3's http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...2&groupid=5389 Note some have solid trigger pins and some have roll pins for trigger pins. If you are so inclined to buy one from there - I'd call and ask them to handpick one with a solid trigger pin - not a roll pin. Edited for Ibmikey Last edited by drobs; January 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM.

January 16, 2016, 10:00 AM	#10
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	The BHP was the standard in IPSC "minor power factor" competition in the 1990's. They ooze quality. I had one worked over by Cyliner & Slide back in the day. They are heavy so if edc is your plans, be prepared with a quality holster. __________________ "I'm a good guy with a gun" What do I care if I give up some freedom or rights?....The Goverment will take care of me. This kind of thinking is now in the majority and it should concern you. "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what free entitlements you can bleed from your country"

January 16, 2016, 03:01 PM	#15
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I purchased a reparked Israeli surplus Hi-Power from CDI Sales, and it basically looked like a new Parkerized gun, with which I was very pleased. Total cost with shipping was round $440.00 __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

January 16, 2016, 07:53 AM	#2
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I wouldn't touch the Hungary made HP with a 10' pole but that's just my opinion. On the other hand, I've been impressed with my FM Hi-Power. I took it to Cylinder and Slide for some upgrades and their comment was "better than some and as good as most FN or Browning production". AIM Surplus has some Middle Eastern issue Hi-Powers listed at a decent price. Depends on whether you're looking for a collector or a shooter.

January 16, 2016, 08:33 AM	#4
alfredr Member Join Date: July 7, 2012 Location: Marietta, Ga. Posts: 48	There are sites dedicated to the Hi-Power and clones. Look for some of them and you will find all the information you need. There is another thread on here right now about a Hi-Power and someone has posted a link to one of those sites. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571529 I like them, have a couple, including a F.E.G. clone (made in Hungary.) (assuming it shows up sometime and gets returned to me.) (Keep a list of your serial numbers; it makes it possible for them to get back to you if they ever get stolen.)

January 16, 2016, 08:36 AM	#5
alfredr Member Join Date: July 7, 2012 Location: Marietta, Ga. Posts: 48	Well, technically maybe I don't have the FEG, but I am the legal owner.

January 16, 2016, 09:46 AM	#7
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	FN has identified two of their models (Mk II and Mk III) but there has never been a Mk I other than the Englis HP of WWII which was designated Mk I *. Many owners are quite happy with their FEG made clones and I have shot several that were every bit as functional and accurate as my FN produced pistols (Browning imports FN produced pistols, has not made a HP in this country). The pistols offered by Aim, Mk II and MkIII, are a real bargain most of the time as you take "pick of the litter" and may get a newer pistol or one that has some mileage on it. All will have scratched enamel that can easily be removed and refinished giving you a really nice High Power to shoot. I have found their Mk III pistols to be in better condition than the Mk II as they are newer and possibly carried/fired less......they also cost a little more. The Mk III is probably the best of the High Power pistols produced for long term shooting although prior years are really collectable for their craftsmanship and finish.

January 16, 2016, 09:50 AM	#8
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	Here is my FEG clone. It has been rode hard and put up wet for over 25 years and still functions perfectly. The original grips were wooden. I have never approached it with a 10' Pole, though my friend Peotr is 6'9"...

January 16, 2016, 09:59 AM	#9
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	Tallball, Ha ha, great reply!!

January 16, 2016, 11:19 AM	#11
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	Spats, there's a lengthy article about the Hi-Power in the new issue of Firearms (formerly Shotgun) News. The "go to guy" for all things Hi-Power was the late Stephen Camp. He had a web site dedicated to the Hi-Power at http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/ . The site is still up, maintained (I believe) by his widow in his memory. There's also a decent discussion area for the Hi-Power on the M1911.org forum at http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay....wning-Hi-Power The Hi-Power is an iconic handgun. In Europe (and many other parts of the world) it's much more iconic than the M1911. I have had no exposure to the FEG Hi-Power clones, but I have shot the Argentinean FM clone and they're excellent shooters. For some reason, though, they didn't narrow the slide at the muzzle, so they don't look quite like a "real" Hi-Power.

January 16, 2016, 11:34 AM	#12
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	Spats, in the $400-500 range that you saw, consider getting a real FN or Browning roll marked Hi-Power over the FEG unless you find a beautiful FEG. The surplus FNs will look rough but probably just have cosmetic issues. Some FEGs have nice, shiny bluing but they aren't licensed Hi-Powers (though they are good clones that use standard parts, except for the double action model). I got a surplus Mark III for around $425. The epoxy finish is scratched but otherwise it's functionally in good shape. I like having the Browning rollmark also (most will say FN). The Mark III has decent sights and the feed ramp is throated to feed ammo better, and has the ambi safety lever. The Pre-1990 Argentine FM is an FN licensed Hi-Power, made to FN specs. Later models are good but no longer are FN licensed. I have an older FM which is excellent but paid much less than an FN.

