Browning Hi Power--the mystery pistol?

davem: I think for me it was my fault because I was going in with the assumption that it was gonna be almost identical to my 1911 triggers but when I felt the 7-8 lb trigger pull I was a little turned off,But the more I revisit the idea in my head I can guarantee I will have one in my collection by the spring expecially since I recently found spring kits that claim to bring the trigger down to 3.5-4 lbs.
 
I purchased my first, and only, High-power in 1972. It was a "ring hammer" fixed sighted T series. If I remember correctly I paid $118.00 for it. Like an idiot I sold it to a friend of my father for about $135.00, in 1975 or 1976.

If I was not a died in the wool revolver guy, I would have replaced it long ago. The H.P's have gotten expensive over the last few years, and I'm having a hard time trying to convince myself that I should spend $1,000.00, on a safe queen.
 
Like bn12gg, my Hi-Power is right at home with Colts, Rugers, Smith & Wessons, all steel, no plastic, no locks. :)

If its a high quality steel firearm, I don't care what country it is from, and I love my Dog, it chases cats! LOL

HP & 1911, both John Browning guns.
 
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With a 7 pound or more trigger the HP continues the tradition of military pistols including the 1911. The GMs of the 1940s and up to about the 1990s, I recall, remained at a standard 7 pounds or more as the Colt factory spec.

With the influence of Jeff Cooper, et. al., the trigger pulls on the 1911 have for the most part become standard at around 5.5 pounds and with a little judicious polishing of parts or spring kits is easily brought down to 4 pounds.

With a 4 pound or less trigger, I always think of a shooter under stress, real stress and not just routine competitions, as highly dangerous to himself/herself and those friendlies nearby besides the "enemies" out there.
 
UncleEd I couldn't agree with you more about guns not being safe at 4lbs under stress.My whole thinking behind wanting a trigger that lite is only for range use.You see I have carry/home defense guns then I have range guns.I have 1911's with 3-4 lb triggers that frequent the range with me many times a year but then I have 2 1911's with 7-8 lb triggers that frequent my hip every day of the year.The BHP is a beautiful gun that I couldn't bring myself to mess up with everyday carry.But at 7 lb trigger I wouldn't have a use for it in my range lineup.In my mind a lite trigger is just the same as shooting a revolver in single action.
 
My buddy had one in the early 90s. He hated the thing but loved the look. It almost always had a FTF, no matter the load, cleanliness or grip on the weapon. I've always wanted one 'cause they are purty, but my friend's experience keeps holds me to the 1911.
 
UncleEd I couldn't agree with you more about guns not being safe at 4lbs under stress.My whole thinking behind wanting a trigger that lite is only for range use.You see I have carry/home defense guns then I have range guns.I have 1911's with 3-4 lb triggers that frequent the range with me many times a year but then I have 2 1911's with 7-8 lb triggers that frequent my hip every day of the year.The BHP is a beautiful gun that I couldn't bring myself to mess up with everyday carry.But at 7 lb trigger I wouldn't have a use for it in my range lineup.In my mind a lite trigger is just the same as shooting a revolver in single action.
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I am still not used to having my glock. the thing fully ready to fire with only that heavy and long trigger is still hard to fathom. I like having a physical safety and a hammer to cock. It's not like a double action revolver. I realize that most of this is just my own problem. I liked having my browning.
 
Ranchito- the heavier trigger pull is the usual complaint. A lot depends on circumstances. The 1911 uses the larger 45ACP however the scientists tell us the 9mm is very much equal. The BHP has the 15 round magazine so more firepower. At close range the heavier trigger shouldn't be an issue. In short, I'm happy with either. Internationally, the BHP was adopted by more militaries so that says a lot. The U.S. Marines have gone back to the 1911 and 45ACP after the Berretta 9mm. That Berretta is a larger handgun than a lot of folks realize and to me at least, the BHP is better. The whole issue is carrying a handgun "Cocked and Locked". No problem as far as I'm concerned although if you lower the hammer you can cock the hammer while drawing the weapon. I've shot a variety of the other types- Glocks, etc. They all work, and they have their followings. Personally, I think the deciding factor ought to be what YOU shoot best. Every shooter has a different hand size, finger lengths and circumferences, etc. That idea of renting a variety at a range to see what fits you- pretty good advice.
 
Another under-30 guy here, and I've been fascinated with Hi-Power, since reading "Patriot Games" as a kid in middle school.

