Browning Hi-Power buy?

[velocette]

I have the opportunity to buy from a fellow club member, a Browning Hi Power Mk I in 9mm. Internal extractor & left side safety only. Comes with two mags.
Pistol has been modified. No magazine-trigger disconnect, frame has been hard chrome plated, The trigger pull is the lightest and cleanest BHP I have ever felt. It has a Pachmyer extended slide release & combat style sights. Barrel is a ramped not original (Not a Bar-Sto) Owner states that the work was done by a professional smith.
Fit & finish is very nice with no rust, pits, dings, gouges etc. Appears to have been fired very little.
Asking price is $500.00. I'm inclined to bring it in as a companion to my BHP Mk III .40 S&W.
Worth it? Do ya think?

Roger

 

[rellascout]

Have you shot the gun? Do you know who did the work on the gun. For me when I am getting something in the used market I want to know who did the work. Was it a kitchen table job or was it done professionally.

Who installed the barrel and what kind is it. That would be my #1 concern. It might be a quality barrel and run great it could also be junk...

Also who did the chrome and how well was it done?

By combat style sights you mean? Did they mill the slide to install the sights?

To me there are a lot of ???? but if you like the gun and it shoots well $500 is not a bad price for a MKII.

 

[jonnyc]

Have to agree. I wouldn't pay an almost-new price for a monkeyed-with HP.

 

[rellascout]

NIB BHP are $699 + shipping and transfer from CDNN right now.

I recently picked up this from GB and it will be under $575 OTD. the only mod is that the mag disconnect has been removed.

 

[xr1200]

I agree it sounds like he might be trying to unload a botched custom job, I would rather spend the money on a new one or a almost new unmodified late model original, they can be found for $450-$550 online. Just stay away from the israeli police and miltary imports they are rally over priced, when compared to the new ones from cdnn.

 

[1911Tuner]

Since you know the guy, and he's a fellow club member...ask him to let you take it for a test drive to see how it runs and shoots. A hundred rounds should tell the story, and if you decide to back out...offer to clean it for him after. If the gun is all that he represents it to be, he shouldn't object. If he refuses...thank him politely and walk away.

 

[Paul7]

I have to disagree about the Israeli's being bad, for $369 I got one that feeds JHP and has the newer safety and sights. That is a pretty good buy.

 

[rellascout]

I have to disagree about the Israeli's being bad, for $369 I got one that feeds JHP and has the newer safety and sights. That is a pretty good buy.

How is the finish? xr2000 focuses on resale value and when compared to a commerical BHP the Israelis are worth less if you have to resell. I think if you paid on the low end. $370 or under and you need a basic shooter they are a fair deal.

I personally think people over pay for BHPs all the time. If you look around and take your time you can get VG or LNIB BHPs anywhere from $500 to $650 all the time depending on vintage. NIB are currently $700 + Shipping and transfer for a MKIII gun.

 

[Paul7]

It has holster wear, but to me it adds to the character, and I can bang it around and not worry about it. Kind of neat knowing it was used by the Israelis and may have sent some jihadists to the 72 virgins.

Function has been perfect. I did a mag disconnect and put a Hogue grip on. I like it so much I'm selling my previous ultimate 9mm, my CZ 75b.