Browning HP experts...pics and questions

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ElKabong

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Bought this on a whim today (it WAS my b'day!).

It looks good in the first pic, next two show the issues.

I'm assuming replacement sights, rear is marked "Micro". The front of slide was partially refinished. Is this due to the front sight being brazed/welded on?

The trigger is really nice, like tuned 1911 nice! It will drop the hammer with the mag out.
I think these originally all had mag disconnects...correct? So this one is not a stock trigger I assume.

It's a T series serial which checks out to 1967.

The slide to frame is a little loosey goosey, kinda like a well worn 1911. You can get a little rattle if you shake it firmly while the hammer is back. The rails don't look beat though.

I'm guessing this had a BUNCH of rounds down the pipe in the 70's. The mods would seem appropriate for that era?

And did I get hurt at <$400?

If it shoots like I'm hoping it will, it found a good home. Would a new high tech coating refinish be appropriate, or is this old school all the way?


On with the pics...






 
I'm not a fan of the really tall sights, but those were the fashion back in the day. You could put a spray on finish on it but really I prefer just a nice matte blue, it would be hard to get it to look right with a high polish blue, lots' of work on the front of slide and backstrap to get it to polish up too fine.
 
You got just about the most sought after HP out there, the T series. Even in that condition, it's worth $700 plus. You did very well, from the research I have done. You will have better results shooting 115gr-124gr for SD.
 
I've seen Hi-Powers that were not T Series in much worse shape sell for 200 more than what you paid. You got a good deal on a Great gun.
 
The old left side gank.. it was left on its left side with little care and much time.. big whoop.
You could ramp file the front so you don't bisect your femoral artery drawing but that's the way it goes.
 
The sights you have are typical for target shooting at the range, which is consistent with removal of the mag-disconnect and the tuned trigger.

If previous was a competitive shooter, it would have thousands down the pipe.

you have a good deal.
 
Nice gun too bad about the hack job on the front sight. It is a shame someone felt the need to do that and not do it right. A dovertail or a properly staked sight would have been nice.

IMHO it will cost too much $$$ to correct the issues with the gun if you like it leave it as is and have fun with it.

You got just about the most sought after HP out there, the T series. Even in that condition, it's worth $700 plus. You did very well, from the research I have done. You will have better results shooting 115gr-124gr for SD.
Click to expand...

This would be true if and only if the gun had not been buggered when they changed the sights. IMHO it is worth less than $400 which is in the ballpark of what the OP paid for it. You are never going to be able to remove that front sight without paying a ton of money which IMHO is not worth it.
 
That looks exactly like one I had in 1968. The sights were put on by a local gunsmith, and they were about all that was available for the Browning back then. Not combat style by today's standards, but much better to see and shoot with than the stock fixed sights. My particular gun was handled so much by me back then that I sweated the front strap bluing off a bit. You got a great deal, and it ought to shoot like a dream with the improved trigger. Let me know if you get bored with it. It would be like reliving my past. That Browning was the third gun that I ever owned.
 
With the exception of those tall sights and the pitting it looks just like my "T" series. I had Novak's install a set of all black sights and do the reliability package and I couldn't be happier.

Without a doubt, with better sights and the reliability package, it's definitely my favorite handgun.
 
You did fine.

Get a hold of Novak's over in Parkersburg. They can give you ideas on sight replacement if you so desire, but more imporantly can help you with those slide blemishes. They are fine people to deal with, and have an appreciation for HPs.

Go shoot some 124s and report back,
 
That front sight is probably silver soldered in place, which is why the front of the slide is discolored. It is a bit hard to keep that heavy a sight in a BHP slide since it can't be staked without removing the barrel bushing, so making the hole bigger and using silver solder is one way to go.

Jim
 
As has been mentioned, a previous owner removed the magazine release safety. This is an easy way to improve the trigger pull on a HP. As for the loose slide to frame fit, don't let that bother you. My HP rattles when I shake it, as do many, and it is still very accurate. I don't personally care for the tall sights. If you find that you want different sights, the front can be milled off and a dovetail cut in the slide to fit a modern sight. The rear would also have to be changed to a lower sight, which may or may not require the milling of a different size dovetail. It's pretty simple machine work.

Or just shoot it and enjoy it!
 
Congrats on your acquired "T" model BHP! For ammo concern, your "T" is rated a Class 2 - by manufacturing age - which means that it is best fed 115 grain Remington L9mm1 jhp's, or Winchester White Box WINUSA9JHP 115 grain jhp's (same spec velocity/energy as Silvertips) as written by the late Steve Camp - BHP Guru.

You may wish to check the length of of your recoil spring. If it measures 4.1 inches or less, it is time to replace it. You may wish to order an 18.5 pound recoil spring, which would lessen slide-to-frame impact, on your "T" model BHP.

Always remember, yes, it holds 13 in the magazine, but even the SAS boys only loaded 12 rounds per magazine!
 
There is a barrel bushing, but is isn't easily removable so it isn't obvious. It is screwed in and depending on the front sight, is also held with a pin through or under the sight base. The good thing about the high front sight is that you can replace the rear sight with a lower profile unit and file the front blade down to the correct height. The hole in the top rear of the trigger is for the pin that holds the mag safety in place. If there is no pin, it is a sure sign there is no mag safety. Removing the mag safety lightens the trigger considerably.

Always remember, yes, it holds 13 in the magazine, but even the SAS boys only loaded 12 rounds per magazine!
Click to expand...

That 13th round can be a bear to get in.
 
have never seen a bhp with a screw in bushing.
Click to expand...

If you have ever seen a Browning Hi-Power you have because they all have them (at least, all the ones I have seen). They are not designed to come out once they are installed and are barely distinguishable from the rest of the slide, but occasionally, one will come loose and then it become rather obvious.
 
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