Browning Hi Power - differences between 9mm and .40 versions?

[LeoC]

Hi guys,

I'm aware of the beefier slide and additional locking lug on the .40 version, but I was wondering is there a significant difference in the Spring Weights between the .40 S&W version of the HP and the 9mm versions? In particular the recoil spring and hammer spring.

My wife is having trouble cocking the hammer back on the HP in .40 we recently got, and I was wondering if perhaps the 9mm version would be any easier for her to operate.

On a related note, would anyone suggest getting a lighter weight hammer spring for our HP in .40? Would it sacrifice reliability by causing light primer strikes/failure to fire?

BTW, since the gun is totally new I haven't even taken it apart, cleaned, and lubed it yet. Could we expect easier slide racking and hammer cocking after cleaning and lubing?

Thanks everybody in advance for your input

 

[zinj]

http://hipowersandhandguns.com/HiPowers9mmvs40.htm

 

[LeoC]

Thanks zinj, I'll check that out when I get home. (site blocked by firewall at work)

 

[ravencon]

A Browning Hi-Power in .40 cal. just seems wrong to me. Since they do sell these things obviously plenty of people disagree.

 

[Gixerman1000]

I have a BHP in 9mm and one in 40sw, the recoil and main spring of the BHP in 40sw are noticeably heaver than the recoil and main spring of BHP in 9mm.

 

[LeoC]

Thanks Gixerman1000, that's exactly what I wanted to know!

 

[10X]

I believe the recoil spring on the 40 is 20 lbs and on the 9 I know it is 17 lbs.
The hammer spring (aka main spring) is 32 lbs for both.

Many switch out the main spring for a 26 lb Wolff spring. In a 40 this would be less resistence to recoil so if you go that route you may want a stiffer recoil spring.

Recommend that you look at Wolff Gun Springs web site.

 

[absolute0]

Cocking the hammer on a stock 9mm Hi Power is no picnic either. A spring kit's probably worth looking into.

 

[LeoC]

Thanks guys, I think I'll look into the springs at Wolff. My wife tried out a customized HP (which was what triggered the desire to get one for herself) and the hammer was easy for her to cock. I now suspect that a lighter mainspring was one of the modifications on that model.

I took apart and cleaned the HP for the first time, and am still amazed by how well designed the takedown system is! Using the thumb safety to hold the slide back while the takedown pin is removed... what genius! JMB was an amazing inventor. Makes me think that THAT's how the 1911 should have been designed. Makes sense that the HP is a progression of the 1911 design.. I see the similarities, and differences.