browning hi power clones

bspillman · January 7, 2012, 09:33 PM

can any one tell me if there are any gret hipower clones. I own a high power it was given to me by my grandfather back in the eighties. it has never been fired and it wont be due to sentimentle vale. the reason for the question is i was in my local gun shop today and was looking at an arcus hi power clone. the gun looked sweet and felt like great quaility. the store mowner said he cant keep them on the shelves. any one with any experiance with these.

IDAHO83501 · January 7, 2012, 09:53 PM

I have heard mixed reviews of Argus. FEG made a decent Hi=Power clone,,you can still find some on gunbroker.com..

MLeake · January 7, 2012, 10:19 PM

Back in the early 90's I bought an Argentinian HiPower clone because I got a great price on it... but the gun was a true jam-o-matic, and I traded it at a pawn shop shortly thereafter for an SP101.

Since then, I acquired a real HiPower, and it works pretty well.

I'd say you buy a knock-off at your own risk. It's kind of like the old Bottle Rockets song, "$1000 Car."

A thousand dollar car, it ain't worth nothin',
A thousand dollar car, it ain't worth >>>>,
Might as well take your thousand dollars,
And set fire to it.

IE, sometimes saving money can get very expensive, by the time you ultimately buy what you should have bought in the first place...

**Aguila Blanca** · January 7, 2012, 11:21 PM

The Argentinean Hi-Powers are not really "clones." They are exact duplicates, other than finish, built under license from FN. The name is FM (for "Fabrique Militaire"). I have owned two, and both ran flawlessly out of the box and thereafter. I let one of the guys at my range's local competition try one of mine because he thought he might do better with a 9mm than a .45 1911.

The next week he was shooting an FM Hi-Power.

Back then Sarco had them for great prices. More recently, Argentina has cut back drastically on the exports and the FMs are hard to find. IMHO they are a bargain, and a Hi-Power in every way.

MLeake · January 7, 2012, 11:28 PM

My FM did not have the narrowed/tapered front end slide. I would not say it was to exact FN specs. It's good that yours worked out better. Mine was not good.

80viking · January 8, 2012, 04:04 AM

I picked up an FM High Power over the summer and so far have a little over 1000 rds thru it and other than some issues with some after market magazines my son and I absolutely love it.

darkgael · January 8, 2012, 06:33 AM

Quote:

The Argentinean Hi-Powers........... The name is FM (for "Fabrique Militaire"). I have owned two, and both ran flawlessly out of the box and thereafter. I let one of the guy

That has been my experience also.
Pete

Smoke14 · January 8, 2012, 06:55 AM

I have 3 Arcus pistols, which are generally classified by many as Hi Power clones. Arcus is a Bulgarian company. I have at least 500 rounds through each of the pistols and I don't recall any issues. The 94 series are the real clones in that they are SA pistols, while the 98 series are DA/SA. All can be carried cocked and locked. Triggers are much improved if you take them apart and polish the surfaces that meet. I have the 94C, 98DA, and 98DAC, the C's being compact versions. The 94C and 98DAC can use Hi Power magazines and grips. I actually prefer shooting the 98DA over my BHP.

94C

98DAC

98DA[SIZE="3"]

blchandl2 · January 8, 2012, 08:58 AM

^^^^^I have a 98DA and would like to get a "C" version as well. I have a BHP and I am much more accurate with the ARCUS. I let a coworker shoot my ARCUS at lunch one day, he ordered one that night.

The finish on the ARCUS is not up to HP standards, but they function reliably and are very accurate.

tekarra · January 8, 2012, 08:58 AM

If you search the net you will find a couple of excellent HP forums having a separate section for clones.

WC145 · January 8, 2012, 08:59 AM

I've got a near new Charles Daly Hi Power that I picked up recently. It's a surprisingly decent gun, well fitted, no function issues, factory installed XS sights. I removed the mag "safety" and now it has a clean, crisp trigger of about 5.5lbs. At $350 with 4 mags it was a pretty good deal.

The Racqueteer · March 28, 2012, 10:32 AM

I too have a Charles Daly Hi-power and love it. (also have a Belgium Browning)

Charles Daly is out of business but there are many out there and at a great price. They are a great piece for a carry gun, reliable with light recoil.

