WWII Handguns: FN HP 9mm, 13rd Magazines
- Thread starter chapmac
- Start date
For those who have dealt with this particular WWII [1943 serial#] handgun, is it still possible to get a quality replacement 13rd magazine? The only HP mags Ive had issues with in "all" the various HP's Ive had over the years, were the mags that came with a couple of Argentinian "FM's". The mags worked fine in those guns, but would not properly seat in the others.
I always just assumed the FM's had a slightly more generous mag well, and the mags that came with them, were sized to it. All other standard HP mags worked in the FM's though.
Other than that, Ive used a bunch of different commercial and surplus mags in all of them, and never had an issue.
I always just assumed the FM's had a slightly more generous mag well, and the mags that came with them, were sized to it. All other standard HP mags worked in the FM's though.
Other than that, Ive used a bunch of different commercial and surplus mags in all of them, and never had an issue.
"FM" are clones... and I am not sure whose mags they used.
If you just need a functional mag CDNN has factory mags at a good price but I personally would buy Mecgars which are excellent and IIRC the OEM manufacturer. You can get 13 or 15 round Mecgars. OEM Browning/FN only come in 13.
Should run you about $25 a mag OTD.
If you just need a functional mag CDNN has factory mags at a good price but I personally would buy Mecgars which are excellent and IIRC the OEM manufacturer. You can get 13 or 15 round Mecgars. OEM Browning/FN only come in 13.
Should run you about $25 a mag OTD.
The mags. CDNN was selling Argies a few years back with Argentine made 15 rounders (I think; Possibly they were 17 rds.) instead of the standard 13 round FN types. I haven't heard much good about the Argentine "aftermarkets" (supposedly an Argentine Army contract). I'm thinking that maybe this is what you have with your gun, no?
I have two FM Hi-Powers and they both accept standard 13 rd. FN mags with no problems, and their mags will fit in any of my other Hi-Powers, if need be.
WVsig, the FMs (at least the original ones) were actually licensed by FN for manufacture in Argentina. I realize this is probably splitting hairs, but I would label a FEG (for example) as a "clone" and the FM as a "licensed copy."
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The older military are licensed copies... They had a contract to produce a certain amount under lic but continued to manufacture them long after that.
Most of the FMs you see in this country fall into the clone category because they were made for the commerical market long after the contract with FN had ended. I completely understand where you are coming from.
Thanks ALL for the feedback!
I want to thank all you for posting your feedback which was very helpful. I have two mags that were used in this gun in WWII. Looking for new mags that will work. It is a 1943 (early serial # for that year), yes Belgium, with all the NAZI and Inspection markings. It looks better than most I've seen on line. Even the holster is in great condition - also marked. Thanks again. Chuck
I want to thank all you for posting your feedback which was very helpful. I have two mags that were used in this gun in WWII. Looking for new mags that will work. It is a 1943 (early serial # for that year), yes Belgium, with all the NAZI and Inspection markings. It looks better than most I've seen on line. Even the holster is in great condition - also marked. Thanks again. ChuckSomeone else was recently on TFL looking for an original extractor, but couldn't find one. I did a check on all my sources (other than the mainstream obvious ones) and found exactly one company that had them for $89.95. I posted the link to the poster, and, by the time he went to order it, it has been sold. At the time I found it, it was still in stock. After the poster told me what happened, I went back to look at it and, sho 'nuff, it was "out of stock." Talk about rotten timing and bad luck.
At any rate, read and heed WVsig's advice. IF you do eventually find one, buy it, no matter what the cost, if you intend to shoot that gun. As some old time TV commercial used to say: "You'll be glad you did."
Edit: Even better yet, either buy a newly produced Hi-Power, or buy a serviceable external extractor upper off of eBay etc., and use it when you want to shoot the gun.
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The BHP I had, purchased in Manchester, UK, a gun shop on Withy Grove?
In 1960.
That in it's self is a long story.
It was stolen from a house break in, long time ago, it was in a safe, in Canada.
So if you come across a Blued BHP, with a Serial number of 78079. It is a stolen pistol.
In 1960.
That in it's self is a long story.
It was stolen from a house break in, long time ago, it was in a safe, in Canada.
So if you come across a Blued BHP, with a Serial number of 78079. It is a stolen pistol.