[devildog4329]

Hi everyone,

So last weekend i went to the range with my cousin and me and the wife both fell in love with his high power.
So i have been doing my research and reading alot of posts and i have some questions about the, FEG High Power. How well do they hold up? Are they worth the money for a range toy and bedside gun for the wife?

Also if anyone can suggest a make and series and knows a decent place to pick one up i would greatly appreciate it. Also i would like to stay under $600 and i like the MK II with the smaller saftey. I know im picky but who isnt?

Thanks for the help everyone.

[steveracer]

Just a heads-up to avoid confusion.
HiPower is a pistol, and a freakin awesome one.
High Power is a rifle cartridge, or a rifle match. Very different.

You will not likely find a nice used HiPower for less than $600. The price has gone up pretty dramatically in the last four years or so.
If you can spend $50-$75 more, you can get a nice one. The MKII safety fits the MKIII guns pretty easily, and the big advantage of the MKIII guns is dove-tailed sights.
Steve

[devildog4329]

Thanks alot Steveracer. Sorry i had the Hi vs. High thing mixed up. I have done some reading and understand the differences between MK II and III. I am wondering about the differences between, FN which makes the Browning marked ones, The Bulgarian, Hungarian, FEG, and the Canadian

I am not looking to get a collectors item just a range toy and bedside gun for the wife. Again thanks for the info.

[ByAnyMeans]

I love my HiPower. I'm not sure of pricing because I bought mine over a year ago. I shot a couple of people's Browning MKIII's and one custom done one. I then went and bought an FM HIPower which is an Argentinian clone.
All parts swap with the original and after removing the magazine safety which took fifteen minutes with a Youtube video and installing a pair of Hogue wrap-around grips I have a pistol as good as all the others I shot with the exception of the custom one.
The best part is at least a year ago I got it "like new" with four magazines for three hundred. Leaves a lot of extra money for a few more magazines and ammo.

[JTQ]

First stop should be to THR member Stephen A. Camp's excellent website

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

[blitzen]

My experience with an FEG clone was dredfull. It had a god awful triger that could not be made better and in the end it wouldn't even have been a truck, tackle box or what ever gun. I sold it. It was no Browning by any stretch of the imagination. I do have three MKIIIs and I recomend you save up until you can get one. Swap the safety out with one made by Cylinder and Slide and remove the magazine safety and you will be very pleased.

[wrs840]

I think you're on the right track dd4329. The BHP I bought new in April 1988 for $435 is the pistol that really turned my wife into a skilled handgunner. I don't really know what it would cost today. We range-shoot with it, but kinda shy away from using it as a daily utility tool. Don't know if it's a MK II or Mk III, but it does have a dovetailed rear adjustable sight, and says: "Browning Arms Company Morgan Utah & Montreal P.Q." on the safety side, and "Made in Belgium By Fabrique Nationale Hersatal" on the ejection port side. s.n. 245PT129xx. It's a beautiful and functional gun.

As a utility alternative, my wife also really likes a S&W 5904 police-trade that we picked up a couple years ago in "VG+" for $300, and she is excellent with it too, and it is flawlessly reliable.

Not to hijack the thread, but if anyone can tell me more about my BHP than I've already posted, I'd appreciate the info.

Thanks,
Les

[jonnyc]

With a bit of TLC, a Hungarian FEG or Argentine FM makes a great introductory Hi-Power. No such animal as a Bulgarian HP.

[devildog4329]

Thats what i was thinking Jonnyc. Pick up a FEG that i am looking at, the price is right, and let the wife get used to the hipower feel. Then upgrade later and get her nicer one if the Hipower is still what she wants.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I suspect that the "Bulgarian Hi Power" is the Arcus 94 which is a clone of the FN other than some readily visible external differences. (The Arcus 98 resembles a Hi Power but has a double-action and is not a clone of it.) If interested, here is a link that shows the Arcus:

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg110-e.htm

wrs840: Your pistol was made in 1986.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/What%20are%20the%20differences%20between%20the%20Mk%20II%20and%20Mk%20III.htm

Best.

[wrs840]

^^^
Thank You very much!

