FN or FM Hipower's?

L

LegalWolf

New member
I am looking for a HiPower in 9x19.
I am wondering if any one has any experience with FN or FM HiPowers.
Has anyone owned these pistols? Are the FM serviceable? Should I spend the extra cash and get a current Browning.
What about the FN that I have seen advertized as Israeli surplus pistols (with the holsters and extra mags). Anyone purchased, examined or shot these. Does anyone have a HiPower for sale or trade?

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"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk.
That will teach you to keep your mouth shut"
E. Hemmingway
 
Let see here.....

I personally have owned a half dozen FN (Made in Belguim assembled in Portugal Hi-Powers) and have been totally satisfied. My understanding is the FMs are made in Argentina under license with FN machinery and everthing that I've heard is positive. They don't turn up too much nowadays as far as I can tell. I can't remember even seeing any for sale in years.

FM did have an interesting variation called a "Detective" version that was chopped on the frame and slide for more compactness.

Current FN Hi-Powers have a cast frame as opposed to a forged frame. Apparently it's a product improvement.

There is a thread regarding the Isreali surplus HP here somewhere. Just do a search.

And as far as buying, personally I like the current FN MKIIIs imported by Browning but to each his own. You can get feel for the secondary market on GunsAmerica.com or GunBroker.com.

Hope this helps, you've made a sound decision and I'm sure you'll love the design, it's a classic!
 
Where did you find FM HPs? Are they in NIB with the two standard capacity dull gray color magazines? Please post the dealer's name.

Some FM are quite cobby while others are just as reliable as FN HPs.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
I remember seeing the FM Hi Powers at gun shows in the early 90's. They seemed like a great buy for under $300. I wish I had picked one up then.
 
Let me begin with "I like High-Powers!" I own two Browning High-Power (BHP) MKIIIs, one in 9mm and the other in 40 S&W and if I were in your shoes that is what I would buy. Why? There are a lot of things you will have to a licensed copy (FM) and clones FEG or Arcus to make them the equal of a MKIII. You will need to change safeties, sights, grips, and to get a trigger job. A BHP MKIII only requires a trigger job to be my favorite handgun. Before you ask I also own the other three and enjoy shooting them. One man's opinion. Regards, Richard.
 
I have an FM Detective compact. All parts interchange with an original Browning. Gun shoots super, but cosmoline in extractor had to be cleaned out as it gummed up and gave extraction problems.
As for quality it rivals some original HP's I've seen. It is not a target quality gun nor are the original HP's. As a self-defense gun either will work out of the box. But don't expect a Gold Cup.
Original cost was under $200. and they work with any magazine I can stuff in them.
 
I also had a FM Detective Compact. It was very reliable but it wasn't accurate at all. My friend has a full size FM, it also is extremely reliable and it is a little more accurate, but not great. I now have an Arcus highpower. It is a much tighter gun, and alot more accurate. Also the FM's come with the small old style safety. I changed mine with one from cylinder and slide.
 
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