[boogalou]

I was just wondering why this pistol has such a loyal following. I've noticed many posts on this board and others that it is among the best 9mm you can buy. But they sure are expensive! What do they have that justifies that expense?

I've researched the Hi-Power clones, mainly because of the lower costs, but there are a lot of you out there who say to get the original. I'm game for that, but I'm also somewhat mystified by all the different Browning varients out there. So please enlighten me on what to look for in a good value!

[Kahr carrier]

The Classic design of the Browning Highpower . It was used in WW-2 . It has a high capacity -13 rounds ,magazine disconnect, The Belgium versions command a premuim, But the Portugal versions are nice also .Best bet is to shop for a used one ,they can be found for a descent price if you are patient.

[mattk]

Accurate, relible, durable, and great ergonomics. Plus a long history of use by both the good guys and the bad guys around the world.
I have also bought mine used. I Florida you can find a nice Mk3 for about 450 if you look. I really dont know of any problems you need to look for on used BHP with the except of evidence of home gunsmithing ie hacking on the gun.

[Zak Smith]

The BHP is not that expensive - a new Browning MKIII can be had for around $570, which is comparable to a SIG or entry-level 1911.

The BHP has the following attributes that many value: single-action, cocked & locked, good trigger, small grip, very slim and easy to carry/conceal, reliable, "high"-capacity.

-z

[RON in PA]

The BHP might just have the best "feel" of all semi-autos. If you have never handled one do so and you will know what I mean.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Howdy
Have fired a BHP clone, (FEG) a lot. Have not had any problems w/ it. Shoots good, reliable, feels good in your hand. Have not shot any other Browning made, Inglis, or other copys.
Good luck
Wyo

[sanchezero]

FM hipowers from www.CDNNinvestments.com for under $300.

FM has a pretty good rep.

[Handy]

The BHP is a nice gun in that it works, is smallish for a hi-cap, fits the hand decently and is accurate. It is also all steel, yet not super heavy.

The HP "curiousities" include a mag safety that everyone dislikes and removes, a fairly long trigger reset, a strangely huge slide release and a sear/trigger bar system that no other pistol design has ever tried to emulate.

Those are all pretty excusable for a tough gun that works. All of the clones seem to work really well, too.

[Zak Smith]

A nice side-effect of the up-over-around trigger bar is that the firing pin safety (added with the MKIII's?) has no impact on trigger pull.

-z

[Handy]

Zak, I imagine the trigger is still providing the motive force to move the pin block, just like a Glock trigger bar does. The fact that you can't feel it is owed to a smooth execution rather than the trigger bar placement.

What is embarrasing for gun makers are the guns that do make the pin block disengagement noticeable in the trigger, IMHO. P5s are terrible in this regard. P7s, CZs, Glocks, etc. all make it very difficult to detect this action through the trigger as well.


I can't remember the BHP internals perfectly at the moment, but I'm thinking the sear bar also serves as a disconnector? That's a nice simplification.

[Zak Smith]

As I remember, the vertical bar which sticks out above the frame when the slide is removed, coming out of the trigger group serves both to disconnect the trigger when there is no magazine present (it moves forward, IIRC), and as the disconnector. The trigger reset lowers this bar again which allows it, under spring tension, to slip back under the "in-slide" transfer bar.

-z

[Handy]

Thanks, Zak.:)

[telewinz]

The BHP has the same "feel" that is often associated with the M1 Carbine. In your hand(s) it "feels" like it is more than it is. That "feeling" builds confidence in the user, "I can perform the task at hand with this "superior" weapon. Its the same feeling car makers want the driver to feel when they get behind the steering wheel. I think the CZ75 (or clone) has that same "feel".

[Zak Smith]

telewinz,

That's an interesting way to put it. I was going to write that the BHP "shoots better than it should" and "carries better than it should." Just looking at the pistol, it doesn't seem special or particular good, but it just shoots naturally and well, and almost disappears in an IWB for CCW.

For example, put up against a full-size / full-weight 9mm (CZ-85 Combat), the BHP just feels better in draw -> double tap drills.

-z

[Serpico]

my favorite...bar none....

[Onslaught]

Boogaloo -

I don't say this to be sarcastic, or elitist in any way...