Regards,
Les

[devildog4329]

can anyone tell me which model this may be. I am trying to get better pics if the guy will send them to me.
115704

115705

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Based on the shape of the front sight, and the positioning of the lettering on the non-ejection port side of the slide, my guess would be that this is an FEG Hi Power Model PJK-9HP.

Interesting information on FEG Hi Powers can be found here if interested:

http://feghp.blogspot.com/

Best.

[devildog4329]

That was my guess as well. I just could not make out any of the lettering. Also all the pictures i have found of the PJK-9HP they all had a "1911 commander style hammer" and not the "1911 GI style". Sorry but thats all i could come up with to compare the hammers.

Stephen thanks for the help. Wold oyu know what a decent price for this would be. The person i am trying to buy from is asking $230. I think it is a good buy and want to pick it up.

The more i look at this picture it looks like the last workd in the roll mark says Budapest? Im guessing that would be where the FEG Hungarian plant was that produced this pistol.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I've neither seen nor priced FEG Hi Powers in years but I do think that $230 for one in good shape is very reasonable. I think that NIB, they'd fetch $350 to $400, but that is just a guess.

Best.

[devildog4329]

Thanks again Stephen for all your help. Have a good day and take care. When i pick this up and get to the range i will post a full review and let every one know how it is.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. You are most welcome. I look forward to reading your review.

Best.

[Mizar]

jonnyc, little off topic, actually there WAS a Bulgarian Hi-Power - the pistol was named "Belitsa" - it was a true copy of Hi-Power MkII, made in the early 90's by the Arkus company. From the information I have, no more than 700 pistols were made, mostly for import. I did handled one (no shooting) - very well made pistol, the owner was more than satisfied with it.

Boris

[jonnyc]

I stand corrected, thank you for the info! I have never heard of that variation discussed before, only the Arcus 94, which I consider to be a step away from a true HP. Do you have any pics of the "Belitsa" and its markings?

[W.E.G.]

Before you commit to an FEG, take a good hard look at the muzzle area of the slide, and make a decision as to whether you can stand to look at it.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/pistol%20pics/FEGmuzzle2.jpg

[Mizar]

Sorry, jonnyc, unfortunately I have no pictures.

Boris

[SharpsDressedMan]

I have two Hi Powers, and have owned about 4-5 others over the years. The Hunky Hi Powers are a little spotty regarding quality. As some have said, they generally have heavy, gritty trigger pulls, that cost a bit to fix (either gunsmithing, or replaced parts). Some are nicely blued, and the Charles Daly copy (also Hungarian made) is an interesting alternative, that got mostly positive reviews, but it now discontinued. I bought an evenly patina'd (worn & aged) FN Hi Power from the late 1940's or early 1950's. Very sound gun, shoots great, just looks old....but I like that on this one. I paid $365 at a gunshow about 3 years ago. I also have a Nice bright blued MKIII, that came with Herretts grips, a great trigger pull, and sights dead on. Had a few handling marks, but is utterly reliable, and very accurate. Got it off Gunbroker about 3 years ago also for $435....nobody was bidding on it. Now worn ones are $550 and up on gunbrtoker, and at $500 starting bid, EVERYONE is bidding them up. Your best bet is to find an active gunshow. I have seen several nice Hi powers at shows here in Ohio for around $500-$600, and you might even get a MKIII for $450 if you catch it coming in the door, etc.

[devildog4329]

Well fellows.
So i purchased the FEG i was looking at and while cruising gunbroker saw that the same seller had 2 of the same pistols for the same price, $229.95. So needless to say not only did the wife get hers but now i have one too :). So Next week sometime when i pick them up i will post a range report and let everyone know how they handeld.

[jonnyc]

Smart. If you don't like one you can always trade up.

[Patrick R]

I have a FM BHP now going on 18 years.

Looks good, shoot nice.

Box says made under FN license.

[ir3e971]

I have an FEG hi-Power, and it has been 100% through many many rounds. I think you will be pleased.

[Paints]

My experience with an FEG clone was dredfull. It had a god awful triger that could not be made better and in the end it wouldn't even have been a truck, tackle box or what ever gun. I sold it. It was no Browning by any stretch of the imagination. I do have three MKIIIs and I recomend you save up until you can get one.

My experience was the opposite, the FEG is much better than the Brownings I had.

