Hi Power - Old, new or ???

[TXHORNS]

I have decided its finally time to add a Hi-Power to the stable, probably long overdue. My requirements (subject to change):

1. Wood grips, blued finish
2. Fixed sights
3. Browning/FN manufacture
4. Single Acton, 9mm

So I see the old Belgian guns are super nice but bring a premium while the new Portugal guns have better fixed sights and possibly an easier safety to manipulate (although I don't like ambi-safeties). I get the feeling its a 70 series vs 80 series type of debate in a way. I own both 70s and 80s Colts and like them equally for different reasons but for everyday use/shooting the 80's are my go to guns. That said Colt didn't assemble the 80 series guns in a different country!

So for a great shooter that still retains the classic blued/wood appearance, would a new Portugal gun be a good compromise? Or are those viewed as highly inferior in the HP community and I need to drop a grand on Gunbroker and buy some bifocals to use the tiny sights?

 

[KodiakBeer]

The Portugal assembled guns (the parts are still made in Belgium) are just as good as the older guns by any account. Buy based on price and condition. If you find an older one cheap, buy it. Or just buy the new one.

Hi Powers are easily customizable. If you don't like the ambi safety, it takes about ten minutes to switch one out for a traditional left sided safety,

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I'd go with the MKIII polished blued. Enough good looks like the classic ones of yore, but as you stated, better safety (and sights), and stronger frame for occasional doses of plus-P loadings. I got a nice used one off gunbroker about 4-5 years ago, and it shoots spot on, has a nice trigger pull, and has been totally reliable. All I could ask for in a defensive, full size 9mm pistol.

 

[JTQ]

For a "shooter" rather than a collectable, I think I'd rather have a MKIII which is the newer version.

The best source for Hi-Power information I've found is Mr. Camp's Hi-Power's and Handguns site.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

 

[rellascout]

If you are getting a shooter get the MKIII polished blue. They will have better sights and if you want to change them out for night sights you will not have to mill the slide to change them out. The MKIII is better at handling +P or +P+ ammo.

The down side for me is the ambi safety. I am not a huge fan of the old one either but the ambi is too thin. I am used to 1911 thumb safeties. I replace mine with C&S extend ones most of the time.

The current parts are all still made in Belgium. The gun is assembled in Portugal and has been for decades. The only guns worth paying more for are the T series guns. You pay a premium for the fit and finish of these guns. They are nice but if you modify them and shoot them they lose collectors value. So its the classic shooter vs safe queen debate.

If I was looking for a shooter right NIB I would get one of these. CDNN had them for $700 or so last time I checked. They have the standard matte black MKIII for $650 right now.

 

[TXHORNS]

That's what I was hoping to hear. I figure if I get a new MKIII to shoot and love the Hi Power as much as I love 1911s, I can later chase a minty T-Series "to have and to hold..." I just wasn't sure if the Portugal-assembled guns were up to par on the quality - sounds like they are.

Never bought a gun from CDNN, I'm in Texas so I will probably get hit with sales tax but I will give them a call. I actually think the matte black BHP's are nice too but knowing myself I would order wood grips for it and by that time probably have more in that gun than the blued gun. Nothing beats nice bluing for me anyway.

Hopefully I'm asking you fine folks how to swap a thumb safety in the next week or two

 

[TXHORNS]

Any opinions on the 75th Anniversary gun versus a standard gun? I typically like the plain jane models but I'd like to hear what other think.

Colt has similar markings going on most their 1911 lineup from what I can tell, still cant bring myself to buy one.

 

[rellascout]

Any opinions on the 75th Anniversary gun versus a standard gun? I typically like the plain jane models but I'd like to hear what other think.

Colt has similar markings going on most their 1911 lineup from what I can tell, still cant bring myself to buy one.

Nothing special beyond the rollmark and maybe a nicer bluing job. The Standard, blued, Hi Powers are harder to come by these days.

 

[TXHORNS]

The Standard, blued, Hi Powers are harder to come by these days.

Seems everything I want is harder to come by these days....

 

[KodiakBeer]

There are still a number of FN manufactured Israeli police pistols on the auction sites for about $400. The later ones (1988 - 1996) have modern sights and are good shooters. These aren't pretty, but they're good shooters. One of these might keep you happy until you find that pretty blued one you're looking for.

 

[Ala Dan]

A Beautiful BHP

I have a polished, blued BHP made in Belgium, assembled in Portugal-
with the rear adjustable rear sight; and a 245 S/N prefix. Its without
box or doc's, but I don't believe this gun has ever been fired~? It too,
comes from the Chicago collection that I have spoken many times about.

 

[TXHORNS]

I think the roll marks on the 75th gun probably scare away the traditionalist in me too much, plus CDNN raised the price to $750 so after TTL its not such a bargain. I think the search will begin for a Standard "assembled in Portugal" gun, used or new. I think that's the safest bet for me.