[Min]

I never had one, but I am looking forward to owning one. The Hi-Power is a classic pistol that is a must in every collection, but anyway, here is my question.

Are the ones "Assembled in Portugal" significantly inferior to the ones 100% assembled in Belgium? How do you feel about the two? Thanks.

[denfoote]

I'm not sure, but if you can find a Belgian made gun, in decant shape, I would snap it up!! :D

[BHPshooter]

No, they are certainly not inferior. The main reason that the Belgian BHPs are so sought after is for their superior finish and aesthetics.

My Belgium/Portugal BHP is absolutely wonderful. I love it. Don't pass on a HiPower just because it's assembled in Portugal, you could be selling yourself short. ;)

Wes

[jacketch]

I have one that is AIP and it is an excellent, accurate, reliable pistol.

[keederdag]

I own several HP's Technically The Belgian ones arn't rated for +P loads, the Portugese ones are. I have never had any prob's with my belgian ones though. But If you want it as a shooter, save some money and buy the Port. one; the +P rating is a good thing too.:)

[mr. e]

My Portugese assembled BHP is the most accurate 9mm I own. I don't think, however, that it handles hot loads as well as my CZ.

[bad_dad_brad]

I used to covet a Hi-Power. In the last few years they have become very expensive - 6 to 7 Franklins where I come from.

If you really want one, by all means. It is a great old-fashioned SA 9mm. Slim. Accurate. Points very well. And reliable.

You might explore a Hi-Power clone, like a Hungarian FEG. About half the price as a FN.

But for self-defense every day 9mm's you should explore the S&W, Rugers, and Glocks.

[Coltdriver]

Make sure you take a trip over to www.fnhipower.com

There is a ton of information over there on HP's.

Nothing wrong with the AIP HP's. The parts are still made in Belgium.

If you really take your time and shop around you can pick up an excellent deal on an HP. They are not rare guns.

I bought a nice 1989 MK III for $360 and picked up a perfect unfired "T" for $550 (both within the last two years).

At the gun show in Denver last week I spotted two nearly perfect "T" series guns for under $600.

I spotted an old ~1950's era Canadian Inglish for $350 at the same show.

Half of the fun is shopping. Cash in hand and you can cut a great deal.

You can pick up a clone or a built under license version, but you may not save that much and they are not as good in the fit, finish and value market as the true Belgian HP's.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Here's some observations on Hi Power accuracy. Groups are fired where designated by a Mk III Belgium/Portugal Hi Power.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Accuracy.htm

While the link below focuses on a specific type of ammunition, there are several groups shown that were fired with a late Mk III using the standard factory bbl.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/HiPower127Winchester.htm

I've been quite happy with both my old Belgian HP's as well as the new Mk III pistols.

Best.