Browning Hi Power, need schooled.

I would not pay more than $400 for that BHP if they have the original parts. It is most likely a contract gun most likely imported from Israel by CDI Sales. From what I can see it was made in 1982. It should have a forged frame. It has some characteristics of a MKII but then also has the small half moon front sight. This is typical of contract guns. I would also ask if the frame, slide and barrel all match. It appears to have the hog nose bushing.

This gun has been modified. Someone installed an SFS kit. You can tell from the slide stop. safety and the hammer. They are all SFS parts. Unless they are selling the gun with the original parts I would pass unless they have the original parts. I would then offer $400 and sell the SFS kit for what I could get and install the original parts. However to be honest there are easier routes to getting a BHP.

To give you a point of reference I paid $525 for this.

I am confused. Is this a gun that has had the SFS system installed? And if it is, does that make it less valuable as WVsig's post above seems to suggest, or is that just my confusion working?

BTW, WVsig's High Power is a good looking gun, IMO.

Another point of reference, for what its worth

I bought this Hi Power from a member here last month for $550. It’s a 1992 mkIII with forged receiver and not a mark on it. Looks and shoots like new

I would pass on the trade and just re barrel your win for the cartridge of your choice.

Monac said:

I am confused. Is this a gun that has had the SFS system installed? And if it is, does that make it less valuable as WVsig's post above seems to suggest, or is that just my confusion working?

BTW, WVsig's High Power is a good looking gun, IMO.

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Some folks like SFS, others despise it. As a result, it has decreased the size of the potential pool of buyers. I like the SFS, have it on an FN, and also have another set in the box and am debating putting it on an FEG, but I know that I am going to have to modify the safety shaft in order to make it fit and am unsure if I want to go to that trouble.

Monac said:

I am confused. Is this a gun that has had the SFS system installed? And if it is, does that make it less valuable as WVsig's post above seems to suggest, or is that just my confusion working?

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Besides the SFS he was also talking about whether or not the original parts for the BHP were included in the deal. That's a pretty valid point besides the fact that the guns aren't of equal value and that the guy with the Browning should add cash or something else to make up for it. If the parts are missing then returning the pistol to it's original configuration is not possible and if the owner wanted to do so then he's out of luck unless he purchases all of them again.

There's also the fact that some BHP shooters (including myself) don't really care for the SFS like Sistema above was saying. So if the original parts aren't included I believe that it would detract from its value for many. At least to me it would.

Since others are posting reference points here's the one that I was talking about earlier that I bought for $400.



Turned it into this by sending it to Richard Fletcher.

http://www.fletchercustompistols.com/HiPowerServic.html



While that grey phosphate finish isn't exactly pretty, it wasn't all chewed up by any means.

My opinion only. I would not trade $600 for that, based on just the appearance. You could do better elsewhere. Looks like potential problems to me.

SamT1 said:

I may put my gun on gunbroker. I’ve never sold anything on there. I used to buy lots of stuff before I had kids and became poor. Like someone mentioned it’s a little hard to sell an elk gun in 150# deer country!

When they killed all the Facebook gun traders that really messed local trading and selling up.

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There's also always Armslist. I've bought and sold a few guns and accessories on there.

There's also Texas Gun Trader since you're living down here as well as the equipment exchange on AR15dot com. Bought and sold a few things on both of those sites.

You can get a non-premium account on Texas Gun Trader without paying a fee, but you'll be limited to two pictures of it.

If you list on all three sites you might have better luck in selling it.

SamT1 said:

...I wonder what a gun shop may would give me trade in.

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You'd probably do far worse going that route than you would trading for the Hi-Power... I've never had good experience when SELLING to a gunshop.

Unless the owner/manager gives you a CASH PRICE, what you want to trade for might also figure into the equation (and the trade-in value might subtly change.)

Two things: I paid $1000 for a C series from 1973 in darn near mint condition. But you can find cosmetically worn versions not much newer than mine for under $500. This demonstrates a recurring truism with old high quality guns - the value is mostly a function of it's condition and originality. I can't say whether that gun is worth what he's asking, but it looks like decent shooter grade condition. Not that bad, really, which leads to the second point...

...you will not increase it's value by recoating it (unless it's already been refinished. And even then, the increase in value will be minimal.) In fact, if it has an original finish, you will devalue it by doing so.

Best wishes. These are great guns.

If I bought the BHP pictured or one that looked like it (with what SEEMS to be a painted finish) I'd have it professionally re-blued. If it can be done locally (so that shipping isn't needed) that wouldn't be terribly expensive.

Unlike some here, I doubt think the value of that BHP would be degraded much at all, as I don't think that particular gun is likely to be considered a "collectible" (i.e., unique or very rare) BHP. The sale price might even go up a little after it's reblued, but probably not enough to recover the cost of rebluing.

Reblued, however, It would look like a HP should look and if it were mine, I wouldn't be self-conscious every time I shot it or took it to the range. This gun could be a quality SHOOTER, but I doubt that it is likely to appreciate in value greatly enough to consider it an investment.

There are always exceptions for guns like this -- but they remain EXCEPTIONS.

SamT1 said:

When they killed all the Facebook gun traders that really messed local trading and selling up.

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Armslist is better than Facebook, anyway. I've done plenty of business on there, and all with a free account.

I fail to understand the problem.
You have a rifle that you, and apparently nobody else, wants. You found a guy who does want your rifle who has a nice, upgraded BHP that you seem to want. FN has recently ceased to produce Hi-Powers and values are sure to rise. Do the deal! You can always sell the BHP for at least the trade value you will have into it.