Browning Hi-Power Practical. WWYD?

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Black Majik

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Hey guys,

I'll admit, I never really gave the Browning Hi-Powers any thought. Even though they were JMB's designs, able to carried condition one etc etc... I never really appealed to one. BUT, one of my local stores has the BHP Practical 9mm fixed sights for sale for $579 brand new. I've heard its a really good price, especially for California. I've checked and everywhere else, even outside of California is around $650 - $700 for retail prices.

Now... WWYD? Should I give in and get a Hi-Power? Convince me with all you got. Hurry though, sale ends in a week. Post your experiences, your pro/cons, and post PICTURES! Convince me, sway me one way or another. Even if you didn't really care about the BHP, would you spring for one given the price?

Gotta admit, I love that two tone :D

P.S. I've had my eye out for a HK P2000 for a while in 9mm, should I save up for that or go for the BHP?:

Decisions decisions.... :evil:
 
Go for it! I have a BHP Practical in 40 S&W. I love the two tone, the shape of the gun, and the Pachmayer Signature grips. $ 579.00 retail is a good price. The only gunshop in my area that has them is Gander Mountain for $ 759.00 regular price as I recall. Fortunately, I bought mine used in excellent condition from a friend for $ 450.00. I have found the gun to be accurate and reliable. I love using it for bowling pin and steel plate shoots. It really has a nice feel to it. You'll also get a lot of compliments from other shooters on what a nice gun it is.
 
Seeing how I've always wanted a Hi-Power Practical but could never lay down the $650-700 or so for the best price I could find new, I'd snap it up without giving it a second thought. You want it? Buy it. It's a good price.
 
Get it. I've got the BHP Practical, changed the grips to checkered wood. It fits my hand perfectly and looks pretty too. Adjustable sights, two-tone finish. Accurate, reliable, and a pure pleasure to shoot. It's got plenty of mileage and keeps going strong. :)
 
That's an excellent price for a Practical model. I currently own the following, none of them are the Practical model though.

High Power Competition Model:
browninghpcompetition.jpg

MkIII, I have two of these now, one with Esmerelda 1/2 checked cocobolo grips:
hipower40.jpg

And lastly the Canuck version:
browninghp.jpg

I must warn you though, they aren't as reliable as they could be, my Inglis had a worn sear that had to be replaced after only 60 years.
 
The only thing I don't like about the Practical are the Pachmyr grips. Never did care for that slightly tacky, rubbery surface.
The good news is that there are a variety of wood grips available.

The HiPower points very naturally, unless your muscle memory is for a Glock. Few designs handle as well. It is just very nimble in the hands.
Oddly, recoil seems softer than the heavier Beretta 92 family, go figure.
That grip fits a large amount of hand sizes, large and small.
It can be very accurate, both in practical and mechanical accuracy. The first is because it points so well.
It is a classic design that won't go out of style. I like polymer guns, but they get more and more alike.
If you like modification, a great many gunsmiths can do work on one. A lot of information is to be had if you are a do-it-yourselfer.
I believe it is the first successful double stack pistol, another piece of history.
 
I had one for over 10 years and it was a very good gun that gave me no problems at all. It fit my hand perfectly and was highly accurate, I sold it as I rather lost interest in all things autopistol and now only own one and that is my Ruger MKII which can never go away. I'd reccommend it and that is a very good price.
 
These started as MKIIIs (new .40 and used 9mm, both for $330 each ). A bit of work, and here they are. Both are favorite pistols.

I used the 9mm to quiet down a nimrod at an informal steel match a while ago. :evil:

 
If you can, fire one...that should be enough to sell you on the gun right there.

A BHP was the first handgun I even shot and is still on of my favorites.

Born in '69

11529guns7.JPG
 
Yeah, I remember when I wouldn't even give the BHP a 2nd look...missed out on some good deals by the way!...Then a few years ago, I walked into a shop and this practical was calling out to me. Now, it's one of my faves :cool:
I guess that's my way of saying,"BUY IT ALREADY!" :D
 
I think he's talking about this one
browning9mm.gif


I was going to buy a used glock, but hell, people were asking too much around here. for another $100, I'd get a brand freakin' new gun. So I might just go with this.

How is the workmanship quality of typical Browning's wares compared to HK? How the reliability compared to HK, or is it anywhere like a 1911? :D
 
How's the reliability?

Like the fellow who's gun broke after only 60 years, they have some issues :)

Mine broke after only two years, the little claw on the end of the extractor broke off, but I must admit I put about 12,000 rounds through it in that time so can't complain too much...I suspect for most folks that represents about 60 years of use.

Mine feeds everything I throw at it and just keeps a ticking.
 
gudel,

Quality, reliability, and workmanship are basically excellent. These are not Bullseye or PPC pistols (accuracy wise - although some people shoot very well with Hi Powers), but are absolutely combat proven. The GP Comp Hi Power pictured above is supposed to be pretty accurate, I wish I had one.

I like to compare Hi Powers to B52's: These have been around for a long time (ie. they are basically problem free), they are absolutely proven all over the entire world, and they deliver on demand. Also, this is the grip that others try to copy.

For some great info, check out http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/
 
The reason I think that the HP is so slim is because of the build quality.

You don't see other manufacturer's who use aluminum frames or stamped slides in such a slim profile as the HP.

It just feels so solid and simple. My only regret is that they should have designed the trigger safety a little better.
 
You don't see other manufacturer's who use aluminum frames or stamped slides in such a slim profile as the HP.
Click to expand...

I thought the frame is Steel, so it can afford to be slim compared to the alum frame ones. :confused:
 
P35? Sweet!

I like mine. I'd like to get one in .40 S&W too. I paid (I think) $565 for a NIB BHP, plus an extra mag and extra set of grips. VERY accurate; completely reliable.

Re the factory trigger, I actually plan to leave the trigger heavy due to wanting to use it for CCW carry. Better a bit too heavy than a bit too light.

You know, I love the 1911, but even it has a hard time comparing with the slick lines of the BHP. The price you were given seems pretty good.

Edited to add pic:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/Doc2005/BHP.jpg

Isn't she purdy?

Doc2005
 
Never seen an aluminum frame Hi-Power. To my knowledge, they have all steel frames.
Click to expand...


FN made a few thousand aluminum frame Hi Powers in 9mm a number of years ago. Belgian police contract, I believe. AIM Surplus sold off the most recent lot a few months back.

They are definitely collector pieces. As far as shooters I would be a little more cautious than with a steel frame HP.
 
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