Browning Hi-Power... share what you've learned.

Don't forget that there are still a lot of German army WWII HP's out there. I have been shooting mine since 1945, about twice a month, and have never had a malfunction not attributable to the cheap ammo I sometimes buy. They retail in the $400 range or less.
 
I figured something out about myself a loooooong time ago. I'm one of those annoying people who, on a few given topics, only want the top-of-the-line product, great deals and value be damned.

If I was in your shoes and considering buying either the original (BHP) or a clone/contract gun, I'd save myself the cost of the clone and buy the original....'cause what I KNOW would happen otherwise is I'd buy the clone, shoot it, like it...decide I wanted the original, shoot it, like it- and then never shoot the clone again.

But thats just me. If you have more sense than I do, feel free to ignore this advice :D

Mike

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"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein
 
The BHP MkIII seems to be fitted more tightly than a 25 year old Belgian I compared it to. The basic design is sound, better than most of the "modern" wondernines, but there ARE two basic flaws. First, the magazine disconnect; this is easily remedied. The second is the long reconnect distance on the trigger. Training and practice are the only remedies for this. Overall, I really like this pistol.
 
Oak, I don't know where you are, but here in central IL there's an older BHP (serial no. 3006) at the local gun shop marked $450. It seems to be in pretty good shape to me--the finish is obviously not new, but it doesn't have any scratches or gouges. The bore looks good. I imagine you could get it for $400 if you pushed, but I don't really know that.

While I've got the attention of a bunch of Hi-Power experts, what exactly are "Inglis" Hi-Powers? I gather that someone named John Inglis made them, but did he manufacture them from scratch, mix n' match parts, or what? Are they worth their prices (apparently lower than "real" BHP's?)
 
If I'm not mistaken, the Inglis Hi-Powers are the ones made in Canada. You see, when the Nazi took over the plant during WWII, many of the workers fled to Canada. One of them was John Inglis. He set up shop and made them there. I think he made them for the allies. The Hi-Power is one of the few guns used by both the Allies and the Nazis during WWII.
 
Like "the man" said, buy NOTHING but the ORIGINAL Browning Hi-Power made in Belgium.

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God, Guns and Guts made this country a great country!

oberkommando sez:
"We lost the first and third and now they are after the Second!(no pun intended)"
 
I've had 3 BHP's, but am down to one right now. The two I sold were MkII parkerized models. The MKIII I still have I got on sale (!) a few years ago for $299 new. It's a keeper, as there are few guns that feel as good in my hand.

Deciding to sell the MkII's and keep the MkIII was easier after a call to either Novak's shop or Kurt Wickmann's (Novak's ex #1 man).I was told that the fit and esp the heat-treat on the MkIII guns (made in Belgium, assembled in Portugal) is generally better. Not to mention that the sights are dovetailed, so replacing them is much less costly. I hope to send mine off to Novak, Wickman, or Cylinder & Slide to get a full "carry package". FWIW
 
My advice to you is to get an original MkIII, and send it to Kurt Wickmann so he can do his basic carry package on it. If it's for carry, that means you will be betting your life on it, so spend accordingly.
 
The 'FM' - Argentine made Hi Powers under FN license are really very good - the 'Fabricaciones Militares' have held the military and police contracts for many years now - and through personal acquaintance with some of their people, know them to be a dedicated and earnest bunch... so after this commercial - we return to the program :)

Not very fond of the 'niners' myself - but great as sporting and plinking guns - I have a CZ 85 and a 'FM' (ie Argentine clone) HP: its the rather special 'Detective' model, about 1" shorter than standard. I think i favor the CZ so far - its a bit more accurate and its ergonomics superb. The double action is nice - but not astonishing. The HP clone is reasonably accurate and very 'shootable'. Firs improvement is to give it slimmer grips (a good belt gun then) - and once you remove the 'magazine safety', which takes up about 3lbs trigger pull its a charm to shoot well. Hold it carefully and (dare i say so? :D - or smiley for a lecherous grin) like a lover... if you don't - it bites :)
Hasta pronto - Peter Knight - in Cordoba - Argentina
 
Thanks again to one & all! I really didn't expect to get this many responses. Between the info posted here, & following the links that were posted, I've learned a lot. And, one of the larger gun shows hits town tomorrow, so I'm really gonna have a look around, grip some grips & see what happens. :cool:

A good weekend to you all. Oak

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"Skeptical scrutiny can separate deep insights from deep nonsense."
 
I've learned that Midway has adjustable Meps for the BHP's in the October cat. on sale (summer clearance) for $69.99 in my Midway dealer cat. Couldn't be much more in the retail cat.
 
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