Customizing a Browning Hi-Power

S

six 4 sure

New member
I recently sort of ‘rediscovered’ my BHP. I’ve owned it for several years, always liked it, I just haven’t shot it very much. However, when I do, it is quite apparent that I shoot it better than any other auto I own.

I’ve never owned a custom gun, so I think it’s about time I treat myself. Since I happen to shoot my Hi-Power better than any of my other auto’s it seems the logical choice. Mine is a MK III that I haven’t touched since it was bought( other than to have that annoying mag safety removed).

In my research I’ve decided what I want done. This includes a reliability package, a bevel package, new sights, and doing something about the ambi safety. Is there anything else I should get? I’m considering using this as a CCW gun. I’m on a little bit of a budget, I like to keep the cost under $500 ( if possible ). Is my budget realistic? I could wait a little longer if I had to.

Who would you recommend to do this kind of work? I’ve looked at Kurt Wickman and Novack’s web sites, is there anyone else? Any help would be great.

Six
 
You're cutting it close on pricing. Cylinder and Slide, well known of their Hi-Power work, lists their reliability package for $350.
A set of night sights are about $60-$120, plus installation. If you don't already have bevels for your front and rear sights, this will be at least another $75.
Don't forget you have to ship UPS Red, which costs more.
A Cylinder and Slide ambi-safety is about $80-$85, depending on finish. This seems to be the part that most 'smiths use. It is nice if you prefer the 1911 style safety.

I think all the well known 'smiths will cost about as much. I didn't do a direct comparison because each includes different things in their packages.

All hope is not lost though. Examining my Hi-Powers, I really don't see the need for beveling. I use my Practical for carry when I don't use my Kimber Pro. I haven't noticed sharp edges, though my FIST kydex holster may be protecting me.
Things like the amdi-safeties can be done by a local smith or by you.

A good local smith can do these things for you for less. Definitely examine work they've done and talk to people who have used them. Outside of hunting seasons they can often get your gun back to you sooner.
 
BHP

Garthwaite will throat barrel, adjust extractor for $25. Heinie sights or similar are $150, trigger job $150 (includes some tightening of slide and frame) and a matte finish re-blue with polished flats on the slide is $90. The re-finish includes a de-horn of sharp edges. That should be under your budget. His prices may have gone up a little, not sure. You won't be dissatisfied with his work.
 
I just got mine back from Don Williams http://www.theactionworks.com

Did the "Street Package" w/ commander hammer & wide trigger installed. Got a nice and crisp 4lbs trigger pull now and some nice Novak 3-dot sights. Could say nothing but good things about his work. All for a tad over $400.
 
My guess is the best you can get for the money you want to spend will come from Ten Ring Precision in San Antonio, TX. Alex Hamilton is really easy to work with and does quality work. Never heard of Alex? He is a past president of the Pistolsmith's Guild and that should be a good enough recommendation for anyone. Regards, Richard
 
If it works flawlessly I wouldn't spend money on a reliability package. How can they improve on %100?

The dehorning and safety mods sound good. Any sights you want, maybe some stippling on the frontstrap. If you get hammer bite maybe a beavertail tang extension (that will blow your budget) and then the finish of your choice.
 
I'd definitely recommend a trigger job unless you are quite satisfied with what you have. I know Don Williams, Kurt Wickmann, Novaks, Jim Garthwaite all have good reputations with the crowd at http://www.fnhipower.com/

I have a Wickmann Hi-Power myself and am very pleased with it, although I've heard his time to do work has increased quite a bit. Expect on it being out at least 6 months I'd say...

I think if you shop around, you'll be able to get the work done under your budget. Just take some time and talk to the various smiths. Make sure that they aren't just good pistolsmiths; but knowledgable about the Hi-Power specifically. Its pretty easy to screw up a trigger job on a Hi-Power and get the hammer to follow the slide.
 
I can do the reliability package for you for ...oh....20 bucks. I will put it in a reliable box and set it in a reliable safe on a reliable shelf for a reliable length of time and then reliably give it back to you.

And it will be reliable.
 
Let us know how it turns out if you decide to do it. I have a BHP that is a likely candidate too. thanks
 
I personally have recently obtained both garthwaite and novak full custom BHP's, and they are superb. and I talked to and closely considered wickman and C&S (only reason not them was time quoted at 4 to 6 months - both garthwaite and novak were in 3 month range.) I dont think you can go wrong with any of the top 5 or 6 mentioned here. Get: trigger job, reliability pckg with barrel crown, sights, carry bevel package I'd put last on the list (I might instead get beveled mag well). enjoy, when you get them back you'll sleep with them under your pillow they are so nice !!
 
What Didn't I Read...?

What didn't I read in this post? "I’m on a little bit of a budget, I like to keep the cost under $500 ( if possible )." You aren't going to get a lot of first class gunsmithing for $500. I have and continue to spend a lot on handguns and I know you can't do a major overhaul for $500. Novak etc. aren't going to finish this project for $500. Regards, Richard
 
Christ, $500 and you can't get decent gunsmithing ? It seems like it would be cheaper to buy the equipment and do it yourself !

The labor is self determined, but why in the hell are these .05 pieces of metal (parts) being sold at such ridiculously high cost ? Most of these $30 triggers, $50 safeties $200 sites don't cost more than $5 to produce !
 
Hello. Customizing BHPs can cost just as much as you're willing to pay. I tend to like them kind of plain, i.e: decent sights, good trigger, reliablility, accurate (usually not a problem out of the box).

The HP below is an early MkIII, forged frame. All that was done was the addition of a C&S Type I abbreviated ball hammer and a trigger job (done by me at home), removal of the magazine disconnect (also done at home), and the addition of Spegel stocks.

I had a gunsmith (Lou Williamson) install Novak fixed sights and remove the right side thumb safety and dress down the stud that passes through the frame. He also blk parkerized the pistol.

So, I paid about $50 for the hammer, don't remember on the sear, and about $60 for the stocks and about $200 to the gunsmith.

Best.

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