Info for a Browning Hi Power

emcee101 · April 23, 2015, 04:55 PM

I have a Hi Power that I don't know too much about and was hoping someone could pass along some info and possibly an approx. value. From what I know so far, it is produced in 1988 and from what I am told is a transitional Type 73 sport model, although I can't say that I know what that means other than it is in between a mark II and a mark III.

The gun is in really good condition with minimal wear in all the usual places. It has seen less than 200 rounds since it was purchased new, and has not changed hands since that time. I posted some pics below, and will also post some separate pics of the proof marks on the gun and barrel if they will help.

Thanks in advance for any info.

g.willikers · April 24, 2015, 09:01 AM

Check the price of new ones and go from there.
http://www.browning.com/products/cat...er.asp?f1=007B
They have really gone up in recent years, which should support the price of very nice used ones.
But, like most things, condition is everything, as is demand.
While the High Power is a first class pistol, they seem to be quite rare at matches and even at the range.
The modern striker designs definitely dominate that market.
There must be a strong demand, though, or Browning wouldn't still be making them.

jonnyc · April 24, 2015, 09:28 AM

While yours might have started out as a "transitional" model between Marks II and III, just about all the "transitional" appendages and indicators have been swapped out. Your sights and safety ore the big things, and the grips are also after-market. The best thing about your pistol, if it was made in 1988, is that it doesn't have the later firing-pin safety.

Super Sneaky Steve · April 24, 2015, 07:05 PM

I paid about $950 for a new FN model. I don't see why you couldn't get $800 for a nice used one like that.

jrothWA · April 24, 2015, 08:48 PM

www.hipowersandhandguns.com.

Good information there.

Check the SN on Brownings Firearms.com, mainly the "alpha" character
SN were 50/mid 70's(?), then cam the 215 70 -early 80's, the the 245's on the last forged framed, the 500 series are the cast frames.

April 24, 2015, 09:01 AM	#2
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Check the price of new ones and go from there. http://www.browning.com/products/cat...er.asp?f1=007B They have really gone up in recent years, which should support the price of very nice used ones. But, like most things, condition is everything, as is demand. While the High Power is a first class pistol, they seem to be quite rare at matches and even at the range. The modern striker designs definitely dominate that market. There must be a strong demand, though, or Browning wouldn't still be making them. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.” Last edited by g.willikers; April 24, 2015 at 09:09 AM.

April 24, 2015, 09:28 AM	#3
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	While yours might have started out as a "transitional" model between Marks II and III, just about all the "transitional" appendages and indicators have been swapped out. Your sights and safety ore the big things, and the grips are also after-market. The best thing about your pistol, if it was made in 1988, is that it doesn't have the later firing-pin safety. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

April 24, 2015, 08:48 PM	#5
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	Go to late Steve Camp's website... www.hipowersandhandguns.com. Good information there. Check the SN on Brownings Firearms.com, mainly the "alpha" character SN were 50/mid 70's(?), then cam the 215 70 -early 80's, the the 245's on the last forged framed, the 500 series are the cast frames.

April 24, 2015, 07:05 PM	#4
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	I paid about $950 for a new FN model. I don't see why you couldn't get $800 for a nice used one like that.