2 browning HP cheap, better than the imports

Status
Not open for further replies.
rellascout: Commercial FN guns sell for much less than Commercial Browning marked guns.

KodiakBeer: Which makes them the smart buy.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

It appears you have learned something in our exchanges. I am glad that you have at least conceded one point on which you were wrong. :D I only say this because just a few days ago you stated:

Browning is just a trade marking for commercial US imports. All Browning Hi Powers are made by FN and there is no price difference between Browning and FN marked guns.
Click to expand...

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=558361&page=3
 
The mistake you continue to make is that the reality is that two guns in different condition are worth different prices.
Click to expand...

You haven't actually examined any of these guns, so I don't know how you can determine condition. I can only comment on what I've seen. The pistol I purchased shows only some external holster wear. The gun was filthy, but after cleaning I found it was like new internally. Everything locks up tight, the barrel is like a mirror, etc.

I'm hearing the same reports from others who have purchased these. Remember, these aren't veterans of the six day war. They are cop guns that were carried a lot and shot very little.

The bulk of these are the late 80's to mid 90's "contract" (Mark II 1/2 as they are sometimes called) guns that can be recognized by the little ridge running forward from the trigger guard to the front of the frame. Those, universally, seem to be in great shape and a great value at under $400.

Along with the contract guns, are a mixed bag of other Hi Powers in varying condition. Some are late 40's guns. Some of them are captures from Syria or elsewhere. Some of them are Frankenstein guns mixed with FEG parts, and there's even a few of the "Kareens" which have disputed histories.

Anyway, with the "contract" guns I don't think you can go wrong. With the others, you may get a gem or not, but that's for the buyer to decide.

Contract.jpg
 
My main issue with you is that you fail to see, recognize or acknowledge that the Israeli HPs are not the only "deal" one can get on a Hi Power.
Click to expand...

And my main issue with you, is that you have an "issue". I can respect your preference for a blued firearm over an epoxy firearm. I can even respect your preference for a Browning over an FN marked HI Power.

I'm just stating *my* reasoning for pushing these Israeli's as a good deal. If you want a low cost shooter of high quality, these are a great deal.

If you want a prettier commercial gun, then there's a whole world to choose from. Any Hi Power is a good buy.

And actually, if this conversation was taking place a couple of months ago, I'd recommend the Argentine cop guns from J&G. Those guns rival FN as shooters and were $100 less than the Izzy's. Unfortunately, those guns are gone now.
 
There may be some exceptions.

One of my Hi Powers is an actual FN MK-III.

The rollmark is as follows:

FN Herstal
Made in Belgium

Imported by FNMI
Columbia, SC. USA

Other side

HP-SAS Cal. 9x19

These and the commercial Brownings, from all I have seen, go for the same price.

dcp_0588.jpg
dcp_0539.jpg
 
Those are some of the MKIIIs that were imported by FN is SC. IIRC they were early direct import guns and lacked the later more refined rollmarks.

726a_fnhp.jpg


FN_Hi_Power_002_op_800x531.jpg


When FN decided to no longer market the FN rollmarked HI power in the US they sold the rest of the inventory to CDNN. They were blown out at $499 NIB in 2005. IIRC if you bought more than one you could get them as low as $450 at the end. The has traditional SA gun as well as SFS guns. Blued, poly, adjustable sights and fixed sights. I think the only ones CDNN did not have were Practical two-tones like the one above. They might have had them but if they did they were some of the first to go. These are great deals because more often then not when they are on the market these days they sell for less than the Browning marked guns. I have seen them for as low as $450 LNIB. I often look for these exact guns because they represent a great value.
 
Last edited:
Bought one of the FN's from Cdnn. Turned around and sold it for $100 profit. Wish I had it back now.
Click to expand...

I feel you... I had one too and sold it. I sometimes wish I had 10.... LOL
 
I bought mine NIB from a dealer. And you're right, it was made in 2001.

It also does not have the white'ish looking SN above the grip, as I have noticed on the CDNN guns. It's embossed on the right side of the frame, in black, just under where it says HP SAS. Which I prefer aesthetically.

I would also like to have one of the SFS guns, just to have one. But they're $700.00 - $750.00 NIB now. Should have bought one back when. And I knew it then. LOL
 
names and roll marks

As to roll marks on the frame and slide, as to what any of you may think, it is most desirable to have a browning hi power/fn marked pistol with only the browning import marks on it.

Browning has been the major importer and marketer of the hi power for over 50 yrs and this is what collectors and dealers look for.

Its like a colt 1911 or colt SA 45 colt, ppl. associate a hi power with John Browning and they look for the Browning name on it.

Same thing as a weatherby rifle $1000 and its really a howa 1500 $300 rifle with a fancy stock. The weatherby is always going to be worth more because of the name and fancy wood.

Example take the same condition brown hp and a fn marked hp to a dealer and have them appraised for trade, the browning in 95-98% will price out around $500-$600 and the FN pistol 95-98% will only come up to about $350-$450 max, look it up in a current blue book for guns.
 
I don't see much difference unless it's an "Israeli type" gun. And if those Israeli guns said Browning on them I guarantee you they would not sell for 150.00 more than they are now.

