Browning HP Question

P

Prof

New member
I have the opportunity to buy a Browning HP that was made in the late 1960's. It's in like new condition. It is the polished blue, wood handgrip, and fixed sight HP. The owner (who bought it new) is asking $625. Is this a good price (I am not a collector but am afraid Browning won't be producing these in the future). Thanks.
 
I would think that $625 is a little high, especially if you are not a collector. If you just want a Hi-Power to shoot, Aim surplus and Arms Depot has Hi-Powers in excellent condition for a lot less.
 
$625 seems pretty high. I bought a new Standard BHP .40 (polished blue, walnut grips, adj sights) about 8 months ago for $529. I have seen the older model BHP 9mms used, in good shape, with one Hi-cap, for around $400.
 
Thank you, gentlemen. One last question: are the parts on the older HP's interchangeable with the new HP's (I know the sights and thumb safety are smaller, I was interested in the internals.
 
That price sounds a bit high. There is currently some concern about whether Browning will continue the line or not and I think that is inflating the prices on Hi-Powers... if they don't you can probably find a Hi-Power at a better price. If they do, you will probably see the value of that one drop to less than what you would be paying.

As an older Hi-Power, it will have more value to a collector of Hi-Powers (providing you can find one). In the condition you describe, it might be worth $625 to a collector but plan on holding on to it awhile until you can find an interested party.

Check out www.fnhipower.com for a serial number list and good info on the gun.

The other value in the gun is that it is a "Belgian" Hi-Power that is made and assembled in Belgium. The newer Hi-Powers were made in Belgium but assembled in Portugal where labor was cheaper - these are considered less valuable by purists (collectors). However, FN has discontinued assembly in Portugal and the latest pistols are once again "Belgian". If Browning continues to produce the gun for a few more years, that may cut into the collectors value of yours.

As far as parts go, check out the link above. Different years of production have different variations. In some cases it is as minor as the hammer, sights or safety. In others, it may effect the extractor, disconnect safety, etc.

Whatever year of Hi-Power you own, you should be able to find plenty of surplus parts for it.
 
Gunslinger, what is your source for that information? There is a lot of conflicting information out there regarding the Hi-Power's future.
 
Yeah there is a lot of contrary info out there. The last I heard Browning had stopped making the HP but only until current stocks were gone, then production was going to start again.

Browning had a booth at a recent show I attended. Several configurations of Hi-Powers were on display. I got called from work before I could ask about the future of the HP.
 
i called browning last november and the rep there told me that she did not know why , but suggested maybe they weren't selling that well, they would be dropping all centerfire handguns from the catalog and not importing any more. supposedly once the gun here now are gone that's it. i also understand they had hi powers on display at their booth at the nra convention. go figure.
 
Hello All,

I finally got tired of hearing conflicting information and called Browning myself as of 7:00am PST, June 7th.

I spoke with a customer service rep named Stephanie who informed me that Browning has ALREADY discontinued the Hi-Power in .40.

Browning will continue to produce the Hi-Power but they will only be producing the 9mm models. They will be discontinuing the Capitan in 9mm though.

This jibes quite closely with the information that was reported by the Hi-Power forum at www.fnhipower.com so I believe it. Please feel free to call Browning and verify the info yourself.
 
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