FEG High Power Clone

PT-92 · July 22, 2012, 11:34 PM

Does anyone know if these are still produced ( I see a lot of used ones avaiable)? I have an itch for a Browning High Power but I just can't justify the costs and I have read very good reviews of the Argentinian alternative.

I would love to find one NIB.

Anyone?

-Cheers

Stringfellow · July 23, 2012, 12:31 AM

FEG went out of business more than 10 years ago. I thought I saw that a new company picked up the name, but don't know that for sure.

NIB FEGs can still be had if you keep your eyes open. I got mine last year for well under $300, and it was either new or like new. Generally the best ones to find are Kassnar (KBI). FEG's main weakness was its fit n' finish, and the Kassnar Hi Powers were finished much nicer than standard FEGs.

Let us know how you make out!

Good luck!

Stringfellow · July 23, 2012, 12:42 AM

And BTW, FEG is Hungarian, while FM is Argentinian. I think FM is still in business and producing Hi Powers.

I think the consensus is that FEGs are a bit better pistols, while FM is a more perfect clone of the original (except the front of the slide resembles a 1911). I have no personal experience with FMs though.

I generally agree with your logic about getting into Hi Powers on the cheap--that's how I ended up with my FEG. However, you might consider a real Browning Hi Power--a huge European police force just replaced their BHPs, and now they are pretty common on Gunbroker at almost $100 less than they were just a month ago.

See http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Sel...px?User=979927. Cole's has a pretty solid reputation for conservative grading. They also have some great deals on used FEGs and Israeli Kareens (Israeli assembled Hi Powers from FEG parts IIRC).

PT-92 · July 23, 2012, 10:07 AM

Stringfellow,

Thanks for the great info!

-Cheers

gyvel · July 23, 2012, 10:20 AM

A cautionary note: I would be willing to bet that at least three of the pistols I looked at are FEG "FN" counterfeits, i.e. they have FN markings but are FEGs.

carguychris · July 23, 2012, 10:54 PM

Gyvel: how can you tell?

PT-92: before shopping for an FEG, be aware that the company switched to S&W Model 39-style ramp-actuated barrel lockup on later pistols, but did not mark these pistols any differently. Read the following blog and pay close attention to the parts about the "footprint" frame.

http://feghp.blogspot.com/2010/02/de...-hi-power.html

gyvel · July 25, 2012, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Gyvel: how can you tell?

The FEG counterfeits, although very clever, right down to the spurious Belgian proofs, used their own system of serial numbering, and not that of FN. It was such an obvious thing, I really can't understand how they would overlook something like that.

PT-92 · July 25, 2012, 08:49 AM

I am concerned about whether these are legit:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/973527108..._power_Cop.htm

CWKahrFan · July 25, 2012, 10:24 AM

I'm not sure what you mean by the word "legit"...

That FP9 in the gunsamerica classified ad is what they say it is: a Hungarian FEG-produced copy of a Browning HP.

PT-92 · July 25, 2012, 10:27 AM

Sorry for the ambiguity as someone had mentioned to me earlier to check the serial number on the HP Clones as 'counterfeiting' is common.

CWKahrFan · July 25, 2012, 10:37 AM

Here's other past threads on the subject if you want more:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg

PT-92 · July 25, 2012, 10:38 AM

Thanks for the links!

CWKahrFan · July 25, 2012, 10:55 AM

Cool... "Search" is my friend...

gyvel · July 26, 2012, 12:33 AM

Quote:

I am concerned about whether these are legit:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/973527108..._power_Cop.htm

Yes, that is a "legit" FEG, and is so marked. The guns I am referring to are marked "Fabrique Nationale," have spurious Belgian proof marks, but are numbered the same way FEG numbered their own FEG marked guns. I got burned once on one of these, and a quick examination of some internal inspector's marks confirmed my suspicions.

As the "story" goes: The counterfeit "FN" marked guns were made for sale to a Middle Eastern country to a government that didn't know any better.

Que · July 27, 2012, 11:51 AM

I have a mint Browning Hi Power that sits in the safe. My shooter is a Hi Power type FEG (not the Smith type) imported by CAI with a lanyard loop. It looks like it was dragged through the desert but shoots like a dream, but a bit high and to the left which is fairly common from what I have heard. After I removed the mag safety the trigger was darn nice. I could get this gun painted and it would probably look 100% better, but I'm liking it just as it is not having to get fussy over the finish. I paid $240 and wouldn't part with it.

