April 29, 2022, 11:23 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 1, 2021
Posts: 455
|
Hungarian FN High Powers
Hello all.
Was at the LGS/parts shop and after I picked out what I wanted, I thought I would burn some time and look at stuff I couldn’t afford, the Lugers, etc. I came across a dozen or so FN High Power pistols, but the tags specifically all said, and the roll marks all corroborated that they were made in Hungary. “FN/Hungarian Hi Power”. The pistols looked in good enough shape, the shop was short-staffed today so I didn’t bug anyone to fondle them or look at them much more up close and personal. The 10 pieces in the one case all had asking prices of $400, which FWIW I completely realize that I will be getting what I pay for if I get one and it is a box of crap. There were two that were in better shape, looking almost unissued, asking $475. My question to the membership, does anyone here have any leads on the quality level of Hungarian High Powers? Also, are these asking prices in the ball park of realistic?? Should I go pick one up before they are gone?? They are legit priced to sell. Or would I be getting myself into a world of trouble? Thanks all!! |
April 29, 2022, 12:55 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 7, 2006
Posts: 10,969
|
I didn't know that FN had an agreement to produce the HP in Hungary, but FEG in Hungary made Hi-Powers that were almost indistinguishable from the FN models. They were extremely nice pistols.
I would be all over them for $400. |
April 29, 2022, 01:09 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 1, 2021
Posts: 455
|
I have been reading things that parrot your lines Bill. Ever since I posted the original topic. Reading a plenty. I wanted to see what the fine folks here could share with me, too.
|
April 29, 2022, 04:51 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 23, 2006
Location: Plano, Texas
Posts: 3,062
|
FN never licensed Hungary to make a copy of the Hi Power.
FEG, a Hungarian manufacturer DID manufacture a very good copy of the FN Hi Power. FEG also made counterfeit FN Hi Powers. The serial#'s used are the givaway.
__________________
Need a FFL in Dallas/Plano/Allen/Frisco/McKinney ? Just EMAIL me. $20 transfers ($10 for CHL, active military,police,fire or schoolteachers) Plano, Texas...........the Gun Nut Capitol of Gun Culture, USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELwCqz2JfE |
April 29, 2022, 06:25 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 28, 2013
Posts: 3,156
|
My FEG Hipower is very good. Shoots good, reliable, and just balances nicely in the hand. Even though it’s a steel pistol it doesn’t feel heavy in my hands. I’d say if it had a weak point would be the sights, they’re not horrible but could be better. I got mine about six years ago for $250.00 and the bluing is about 85-90% with no messy import marks. I’d say get the nicer one for $475.00 and you won’t regret it.
|
April 29, 2022, 06:47 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 25, 2001
Location: Alabama
Posts: 18,503
|
I once saw a FEG built Hi Power with very sincere Mauser banner trademark.
Old style sights and safety discouraged me from buying it. |
April 29, 2022, 07:28 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 1, 2021
Posts: 455
|
Thanks everyone!!! Very helpful. Might have to just yank some cash from the gun fund and go nab one of those $475 monsters.
|
April 30, 2022, 12:48 PM | #8 |
Staff
Join Date: March 11, 2006
Location: Upper US
Posts: 28,701
|
Friend of mine had one in the 80s. FEG made in Hungary. Only way you could tell it wasn't an FN were the markings and the price. It was a $180 gun brand new when a "real" Hi Power was $350+ USED....
A couple years after he got it, the recoil spring guide broke. I ordered the Hi Power part from Numrich, it dropped right in and worked fine. At today's prices, less than $500 for a decent Hi Power clone (and there are some that aren't "decent" doesn't seem like too much.
__________________
All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better. |
April 30, 2022, 07:30 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 1, 2021
Posts: 455
|
Just a thought, FWIW, with the plethora of other companies now making them (supposedly Springfield is no longer taking orders, nor fulfilling them anymore for their SA-35), I guess these old relics just haven’t garnered the attention the new ones have/do.
Hopefully none of you guys and gals live close enough and know what shop I am talking about and bought them all up. Hahah |
April 30, 2022, 09:27 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 8, 2004
Location: Nevada
Posts: 518
|
Post 9,
Unless it's just a timing issue between reality and Springfield Armory's website, the SA35 is still shown, which leads me to believe the SA35 is still a current product. Availability, production, and supply could be another issue or cause for the lack of availability, however. https://www.springfield-armory.com/s...a-35-handguns/
__________________
(former) Glock Armorer 1911 Armorer LEO (retired) |
April 30, 2022, 10:42 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: March 20, 2011
Location: Willamina, OR
Posts: 1,908
|
I had one way back when. I also had an Argentine FM. I decided I liked the FM better and sold the FEG. Big mistake. The FM I had was one of the late ones with poorly heat treated slides...
If I had kept the FEG instead, I'd likely still have it. It was a good shooter... Tony |
May 1, 2022, 08:11 AM | #12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 1, 2021
Posts: 455
|
Quote:
This could all be misunderstood by him, sometimes he only hears what he wants to hear. So there’s that, too. Hahah Thanks for the tip, Post 10 |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|