Te Anau · March 28, 2012, 10:55 AM

Arcus and FEG both are great guns.

djcantr · March 28, 2012, 12:36 PM

I've only has my Arcus 98DA for a little over a week but I've put 400 rounds through it already. I think they're a great value. I paid a little under $350 out the door for mine. Might pick up the 98DAC later on.

gunsmokeTPF · March 28, 2012, 01:22 PM

What possible reason would you have to buy a clone when so many Browning HP's are available at reasonable prices? I bought my T-series back in '69 from Abercrombie & Fitch on Madison Ave. in NYC for $85. That may sound cheap, but having a yearly income of $7,900 made it a little expensive at the time. Back then it was a real store that even once serviced Teddy Roosevelt when he went on safari.

I carried it in a Seven Trees shoulder holster as a back up for years, while that was allowed. That gun was the choice of terrorists, such as the BLA, at the time for good reason. I've never tampered with it and it's served me well for many years like it has for millions around the world. To this day it looks and works like new.

Not shooting the one you inherited is a travesty. If you must have another then save your bucks and get the real thing.

tahunua001 · March 28, 2012, 01:47 PM

I usually hear good reviews on Arcus HP clones. the 94 and 94c are single action but the 98 and 98dac are double action so they aren't true clones.

gunsmokeTPF · March 28, 2012, 06:36 PM

Bspillman said he wanted a clone, cause for his own reason didn't want to shoot his HP and that's fine. But what gives here? I can see that the Arcus is DA and I personally have no knowledge, or interest in them. Why would anyone refer to them as a HP clone? Is he looking for something to buy that's similar to the Browning, cause if he is he's shopping in the wrong store????

WVsig · March 28, 2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

The Argentinean Hi-Powers are not really "clones." They are exact duplicates, other than finish, built under license from FN. The name is FM (for "Fabrique Militaire"). I have owned two, and both ran flawlessly out of the box and thereafter. I let one of the guys at my range's local competition try one of mine because he thought he might do better with a 9mm than a .45 1911

It all depends on the vintage of FM... The quality has varied greatly over the years which is illustrated perfectly in the responses given so far about these pistols. Early is typically better than later ones... Personally I see no need for HP clones...

Why buy a clone? This real deal FN Hi Power cost me $425 OTD....

gunsmokeTPF · March 28, 2012, 07:50 PM

Now that's more like it. I can appreciate it. It's true that the way things are made today can be disappointing. That goes for winchester, colt and smiths. Like myself, the older ones were built better and that's why I own them.

bdb benzino · March 28, 2012, 11:23 PM

I have a 1989 customized BHP and love it, but what got me going on the Hi Powers in general was an FEG PJK 9HP and then a FM90 that I customized. All of them shoot great and are more than accurate enough. IMHO if you can get them for $300-$350 they are great and serviceable pistols!

NWPilgrim · March 29, 2012, 12:42 AM

I have a FEG 9HP that shoots great is accurate enough and reliable. I bought it for $220 years ago just to see what the BHP style is like. Also a friend who shot one in competition advised saving money with a FEG and putting more toward a Bar-Sto bbl if you want real accuracy.

The only thing I do not like is the front sight is not easily replaced. But as a secondary gun for that is not a big deal. I really like the BHP format and if it were to be a primary defensive arm I would get a more modern version of a real Browning.

arentol · March 29, 2012, 03:32 AM

Do you mean your HP has never been fired at all, or just never been fired by you?

If you want an HP just call up CDNN and you can get a real one for $700 or $750 (Depending on version) + shipping (~$20) + local FFL fees (~$30)... So $750-800. I did this recently and do not regret it at all. It is a fantastic gun.

Skans · March 29, 2012, 05:38 AM

My recommendation is find a C-series Belgian made "shooter". Look for one that has some finish problems - you can pick them up for reasonable prices and they make excellent shooters. But, you won't pay a collector's premium. I see that the Belgian Hi-Powers used by the Israeli Military are going for around $500. Not pretty guns, but I'd bet they are excellent shooters.

WVsig · March 29, 2012, 08:20 AM

The FN BHP that I posted above is an Isreali MKII 1/2... Most of these trade ins were not used by the Isreali Military they are Police or IDF.

Most of the good ones are gone and when there were a ton of them they sold for $350 to $500 depending on condition and vintage.

Pilot · March 29, 2012, 08:32 AM

You can find really nice used MK III Browning Hi Powers for around $500 if you look a bit. Get the real deal.

