BHP: In League with AK47?

[HMMurdock]

This post has no point, other than theory and perspective.

I own an AK clone (Vector AKM style). Not because I need the firepower, but because to me owning an AK is owning a piece of history. The modern world, for better or worse, has been shaped by the effectiveness and availability of the Avtomat Kalashnikov. Across the world and in EVERY 3rd world hellhole, the AK47 is more than a common rifle but a representation of decades of history of warfare. The same could be said for many other rifles, but in my experience as a political science nerd the AK47 is a symbol as well as a useful tool in the right hands.

What pistol could dare approach this level? I see the Browning High-Power 9mm (and the Glock 9mm approaching) as the prevalent reliable, available sidearm to developing nations. Like the AK47, it has stood the test of time and continues to be a prevalent tool in the world's growing arsenal-- especially outside of the United States. My ethnocentric American personality (isn't that a trait not only especially of our nation, but to anyone with a homeland?) inclines me to investigate the 1911 as I know it is the staple sidearm of American history and still popular among the gun nuts across the globe, but I question its involvement in the scale of conflicts and the relevant availability across the world as is, in my experience, dominated by the Browning High-Power.

I know most of you will disagree, so c'mon! I'm anxious to be educated!

 

[hso]

The CZ-75 and Tokarev were often the companion handguns to the AK in the US/Soviet era.

 

[spartan20]

Wll I have a WASR in 7.62 and a BHP if that helps.
I got the Browning over the Glock because of my small hands, the HP just fits super well.
Too bad I can't shoot it worth a crap lol.

 

[MD_Willington]

My buddy carried a Makarov and a Russian underfolder...

 

[Will Learn]

My 50 year old BHP is the most accurate pistol I have. like Willington said, the Makarov might be a more appropriate companion for the AK47.

 

[mbt2001]

The 1911 design has been in more conflicts and used by more people than any other arm save MAYBE the CZ-75 design... I would say that the 1911 is the most reliable and used pistol ever to have been created.

Pancho Villa conflict, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Congo, Turkey, Beruit, Panama, Niceragua, Colombia, Falklands War, Desert Storm, Iraq II, Rawanda, Afghanistan (Russo), Afghanistan (taliban depose mission), Kosovo, Bosnia, 6 day war.....

 

[HMMurdock]

Surely the 1911 has seen it's fair share of theaters, but has it been used as widescale as the CZs and BHPs of the world?

This isn't rhetorical; I don't know!

 

[AndyC]

I carried an AK in Iraq and my sidearm was a BHP - but if/when I go back, I'd replace the BHP with a Glock.

 

[HMMurdock]

I have spoken to you before, Andy, and you're a wealth of information and that is exactly what I wanted to ask you: Would you suggest the Glock over BHP? Apparently so... may I ask why?

 

[Sunray]

"...dominated by the Browning High-Power..." More countries use/used and continue to use the BHP than ever used the 1911. It was/is used in over 50 countries.

 

[AndyC]

Don't get me wrong, I love BHP's (and still don't much like Glocks) but reliability is my primary concern in a defensive firearm, and I didn't find the BHP to be 100% reliable under adverse conditions (mainly fine sand) - I'm largely convinced that it's because the BHP is as rough as a badger's bum on the inside.

I tried at least 5 different examples of the BHP in a year, babied them in terms of cleaning, tiny amounts of lube (to minimize dust sticking to it), etc, etc - and I never got that comfortable feeling of boring reliability. I handled any number of Glocks from different teams and they went like clockwork.

I wish I could be more definitive for you, but that's my general impression - the awkward design of the guts (the trigger/bar design especially) and all the internal tool-marks of the average BHP - no, thanks

 

[Onmilo]

The Browning P35 Hi-Power is still considered as standard issue in 55 countries with at least 70 countries still maintaining stocks of the weapons.

FN still produces the weapon and India and Argentina are considered as major licensed producers of the weapon.

If you are considering a military/police handgun that spare parts, spare magazines and ready supplies of ammunition can be found in any part of the world, this is it.

 

[Dr.Rob]

When Glock has a service record as long as the BHP, maybe I'll reconsider.

The CZ 75 is a relative latecomer to the scene, and while it was "the" wondernine for a while--I don't think it's anywhere near the distribution of the BHP, and in law enforcement circles Glock tromps it soundly.

As far as Mak's go, even a single round of 9x18 ammo was still very rare in the west in the 80's.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Depends on the nationality of your AK.

My Vector AK is a Polish underfolder......so I have a Polish P64 as a companion.

If your going by reliability and rugged-ness alone......then any Glock would be great.


My Polish buddies:

 

[SSN Vet]

What pistol could dare approach this level?

none....

nations are not built, nor are governments overthrown with side arms.

 

[Onmilo]

"Nations are not built, nor are governments overthrown with sidearms."

Really??!!

The catapault for World War One was a few rounds from a .32 pistol.

What would America be like today if John had finished his term and Bobby made it to the Whitehouse,,,,,,,,,

Never believe the fate of a Nation relies on possession of nuclear weapons and the power of written and spoken words.

 

[BHPshooter]

I find it interesting that so few of the people who posted bothered to read the original post.

He isn't asking what pistol would go well with his AK along nationality/political lines, he's asking what pistol you think has had the widespread use and historical effect that the Kalashnikov rifle has, comparatively.

My ethnocentric American personality ... inclines me to investigate the 1911 as I know it is the staple sidearm of American history and still popular among the gun nuts across the globe, but I question its involvement in the scale of conflicts and the relevant availability across the world as is, in my experience, dominated by the Browning High-Power.

Couldn't agree more. I own both, but I get a warm fuzzy from my HPs that I don't get from a 1911... or at least, not from any I've owned/shot/handled yet.

Don't get me wrong, I love BHP's (and still don't much like Glocks) but reliability is my primary concern in a defensive firearm, and I didn't find the BHP to be 100% reliable under adverse conditions (mainly fine sand) - I'm largely convinced that it's because the BHP is as rough as a badger's bum on the inside.

...and all the internal tool-marks of the average BHP.

That's kinda odd, in my experience. I'm certainly not doubting you, but all of the ones I have/have seen have been really well-finished inside. Of course, these are ones intended for the commercial market and not the military market... maybe that's the difference...?

Wes

 

[AndyC]

Perhaps - still, it makes a good excuse for me to go window-shopping and having a look at the innards of the civvie ones