[The Rabbi]

For reasons known only to higher authorities I am itching to get another semi-auto. My stock currently consists of the SIG 220, the SIG 239 9mm, and the HKP7 which my wife has appropriated. Really I am a wheelgun guy.
But the idea of a high cap wunder-neun has me excited and the original was the BHP. So tell me why this design, which is probably close to a 100 years old, is still something good to shoot.

[Arch]

Depends what you want it for. For cary, they would be a great gun. As I am a target shooter this is of no concern to me. But I have fired one (only about 200 rounds though it), but I can tell you what I thought.

It was great! The gun is extrely comfortable. The grip just seems to pull your hand into the correct position, and the gun has a nice feel to it, pointability is great. Recoil characteristics are ok, I mean your only fireing 9mm or 40S&W, so it's not going to push you though a wall. But being a smaller pistol, the recoil is kind of snappy, but quite managable to put the muzzel back onto the X in time.

But yeah, just the good, comfortable feel of the gun it what stuck me most. However having said that, I prefer the feel of a CZ or 1911 much better, somthing with a little more size, and weight to it.

[sm]

Pick up a BHP, notice the Ergonomics.

Then there is the Character and Soul, Proven Reliability AEB (as evidenced by) U.S Military, Militaries around the World – Still.

Insert a magazine , charge the chamber, put on the safety – Cocked and Locked. Now eye your target, draw the BHP and snick off the safety, Ain’t that single action trigger GREAT!

It is okay to kept grinning and you keep putting shot after shot in the same place.

Now go here:
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

Yeah -That Guy on the Internet. ;)

He is a Moderator here and elsewhere. True Gentleman that Mr. Camp is…yep yessiree.

Yes we do expect a range report – pictures are good when you quit grinning long enough to share with us your new purchase.

Steve

[Old Fuff]

Like another well known Browning design, the P-35 Hi-Power is a time-proven platform. The magazine holds 13 rounds without feeling like a piece of 2 x 4, and the trigger pull is consistant although you'll probably want to have it worked over. Some like the magazine disconect - I don't. Although it is an all-steel pistol it is relatively light and well balanced. It remains a standard others try to match, but often don't get there. I too like revolvers and 1911 pistols - but I have been known to tote a Browning.

[P95Carry]

It's.... well .... just such a classic and great to shoot too. I know some trash the trigger but hey - I have never had probs enough to make me dislike the gun. I have used mine for IDPA and carry - it is now still shot but also revered, a bit!!

http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/thr/cb_gun2/bhp_s.jpg

[Dienekes]

I first shot an Inglis BHP (loaned to me by a Canadian armed forces member) in a primitive "combat match" up in Canada in 1960. They are a quirky 9mm with class and lots of history. I eventually got a tangent sighted Inglis on principle, and much later picked up a very nice Israeli FN Mk III which I like very much.

I am not particularly a 9mm enthusiast, but the BHP is an excellent excuse to own one.

Some people don't care for the blocky standard grips and change them out to something less clumsy. Craig Spegel's delrins are nice and walnut is even nicer; Brownell's has a similar set under the name "Navidrex".

Stephen Camp at www.highpowersandhandguns.com has a lot of useful info on these; also an excellent reference book that I can recommend.

[KONY]

Why get a BHP? ... because it is the 9mm caliber what the 1911 is to the .45 ... if that appeals to you then go for it! ;) :cool:

[Old Dog]

While I love the Hi-Power (and do agree that Craig Spegel make the most awesome stocks for it), and I think every serious handgunner should have at least one in his/her collection ... and I also think it's one of the coolest-lookin' pistols out there ... somehow, I seem to find myself shooting and admiring the CZ-75s just a bit more ... seems like some get the HP bug and then natually evolve into shooting and owning CZs ... so be warned ... getting a HP might be just the beginning ...

[Baba Louie]

CDNN has Belgian made Grand Puissance (Hi-Power)s for $399.99 per their latest catalog. Extra mags from $18-$25 and cocobolo grips for $30.

[Lennyjoe]

Does this help?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid102/p9ebda14b29d6ce4dadd1e0666b2bc9ea/f9b2bcbf.jpg

[P-35/53]

I have many guns but the Browning Hi- Power is mt favorite. Great ergonimics. When I shoot left handed the Hi-Power is the gun I shoot the best.