January 7, 2012, 09:33 PM	#1
bspillman Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2011 Posts: 559	browning hi power clones can any one tell me if there are any gret hipower clones. I own a high power it was given to me by my grandfather back in the eighties. it has never been fired and it wont be due to sentimentle vale. the reason for the question is i was in my local gun shop today and was looking at an arcus hi power clone. the gun looked sweet and felt like great quaility. the store mowner said he cant keep them on the shelves. any one with any experiance with these.

January 7, 2012, 09:53 PM	#2
IDAHO83501 Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 337	I have heard mixed reviews of Argus. FEG made a decent Hi=Power clone,,you can still find some on gunbroker.com.. __________________ The next time someone asks you " What do you know ? " Respond with a smile and say " A frogs ass is water-tight."

January 8, 2012, 08:59 AM	#11
WC145 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2008 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 1,836	I've got a near new Charles Daly Hi Power that I picked up recently. It's a surprisingly decent gun, well fitted, no function issues, factory installed XS sights. I removed the mag "safety" and now it has a clean, crisp trigger of about 5.5lbs. At $350 with 4 mags it was a pretty good deal. __________________ "If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge or jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - LtCol Jeff Cooper

March 28, 2012, 10:32 AM	#12
The Racqueteer Junior Member Join Date: March 28, 2012 Posts: 4	CD Hi-power I too have a Charles Daly Hi-power and love it. (also have a Belgium Browning) Charles Daly is out of business but there are many out there and at a great price. They are a great piece for a carry gun, reliable with light recoil.

March 28, 2012, 10:55 AM	#13
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the No Posts: 3,824	Arcus and FEG both are great guns. __________________ "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." --American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)

January 7, 2012, 10:19 PM	#3
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	Back in the early 90's I bought an Argentinian HiPower clone because I got a great price on it... but the gun was a true jam-o-matic, and I traded it at a pawn shop shortly thereafter for an SP101. Since then, I acquired a real HiPower, and it works pretty well. I'd say you buy a knock-off at your own risk. It's kind of like the old Bottle Rockets song, "$1000 Car." A thousand dollar car, it ain't worth nothin', A thousand dollar car, it ain't worth >>>>, Might as well take your thousand dollars, And set fire to it. IE, sometimes saving money can get very expensive, by the time you ultimately buy what you should have bought in the first place...

January 7, 2012, 11:21 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,459	The Argentinean Hi-Powers are not really "clones." They are exact duplicates, other than finish, built under license from FN. The name is FM (for "Fabrique Militaire"). I have owned two, and both ran flawlessly out of the box and thereafter. I let one of the guys at my range's local competition try one of mine because he thought he might do better with a 9mm than a .45 1911. The next week he was shooting an FM Hi-Power. Back then Sarco had them for great prices. More recently, Argentina has cut back drastically on the exports and the FMs are hard to find. IMHO they are a bargain, and a Hi-Power in every way.

January 7, 2012, 11:28 PM	#5
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	My FM did not have the narrowed/tapered front end slide. I would not say it was to exact FN specs. It's good that yours worked out better. Mine was not good.

January 8, 2012, 04:04 AM	#6
80viking Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: The Peoples Republic of Massac Posts: 333	I picked up an FM High Power over the summer and so far have a little over 1000 rds thru it and other than some issues with some after market magazines my son and I absolutely love it.

January 8, 2012, 06:55 AM	#8
Smoke14 Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: MS Coast Posts: 15	I have 3 Arcus pistols, which are generally classified by many as Hi Power clones. Arcus is a Bulgarian company. I have at least 500 rounds through each of the pistols and I don't recall any issues. The 94 series are the real clones in that they are SA pistols, while the 98 series are DA/SA. All can be carried cocked and locked. Triggers are much improved if you take them apart and polish the surfaces that meet. I have the 94C, 98DA, and 98DAC, the C's being compact versions. The 94C and 98DAC can use Hi Power magazines and grips. I actually prefer shooting the 98DA over my BHP. 94C 98DAC 98DA[SIZE="3"]

January 8, 2012, 08:58 AM	#9
blchandl2 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: TN Posts: 525	^^^^^I have a 98DA and would like to get a "C" version as well. I have a BHP and I am much more accurate with the ARCUS. I let a coworker shoot my ARCUS at lunch one day, he ordered one that night. The finish on the ARCUS is not up to HP standards, but they function reliably and are very accurate.

