Browning Hi Power sight recommendations, please...

[Catbird]

I have two new BHP Practicals. I'm not a young guy anymore and am having difficulty focusing on the stock sights, i.e., white ramped front and two white vertical bars in the rear.

Although I prefer HEINIEs and Novaks, I do NOT want to have to have my slides milled to accept these sights. So far, I have narrowed my alternatives down to:
1. Keep the stock rear and install a Millett ORANGE ramp in front.
2. Install Trijicons or Meprolights (front and rear).

Here's the one I'm strongly considering...
3. Install XS 24/7 sights(formerly Ashley Outdoors).

If I go with #3, above, I'm undecided whether I'd be happier with the Big Dot or the Standard Dot.

FWIW, I installed the XS Big Dot sights on my Kahr P40 a couple of years ago -- good for getting off a quick shot under stress, but difficult to use for precision shooting.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I have a feeling that this post will be taking a trip...........to autoloaders.

But seriously, I am thinking of changing my sight on my BHP as well. Dont like the stock sight.

I am thinking of a millet adjustable. Though I am open to any others as well. Not in a big hurry to change them yet, just on the "To Do" list.

 

[R.H. Lee]

I also would appreciate input/experience on this subject for a BHP Practical that has high and funky factory adjustable sights. Something along the line of a low mount 3 dot that looks like the sights on my SA 1911 A1.

Also, would anyone have detail/take down instructions for this pistol?
I'm looking to replace all the springs, but don't know how to remove/replace the mainspring.

Thanks

 

[Beav]

Mine will be going to Mr Yost eventually for some slant pros and some other lovin'

I don't care much for the high adjustable factory sights either.

 

[MrAcheson]

I really like XS Express Sights. I've only shot one gun with them on so far (range rental), but man do I love that sight picture. Much faster and easier than the stock bars or dots on most pistols. I think I'd go with the standard dot instead of the big dot though, I'd rather sacrifice as little precision as possible. The big dot swallows way too much real estate.

 

[VaughnT]

I just picked up my BHP at the gunstore. Way cool feeling to see that baby coming home with me. I was going to do the layaway thing, but one look and I had to pay cash!

Sights? Well I went with the three-dot version, though mine didn't come with the dots painted in. I certainly didn't want that adjustable version as that front sight looks awful!

What do I want? Well, Ted Yost is going to get this baby for some of his special touch, but I'm not sure about the sights. Something is telling me to keep the stock appearance, but a good sight picture is critical.

That XS system has some appeal. I like the Standard Dot more than the big dot.

I'm going to run a thousand rounds through my newest weapon and then decide. For defense, you need to get on target fast, but I haven't seen a lot of need for those sniper-grade accuracy shots that a lot of people insist on.

I'll report back after burning off a case of ammo.

 

[Random Discharge]

I installed the Ashley Express standard dot sights in my BHP Practical a few years ago and like them a lot. I don't notice much, if any, loss of precision with the standard dot size; that is to say my groups are about the same size with the AE sights as any other fixed sights.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Also, would anyone have detail/take down instructions for this pistol?

Go to Stephen Camp's website and order the breakdown chart from him for $10 plus shipping of $2. http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Products5.html

I just ordered one and its on the way.

I got a Belguim Browning Hi-Power and ordered all new springs from Wolff. Ran me around $18 bucks.

 

[Zak Smith]

I've got the Novak 3-dot tritium sights on my Yost BHP. In retrospect, I prefer the Heinie-style sights. The sight picture is cleaner and easier at-speed.

-z

 

[Catbird]

Just wanted to let you know that I'm reading and considering all of the replies, so far... Thank-you.

Keep 'em coming.

 

[VaughnT]

Hey, Zack, how'd you like the work Ted did on your BHP? I'm strongly considering him for some work on mine once I get done playing....er..breaking it in, as he did a great job on my 1991. What'd you have done?

Back to sights: I did note that when Ted worked on my 1991, he suggested that I have the rear sight notch opened up a bit to let more light in around the front sight. It made a big difference.

Coincidentally, the notch on my BHP's rear sight is very wide and allows a ton of light in there. I was able to do rapid fire this afternoon and keep every round inside 12" at 15yd. That's pretty good for me, and I think a lot of that has to do with how quickly I could see the front sight.

That Xpress sight is looking better and better for a defensive pistol. Long-range precision might suffer, but I'm looking at it as something for keeping me and mine alive, not something to win trophies with.

So far, I love that BHP.

 

[Zak Smith]

VaughnT,

I am very pleased with the work Ted did on my first BHP. It was the whole shebang: front and rear stippling, dehorn, especially around tang, bevel mag well, flat-top & serrate slide top, Novaks 3dot tritium, extended strong-side safety (custom), and a whole lot of trigger work.

I posted a thread on here early in 2003, which you should be able to find.

-z