[Logan5]

I personally find that the BHP just shoots beautifully for me. I've got a 220 and a 226, among other things, but I find they are kind of a different universe at the range... Try one out before you buy, see what I mean. It's got a kind of ergonomics all it's own.

[GW]

The best argument in favor of the HP is to just hold one
If it doesn't just feel natural in your hand then maybe you should pass
It took me all of 2 minutes to decide on mine
It is a classic design to go into anyone's collection and it points better than any other handgun I own and that includes 1911's and Glocks

[faustulus]

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/tv.yahoo.com/images/he/photo/tv_pix/fox/the_simpsons/hank_azaria/char_comicbook.jpg
Best 9mm Ever

[hso]

TRab,

I'm in Knoxville and if you'll come to my place I'll let you shoot my BHP and CZ 75, and whatever else you're interested in, and you can "see" for yourself.

Mike

[Smoke]

Find a BHP that someone will loan/rent to you.

The gun itself will talk you into it.

Smoke

[michiganfan]

It's like faling in love for the first time.

[The Rabbi]

I guess if it was good enough for Saddam Hussein it's good enough for me!

[Arc-Lite]

Rabbi.... just the fact, it has been at or near the top, of the auto game, for 100 years...says allot. With your choice in Sigs and H&K's you will find the HP to be of another day, when things were simple, and performance was a must. A few things need some attention, trigger, sights and safety....but these things can be addressed very easily. Only down side...really, is only one won't do, or if it does...your in a small crowd that becomes smaller daily. I carried one all threw asia, and africa, for it seams like 100 years...and still find it to be...a dear friend. With FN deciding to discontinue the P-35...they will only go up in value.... like the P-7, but you would have to sell it..to see that $ gain...and if your like the rest of us....selling a friend...is out of the question. As for being good enough for Saddam (the gopher).... the guns surely was better then this scum bag... and I sure wish he would have put it in his mouth...and used it....when he had the chance.

[Michael Zeleny]

Why get a BHP? ... because it is the 9mm caliber what the 1911 is to the .45 ...That honor belongs to the P08. if that appeals to you then go for it!The feel in the hand is the biggest asset of the GP35. The Rube Goldberg trigger linkage and high propensity to shoot loose after a few thousand rounds are its biggest liabilities.

[Penman]

If you don't buy one, I will sit on your doorstep and tell your neighbors that we're related...

[C. H. Luke]

The worst thing about the P-35 is, once you own one, most other guns just aren't the same anymore..... :scrutiny:

[model 649]

Well Rabbi? Hows that for near-unanimous? Just get one and enjoy it. Tough to go too far wrong with a High-Power. The design's longevity speaks for itself (as well as all of us who love them). Let us know what you get, and how you like it?
Josh

[MikeIsaj]

Here's another thought on the matter;

You want one. You can afford one. This is America, it's what we do.

Enjoy your new gun.

Semper Fi!

[Coronach]

Talk Me Into A BHP!

No.

Shoot one. You'll talk yourself into it.

Mike ;)

[HSMITH]

Talk you into a BHP? Nope, I won't do it. It cost me about $100 to find out I just don't like the BHP, and I'd not do that to someone else. IMO the CZ-75 is where it is at if you want a big heavy 9mm.

[m14nut]

another thumbs up for the P35!!!!

I'm on my third, and I'm currently looking at a 40cal.

You don't even have to shoot it....just point it, and let your hands and body tell you why they rock! Then hold it with a loaded mag...feel how all the balance of the gun comes together.

Then shoot it.

You'll be hooked, you'll buy one :rolleyes:

[Gixerman1000]

Everyone should try a Hi-Power,

I love mine
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/Gixerman1000/Hi-Power.jpg

[NEtracker]

The Hi-Power is a fine pistol...I kinda miss my 91 Silver Chrome.
Sure wish we could buy Hi-Powers new here in the PRM....
(a couple used ones in a local shop are $1100 & $1500)
Now, used Argentines are much less, maybe ~$500.

[cookekdjr]

Find a BHP that someone will loan/rent to you.

The gun itself will talk you into it.
Just pick one up. Once its in your hands, you'll forget about everything else.

