[GitSome45]

I was reading the "May 2003" copy of "Guns & Weapons For Law Enforcement", and on page 50 they had a report on their "Gun Test" of the FN HP-DAO 9mm. Pistol.

I was APPALLED (sp?) to read that they made the frame of the weapon from "Investment Casting" rather than "Forged and Milled" steel... :barf: :barf:

No part of the weapon is interchangeable with the original "High Power", including its "14 round" magazine... (not the original 13 round design of the original P-35 / HP)

I was under the impression that FN made good handguns, ESPECIALLY their HP Designs...( I forgot to mention that the finish was that CHEESY "Black Epoxy" like found on Lorcins and and other CHEAPLY MADE GUNS!)

What Happened...

SADLY,

Howard

[Coltdriver]

FN has not used forged and milled frames on Hi Powers since about 1989.

The cast frames are, arguably, quite a bit tougher.

The DAO HP has always been unique and a cousin of the original HP so the lack of interchangeability with the mags is nothing new.

I saw the finish on the new FN guns too. At first I thought it looked a little cheap, but reports from those who own one say it is tough as nails and has not been prone to chipping or coming off.

FN still makes a fine product, like everyone, they have gone to more modern methods to improve efficiency. But the quality is all in the execution and the new FN guns are still top drawer quality.

[Zak Smith]

I have no comment on the DAO "HP", but the cast frames on Hi-Powers have been around for over 10 years and seem to be as durable as the forged ones. Several 'smiths who do work on the BHP have said they prefer the cast frames because they are harder and tougher.

-z

[GitSome45]

Wow, :what:

Guess I learn something new everyday...

If "Investment Cast" Frames are tougher/better... Cool. :cool:


Howard

[Croyance]

I believe if you go to FN HiPower (http://www.fnhipower.com) under the Technical section it states that the new investment cast frames are considerably harder than the old forged frames, about 40 RC compared to 20 RC.
None of which is an indicator of quality. Neither is the lack of interchangable parts.
I agree that the new finish looks bad. However, mass production of the old blued finishes by any manufacterer is expensive, because of the regulations on the chemicals used.
Modern finishes don't look as good as the old ones, but they wear better.