BHP Model and value?

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bad375

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My dad bought this used in the early 90's for $500, I think it's a MKIII but I'm no expert on BHP's it was made in 89 I believe. Black matte finish, ambi dextrous safety, the front sight is machined into the slide. A few scatches, but I would say 85% or better. I know this is blasphemy but I've never liked it, I have large hands and I always get hammer bit when shooting it. Seriously thinking of selling it, would appreciate any info and value. Sorry for the bad pics.
 

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What does the serial number begin with? First three numbers or letters?

I can't really tell, but that may be a MK II. If you end up keeping it, you can switch to a commander style hammer or bob the existing one to avoid hammer bite.
 
Yeah, HPs can bite ya. Some bob the hammer a bit, others install a round hammer, or if pockets are deep enough and you don't mind the aesthetic change, add a bit of beavertail.

Value... depending on how you transact, trade, sell FTF, sell LGS or auction... all gonna have differing values of cash back to you. (as you know).

I'd start with Dad's original $500 value as an asking point (FTF) if you still have box etc. Of course, if you're in CA or MA, prices will be a bit higher than say KY or AZ. But that's just one internet idiots opinion. :D
 
Hi-Power Standard - Polished Blue Finish
- includes fixed front and lateral adj. rear sight
95% $500
Subtract $30 for molded grips (disc. 1990).
Add 50% for ring hammer and internal extractor.
Add 10% for ring hammer and external extractor (post 1962 mfg.).
Add 60% for thumb print feature.
Major identifying factors of the Hi-Power are as follows: the "Thumb-Print" feature was mfg. from the beginning through 1958. Old style internal extractor was mfg. from the beginning through 1962, the "T" SN prefix (T-Series start visible extractor) was mfg. 1963-mid-1970s for all U.S. imports by BAC, 69C through 77C S/N prefixes were mfg. 1969-1977. Rounded type Ring Hammers with new external extractor were mfg. from 1962-1972 (for U.S. imports by BAC, much later on FN marked pistols). Spur Hammers have been mfg. 1972-present, and the "245" S/N prefix has been mfg. 1977-present. Some "215" ser. no. prefixes are scarce, these models were originally intended for military contracts only.
Older specimens in original dark green, maroon, or red/black plastic boxes were mfg. 1954-1965 and are very scarce - add $100+ in value. Black pouches (circa 1965-1968, especially with gold metal zipper) will also command a $25-$50 premium, depending on condition.
Source(s):
28th Edition Blue Book of Gun Values
 
It is a MKII. Rib on top of slide, intregal front sight,should be a small drain hole on front of slide below muzzle opening. Some will have firing pin safety, some won't. If an '89 version, will probably have fps. This was about the last year of the MKIIs and they overlapped early MKIII production. Good guns.
 
Rock185 said:
It is a MKII. Rib on top of slide, intregal front sight,should be a small drain hole on front of slide below muzzle opening. Some will have firing pin safety, some won't. If an '89 version, will probably have fps. This was about the last year of the MKIIs and they overlapped early MKIII production. Good guns.
Click to expand...

Rock185 is right on; it is a MK II, forged frame and slide, and it is a great gun.
 
Would adding a commander style hammer hurt the value any? I hate to get rid of it but the way it is now I don't enjoy shooting it.
 
245 = 9mm commerial production.

PP = 88 as in 1988 production.

5 digits = sequential serial number.

It is a MkII…FN manufactured them between 1981 and 1989.

FWIW, FN replaced the original rowel/ring ("Commander") hammer with the current spur hammer circa 1971 to address "hammer bite”. The spur hammer has a thinner shank than the "Commander" hammer. If you replace the current spur hammer with a production "Commander" hammer, you'll more likely worsen the situation.

There are, BTW, 3 versions of "hammer bite", pinching the web of one's hand between the hammer shank and the tang, slapping the web of one's hand further back with the spur or ring portion of the hammer OR a combination of both. Hand size/shape/position/grip usually determines which, if any, version of "hammer bite" one might experience…BHP “hammer bite” is certainly NOT universal though.

Often, simply shortening the length of the spur by 2 serrations will eliminate "hammer bite". Some folks also bevel the lower edges of the shank. Done sparingly, all that's then required is degreasing/warming/touch-up bluing.

Another option: C&S makes a "No-Bite Commander Hammer" with a thinner shank and smaller ring than the production “Commander” hammer. It eliminates “hammer bite” as is…for most, but not all. Keep in mind changing either hammer or sear independently can cause hammer/sear engagement issues...or not. C&S also sells the "No-Bite Commander Hammer" with a matching hardened sear which often requires little to no fitting.

Or you can sell it to someone here who'd keep it stock…and cherish it for what it is ;):D.
 
I have a MK.II Hi-Power and it's one of my all time favorites to shoot. Besides the better sights and easy to use ambi safety, this gun has the best out-of-the-box trigger I have ever found on a Hi-Power. It's also very accurate and exceptionally reliable.
 
It is a $450 to $550 gun with or without the modification of the hammer depending on your local market. It is not a collectable it is a shooter IMHO. There are tons of these in the marketplace. If you want to keep replace the hammer with a C&S or Novak part. If it were me I would replace the sear at the same time. If you don't like it sell it and get something you would shoot more. I never keep things that I do not enjoy shooting... LOL

I love the BHP but I understand they are not for everyone.
 
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