If you ever fired a true BHP, you wouldn't have to ask :D

I do NOT own one myself. But on 2 seperate outings, with 2 different BHP's, I fell in LOVE instantly... They just felt "right". I shot them better my very first time than my HK that I'd owned for a couple years!

And I'm not a "1911" guy, or an "all steel only" guy, and it's not the nostalgia, I didn't grow up shooting them, or anything else. Truely and honestly, from the first time I fired one about 7 years ago, I never had to wonder again what the "big deal" was.

The only reason I don't own one is because I just don't "need" one. It would only be for fun, and I haven't had $500 - $600 to spend on a pistol JUST for fun yet.

Some day though...

[Dr.Rob]

Time tested, battle proven design in use my more armies than any other semi-auto over the past 65 years.

How's that for a summation?

If you gotta have a nine, its one of the best choices.

[Zak Smith]

A BHP holds 15+1 (flush, with the right mags) and conceals easier than a Glock 19.

-z

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Speaking only for myself, the HP 9mm remains my favorite overall autoloader because:

1. The grip is extremely comfortable.

2. The pistol's reliable with a wide variety of ammunition types.

3. It's accurate enough for the vast majority of my "needs," real or imagined.

4. Internally, it's of simple design, one that's proven over time, and it's simple to detail strip.

5. There are some quality aftermarket parts for the HP though not anywhere near what's out there for the 1911.

6. I'm happy with 9mm so I don't have "caliber envy" when using these pistols.

7. The pistol lends itself to customizing should that be desired.

8. To me, it just has a certain appeal or panache.

9. I don't shoot double-taps except at extremely close range, but do shoot controlled pairs. The trigger reset is no problem for me in this regard.

10. I've been in some tight places when the 9mm HP was with me. Just kind of sentimental about the things, I guess.

Best.

[six 4 sure]

FWIW, I own four 9mm semi-autos, a Beretta 92FS, a Sig 225, a H&K P7M8, and a Browning Hi-Power. Of those four, for many of the reasons listed above I shoot the Hi-Power the best. Which is great, but somewhat disturbing considering I own the 225 and the P7 which many would consider are better guns.

Six

[Handy]

Could it be the longer sight radius than the 225 or P7?

[boogalou]

Thanks for all the comments. It is interesting that telewinz compares the BHP to the CZ75 as far as "feeling right".

I own a CZ75 and the balance and ergonomics of the pistol give me a very positive feeling when I'm shooting it. From the comments expressed so far, the BHP emulates that same confidence in the shooter.

So, any specific BHP to look for, or would a FEG or FM work just as well from a value standpoint?

P.S. I know some of you may say to get the Arcus, but I can't stand the looks of it.

:)

[Zak Smith]

boogalou,

After doing much research, I concluded that the cast-frame Browning MKIII's - current production in other words - is what I wanted.

Even though the Browning pistols are more expensive, I think they are worth it over the FEG or FM.... just pick up two and compare. In addition, they'll hold their value better. The MKIII has some structural enhancements which should make it last longer, in addition to having a usable thumb safety. Reports are that the cast frame should also last longer than the older forged frames due to heat-treat. Several pistolsmiths who do lots of BHP work have reported that the cast frames are more durable.

regards
-z

[makarov]

I just bought a FEG PJK-9HP - which is the "clone" of the Hi-Power. It has very nice fit and a great blued finish. If you can find one for $200 like I did, buy it. Yes I would rather have a Browning, but for $200 I don't think you can beat it. I bought this one right after picking it up. It felt great in my hand. I also could not believe the finish on this gun. It is used, but looked brand new. Very smooth polish on the metal which made for a nice blue job. Must have been a good day at the FEG factory.

[WonderNine]

a fairly long trigger reset

I've never understood that common complaint, I can fire it just as fast as any other gun. I'm convinced it's just something other people have heard on the internet and repeated.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I have no problem with it either, but it does seem to be there for one group in my observations of fellows that compete, shooting extremely fast and accurately with 1911s, which do have an extremely short reset. Once they shoot the HP a little however, the "problem" goes away.

Best.

[cslinger]

But it just doesn't do it for me. I don't know why. I really don't like the feel and it just doesn't evoke the same emotion a nice 1911 does. I own and have shot many many handguns of various types and calibers and can appreciate most of them in some way or another. The BHP is a classic design that was so good it still survices today but it just doesn't float my boat so to speak.

