Why aren't there BHP clones in the $450 range?

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I ordered one of the Argentine hi-powers to go with my Argentine Sistema back when they were both selling for $299. I lucked out and got one with the original finish that didn't look to have been shot much, if at all. It's one of the earlier models licensed by FN. Great little pistol and I think you can still pick them up for very reasonable prices on the auction sites.
zzzhipower_zpskuoxicsj.gif
 
I've been looking for an FN Hi Power for a few months but continue to be shocked at the prices that a ratty-looking one will fetch. I decided that it was going to take about $600 and a little luck to get an FN that I'd be content with, cosmetically. I almost bought a couple of different FEGs, but the nagging awareness that I really wanted a "real" FN Hi Power kept me from pulling that trigger. I even bought the e-book, Decoding the FEG Hi Power in hopes that I'd become content with getting the FEG and saving some money. http://www.amazon.com/DECODING-THE-HI-POWER-Jerry-Paregien-ebook/dp/B00DKB3LXY I do think the FEG is a good gun, but I still wanted one of the Belgium-built FN guns.

I recently contacted Kerry (USMC Retired) at Mach 1 Arsenal (just ask them a question on one of the guns they have on offer on GB) and told him that I wanted a nice Israeli surplus FN Hi Power, better than what I was seeing on the auction sites. He picked one out for me and sent photos. It looked better than the ones that are on GB for about $450-$500 range but he kept the price in that range. When it arrived it was super nice and I am more than thrilled with it. Barrel looks new, gun doesn't appear to have been fired much at all, functions perfectly with a very good trigger pull, a little firm but no creep at all, and significantly better than I was expecting after reading the reviews of the stock triggers. To my hands, the Hi Power and the CZ 75 platforms are the best handling, most natural pointing semi-auto pistols I've handled.

I give Mach 1 Arsenal (specifically Kerry) the highest rating as a good seller. Check with him if you want to get a great FN Hi Power for a relatively reasonable price.

BTW, the gun I got is a 1994 model Mk III with the slightly larger, easier-to-see white dot sights.
 
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There's two FEG PJK-9HP on Gunbroker right now. One of them is beautiful with great grips with a Buy It Now of $400. Another in good shape has a Buy It Now of $360.

Take your pick. Also, AIM and a few other places recently had FN Hi Powers for around $300, but they're gone now, sadly.
 
I have one of the FEG clones (PJK-9HP). Bought it right as the ASW ban was passed. My friend was a dealer and he gave me a good price and took a 38 Taurus 85 as trade (I've regretted that - that Taurus was an exceptional revolver, never had a problem with it). The FEG? Very nicely done. Even with the crappy old patter sights, I was able to do very well. So much so, that my dad bought one for himself. I still have it. It's not worth very much, I like it, so I'll keep it. I do have a very nice T-series Hi-Power so I do have an original. On the FEG, I had a local guy put in a C&S safety and he cleaned up the mushiness that original safety had in it. I still want get the sights redone. Maybe send it to Novak's. It's always been 100% reliable.
 
I would have agreed with the OP until the cheap Izzy surplus guns started showing up; now you can get a base gun for $429 (what I paid for this one) and throw on a few parts, do a bit of work and have a nice carry/IDPA gun for less than a new 1911 from any major US maker:
Bronze%20BHP%20Side%203_zpscbleihmh.jpg

Bronze%20BHP%201_zpsn9t5mijs.jpg

Bronze%20BHP%20Front_zpsedxgg1sq.jpg

Larry
 
DT Guy said:
I would have agreed with the OP until the cheap Izzy surplus guns started showing up; now you can get a base gun for $429 (what I paid for this one) and throw on a few parts, do a bit of work and have a nice carry/IDPA gun for less than a new 1911 from any major US maker:
Bronze%20BHP%20Side%203_zpscbleihmh.jpg

Bronze%20BHP%201_zpsn9t5mijs.jpg

Bronze%20BHP%20Front_zpsedxgg1sq.jpg

Larry
Click to expand...

Very nice, classy looking weapon sir.

Mind sharing who did the work and maybe what it set you back?

I have two Israeli surplus Hi Powers but want to pick up another and have it worked over......just don't know by who yet.
 
Let's see:

Izzy HP from Coles: $429, shipping and transfer around $40
Meprolight night sights: $90 or so
C&S hammer, sear, safety and trigger: $140 or so (IIRC)
Cerakote: $20 or so in materials
Hogue grips (a must, IMHO): $60

So around $780 or so, give or take a bit.