PT-92 · July 27, 2012, 11:53 AM

What about mags for the FEG HP clones? I am sure the original browning ones will work (expensive) but are there any 'reliable' recommended aftermarket magazines?

-Cheers

gyvel · July 28, 2012, 03:25 AM

Quote:

What about mags for the FEG HP clones? I am sure the original browning ones will work (expensive) but are there any 'reliable' recommended aftermarket magazines?

Yes, FN and FEG HP mags are completely interchangeable. The best aftermarkets, hands down, are Mecgars.

mbott · July 28, 2012, 10:30 AM

Anyone looking for information on the FEG HiPower Clone shoud be checking here: http://feghp.blogspot.com/2010/02/de...-hi-power.html

--
Mike

briang2ad · July 28, 2012, 12:15 PM

I passed one up some years back for $250 - its a shame I didn't get it - the finish was quite nice for the price. I've mostly heard good reports about them.

I finally broke down and got a HiPower. VERY nice guns. It took me 2 years before I found one at the right price. And... if you hold out long enough, you may just find one for $500 or $550. I wait some time for one before I laid down $400 for an FEG. The FEG is a good gun, but I would haev to get it at a bargain rate.

Kilroy08 · July 28, 2012, 08:22 PM

I bought one back in 2003 for about $200. It was imported by KBI. Hands down the best inexpensive pistol I ever purchased.

Finish and accuracy were top notch. My only complaint is at the muzzle end where the slide steps down in width was not machined evenly on both sides.

platform · July 28, 2012, 09:48 PM

Quote:

FEG High Power Clone
Does anyone know if these are still produced ( I see a lot of used ones avaiable)? I have an itch for a Browning High Power but I just can't justify the costs and I have read very good reviews of the Argentinian alternative.

I would love to find one NIB.

as many have suggested, look athe blogspot reference. Very informative
FEG HP clones (for example ribbed FP9) and others will interchange mags and in general parts with High powers.

None of the fegs have the newer HP SFS system.

FEG HP clones are no longer imported (probably no longer made as well).
FEG DA versions (look like HP from the outside, but internally different) -- also no longer imported.

You can find a NIB one, on action sites -- but have to make sure it is not the DA version

I do not have experience with Argentinian version -- but my understanding is that they used the older fn machinery so they must be just like the original in terms of machinery (not sure in terms of metallurgy )

Thedealer warehouse also sells .22 conversion kit (I plan to install it on a feg hp clone to see how it works)

you should not pay more than $315 otd for HP clone with a mag (feg or not).
the only three things that in my view make it desirable are
all steel, HP angle grip/slide beauty, fits many hp accessories/mags

in these days of seeing sig pro 2022 going for 349 free shipping (palmetto state armory) and rugger sr9 close to it -- quite hard to justify an hp (even the original for 750+)... On another hand hard to justify having dosens of these things

in the first place... so 'justification' is relative

gyvel · July 29, 2012, 02:17 AM

Quote:

FEG HP clones are no longer imported (probably no longer made as well).
FEG DA versions (look like HP from the outside, but internally different) -- also no longer imported.

FEG declared bankruptcy a few years ago and is no longer in existence.

gyvel · July 29, 2012, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Thedealer warehouse also sells .22 conversion kit (I plan to install it on a feg hp clone to see how it works)

If it is an Argentine kit, they work well enough, but the internal machining leaves a little to be desired. Also, they make the gun look something like a SIG.

PT-92 · July 30, 2012, 12:11 PM

Would you guys say that $425 for a 'NIB' FEG Hi Power is 'overpriced'? I realize that everything is subjective but just in your humble opinion?

CWKahrFan · July 30, 2012, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Would you guys say that $425 for a 'NIB' FEG Hi Power is 'overpriced'?

It's about right. If the gun looks good to you, I'd say go for it.

July 22, 2012, 11:34 PM	#1
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	FEG High Power Clone Does anyone know if these are still produced ( I see a lot of used ones avaiable)? I have an itch for a Browning High Power but I just can't justify the costs and I have read very good reviews of the Argentinian alternative. I would love to find one NIB. Anyone? -Cheers

July 25, 2012, 08:49 AM	#8
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	What About This? I am concerned about whether these are legit: http://www.gunsamerica.com/973527108..._power_Cop.htm

July 28, 2012, 10:30 AM	#18
mbott Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 1999 Location: Westerville, Ohio Posts: 640	Anyone looking for information on the FEG HiPower Clone shoud be checking here: http://feghp.blogspot.com/2010/02/de...-hi-power.html -- Mike __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member NRA Certified Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle and Personal Protection Instructor Law Enforcement Sales, Retired

July 23, 2012, 12:31 AM	#2
Stringfellow Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2009 Posts: 215	FEG went out of business more than 10 years ago. I thought I saw that a new company picked up the name, but don't know that for sure. NIB FEGs can still be had if you keep your eyes open. I got mine last year for well under $300, and it was either new or like new. Generally the best ones to find are Kassnar (KBI). FEG's main weakness was its fit n' finish, and the Kassnar Hi Powers were finished much nicer than standard FEGs. Let us know how you make out! Good luck!

