An Israeli High Power

[PRM]

I've always been intrigued with the Browning High Power. I was first introduced to this gun in the late 70s by a friend who was a Korean War Veteran. He had one that was his favorite and I was lucky enough to be able to shoot it on a few trips to the range.

I became an LEO, and still work in that field. Over the years, I have particularly liked, owned, and shot a variety of semi-autos to include; Walther, Colt, Remington, and Glocks. The only Browning I have owned is a 1910/1955 .380, which is still in my collection. Doesn't get shot much - got it ear marked for my daughter who is currently in our state police academy - graduation day.

Long way around the barn - I know... I just received an FN MK II Browning HP 9mm, from Coles, Scottsville, KY, off of Gun Broker. It is one of the current Israeli imports. WOW!!! What have I been missing? This gun fits my hand like a glove. Points as natural as a Colt Peace Maker and eats everything fed through it like a carnivorous lion. I don't think I have ever held or shot a pistol that was as much fun or accurate as the FN HP. At 45 feet it chews a single hole in the target and past that it is more accurate than I am capable of shooting.

I bought one advertised in excellent condition. Cole's delivered exactly as listed. Mine is an arsenal re-furb, all matching numbers, mint bore... The lettering is typical of a military refinish. Its readable, clear, but not "quite as crisp" as factory release. On the front of the slide there are a couple of small scratches that were not polished out prior to re-parkerizing. Also, there is a small ding in the top right side of the slide (something you could get by carelessly laying a new gun down on a hard surface). Over all, I am more than pleased. I GOT A BELGIAN MADE HIGH POWER AT HALF THE COST OF A NEW ONE.

I've ordered a set of brown G10 grips for it. I'll post pics when they arrive.

http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/hi-pow...-gunner/hi-power-gunner-grips-earth-brown-g10

This is the second gun I have bought from Coles in the last few years. I'd give him an A+ rating as far as what he advertises and delivers. Just noticed, there are no import marks. I've read on another forum that Coles is putting the stamp under the barrel??? Gotta take mine apart now and look.

More later.

 

[Husker_Fan]

The hi-power was the first center fire auto I really got to shoot much. Something that let me know how good of a fit they are was a trip to the local gun shop when I was shopping for a handgun of my own. The owner asked "what have you shot that feels good?" When I responded "a Browning hi-power" he said that didn't help him narrow options down, because they fit everyone so well.

 

[Urban_Redneck]

Nice!

 

[Dentite]

Nice pickup. I have an Israeli as well...a $399 version that's not as nice as yours but I like it.

 

[Kiln]

I'd rather pick up one of the blued Browning versions, which I know costs alot more. I wouldn't mind getting a clone if the price was low enough though. I do tend to dislike guns that are copies for the simple fact that I like my cash to go to the company who designed the gun.

Still though that does look nice, if it was around here for the right amount I don't know what I'd do. If it was in the $500 range (or close) though I'd opt for a CZ75B instead personally.

 

[rellascout]

Great pick up.... I love mine. When you get them for around $400 they are a great value.

 

[miles1]

Very nice pick up!

 

[Dentite]

I'd rather pick up one of the blued Browning versions, which I know costs alot more. I wouldn't mind getting a clone if the price was low enough though. I do tend to dislike guns that are copies for the simple fact that I like my cash to go to the company who designed the gun.

Still though that does look nice, if it was around here for the right amount I don't know what I'd do. If it was in the $500 range (or close) though I'd opt for a CZ75B instead personally.

I don't know if by that statement you assumed the "Israeli Hi-Powers" were clones or not, but the Israeli Hi-Powers pictured and discussed on this thread are real Browning Hi-Powers made by FN (as are new manufacture BHPs).

They were made by FN for the Israeli military and police and then imported to the US as surplus (in varying degrees of age and condition).

There is a made-in-Israel clone of the BHP called the Kareen but that is not what's being discussed here.

I do agree with you wholeheartedly that there is nothing like a polished blue BHP! And in some cases you can find a very nice polished blue commercial BHP for not much more than the Israelis if you hunt around and get a good deal.

Here's my $399 beater Israeli and my $600 polished blue commercial version. In my opinion the $600 gun is a better value but it's nice to have one you don't feel like crying when it picks up a new scratch.

 

[scramasax]

Military Highpowers are not clones. They are honorable veterans. I have both military and civilian models. The civilian ones are prettier. They just don't have the panache. The High Power doesn't get the respect from the younger generations it should. There are two perfect fighting autos out there that have stood the test of time and geography. The 1911 is one and the High Power is the other. They were both ergonomic before the word was coined. Double action is good in a pocket pistol. But for a hard core full size "Fighting" gun adds uneeded complication. Wish I had the money to buy a half dozen of the imports to restore. Might even get lucky enough to get the one I carried when I was there.

Shoot it and enjoy.

Cheers,

ts

 

[rellascout]

Commerical









Isreali

 

[19-3Ben]

Jealous of rellascout.

 

[Kiln]

I don't know if by that statement you assumed the "Israeli Hi-Powers" were clones or not, but the Israeli Hi-Powers pictured and discussed on this thread are real Browning Hi-Powers made by FN (as are new manufacture BHPs).

You are correct to think that I assumed they were knock offs. I will admit that the Hi Power isn't something that I know alot about.

 

[John Holbrook]

I bought this nice Israeli HP at a gun show and sent it down the John Norell and had him refinish it with his Moly Resin finish. I just got it back and I have Meprolite Night Sights on order..-----[]






Here you can see how the MK II slide was slotted for the MK III sights.



Here is a shot of the frame, and it is forged.. I shot it before I sent it for refinish and it proved to reliable and accurate. A typical HP!!! I got the night sights today and have installed them... I am looking forward to sighting it in.... I left off the right ambi-safety cause I dont like them...

Also, it has no import marks.





Here it is with night sights and FEG safety..



And my current stable of HPs, which is subject to increase at anytime!!!!--

 

[tekarra]

That is a beautiful HP.

 

[19-3Ben]

and I have Meprolite Night Sights on order

How very apropos. Well done indeed.

There is a made-in-Israel clone of the BHP called the Kareen but that is not what's being discussed here.

Is the Kareen actually made in Israel? I know very little about the BHP, so please educate me. I was under the impression that the Kareen was made by FEG for Israel and stamped with Israeli markings.

 

[wkumatt]

Mr. Cole is my neighbor. Several years ago he had shop hours and you could go in and browse the racks, pallets, containers, etc.etc with the exception of the Louisville Gun days show it was the greatest number of arms I've ever seen in one place. There were thousands of guns.
He doesn't do as much these days but he keeps me stocked with old CZs to play with. You don't get to go in the warehouse anymore but you can still pick them up in person.

Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Dentite]

Is the Kareen actually made in Israel? I know very little about the BHP, so please educate me. I was under the impression that the Kareen was made by FEG for Israel and stamped with Israeli markings.

Good question. I think there is some mystery about it based on my readings. Some believe they are made in Israel with FEG supplied components, some think that early Kareens were made by FEG and later Kareens (different rollmarks, etc) were actually made in Israel.

I don't have any definitive answer. You may be correct.