Browning High Power info needed-------------

[MADDOG]

I am no familiar with the Browning HP and need some information. The one I am looking at appears to be in great shape. The serial number is 76C344XX. I am assuming that it was made in 1976. It also says Belgium on it. Is this a good year and is there anything good or bad that I should know about it before buying? Any info that you can give me will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[JTQ]

My source for everything Hi-Power is the late Mr. Camp's site.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/

 

[Rock185]

Hello MADDOG, Yes that is a 1976 gun. That is a "C" series which began in 1969 with 69C. These came along after the "T" series, although there is some overlap. I have owned several "C" and "T" series guns. They changed a little bit from the "T" series with the spur type hammer, instead of round, and the availability of adjustable sights. I consider the "C" series quality to be exactly the same as the "T" series guns I've owned. In short, the "C" series are high quality, nicely fitted and finished guns.

 

[MADDOG]

Thanks there is a lot of info on Mr. Camps site. I am still undecided on buying it. I will have to go and look it over again. "C's"---"T's"---MKII and MKIII's it is somewhat confusing to me. I'll have to read some more. Thanks again.

 

[rellascout]

What is the asking price? What type of site?

It is a good gun. If they are asking a fair price I would get it. Here is my customized C series....

 

[MADDOG]

The rear site is adjustable and I didn't notice if it had 2 screws or not. It looked in great shape. As I said I don't know much about them. I read Mr. Camp's site and made a lot of notes for another inspection tomorrow. The asking price is $650, and I don't know if that is high or even if their price is firm.

 

[xr1200]

$650 is a good price, if its an adjustable sight model and has 95-98 of its finish the gun could get easily $900-$1100 on gun broker to the right buyer.

 

[rellascout]

$650 is a good price, if its an adjustable sight model and has 95-98 of its finish the gun could get easily $900-$1100 on gun broker to the right buyer

$650 is a decent price for this gun. Not a stellar deal but respectable. The sight configuration is a very personal subjective plus or minus. I personally do not buy Hi-Powers with adjustable sights if I am going to use it as a shooter because I often carry Hi-powers.

I disagree that the gun could be worth $1000. If you look BHPs set at that kind of price do not sell unless they are a T series, military collectable, pre T Series commerical or you simply find the right buyer who needs to fill a whole in the collection. These sales are few and far between. Those who pay $900+ for a 70s commerical Hi power are paying too much IMHO.

One thing to remember is that this gun will have a forged frame which is weaker than the current MKIII cast frame. You can still shoot +P ammo out of it but I recommend getting a 18.5 lbs Wolf recoil spring to help lessen the impact on the gun. I personally recommend this even for the MKIIIs. I shoot +p out of the gun i posted above. I also carry it.

I personally believe that th fit and finish on the 70s vintage BHPs are superior to the newer guns. The old school blueing of that day is a lost art in the modern world or wonder finishes. IMHO. YMMV

If the gun looks good and shoots well offer $600 cash and

 

[MADDOG]

Well I went and looked again. It does not have the "beer can" sights, just stock adjustable. I sure do want to buy it but they are firm with their price. With tax it is over $700. I think I'll wait a week or so and see if they will come down a little. I sure hope so. Thanks for the information.

 

[larryh1108]

Nice C Series are worth about $750. If you buy it at $650 plus fees you'll never lose money if you decide to sell it. Like others have said, the C Series is considered a very nice High Power.