All the work was DIY, so no 'cost', but a lot of fun. :)


Larry

Larry
 
VAgunner said:
They do not sell well and are expensive to make. Charles Daly made them and lost money on everyone they sold. They were basically FEGs assembled here in the US first by Dan Wesson then by KBI. FMs out of Argentina are also pretty good as well as the FEGs. When you can get these guns NIB for around $350 give or take they are a good deal. I personally would not consider one unless it was under $300.

The other issue is that there are tons of them on the used market. There are 2 major importers of surplus guns these days. You can get a decent MKIII gun for about $450-$500 out the door. Why would you buy a clone when you can get the real deal?

There is a smith who is making new modern custom like BHPs. Chuck Warner is his name IIRC. You can Google him a decide if you want to roll the dice with him. He has a long history some of which is not good. These are not "clones" and will be selling for well over $1000.

I believe that there is just not enough demand and they cannot be made at a low enough price point for anyone to tool up and bring them to market.
Click to expand...
Chuck Warner's HPs are high end guns. More similar to say a Wilson Combat than Rock Island in the 1911 world.
Elite Warrior Armament is his company.
 
Bartholomew, I sharpened a prick punch, mounted it in a vise and went at it. It's making dents in metal, what could go wrong? :)


Larry
 
Chuck Warner's HPs are high end guns. More similar to say a Wilson Combat than Rock Island in the 1911 world.
Elite Warrior Armament is his company.
Click to expand...

Yup and I personally would not do business with him... :eek:
 
You can find them for 450 but it takes a while because they aren't that common. I have a charles daly that is my sole service sized pistol and love it aside from the XS sights. They make it a chore to shoot groups.

HB
 
I also have a Charles Daly HP clone and I'm rather happy with it. I purchased mine off CDNN ($299 NIB I believe) but mine did have teething issues. It's works wonderfully now though.

3458020952_30e6485e8c_z.jpg
 
I6turbo said:
I've been looking for an FN Hi Power for a few months but continue to be shocked at the prices that a ratty-looking one will fetch. I decided that it was going to take about $600 and a little luck to get an FN that I'd be content with, cosmetically. I almost bought a couple of different FEGs, but the nagging awareness that I really wanted a "real" FN Hi Power kept me from pulling that trigger. I even bought the e-book, Decoding the FEG Hi Power in hopes that I'd become content with getting the FEG and saving some money. http://www.amazon.com/DECODING-THE-HI-POWER-Jerry-Paregien-ebook/dp/B00DKB3LXY I do think the FEG is a good gun, but I still wanted one of the Belgium-built FN guns.

I recently contacted Kerry (USMC Retired) at Mach 1 Arsenal (just ask them a question on one of the guns they have on offer on GB) and told him that I wanted a nice Israeli surplus FN Hi Power, better than what I was seeing on the auction sites. He picked one out for me and sent photos. It looked better than the ones that are on GB for about $450-$500 range but he kept the price in that range. When it arrived it was super nice and I am more than thrilled with it. Barrel looks new, gun doesn't appear to have been fired much at all, functions perfectly with a very good trigger pull, a little firm but no creep at all, and significantly better than I was expecting after reading the reviews of the stock triggers. To my hands, the Hi Power and the CZ 75 platforms are the best handling, most natural pointing semi-auto pistols I've handled.

I give Mach 1 Arsenal (specifically Kerry) the highest rating as a good seller. Check with him if you want to get a great FN Hi Power for a relatively reasonable price.

BTW, the gun I got is a 1994 model Mk III with the slightly larger, easier-to-see white dot sights.
Click to expand...
Photos of said Hi Power.

Hi%20Power%20as%20received%20Right%201_small%20file_zpsecfm3tkv.jpg
Hi%20Power%20as%20received%20Left%201_small%20file_zpspm0mz0hq.jpg
Hi%20Power%20as%20received%20Rear%201_small%20file_zps3eophhhf.jpg
 
sniper69 said:
I6turbo - that look's nice. :)
Click to expand...
Thanks. I love the gun, even the little bit of wear and tear that it has because there's no temptation to be anal with it and not scratch it. For example, here's a 92SB that I bought new in 1984 or so, and you can tell that I've taken pains to keep it clean and near-pristine. All that care and special effort actually detracts from the enjoyment in some ways. Like Larry Raspberry said long ago, "...he likes the feel of a rusty gun." :D

92%20SB_1_zps8djgan66.jpg
 
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