July 23, 2012, 12:42 AM	#3
Stringfellow Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2009 Posts: 215	And BTW, FEG is Hungarian, while FM is Argentinian. I think FM is still in business and producing Hi Powers. I think the consensus is that FEGs are a bit better pistols, while FM is a more perfect clone of the original (except the front of the slide resembles a 1911). I have no personal experience with FMs though. I generally agree with your logic about getting into Hi Powers on the cheap--that's how I ended up with my FEG. However, you might consider a real Browning Hi Power--a huge European police force just replaced their BHPs, and now they are pretty common on Gunbroker at almost $100 less than they were just a month ago. See http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Sel...px?User=979927. Cole's has a pretty solid reputation for conservative grading. They also have some great deals on used FEGs and Israeli Kareens (Israeli assembled Hi Powers from FEG parts IIRC).

July 23, 2012, 10:07 AM	#4
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	Stringfellow, Thanks for the great info! -Cheers

July 23, 2012, 10:20 AM	#5
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	A cautionary note: I would be willing to bet that at least three of the pistols I looked at are FEG "FN" counterfeits, i.e. they have FN markings but are FEGs.

July 23, 2012, 10:54 PM	#6
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Gyvel: how can you tell? PT-92: before shopping for an FEG, be aware that the company switched to S&W Model 39-style ramp-actuated barrel lockup on later pistols, but did not mark these pistols any differently. Read the following blog and pay close attention to the parts about the "footprint" frame. http://feghp.blogspot.com/2010/02/de...-hi-power.html

July 25, 2012, 10:24 AM	#9
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	I'm not sure what you mean by the word "legit"... That FP9 in the gunsamerica classified ad is what they say it is: a Hungarian FEG-produced copy of a Browning HP.

July 25, 2012, 10:27 AM	#10
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	Sorry for the ambiguity as someone had mentioned to me earlier to check the serial number on the HP Clones as 'counterfeiting' is common.

July 25, 2012, 10:37 AM	#11
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Here's other past threads on the subject if you want more: http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...&highlight=feg

July 25, 2012, 10:38 AM	#12
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	Thanks for the links!

July 25, 2012, 10:55 AM	#13
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Cool... "Search" is my friend...

July 27, 2012, 11:51 AM	#15
Que Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 912	I have a mint Browning Hi Power that sits in the safe. My shooter is a Hi Power type FEG (not the Smith type) imported by CAI with a lanyard loop. It looks like it was dragged through the desert but shoots like a dream, but a bit high and to the left which is fairly common from what I have heard. After I removed the mag safety the trigger was darn nice. I could get this gun painted and it would probably look 100% better, but I'm liking it just as it is not having to get fussy over the finish. I paid $240 and wouldn't part with it.

July 27, 2012, 11:53 AM	#16
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	What about mags for the FEG HP clones? I am sure the original browning ones will work (expensive) but are there any 'reliable' recommended aftermarket magazines? -Cheers

July 28, 2012, 12:15 PM	#19
briang2ad Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2004 Posts: 859	I passed one up some years back for $250 - its a shame I didn't get it - the finish was quite nice for the price. I've mostly heard good reports about them. I finally broke down and got a HiPower. VERY nice guns. It took me 2 years before I found one at the right price. And... if you hold out long enough, you may just find one for $500 or $550. I wait some time for one before I laid down $400 for an FEG. The FEG is a good gun, but I would haev to get it at a bargain rate.

July 28, 2012, 08:22 PM	#20
Kilroy08 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2005 Posts: 168	I bought one back in 2003 for about $200. It was imported by KBI. Hands down the best inexpensive pistol I ever purchased. Finish and accuracy were top notch. My only complaint is at the muzzle end where the slide steps down in width was not machined evenly on both sides.

July 30, 2012, 12:11 PM	#24
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	Would you guys say that $425 for a 'NIB' FEG Hi Power is 'overpriced'? I realize that everything is subjective but just in your humble opinion?