January 16, 2016, 04:16 PM	#16
Harry Callahan Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2006 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 832	Stephen Camp RIP http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/ Pretty much anything you want to know about the BHP. I miss this guy. __________________ "Ah ah. I know what you're thinkin'. Did he fire 6 shots or only 5? To tell you the truth in all this excitement I've kind of lost track myself. But with this being a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off... you've got to ask yourself a question. Do I feel lucky? WELL DO YA, PUNK?!!!"- Harry Callahan(Dirty Harry)

January 16, 2016, 04:32 PM	#17
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	Right now in the BHP market not clones there are 2 ways to go IMHO. Lots of people will direct you to CDI sales on GB AKA Coles Distribution is running low. They used to be the prime source for good surplus guns. He is at the bottom of the barrel these days. I would pass unless he gets some more guns in. FN Belgium Hi Power 9mm Pistol Standard Mk 2 are available at AIM. They will be finished challenged but at $439. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...e6aba-18942077 Or FN MKIIIs for $479. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1FNHPMK3I The differences between MKII and MKIII guns can be found here. http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/D...IIandMkIII.htm For the most part is a stronger cast frame on the MKIIIs and dovetail front and rear sights. Personally I would go for a MKIII because they will last longer. In the end for me price drives the market. I have BHPs from the 50s to the 00s and they all shoot. Look for condition and for price. People pay a larger premium for T series guns. Hard to find one less than $800 that is not a beater and when they are at that point the T means nothing. They are considered the height of fit and finish for many BHP collectors. If you find a nice C series get it but most of them will have a small thumb safety and a half moon front sight or a adjustable rear sight. Hard to find a good one for less than $700. I would pass on anything with an internal extractor. The internal extractor is a known weak point of the design. They break and are not produced anymore. Replacement extractors are hard to replace and when you find one they are expensive. That is why I recommend them for collector occasional shooters only. If you are looking at clones the FEG, Charles Daly & FMs are the best of the breed but with their prices climbing into the $400 range I would choose a true FN/Browning even if it is finish challenged. FM were made on Browning equipment under lic at one time. They are good clones. You see more FEGs than anything else and some of them are excellent. Some of their blued clones are stunning but you will pay a premium. Charles Dalys are FEG parts assembled by Dan Wesson or Magnum Research, Inc. Only the first 500 were assembled by Dan Wesson. Their serial #s start with HP the Magnum Research guns serial #s start with HPM. If you find one of these they are great clones. The Spegel designed Uncle Mike grips that came with them are worth $60 by themselves. They are not seen very often but are great shooters. Only downside is that they have a XS big dot sights.I personally do not like them. The other way to go is to stalk GB. You can find deals there. I bought a LNIB MKIII there for about $525 last year. I also picked up a lightly customized 1969 C series with a Bomar rear sight for $400. If you have the cash and are patient you can get nice BHPs on GB for the $500 to $600 range. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle Last edited by WVsig; January 16, 2016 at 04:49 PM.

January 16, 2016, 05:17 PM	#18
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	There was a change in the steel at the point where they were offering the .40 cal version. The pre-change versions should be used only with standard pressure ammo while the post-change can also be used with + P ammo. Treat your BHP well and it will last. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

January 16, 2016, 06:28 PM	#20
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	The Hungarian FEG P9R is a well-made clone, worth the $250 or so you will pay for it. The real Browning HP is getting pricey, but they are also worth the money. Condition is everything, though. When prices are at the levels they are now, every piece of poorly maintained metal comes out of the closet and gets a price tag slapped on it. The AIM Surplus pistols are pretty good and another bargain.

January 16, 2016, 07:40 PM	#22
Kosh75287 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2007 Posts: 820	If it was possible to obtain a P-35 in .45 ACP, I would own one instead of the 1911A1. Despite its venerable design, I still regard it as the premier 9mm defensive pistol, the standard by which all others should be judged. Then again, I've been accused of being biased in these matters. __________________ GOD BLESS JEFF COOPER, whose instructions, consultations, and publications have probably saved more lives than can ever be reliably calculated. DVC, sir. انجلو. المسلحة. جاهزة. Carpe SCOTCH!

January 17, 2016, 08:51 AM	#23
alfredr Member Join Date: July 7, 2012 Location: Marietta, Ga. Posts: 48	You do need to be advised though that FEG made some pistols that look very much like a Hi-Power, but aren't. And their model designations are sometimes confusing or unclear which is which. I believe mine is a 9HP (the clone) and the P9R mentioned by kilimanjaro is sometimes a clone and sometimes not. Still a fine enough pistol, but it may not be a Hi-Power clone. (Or then again, it might be.)

January 17, 2016, 09:45 AM	#25
rtpzwms Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Location: OTS Posts: 1,035	I have a Browning HP made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. I bought it in like new condition about 5 years ago for 700. I don't think it had a round cycled by the original owner. I traded in a Glock 17 gen 2 for the upgrade and it was a great trade. I don't see it going anywhere for a very long time. It shoots well and is well fitted. It cycles like a dream with what ever I choose to use for ammo. I feel guilty leaving it home on a range day. __________________ Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.