Back 10-12 years ago I was dumb enough to buy a Mk III Browning "Practical". it really felt good in my hand...at the store counter. In actual use, the trigger was absolutely horrible, sometimes I thought the safety was on (it wasn't). I traded it. Later I tried again with another one. Same thing with the trigger. On top of that, the second one had the front sight break off after about 500 rounds. I got rid of it too. The Brownings were the only "junk guns" I've ever bought. Never again!

Later I bought a FEG clone. Much better trigger. I still have it. It was half the price of the Brownings and twice the quality.

BTW, FEG went out of business about two years ago.

Ken

[dogtown tom]

Paints:...It was half the price of the Brownings and twice the quality.

BTW, FEG went out of business about two years ago.

This has to be the first time I've ever read that FEG's were "twice" the quality of a genuine Hi Power.:rolleyes:

You might want to think about why FEG went out of business.:scrutiny:

[Pilot]

I've owned two Browning (FN made) Hi Powers for almost 20 years and they have been flawless. The quality is much better than any of the clones, not that some of the clones won't give good service. Spend the money, get the real deal.

[Old Fuff]

J&G Sales in Prescott, AZ just got in a shipment of Argentine Hi-Powers that are (I presume) used but in great condition for around $350.00. Fabrique Nationale (FN) originally set up, and tooled the factory and the pistols were, or are made to FN standards. Anyone looking for a relatively inexpensive Hi-Power should check them out.

[DC3-CVN-72]

my first handgun was a Browning Hi-Power target that I traded in for a Beretta Model 96 when the armorded transport co. I worked for went from .357 MAG. Revolvers to .40 cal semi-auto pistols. I regretted it rite away, but at that time in my life I did'ent have alot of money & the co. would not alow single action or .9mm, so off it went. I realy wanted another Hi-Power but could not afford a Browning. Afew yrs. latter FEG came out with the 9JK-9HP. My local shop had them on sale for $225.00. So I bought one. It is with out a doubt the best deal I have ever goten on a new gun. Fit and finish are as good or bettrer than my Browning. It has been 100% reliabel. I saved the original cherrywood grips and 1 mag. from my Browning and instaled them on my FEG. I say get one. it says somthing about a gun when used ones are selling for the same or more money than when they wer new. :)

[devildog4329]

Ok next question. I orders two sets of the hogue finger grove grips. But i am still looking for some extra mags. Does anyone have some recommendations? I found some promags for a decent price are they reliable?

[Man With A Gun]

Welcome to the HI POWER CLUB.

Once smitten you can never go back AND you will compare all others to the HP.

When plastic fantastic pistols are dust the HP will still be shooting.

I have one in 9mm and another in .40 cal but the 9mm is the best.

DO NOT let some "expert" tell you the 9mm is not a combat round. The new +P HP bullets like Gold Dot will do all you want or need.

Get one and enjoy life.

[rellascout]

Ok next question. I orders two sets of the hogue finger grove grips. But i am still looking for some extra mags. Does anyone have some recommendations? I found some promags for a decent price are they reliable?

Mecgars!

http://www.topgunsupply.com/mec-gar-browning-hp-9mm-15rd-magazine-blue.html

[Dalerj]

I have 13 round Mec-gar mags purchased from midway. They work great in my FM.-D

[wrs840]

Mec-Gar. No question. Available online, many sources.

Les

[Harddrive]

Could someone elaborate on how to remove the magazine safety from an FEG clone. I removed the pin from the trigger but the magazine safety still seems in tact. Do I need to remove the trigger assembly entirely? Also it appears that the magazine safety is what pushes the Trigger Pressure Link in place so it can push on the sear disconnect lever. Is there a good explanation or video on how to remove the magazine safety and any modification that goes with it? Thx

[hhersh]

I own a BHP "T" model made in Belgium in 1969. I have used the Mec-Gar 15 round magazines in it since I got it. They have functioned perfectly and I highly reccomend them...:D

[lathedog]

I have a FEG HP clone I bought in the late 80's (?) when Kassnar first started importing them. My understanding was that they were originally made with some FN involvement, but I think that was for a limited time at the beginning of production. Mine is very well made and even the mags that came with it were first class and looked like FN factory mags.

