My new to me,2001, Browning Hi-Power

T

Trooper Joe

New member
I found this pristine, 2001 date of manufacture, Browning Hi-Power, “Practical” series yesterday.




Over the years, I have had a 2018 (probably the last year made) blue, BHP as well as two Argentine models.

Due to the very harsh trigger pull on my last BHP. I sold all of these guns.
Fast forward to a couple of months ago when Springfield Armory announced their SA-35. I have my name on several wait lists and started to research these BHPs again. I tried to buy back my 2018 BHP from my friend but he wants to keep it.

This two tone “Practical” model I found yesterday has a very nice trigger pull (I would guess about 5 or 6 pounds). It still has the magazine disconnect in it and in spite of that the trigger pull is very good. It does have two 10 round magazines since it was sold in 2001 {Same year as manufactured). These mags have that neat drop free assist system. I remember I had several of that type when I owned the earlier guns.

I did notice that my brand new MecGar 13 and 15 round BHP magazines do not drop free which is OK.

I do plan on changing out that 32# main spring on it to a 30# or 28# as soon as possible. I have some Wolff recoil and main springs coming as we speak.

When I first saw this at the gun shop yesterday, I thought it was some type of stainless frame and I was a little lukewarm about the gun. In a few minutes I started to really like the gun so it followed me home. Later last night, I found out that the frame finish was some type of satin hard chrome.

I guess I have just completed a 50 year circle on the BHP since I was issued one as a State Police Detective in 1974.

Checked the prices on the net for the BHP last night any found that I got mine for $300 to $400 less so I am a happy camper.

Just some ramblings,

Trooper Joe
 
Great gun, mine's a 9mm...is yours a .40 or 9mm. Mine too has a good trigger, though I removed the magazine disconnect to get it.

It's entirely reliable with anything I've tried: JHPs, FMJ's and cast lead SWC's. Accuracy runs a bit under 3" at 25 yds from a rest, with most commercial ammunition, tho I do better with selected handloads of my own construction. The gun has a definite preference for 124 gr bullet weights.

I got rid of the wrap around rubber grip and have a set of good figured Hogues on it that significantly reduce the width of the grip. My preference entirely due to my extended use of 1911's over the past 50+ years.

Good luck with yours, my original BHP, a '68 model, carried me through many a sleepless night during my first tour in Vietnam...I'd give a lot of my tomorrows to have it back...Best of luck, Rod

 
My late-'90s Mk. III has a really nice trigger, and while I'm no fan of the mag disconnect, it's the mags not dropping free that's irritating.
Among other things, BH Spring Solutions makes a replacement mag disconnect that retains the disconnect feature, while allowing mags to drop free, if that's a desired combination.
Removing the disconnect and its spring can result in mushy trigger return, so BHSS has a spring set for positive reset after disconnect removal.
 
Trooper, You are fortunate to find what appears to be such a nice, high condition example at a price you feel good about. I had two 1990 manufacture Practicals, and one '93 Practical. I like them a lot, and wish I'd kept at least one. Especially should have kept one of the 1990 guns, since they were the forged frame type I prefer. Enjoy that new Hi Power.
 
Very nice pistol!! Ever since seeing Hannibal use one in the old A-Team show, I have kind of wanted one. I don't have any need to have an old or original one, so that new SA-35 would be acceptable.

Regardless, still very nice pistol, I hope it treats you well.
 
What a clasic beauty; My compliments!!!

Trooper, You are fortunate to find what appears to be such a nice, high condition example at a price you feel good about.
Click to expand...

Trooper,
The Practicals are extra special and If I may ask, what did you pay for it. I have been eye-balling the new Springfields and they are showing $699.00-List. That's fine but in these "crazy" times GunBroker bids are much higher. Looks like I'll have to go to the back of the line on this one. :rolleyes:

Be Safe !!!
 
Wow very nice find. With genuine 1994 assault weapon ban 10 round magazines.
I picked up a like new hipower with the target sights made in 1992 in Silver Chrome last year for $1000 with fees off gunbroker. The going rate now seems to be $1500 +.
 
I lucked out before I even found this gun last week. Since I have my name on several wait lists for a SA-35 from Springfield Armory, I ordered two of their 15 round mags fromthem within a few days. I also ordered two 13 round MecGar mags and received them right away also.

A couple days ago, I found two 13 round, Browning branded mags with the “mousetrap” ejection assist system. I really like these ejection assist mags since I don’t plan to remove the mag safety from this gun at least for now.

Enclosed is a little better photo of my BHP.





Yesterday I found my copy of Steve Camp’s BHP book that I thought I had given away. What a great read especially with my new to me BHP sitting next to me.

Interesting thing I found in Mr. Camp’s book was that some Browning branded mags had a finish on them that assisted in a smoother trigger pull. I found that to be true with these 10 round mags that came with this gun.

Trooper Joe
 
Am itching to obtain the SA-35, however as supply and demand are all out of whack presently, it will undoubtedly be a long time until I own one. In the meantime, I've been impressed with the Tisas Regent BR9. It would seem a reasonable substitute for the original, as well as perhaps the Springfield. I've not read a reputable review yet that did not praise its quality and usage. In any case, Trooper Joe you have a great find right there and I wish you luck and good shooting with it.
 
Just got back from my second trip to the range. The first trip was as I bought the gun (32# main spring with the stock 17# recoil spring, quarter size group at 15 yards and it fed everything}.



Since the hammer was very stiff to cock, I decided to install a 28# hammer spring followed with an 18.5 # recoil spring to make up for less main spring reoil buffer. Everything was again perfect today. I have noticed that my 15 round SA-35 magazine (made my MecGar) has started to drop free even though it does not have a mouse trap system like my 10 round Browning mags. I ordered some 13 round Browning mags with the mouse trap from Midway and received them today after returning from the range. The trigger pull with the Browning mags is very smooth due to the type of coating Browning had specified (it allegedly lets the mag safety system slide smoother over the front of the mags according to Steven Camp).



Love this gun. Everything works as it should. I have my name on several lists for a SA-35 but I will be in no real hurry for one.



Oh, also, I installed a set of G-10 Hogue grips on the gun which I really like.



Trooper Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top