[Erich]

There's really something to what cookekdjr (and others) says: that's pretty much what got me.

And what's gotten a number of my friends who then shot my BHPs . . .

[recondoc]

There just so damned nice. I think that they have the nicest lines of any pistol design and the p-35 points so smooth in my hand that it is second only to my CZ p-01 in the ergonomics.
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Miscellaneous_and_Oddities/SERE2K%20Mods.JPG

Norell's Moly-Resin finish, Cylinder and Slide Hammer, Sear, and Extended Safety, Mag Disconnect removed and trigger honed to 4#, Novak's Low Mount sights. South African 17rnd mags, stippled front and back strap. All work except the sight milling was done at home in my garage. Still needs a nicer set of grips but my budget doesn't allow it quite yet.

She's my sweety,
Doc

[Zak Smith]

Hope this helps-
http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/YostBHP/small/140_4091_img.jpg (http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/YostBHP/?medium=140_4091_img.jpg)[ link to LARGER image] (http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/YostBHP/?medium=140_4091_img.jpg)
http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/YostBHP/small/140_4099_img.jpg (http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/YostBHP/?medium=140_4099_img.jpg)[ link to LARGER image ] (http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/YostBHP/?medium=140_4099_img.jpg)

[The Rabbi]

Zak, do you have any problem with hammer bite from that hammer design? It looks like the beavertail style hammer has enough room to come over the grip and bite the hand that feeds it. Esp if you're like me and your hand has put on some weight.
I went and held one just the other day. Yes, they really do feel good in the hand. There is no two ways about it. All the controls just fall right into place. Since they were designed for ball, how do they feed with HP ammo?

[longhorngunman]

By all means. If you like pistols and want to have a collection of nice ones, you should have at least one Hipower. Look at CDNN's, Thats were I got mine and have been more than happy. I paid $460 thats with tax,shipping, and transfer fees. If you don't live in Texas then you don't even pay tax. Probably end up aroun $430. :) These are real FN's and are very nice. It and the Sig 228 are the most accurate pistols I own. If I practiced more with the hipower It would be the most accurate. Hate to shoot it to much though, I like to care for my girl. ;)

[Zak Smith]

I get no hammer bite with Ted's relieved and bobbed hammer. Note that the shank is thinner also.

[m14nut]

Well if'n we're gonna turn this into a pic thread... :D

My Practical in B/W....
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/682422/6636837/85491382.jpg

Gear...
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/682422/6636837/85558559.jpg

And home right out 'o' the box....

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/682422/6636837/85558566.jpg

[The Rabbi]

Thanks for the pretty pics guys.

Is there any difference between the Argentine and the Belgian ones? Also what is the difference between a regular HiPower and a Mark 3?

[Zak Smith]

Mark 3 is the designation of the FN/Browning Hi Powers since about 1992. They incorporate some reliability changes and strengthening of the frame and can be ID'd by the longitudinal ridges on the bottom by the mag well.

[Coronach]

All of the "new" ones are now MkIIIs. Go to www.hipowersandhandguns.com ... they have a MkI, MkII, MkIII FAQ.

About the only 'bad' feature on the MkIII is the magazine disconnect. And that is easily removed if you wish it.

Mike

[recondoc]

The steel quality of FN is superior in the long run to the Argentine steel from FM (Fabrica Militar) who bought the licensing rights to produce the HP in Argentina. Fit and finish are a bit better as well but both pistols will shoot quite well as it is the design with these that works.
As for the various Types. There are some good definitions on www.fnhipower.com and www.hipowerandhandguns.com .
Both of these are dedicated HP sites with tons of good info. Steven Camp is probably the guru Daddy of the HP these days and has a great book out on them. Hi Powers and Handguns is his site.
The major variance with the MkIII as compared to the MKII and the original is in sites, safety levers, grips, extractors, and the internal firing pin block.
I have personally owned several MKII, transition, and MKIII pistols and have not had any problems from any of them.
My only problem child was a used, Argentine, Detective model that had been fired extensively with hot sub-gun loads.
It rounded out the lugs inside the slide. I've never experienced this problem with any other HP and most definitely not with the FN models.
I'm hearing good preliminary reports on the Charles Dailey HP but haven't had a chance to handle one outside of a shop yet.
Hope all of this helps you find your way to one of the finest pistols every made Amigo,
Doc

[Cliff47]

From a couple of posts back: The difference between the FN Mark II and the FN Mark III is the firing pin safety on the Mark III, and the newer, more prominent manual safety levers.