Later they made a bunch of double action guns that looked like HP-35's but weren't. Also it seems like the fit and finish went down hill over time with the FEG HP's. Mine is very nice and has the ring hammer and no vent rib on the top of the slide, which the later ones had. I guess what I am saying is that there is a lot of variety out there in the quality of FEG HiPowers.

I have never had any problems with mine and am very happy with it. Without the magazine safety the trigger is crisp at about 4 lbs. All HP mags work fine.

[NC-Mike]

I have a FEG hi-power. About 500 rounds through it. Not a problem so far and yes I do love the pistol. Next to the 1911, its my favorite.

[devildog4329]

Well I finally got them in today. Here are some quick pics with my cell phone.

The wife and i both put 10 rounds though them for a function check after a good scrubbing and some Hoppes #9. Both functioned fine.

They look new with very little to no handling marks. The grips look pretty beat up though. I have two sets of Hogue wrap around grips on order. To my suprise the seller actually gave me an extra mag. It came with three Mec Gar 10 round mags.The only down side is that they are 10 round and not 13-15. The wife and I both have off on Tuesday so i will post a range report afterwards. Thanks for all the help guys.

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

I have both, an FEG and a real Silver Chrome HP. They are almost interchangeable......The FEG slide with fit the HP but the HP wont fit the FEG frame. The safety on the HP is a little different. I like em both. I bought the FEG first then the HP a few years later.......

http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq263/Sapo60/100_0612-1.jpg

[fluffy]

I have had an FEG for a few years,and am pretty happy with it.

[blitzen]

looking forward to the range report. Hope you have better luck than I did!

[devildog4329]

Ok everyone. I took my Hi-power to the range to break it in a little bit. Here are the results.

100 rounds of Remmington UMC 115 gr. Functioned fine no problems.

300 rounds of WWB 115 gr. I had a couple FTE. Not sure if the extractor got gummed up and dirty or it was the ammo. But i had around 5-6 FTE. A couple were where the casing only slightly came out of the chamber, onestove pipe, and one slight stove pipe. The casing was parralel with ejection port, not horizontal.

50 round Federal Hydrashock 115 grain +P+. No problems with feeding/extracting. held a nice group.

So my views of the gun.

Pros.
Fairly accurate. I was able to place 10 rounds all in a 2inch group at 7. This was rapid fire and not an accuuracy test.
Easy to shoot.
Nice light and crisp trigger.
Aims naturaly for me.
Easy to break down and clean.
Fit and finish are nice.

Cons.
Sights could be better.
My pistol is shooting to the left and i need to figure how to fix/replace the sights.
The handful of FTE i had with my gun. I am going to blame the WWB on this one though. I may order a new recoil spring.
Every once and a while i would fire a double tap without trying to. I think this was due to the single action trigger and me not being used to the way it handles yet.
I am also having trouble with the saftey on mine. The wifes saftey works fine but mine is very tight and i cannot manipulate it with my fingers. At all. After looking at it and hitting it Hoppes #9 and lube it still will not work. I can engage it with a ink pen by pushing it very hard but not my fingers. It is very tight. I may take it to a gun smith and see what he says.

One thing I have found was that the previous owner has alreadt removed the mag disconnect and the trigger is really light. I beleive i am going to order all new springs and see if this helps take care of the FTE and the light trigger.

Now on to the wifes pistol. She actualy had to work so i did not take her gun to range. I beleive that since this is her gun she needs to break it in and get used to the way it handles. Also if there are any issues with FTE in her pistol i want her to get used to clearing the stoppage and getting back into the fight. Learn by doing. She does have experience clearing stoppages though thanks to her awsome SIG Mosquito:cuss:. That thing drives me nuts but thats for another post.

So once the wife and i get to take hers to the range i will let everyone know how hers handles.

Summary:
So far i think it is the best $230 i have spent. The little issues i have i think i can fix and i am looking forward to putting many rounds through this pistol and spending time with the wife at the range and the work bech teaching her the ins and outs of being a responsible gun owner.

On a side note the wife now wants to get her CCW and take a class. I am going to take it with her to make sure the instructor isnt giving bad info but also just to spend time with her.

Sorry i am not the most educated person when it comes to writing skills but i still hope everyone enjoys my post.