Browning, FN, FEG, Charles Daly, FM...

[silversport]

OK...I have read some of the virtues and vices of the Browning/FN design as well as those by FEG, FM and Chalres Daly...I have read of the screaming deals there were on the FN's sold in the US as well as the now defunct Charles Daly model...but examples of each can be found at gunshows, the usual places and of course pre-owned (and sometimes, butchered )...SO...

are the "clones" and other versions still the bargain Hi Power or has the gap closed considerably???

I was recently in the market for a Browning Hi Power...the new prices seem to be in the high $800s to $900...the clones can be somewhat cheaper but sometimes you get what you pay for and I believe that a Browning/FN may be the better made and finished pistol (I also may be misinformed )

Finding the FEG or Charles Daly (my third choice behind Browning marked or FN marked models) either NIB or in near excellent condition in the $500 area, are these still the deals (albeit perhaps less so) that they were when they could be had for $300???...

If the gap has closed, is it better to just locate a gently used Browning or FN???...can they be had (reasonably?) in the same neighborhood...for a shooter as I'm not really interested in collecting...

As for the Charles Daly, I am not a big fan of the XS sights but have read they can be replaced with Novak's of the 1911 variety so...is it still the bargain "Hi Power?"...

....my only real need is for ambi safeties as on the Mk IIIs or as desinged by Jim Hoag (and sold now by Cylinder and Slide)...

Help a brother out...I haven't received my first Hi Power and all this reading has me looking for my second...

Bill

 

[sarge83]

LNIB Brownings are going for $650 up range in my area.

Browning shooters are in the $500-$600 range

I haven't seen a CD hi-power ever.

Picked up a nice FEG PJK clone for $279 otd a couple of years ago. No dings or blemishes on it anywhere and shoots great groups.

The browning is a safe queen and my wife carries the FEG in her vehicle.

 

[silversport]

thanks for your response...wish I could find them (Browning's) 'round here for that...food for thought though and I'm in no rush...thanks again,

Bill

 

[blitzen]

I think your first choice would be to keep looking for a LNIB or lightly used Mk III Browning HP. 2nd choice for a shooter would be an Argentine Hi Power. I have not handled one but as far as I know they are licensed by FN, and fairly well made. You may find a clone that suits you but, buyer beware.

 

[stu454]

The CD's that I've handled looked as well made as any Belgium/Portugal HP. I've never fired one, though.

 

[jonnyc]

CDs are actually upgraded FEGs, and good choices if you can find them under $350 or so. A used FN or early FN-made Argy are also excellent, if you can find them on the $450 range. Used FMs have recently been imported, and I think they are in the low to mid $300s. They aren't quite the quality of an FN or early FM pistol, but they are an alomost exact HP clone and are pretty good pistols. If you're patient and hunt a bit, you can scratch your HP itch for $500 or under.

 

[rellascout]

Wait and be patient. BHPs can be had for less than $600 LNIB. You just need to take your time and not jump on the first thing you see.

LNIB for $650 is easy. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=160487136

I know of one for sale right not for under $600 OTD.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Check out J&G sales thet have some FM Hi-powers right not for around $300. Not as nicely finished as an FN but good shooters.
I have bought two used Brownings in the last year and the highest I paid was $575. I just picked up a MK III for $499 with 4 mags. Deals on used Brownings are out there, just be patient.

 

[silversport]

Browning won out...thanks for all the help...

Bill

 

[jonnyc]

You rushed!

New? Used? Price?

 

[silversport]

jeez, I've only been looking since 1975 ...pre owned and had a small amount of work done to it...mag safety removed, cylinder and slide type II hammer and sear set, epoxy black removed from the slide and reblue'd...Heinie sights...Herret's cocobolo stocks...paid about what a new MkIII would be 'round here...
Bill

 

[silversport]

Hey jonnyc,
I found a coupe nice Daly's but the wanted too much (for me) to make it work...shipping, tax and FFL put it too close to a nice Browning or FN marked HP...
Bill