So does that make me any less of a gun enthusiest. Am I to be barred from further discouse here because I don't care for the BHP? Sometimes I feel like I am the only gun nut out there who just doesn't get the warm fuzzies from the Browning High Power.

Chris

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Shoot, no! No problem! Most of my shooting buddies prefer the 1911 to the HP.

Best.

[Al Thompson]

cslinger, your not alone. I like BHPs but bleed when I shoot them, so no BHP for me. :) Single action revolvers leave me completely cold though.. It's just a personal thing. :scrutiny:

[CZ-75]

Anyone have links to the Browning or FN website WITH THE HI-POWER ACTUALLY LISTED?

I've just been to both Browning-USA and FN-USA websites and can't find the BHP listed at either.

I know FN is selling a no-frills MK III, but I was interested in the BHP standard that Browning used to list w/ a polished blue finish, fixed sights, and walnut stocks.

It can't have been a month since I saw them still listed at Browning-USA.

[Zak Smith]

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/category.asp?value=007B

-z

[CZ-75]

Thanks.

Check out their home page under "firearms"

Once you follow that link, they list everything BUT centerfire pistols.

Wonder if that is a hint or portent for the future of the BHP.

[Gary A]

Try this: http://www.fnhusa.com/contents/hg_hpsa.htm

[Harold Mayo]

Am I to be barred from further discouse here because I don't care for the BHP? Sometimes I feel like I am the only gun nut out there who just doesn't get the warm fuzzies from the Browning High Power.


In answer to your questions:

YES! You should be banned from further discourse (and intercourse, too) because you don't care for the BHP! You are a heretic and a disgrace!

No warm fuzzies from the hi-power? I am sorry for you. You truly have no heart.

:neener: :evil:

[Al Thompson]

Hey Harold, see the fifth post above.. :evil:

[Harold Mayo]

Well, Al...I think that you should be barred from further intercourse, too...

:what:

[Harold Mayo]

I love the hi-power. For years it has been the gun to which I've always returned. It bites me BADLY without any alterations but it only takes a couple of minutes with a Dremel tool to hog out the back of the hammer and cut down the spur a little. I like it because it is a little "different", because it is more aesthetically pleasing than any other handgun (to my eyes), and because it is a relatively high-capacity single action autoloader.

I am ashamed to say that I am drifting toward using a 1911 more and more, though. I have strayed from hi-powers in the past and always returned but this is different. As I have experimented with almost every other self-loading handgun out there, I have never found one that I shoot as well as a 1911, not even my beloved hi-powers.

The trigger is "it" for me. There is simply nothing better out there. I will always alternate between the 1911 and the hi-power but I really wish that the trigger was a little better on the latter.

[Al Thompson]

You and my ex wife......:p :neener:

[Al Thompson]

If I can find a BHP at low enough cost or stumble into some money, I'm getting one and having Cylinder and Slide put a beaver tail on it.

[Harold Mayo]

Well, Al, not to shop out my sale (well, ok, so I am), but I have a LNIB (pretty much) Browning hi-power for sale...

C'mon...you know you want one...

:D

[Dave Markowitz]

No other handgun feels as good as a Browning High Power. It's "just right."

Aside from that, the gun is very reliable, having been battle-proven for over 60 years all over the world.

I once made the mistake of selling a BHP. I wound up buying another one to replace it, and I plan to be buried with it. :evil:

[beckrodgers]

Iam no expert on this subject,my answer I suffer from as yet an un named physical illness long story I could no longer tolerate the recoil of the 45acp or larger ,not really the .40, my only choice was to break out my Belgium HP made in 1970. I love the pistol & shoot it fairly well,I need to be able to hit what I aim at,so far snakes ,tin cans , paper targets, 2ltr soda bottles at 40 yds oh & 1 bad guy in the drive way with all my stuff in his car [ac ,vcr, tv....] he swung a wal mart weed eater at my head have fallen to its reliable accuracy never failed to fire but 2 times. 1 was a squib load,the other was a 30 rd mag mis malfunction stove piped or failed to feed, I jerked it out & in the bayou it went . I used mostl 115 gr reloads but that source dried up,I use winchester 115 jhp. Ihave an abundence of fed hydro shok & bought 500 cor-bon that is put up. I am well armed with the pistol it is what I have to use,I would never give it up for any reason,I miss my 45 1991a1 Colt Ilove the para p16/40 passed up one yesterday limited ed for 500 even I cant handle it for now. There are many reasons to own stuff,my best reason is I want it,I would bet my Hp that most folks have stuff too, cause its what they want& paid for. My Dad taught me preference is not prejuidice. Thanks. Becky typing for Bobby

[Daryl]

If I could have only one handgun it would and has been a BHP.