January 8, 2012, 08:58 AM	#10
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,164	If you search the net you will find a couple of excellent HP forums having a separate section for clones.

March 28, 2012, 12:36 PM	#14
djcantr Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2012 Posts: 215	I've only has my Arcus 98DA for a little over a week but I've put 400 rounds through it already. I think they're a great value. I paid a little under $350 out the door for mine. Might pick up the 98DAC later on.

March 28, 2012, 01:22 PM	#15
gunsmokeTPF Junior member Join Date: February 14, 2012 Posts: 268	What possible reason would you have to buy a clone when so many Browning HP's are available at reasonable prices? I bought my T-series back in '69 from Abercrombie & Fitch on Madison Ave. in NYC for $85. That may sound cheap, but having a yearly income of $7,900 made it a little expensive at the time. Back then it was a real store that even once serviced Teddy Roosevelt when he went on safari. I carried it in a Seven Trees shoulder holster as a back up for years, while that was allowed. That gun was the choice of terrorists, such as the BLA, at the time for good reason. I've never tampered with it and it's served me well for many years like it has for millions around the world. To this day it looks and works like new. Not shooting the one you inherited is a travesty. If you must have another then save your bucks and get the real thing. Last edited by gunsmokeTPF; March 28, 2012 at 01:29 PM.

March 28, 2012, 01:47 PM	#16
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	I usually hear good reviews on Arcus HP clones. the 94 and 94c are single action but the 98 and 98dac are double action so they aren't true clones. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

March 28, 2012, 06:36 PM	#17
gunsmokeTPF Junior member Join Date: February 14, 2012 Posts: 268	Bspillman said he wanted a clone, cause for his own reason didn't want to shoot his HP and that's fine. But what gives here? I can see that the Arcus is DA and I personally have no knowledge, or interest in them. Why would anyone refer to them as a HP clone? Is he looking for something to buy that's similar to the Browning, cause if he is he's shopping in the wrong store????

March 28, 2012, 07:50 PM	#19
gunsmokeTPF Junior member Join Date: February 14, 2012 Posts: 268	Now that's more like it. I can appreciate it. It's true that the way things are made today can be disappointing. That goes for winchester, colt and smiths. Like myself, the older ones were built better and that's why I own them.

March 28, 2012, 11:23 PM	#20
bdb benzino Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2009 Location: Willamette valley,OR Posts: 665	I have a 1989 customized BHP and love it, but what got me going on the Hi Powers in general was an FEG PJK 9HP and then a FM90 that I customized. All of them shoot great and are more than accurate enough. IMHO if you can get them for $300-$350 they are great and serviceable pistols! __________________ good and safe shooting, bdb. BETTER TO BE CAUGHT WITH ONE, THAN WITH OUT ONE

March 29, 2012, 12:42 AM	#21
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	I have a FEG 9HP that shoots great is accurate enough and reliable. I bought it for $220 years ago just to see what the BHP style is like. Also a friend who shot one in competition advised saving money with a FEG and putting more toward a Bar-Sto bbl if you want real accuracy. The only thing I do not like is the front sight is not easily replaced. But as a secondary gun for that is not a big deal. I really like the BHP format and if it were to be a primary defensive arm I would get a more modern version of a real Browning.

March 29, 2012, 03:32 AM	#22
arentol Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2011 Posts: 230	Do you mean your HP has never been fired at all, or just never been fired by you? If you want an HP just call up CDNN and you can get a real one for $700 or $750 (Depending on version) + shipping (~$20) + local FFL fees (~$30)... So $750-800. I did this recently and do not regret it at all. It is a fantastic gun.

March 29, 2012, 05:38 AM	#23
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	My recommendation is find a C-series Belgian made "shooter". Look for one that has some finish problems - you can pick them up for reasonable prices and they make excellent shooters. But, you won't pay a collector's premium. I see that the Belgian Hi-Powers used by the Israeli Military are going for around $500. Not pretty guns, but I'd bet they are excellent shooters.

March 29, 2012, 08:20 AM	#24
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	The FN BHP that I posted above is an Isreali MKII 1/2... Most of these trade ins were not used by the Isreali Military they are Police or IDF. Most of the good ones are gone and when there were a ton of them they sold for $350 to $500 depending on condition and vintage. __________________ -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

March 29, 2012, 08:32 AM	#25
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	You can find really nice used MK III Browning Hi Powers for around $500 if you look a bit. Get the real deal. __________________ Pilot