Which hi-power?

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ddtaylor

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There are 2 hi-powers at a pawn shop in town one is a used browning and the other is a FEG.The browning is 550 and the FEG is 450. They both felt great and I can't tell a difference in them would the browning be worth the extra 100 dollars?
 
I would get the Browning if they were both in the same condition. I only have experience with my Argentinian Hi Power (great BTW) but it was going to be a working gun and the under 300 dollar price was great. If It was going to be kept in my safe and only used at the range I would want a Browning. However it's not as if I have ever heard bad things about the FEG just I would go with the original given the price of both.
 
If the Browning looks like this one, a 1982, (I still have the wood grips) then it could be worth $350 more than the FEG. While I know little about the FEG, and assuming condition, the Browning will be the better choice.

bhpz.jpg
 
Go for the Browning. For $550.00, at today's prices, it is a steal. I saw 2 used at a local GS this week for $700.00 each, and the price is going up.
 
The FEG is brand new and the browning was used it has a parkerized finish it looked kinda of weird it had a weird texture to it like I haven't seen before.
 
My LGS has a used BHP for $875:what:, so, $550 sounds real good to me. I would pick it up for that if it is in good condition.
 
Condition is always important, but just considering price...the Feg is a bit high and the FN is from the middle to the high side of average for a BHP.
 
The price of a BHP depends on which one it is. My 1982 Browning shown above was NIB and was priced at $800. Around here that is a very good deal.
 
Is the Browning actually marked as a Browning? If so, it may be a practical with the applied coating that resembles parkerizing somewhat. If that is the case, it should still be of greater value than the FEG.
 
The newer FNs are also quite nice with the black "epoxy" finish (or whatever it is), but I could never get used to that "Safe Action" safety. That's when I started to look for my older Browning.

Something else that you might want to find out is the parts compatability between the FEG and Browning/FN Hi Powers. That can be a big consideration over the long term.
 
I know most people would tell you to go for the Browning, and you would not be disappointed either. However, don't overlook the FEG. Do yourself a favor and give the FEG equal consideration. There's no shame in deciding on the FEG. I used my FEG Hi Power when I qualified for my CCW and had one of the tightest groupings in my class. Bottom line, you'll be happy regardless whether the brand is Browning or FEG.
 
Either gun will be great, but for that price difference, I'd get the Browning. I don't own a Browning, but I do own a Charles Daly. CDs are FEG guns that were finished in the US and, in my opinion, have much more desirable features and finishes than the stock FEGs. I got my CD for $310 just a few months ago, so I'd say the FEG is priced a bit high.
 
About 10 years ago the FEG PJK9 (BHP clone) were hitting our shores for about 185 wholesale!!!! I think the FEG is a bit high. I bought a BHP a few years back for about 350. It looked new. It is the MK3 and it is a shooter that is not going anywhere!
 
If the Browning is in decent condition, I'd go with it.
The FEG seems priced a little high to me as well (local shop has one for under $350 in great shape).
I like the various FEG Hi Powers and Hi Power like pistols, but for some reason they are prone to bite my hand.
Also, I think parts availability will be better for the Browning.
There is parts interchangeability (drop in and slightly modified) between the Browning and some models FEG, but not all. Some of the FEGs use a S&W style operating system and I believe parts will be even more difficult to find for them.
Good source for info on the FEG:
http://feghp.blogspot.com/
Regards,
Greg
 
At today's prices, I'd get the Browning. If you want the FEG, buy the Browning and then sell it. $550 is a steal on BHP's right now. I've seen people peddling them for $1000 and more for a stock one.
 
First, check the FEG model number and/or handle to determine if it is single action. The HP is SA. Lots of the FEGs are DA (I've never actually handled a SA FEG). Your call over if you would even consider the FEG in DA.

The FEG is not 100% compatible with Browning/FN, and I would say it's overpriced at $450. Check out J&G sales and buy an Excellent FM HP for $330. That's where I would spend my money if I chose not to get the Browning.

Charlie
 
ddtaylor said:
The FEG is brand new and the browning was used it has a parkerized finish it looked kinda of weird it had a weird texture to it like I haven't seen before
Click to expand...
Your description of the Browning's finish sounds like it's a MKII made from '82 to '87 or so. I'd take the Browning for $550 with no problem.

Also, if you get serial# on the Browning you can find out it's date of manufacture here, http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35
 
Do not pay those prices. $450 for an FEG is absurd, especially if its the 9HP and not the 9JK-9HP.

Use either of these ads from J&G and negotiate your way down. The last FEG 9JK-9HP I paid for was $350, and I worked a Charles Daly down to $375 w/ tax using that ad.

Seriously, haggle with them. If they insist on the $450, ask them how much their FFL would be for the FM90.
 
Spend the extra 100 bucks for the real deal or you will be kicking your behind down the road.
 
Don't know where you hail from but my nearest Cabelas had a sale on the FN Belgium HP NIB man. in 1998 for $550. I'm still kicking myself for passing on that one but might bite if they have any left.
 
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