Also, I once checked out a book from the library concerning mercenaries, and it showed a picture of a former SAS man in Oman with a FAL held casually by his side and a Hi-Power slung low on his hip.

Plus being used by the IDF gives the gun a myriad of cool points as well.
 
You can lighten the trigger pull by installing a lighter hammer spring. The standard spring is way too heavy. Removing the mag disconnect, and some minor stoning can get you a fantastic trigger.
 
Browning HP. Vs 1911a1

When I was in V.nam every FB you went to had some Sargent Rock type, who
had his 45 in low slung holster from gook shop. I was auto-weapon specialist,so
I got around to many Fbs. I had a HP tangent site, that I traded a guy a m-3 for.
When the shooting match ( usually beer cans at 20-25yds) was over , there was
always a quieter gunslinger. 1911 is best combat pistol ever made for its job.
When you enhance these pistols you are getting into apples & oranges.
 
Two reasons that I am not interested in them. Single action, and cost.

Carrying cocked and locked may be just as safe as a striker fired, but seeing the hammer ready to fall freaks me out a bit. I don't see why the cost is so high.
 
Two reasons that I am not interested in them. Single action, and cost.

Carrying cocked and locked may be just as safe as a striker fired, but seeing the hammer ready to fall freaks me out a bit. I don't see why the cost is so high.
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Designed back when hand labor was cheaper than machine labor. They have not adapted it to high speed modern manufacturing and it requires a lot of time. Time and labor equals higher cost vs todays tactical plastic.

That is why the used market is the way to go. I saw an MKIII in LNIB condition sell today on GB with free shipping for $540. That is well in line with other pistols. IMHO I think most people over pay for BHPs. There are great surplus guns on GB everyday for under $475 shipped to your FFL.
 
I'm down to just 3 BHP's now, having given one to my Son when he moved down south. 1 x .40 1 x 9mm and 1x 9mm Detective. Still my favorite handgun (but it's what I started with long ago in the British Army).


Also have 3x 1911's of various models - nothing can beat their triggers.
 
Well...I like both the Browning HP and the 1911. Both are classics. I guess I'm a bit different than most in that I prefer the single action. You can stick your thumb in front of the hammer and lower down if the cocked and locked bothers you. You cock back the hammer as you draw the weapon and then you have a single action trigger for shot #1.
Although the Browning has a larger magazine there is plenty of ammo in a 1911 and dropping the mag and cramming in a new one only takes a second. I like the larger 45ACP even though the experts say the 9mm is as good. There has to be some reason the marines have dropped the 9mm and gone back to the 45ACP. Sort of like 100 years ago in the Philippines when the 38 was discarded for the old 45 Colt.
You can pretty much field strip a 1911 without much trouble. It is a real workhorse. You can do an accuracy job but the military types deliberately had loose tolerances so they would always work. I am told the German Luger had such tight tolerances that if mud got into the thing it would jam, plus the trigger wasn't as good, plus the 9mm wasn't as good- other than all those issues I guess it came sort of close to the 1911.
OKAY.....I'm one of those 1911 fans.
 
That is why the used market is the way to go. I saw an MKIII in LNIB condition sell today on GB with free shipping for $540. That is well in line with other pistols. IMHO I think most people over pay for BHPs. There are great surplus guns on GB everyday for under $475 shipped to your FFL.
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While I agree that one can pick up used Hi Powers in good condition for very good prices on occasion, I think that particular auction was an anomaly.

Most used Hi Powers in very good/excellent conditions (let alone LNIB) seem to go around $700-800 range.

Except, of course, non-Browning/FN imported surplus foreign military/police guns, usually with ugly import marks. You can have those all day around $450-500 range, but the condition can vary heavily on the luck of the draw.
 
While I agree that one can pick up used Hi Powers in good condition for very good prices on occasion, I think that particular auction was an anomaly.

Most used Hi Powers in very good/excellent conditions (let alone LNIB) seem to go around $700-800 range.

Except, of course, non-Browning/FN imported surplus foreign military/police guns, usually with ugly import marks. You can have those all day around $450-500 range, but the condition can vary heavily on the luck of the draw.
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It is not your everyday price but if you are in the market and are patient and know where to look you can get excellent deals on used BHPs.

As for the FN contract guns they can also be an excellent deal. Coles had tons of excellent guns. Most at this point are gone but at one time there were original finish guns in VG to excellent condition for right around $500.

I picked this one up from my favorite importer for right around that price.

The Israeli import moves ever so slightly.



 
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