What gunsmith for Hi Power custom work?

[In The Ten Ring]

I have an alloy Browning Hi Power and I'd like to get it customized for carry.

Here is what I am looking for:

Round off the sharp edges (slide stop)

Remove magazine safety

Install new sights (Mark III type would be fine)

Install new safety lever (Mark III type is fine)

Zero to my chosen ammo/bullet weight

Smooth up trigger

Refinish to colors of my choice

Who is best to send it to?

 

[JohnO]

Don Williams
Jim Garthwaite
Cylinder and Slide
Karl Sobel

 

[WVsig]

Don Williams
Jim Garthwaite
Cylinder and Slide
Karl Sobel

All of those smiths will have at least a 6 month to 12+ wait list. Ask me how I know.

Don Williams did my Alloy BHP.

 

[Sharkbite]

Cylinder and slide
Robar

 

[1MoreFord]

With the possible of exception of Karl Sobel, who I am not familiar with, FPNI.

My HP was done by C&S before I knew Jim Garthwaithe was a great HP mechanic. Jim's a great guy and an outstanding gunsmith. I know him from shootin' the breeze over adult beverages at the USPSA nationals years ago. We didn't talk HP's then it was .38 Super 1911's for gun conversation.

 

[rodfac]

Novak does Hi-Powers too, IIRC. Their site will have details. Rod

 

[In The Ten Ring]

I sent an email to Robar, they replied back with about a $900 estimate, without the cost of parts.

Novak isn't too far from where I live, I might ask to see if I could pay him a visit, take the weapon along, and get an estimate that way and hopefully get a look at some options in person.

 

[WVsig]

I sent an email to Robar, they replied back with about a $900 estimate, without the cost of parts.

Novak isn't too far from where I live, I might ask to see if I could pay him a visit, take the weapon along, and get an estimate that way and hopefully get a look at some options in person.

That is not a bad price depending on which Robar finish you are using. The above Alum frame BHP was done in NP3 and Roguard. Considering the refinish in NP3 can cost about $400.

For me personally at that price I would want a near, sear trigger and hammer set.

For a point of reference Don Williams charges:

Basic Street Package + Tactical Package

Trigger job
Reliability Package
Novak or Heinie sights
Re-blue slide in satin blue
Add tritium inserts to sights
Bevel magazine well
C&S Commander-style hammer
C&S barstock sear
Stipple front grip surface
Stipple rear grip surface
Smooth-out Package (de-horn)
Crown barrel
Re-blue entire gun in satin blue
Test fire and sight in

$1180 for this package.

 

[WVsig]

With the possible of exception of Karl Sobel, who I am not familiar with, FPNI.

My HP was done by C&S before I knew Jim Garthwaithe was a great HP mechanic. Jim's a great guy and an outstanding gunsmith. I know him from shootin' the breeze over adult beverages at the USPSA nationals years ago. We didn't talk HP's then it was .38 Super 1911's for gun conversation.

Garthwaite is a BHP artist.