FN Surplus Hi Powers
- Thread starter roc1
- Start date
"Regent" is supposedly producing new Hi-Power clones.
Hi-Powers seem to have much more variability in material and workmanship due to the several "licensed manufacturers". Some are brittle and some are soft--neither is good for longevity.
The HiPower I have is an "FM" made under license in Argentina and I was told by Cylinder and Slide when they tuned it that those often "better than the real ones"(meaning Browning logo).
Hi-Powers seem to have much more variability in material and workmanship due to the several "licensed manufacturers". Some are brittle and some are soft--neither is good for longevity.
The HiPower I have is an "FM" made under license in Argentina and I was told by Cylinder and Slide when they tuned it that those often "better than the real ones"(meaning Browning logo).
highpower3006
New member
Hipower's are neat guns and I think everyone that is into firearms, should have at least one. My first Hipower was an Argentine FM and it was a very, very nice gun. It had a parkerized finish and while not as polished as a Browning, it sure did shoot well. Unfortunately it was stolen from me and I had to wait several years to get another HP, this time I got a genuine made in Belgium one. I can't say about the used ones that are coming into the country, but the one I have has been used hard and shows a bunch of finish wear. Nevertheless, it is as accurate as just about any other handgun I have and goes bang every time I pull the trigger.
BHSpringSolutions has some blog posts as well as YouTube videos on parts breakages and issues they encountered with the Regents. There are several parts you might want to replace were you to get one. I don't think that means you shouldn't consider one, however.
I actually did pick up a Mk III Hi Power from Mach 1 Arsenal, and I have a thread on it (I'll link to it if I get back to my computer). Overall they're serviceable pistols, but the finish will often be pretty beat and mine also had some dings in the metal of the slide. They may not have been shot extensively but they were often carried a lot and will correspondingly look the part. On mine I did replace all the springs and there was a noticeable difference in the spring tensions. I later found a nicer commercial model that was imported by Browning and got it for $630 and since sold the Mach 1 import model. The prices on commercial models have gone a bit nutty imo, but if you're patient on GunBroker you occasionally find a good deal. In my opinion from the abuse the import model I bought had seen I think spending the price difference on a commercial model is worth it if you do want an original FN/Browning.
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I actually did pick up a Mk III Hi Power from Mach 1 Arsenal, and I have a thread on it (I'll link to it if I get back to my computer). Overall they're serviceable pistols, but the finish will often be pretty beat and mine also had some dings in the metal of the slide. They may not have been shot extensively but they were often carried a lot and will correspondingly look the part. On mine I did replace all the springs and there was a noticeable difference in the spring tensions. I later found a nicer commercial model that was imported by Browning and got it for $630 and since sold the Mach 1 import model. The prices on commercial models have gone a bit nutty imo, but if you're patient on GunBroker you occasionally find a good deal. In my opinion from the abuse the import model I bought had seen I think spending the price difference on a commercial model is worth it if you do want an original FN/Browning.
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A lot will depend on who surplused 'em. Most milsurp pistols were carried a lot but shot very little. However, that doesn't mean the thing was properly cared for.
The "surplus" BHP's on Gunbroker don't look scratched up to me. They look like they have normal finish wear from being taken out of the arsenal, looked at or carried on a militia exercise and returned to the arsenal.
The "surplus" BHP's on Gunbroker don't look scratched up to me. They look like they have normal finish wear from being taken out of the arsenal, looked at or carried on a militia exercise and returned to the arsenal.
Yep I got a hand picked one from them hope it is only finish wore badly. Looks decent in pics actually a Browning FN hope so. I have read all bout springs issues and firing pin stop on Tisas Regent online so will see. The Regent finish inside an out is great machining looks great. I just got it Tuesday so will try her out this weekend. Then will know more
Thanks
Roc1
Thanks
Roc1
Check the Regent over closely. I would replace all the springs along with the firing pin retaining plate if it were my gun. There have been some reported issues with them. They look good but they are typical Turkish guns. Their QC and metallurgy is not consistent. IMHO I have spoken to C&S about them and at the time they had not handled many but thought they were decent. They did hardness test of the frame barrel and slide on the ones they had and the results were favorable.
When I asked other BHP smiths like Yost, Williams and Garthwaite about them they all said they would stick to know proven guns. I know Yost won't work on anything but a FN base gun. That is not a knock on C&S or the Regent it is just what I have been told.
I would take a surplus or better yet a commercial Browning/FN gun over the Regent. I would even take a FEG or FM over the Regent. The only appeal to me for the Regent is the price and a stainless steel frame and slide. If I wanted that look I would get a FN gun and then send it to be hard chromed which will look just as good be more durable and better build. Again IMHO
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Aguila Blanca
Staff
"Regent" is just a name. The guns are made by Tisas Trabzon in Turkey. I looked at them at the SHOT Show a year ago (2018) and I was impressed, but that was on the show floor. They weren't at range day so I have not been able to shoot one.Mobuck said:
https://www.trabzonsilah.com/en/
http://www.trabzonsilah.com/en/series/zig-14
I have had several FN Browning HPs and like amount of clones. The only ones that came close were some under Mauser than were made in Germany after WW2. I have a keeper that is glass smooth. Once Brn started farming out to Portugal they weren't the same quality gun. They were assembled not fitted as they were at FN. Some of the clones are not
bad when compared to the Portugese models but not near as slick as the originals from FN.
I've haven't had a Turkish HP yet but if they are like 1911s from there they have a lot to be
desired with internal polishing of frame and slide.
bad when compared to the Portugese models but not near as slick as the originals from FN.
I've haven't had a Turkish HP yet but if they are like 1911s from there they have a lot to be
desired with internal polishing of frame and slide.
@Drm50 And when did they start farming that work out to Portugal? I am interested to know at what date the quality of the FN guns dropped so I know which ones to buy. Also please enlighten me to which Hi Powers Browning manufactured because as I understand it Browning never produced a Hi Power. EVER
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Gunbroker or Brownells is a good place to buy a Regent/Tias. When Brownells runs a 10% off sales with free shipping is a good time to buy. I personally would buy from them because if there is an issue they will take care of you better than a GB seller 99% of the time.Okay, you guys have my attention and would ask where is a good place to purchase one and well as pricing. I have shot HPs and like them a lot. Finally figured out that I don't care for striker-fired handguns. …….
Be Safe !!!
I really want them to work out because it would be nice to have a source for new BHPs even if they are clones. Please tell us how it shoots.
The import I had from Mach 1 Arsenal was both manufactured and assembled in Belgium, with all the Belgium proof marks and all FNH markings with no mention of Browning as a company. The commercial model I have was manufactured in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. Both the slide to frame fit and the barrel to slide fit are noticeably tighter on the model assembled in Portugal. These are production pistols, not hand fit masterpieces, at least the examples I have.
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