Browning Hi Power, need schooled.

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SamT1

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So I’ve been reading a lot about hi powers. Seems they have a huge following and carry high value.
I’ve got a rifle I’ve had no luck selling and a guy has offered a hi power as a trade. I value the rifle at 700, but I’m obviously high since I haven’t sold it. The catch is the hi power has a lot of holster wear. I haven’t laid eyes on it, but I’ll attach a picture. He also states it has a sfs kit on it and is of 82mfg in Belgium.
I’ve looked at comps and I don’t think I’ve found one with this much wear. I’m intrigued by it since I’m a 1911 guy and it’s a “similar” weapon. And I have a 50 cal box of 9mm I loaded the wife and she never shot it probably because her Keltec pf9 is no fun to shoot.
I’m thinking I could coat it and get it’s value up. I have a friend that does coating. Or just enjoy the thing. What do some experts say.
 

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Does he know if it is Israeli surplus? You find them with that kind of wear on them. If so, then the SFS was added later.

I added the SFS to an Israeli MkIII, and I have been very happy with it. Mind had less wear than that one. I am guessing that I have about $600 in it.

If you buy it, get a full set of springs from BHSS. They have the springs for the SFS as well.
 
He told me it was added later. I think I have a pic with the serial in it. I may look it up in my gun book if I can get close enough.
 
I can't advise you as to the price....

I picked up a Belgium Hi Power of similar vintage 15 years ago or so. It's a great shooter and lots of fun. Plus, my wife loves it.
 
To me, the slide release lever* looks unusual. Is it a standard FN part?

* Last shot hold open lever? I can't remember the right term.
 
SamT1

Can't advise on price or trade value but I can tell you that my Browning Hi-Power always makes the trip to the range; it's that much fun to shoot.
 
If you trade, just decide if it’s worth it for you. That pistol is not a high value gun, but it may be a great shooter. And... you won’t increase the value by coating it, but you might like it better. Just beware of “bubba” gunsmiths that say “yeah, I can coat that for you” unless you have seen their work. Find someone who really knows what they are doing. You’ll be happier with the result.
 
Oh, that’s not a FN stock slide release. It’s some type of extended version.
 
In general, I find that trading something I don't shoot for something I will shoot to be a good deal. I'd cut the deal, order a new set of springs, clean her deep, grease her up, and go have a world of fun. Cerakote is fine, and I even have BHP done in flat black, but I also like that authentic 'real world' look.
 
I'm not an expert, but if you had $600 (coming down from $700) would you buy that particular High Power?

I probably wouldn't. There's one in the sales ads here on THR for $450.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/c-series-belgian-hi-power-dfw-tx.830886/

My last BHP I bought for $400. I sent it to Richard Fletcher and had it customized. Only really bought it for the frame, barrel and slide. Everything else got replaced.

So personally I'd probably pass.

Then again I don't know what you're trading. Just my opinion based on the price/condition of that particular BHP.
 
Browning said:
I'm not an expert, but if you had $600 (coming down from $700) would you buy that particular High Power?

I probably wouldn't. There's one in the sales ads here on THR for $450. My last BHP I bought for $400.

So personally I'd probably pass.

Then again I don't know what you're trading. Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/texas-700-winchester-model-70-supergrade-7-mag.828479/
This rifle. Model 70 supergrade 7mag.
It just seems the hunting rifles are really hard to sell these days. I hate that because this is a high quality rifle and I’d love to have one just like it in 308.
If I had $600 id put 400 with it and buy the rifle I really want.
I can see having fun with the hipower. If I could get 600 out of it later I’d probably run 2000 rounds through it before we parted ways and go back to shooting my 1911’s. Unless we fell in love.
 
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Nice rifle, but not everyone here in Texas is going to want to shoot a 7 mag.

It just seems like you might be settling since it hasn't sold since November.

Maybe try selling it on gun broker. Take the money, and buy a nicer BHP (or the rifle you really want).
 
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Nothing wrong with trading what you don't want for something you do want, especially if you have no luck getting rid of what you don't want, and aren't taking too much of a $ beating in the process.
 
The finish on the BHP looks like it might be a paint (enamel) or something similar. A lot of guns contracted for government agencies had agency-specified finishes. That gun looks (the photos aren't crisp) like a later BHP (because of the safety lever design), and you may eventually have it refinished. If it's in good shape except for the tired finish, it's not a great price -- maybe a little on the hgih side -- but not outrageous, either. (You see them selling for $500-$900.)

As FL-NC notes, above, if you're stuck with your rifle, it may be the best offer you'll have for a while. And, as SamT1 noted above, you can make the trade and shoot it for a while -- it'll likely be easier to move than the rifle.

(I have a BHP T-series, and it's a fine gun.)
 
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I have a pic with some serial legible and it’s an 82 for sure. I think I’m interested if the hi power is worth 5-600
 
Here is the other pic I have.
External extractor, ambi safety, no loop on the hammer.
 

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Note that it has a pinned front blade sight, no dovetail. Not the easiest to use. Can update at some expense by cutting a dovetail. You should check out cylinder and slide web site for BHP services.
 
Well for you hi power guys. What would you guess this one would bring on gun broker or something? That will really help me decide.
 
I have a really nice Browning C series in 95-98% condition that is worth around $1000 +/-

The FNs are every bit as quality, but typically a bit cheaper even when in great condition.

From what I’ve seen for sale, I think $450-550 would be the selling price of the one in this thread. If you wouldn’t take $500 for your rifle, it doesn’t seem like a great deal.
 
I'd think he needs to add $200 cash for that trade to work, if your rifle really is worth $700. Which I'm guessing will cause the other guy to decline the trade.

I have never shot a Hi Power, but they are generally well-liked. I agree with others that note that refinishing it with cerakote etc won't substantially increase the value for resale, but it may increase your own enjoyment of it. Something to keep in mind. As long as you keep it well-oiled (for corrosion protection), I'd say you don't NEED to refinish it.
 
Doesn't look like a $700 HP to me. I agree with the ~$450 range. I'd want at least a bill or two on top of that trade if you're still giving your rifle $700 value.
 
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