Neither of these FN MK-III's are NIB, both pre owned but LNIB. $799.00 & $699.00 respectively. It appears like Browning badged pricing to me.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/947348103/Guns/Pistols/FNH-Fabrique-Nationale-Pistols/High-Power-Type/NEW_FN_HIGH_POWER_MK_III.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/953504692/Guns/Pistols/FNH-Fabrique-Nationale-Pistols/High-Power-Type/FN_Herstal_9mm_High_Power.htm
 
the browning in 95-98% will price out around $500-$600 and the FN pistol 95-98% will only come up to about $350-$450 max, look it up in a current blue book for guns.
Click to expand...

So, who's got a Fjestads handy? Let's see if a Browning advert on the slide commands a 40% higher market value. I suspect not.
 
So, who's got a Fjestads handy? Let's see if a Browning advert on the slide commands a 40% higher market value. I suspect not.
Click to expand...

The latest edition I have is the 29th and it does not differentiate between post war FNs and Browning marked guns. IMHO this is one of the many places where the Blue Book of Guns by SF Fjestad does not reflect the actual market.

I thought we had already settled this point. Did you or did you not state this? I thought this part of our discussion was conceded by these words.

rellascout: Commercial FN guns sell for much less than Commercial Browning marked guns.

KodiakBeer: Which makes them the smart buy.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Right but neither one will sell at that price when you can get NIB Brownings for $689.
Click to expand...

Correct. But that's also my point. They wouldn't sell for that price if they were Browning either. There will not be 150-200 difference in what both would sell for. Probably would end up being close enough to where there's not much difference one way or the other.
 
The latest edition I have is the 29th and it does not differentiate between post war FNs and Browning marked guns. IMHO this is one of the many places where the Blue Book of Guns by SF Fjestad does not reflect the actual market.
Click to expand...

So, you are right and Fjestads is wrong? I don't think so.
 
So, you are right and Fjestads is wrong? I don't think so.
Click to expand...

The free market is right and Fjestads is wrong... you have already admitted that or are you retracting your earlier statement?
 
The free market is right and Fjestads is wrong... you have already admitted that or are you retracting your earlier statement?
Click to expand...

I was speaking of the difference between a commercial blued model, and a military epoxy finish model. Not two identical models.
 
I was speaking of the difference between a commercial blued model, and a military epoxy finish model. Not two identical models.
Click to expand...

Which the "blue book" by Fjestads does not address. He does address pre-WWII not post WWII gun of this time beyond stating that there are sellers who will try to claim their post war FN black guns are pre WWII guns.

Commercial blue guns sell for $500 to $650 so... on the low end that is of the spectrum is a 35% difference. Comparing the $369 which the Isrealis are selling for vs the low end $500 which i think is fair point of comparison. Again it is not the rollmark that makes the difference here it is the condition and nature of the importation of the gun.
 
Let's see if a Browning advert on the slide commands a 40% higher market value. I suspect not.
Click to expand...
It does, at least locally to me. I speak from personal experience, both buying and then attempting to resell FN-rollmarked BHPs in 9mm and 40S&W.
 
It does, at least locally to me. I speak from personal experience, both buying and then attempting to resell FN-rollmarked BHPs in 9mm and 40S&W.
Click to expand...

This too has always been my experience. It might not make sense since they are essentially the same gun with a different rollmark but it always seems to end up that way. Again the only FN guns I have seen ask for and get high $$$ pricing are the pre WWII guns.

What kills me is if you look around there are tons of people trying to sell these PW Arms guns at $500 and above... Anyone looking at a HI Power on an auction site these days should make sure to clarify what you are buying. If you are getting a Isreali contract gun I would not pay more than $400. YMMV
 
Last edited:
Here's the deal though.

$429.00 for an "VG" Israeli contract gun. Not even an MK-III

$689.00 for a NIB Browning marked Hi Power MK-III

In todays market, LNIB Commercial Browning or FN MK-III's are both going to sell for roughly the same. Maybe a little difference but there's not enough room for there to be much difference. Some people even prefer the Fabrique Nationale rollmark.

Now in years past I understand. And, when and if the Brownings go back to $900.00 there will be more room for a difference in price. But right now, you can't buy a NIB FN HP for any less than the $689.00 Brownings. If anyone has some NIB FN HP's for 35%-40% savings off $689.00, let me know. :D
 
Now in years past I understand. And, when and if the Brownings go back to $900.00 there will be more room for a difference in price. But right now, you can't buy a NIB FN HP for any less than the $689.00 Brownings. If anyone has some NIB FN HP's for 35%-40% savings off $689.00, let me know.
Click to expand...

Any NIB FN Hi power is old new stock and I agree the $689 MKIII is a tough price to beat. They have not imported them for over 5 years.

In the used market they command less than the commerical ones. The last one I say actually sell went for under $500. $450 IIRC
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

ol' scratch
  • Locked
Actual Browning manufactured 1911--Any more information?
Replies
4
Views
476
Rembrandt
Rembrandt
A
  • Locked
Is the H&K P9 typically more acccurate than average?
Replies
20
Views
2K
bc1023
B
greyling22
  • Locked
hi-power clone question
2
Replies
27
Views
3K
Critical J
C
W
  • Locked
Arcus HP Deal. Interested?
Replies
1
Views
381
steveracer
S
C
  • Locked
Looking at a Hi Power, but need help identifying it
Replies
6
Views
551
dogtown tom
dogtown tom
Back
Top