For the Argentine (FM) and the Belgian (FN, that we all lust after), the early FN with the 'stepped' slide is very similar to the FN, circa 1973 or so. The steel in these (the early FM) is harder than the subsequent M90/M95 versions, and will exchange part-for-part with the FN. The early FM will not interchange with the M90/M95, I've tried.

There are some Belgian-made Argentine-contract pistols out there that were made for the B.A. PD, and some are marked with the Internal Security Division rollmark. Those have the older internal extractor, like the Inglis, at least mine has the internal extractor.

Hope this helps.

[ZeroX]

IMO the CZ-75 is where it is at if you want a big heavy 9mm.

+1

[recondoc]

If the P-35 just doesn't float your boat, give the CZ a go. They are also fantastic pistols that, like the Browning, were way ahead of their time. CZ-USA is also great in the customer service department. My daily pistol now is the CZ P-01 variant of the model 75. It is shorter and lighter weight than the full size 75 and has a nifty full length dust cover/ light mount. Best out of the box pistol I've ever owned. (The .40 HP MKIII was the most accurate pistol I've owned out of the box though. It would make one ragged hole at 25 yards all day long.)
Doc

[Erich]

Rabbi, if you're really interested, not only should you go to Steve Camp's site, you should think about purchasing his reasonably priced excellent book on the BHP. I was reading mine last night - it's not as long as his superb book on the 1911 pattern pistols, but it's a "must have" for anyone interested in the BHP.

[Jeff Timm]

I had one with target sights back in the 1970's.

Sight was too vulnerable and I switched to .45, selling off my 9mms.

Thirty years later, I've bought two 9mms and am staring at a Hi-power.

Geoff
Who notes the 9mm grip on the Browning is odd, but most people like it or learn to tolerate it. :cool:

[ezypikns]

but there was a Browning Practical HP whispering from another shelf. I bought the Browning and it's a fantastic firearm. It really does seem to point itself. 150 rds later I'm hooked.

[StrikeEagle]

Hope this helps-

Gosh, Zak... that's the most lucious looking thing I've seen in ages! If I didn't already have a nice commercial BHP, those pictures would certainly coax me over the edge.

BHP: Still the best of the Nines, folks!

StrikeEagle

[Serpico]

Their mystique transcends explanation.

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/album/00000364/IMG0001.jpg

[natedog]

Zak, what kind of safety is that?

Very nice pistol.

[Joe D]

Here's the other side of the story and yes, I happen to own a couple of HPs. The HPs look good, point well, but are not suitable for competition. I tried shooting one of mine in IDPA for six months. The problem with the HPs and competition is mag changing. It is very difficult to do fast mag changes with a HP. That square mag just does not want to find it's way into the gun. I even tried tapering the two front corners of the mags for easier insertion.
If you do not plan on shooting your HP in any type of competition then by all means get one.

[Zak Smith]

natedog,

It's a stock safety modified by Ted Yost.

Joe D,

BHPs have shown up at the IDPA nationals (source: http://www.idpa.com/articles1.asp?title=2002%20IDPA%20Nationals&volume=6&issue=4 )

-z

[Joe D]

I wonder how many Masters or Experts used a BHP. I suspect none. I am not knocking the gun. I happen to like mine. Try doing a fast mag change during a match. Too much of a hit or miss situation.
I almost never see one in an IDPA match.

[Marshall]

Talk you into a BHP? God uses a BHP! Nuff said. :D

[Kestrel]

One of the best pistols, in my opinion. Slim and easy to conceal. EASY, EASY, EASY to shoot. Very ergonomic. Super reliable.

Trigger reset is longer than I would like, but I don't compete with HPs. Although, many men in black clothing, needing to shoot very fast, have had good success with very lightly modified HPs.

[Kestrel]

Oh - Also, where did the earlier poster hear of FN discontinuing the HP? When was this made known? Is it true?

Sad, if true.

Thanks.