[Newton]

I picked up a NIB PJK-9HP (arguably the best clone) for $199 about 6 months ago, and that included 2 factory hi caps that take 14 rounds each.

I fitted my own sight upgrade pack, a Hogue soft rubber finger groove grip, an extended safety and had the mag disconnector removed (doesn't everyone?).

I have put maybe 500 rounds through her with zero malfs. of any kind, as for the trigger reset I can rip off 15 rounds as fast as a sub gun without really trying, that means lots of fun at quiet outdoor ranges, squib loads be damned. I haven't heard of the trigger reset being an issue with the BHP before.

I have several handguns, but this one is so different to the others. Every time I hold it, I try to work out why it feels as if it is a part of my hand, and this is what I have come up with. Front to back, the grip is perfectly angled for the contours of the users hand, widthways it is "fat" enough to fill the palm, but slim enough to allow a perfect and natural finger position on the trigger. The slide is very slim, and narrows appreciably towards the muzzle, it's as if you're handling an Epee as opposed to a Broadsword say like the USP, elegant is the most appropriate word I can find to describe the slide. Finally, the gun sits very low in the hand unlike a SiG which tends to be top heavy. In summary you have a gun that has a full but not fat grip coupled with a low center of balance and a slim upper profile - all this makes the BHP swing very quickly and naturally from one target to another, and doesn't cause the user to feel that the weight of the gun is working against him by trying to wrench the grip from his hand. To me the opposite of a BHP would be a gun with a short thin grip and a heavy top half - the otherwise excellent SiG P239 would fit the bill in that regard.

The BHP is simply one of "those" guns, it has no single major attribute, but is rather, the sum of its parts. The only downside is that you have to be happy with cocked and locked with no grip safety, a purpose designed high quality holster is a must if you want to avoid a 9mm groove down your right thigh and some explaining at the ER.

If I ever found myself miles from anywhere way out in the backwoods, surrounded by things that meant me serious harm, I would want my hand to fall onto the grip of a HP above any other sidearm.

Newton

[Zak Smith]

The only downside is that you have to be happy with cocked and locked with no grip safety, a purpose designed high quality holster is a must if you want to avoid a 9mm groove down your right thigh and some explaining at the ER.

The MKIII is both drop-safe and "sear-fail" safe with its firing pin block. Don't pull the trigger, it won't fire.

The grip safety on a 1911 only prevents the trigger from moving to the rear.

-z

[Coltdriver]

I like em because they have a excellent feel in my hand. They point very naturally for me. The heft and balance is just right for me too.

I also like the availability of cheap hi caps that work just fine.

The simplicity is a plus too. Bonus points for any gun I can successfully detail strip and return to normal operation in one evening of just plain fun.

Get some cash in your hand and shop patiently. There are still available bargains out there. Start frequenting pawn shops and get into a routine.

I picked up a decent MKIII for $360 a year or so ago and I just read a post over on www.FNHIPOWER.com where some lucky dog picked up a nice "T" series for under $400. Looking is half of the fun.

[LWCmdr45]

I have two 9x19mm. Hi-Powers: a 1960 Browning commercial and a Practical. I really like 'em! Maybe 'cause it was THE double-stack nine when I was growing up or maybe 'cause it fits my smallish hands "just right." I've never been bothered by the hammer bite problem, all the controls are similar to the 1911-pattern pistols I normally carry, and full capacity magazines are readily available even now. "One of these days" I'm going to add a .40 caliber version to my collection.

Steve

[LWCmdr45]

I have two 9x19mm. Hi-Powers: a 1960 Browning commercial and a Practical. I really like 'em! Maybe 'cause it was THE double-stack nine when I was growing up or maybe 'cause it fits my smallish hands "just right." I've never been bothered by the hammer bite problem, all the controls are similar to the 1911-pattern pistols I normally carry, and full capacity magazines are readily available even now. "One of these days" I'm going to add a .40 caliber version to my collection.

Steve