Browning HP Practical

[Shrek]

Hi.
I'm new to THR it seem like a great to get information. Speaking of which I am thinking of purchasing a Browning High Power Practical 9mm. First off I wonder how it rates amoung others? Since it's not polymer type I want waiting to rate against the Glocks, HK & XD.s Second what is a fair price? I saw one in Gander Mountain for $ 599.99 and wondered if that was fair or high?

I appreciate advice,

Shrek

 

[ozarkhillbilly]

The High Power was combat tested when the designers of those other guns were still in diapers or yet to be born. It has been used by more armies and in more combat then Glocks, XD's and H&K's combined. It was the last gun that John Browning worked on, used all over the world in WWII by both sides, carried by the British SAS and been proven time and time again. It will get the job done, no matter what job you give it.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with Glock's, XD's and H&K's.

I paid around $600 for the last one I bought.

 

[10-Ring]

Welcome to THR!
I really like my Browning Practical Hi Power...fantastic ergos, nice trigger, above average reliability & accuracy....what more could you ask for???

 

[MrDig]

Welcome to THR. Can't go wrong with a HiPower IMHO. Once you get one you will want another be forewarned.

 

[DogBonz]

HP's are great

but so are 1911's HK's, SIG's, and I hate to say it, Glocks. I LOVE the 1911, and Just bought a HP, but my SHTF, nightstand gun is a HK USP45. I would trust my life, as well as the lives of my loved ones, to any of the guns that I own. If they are unreliable I would not own them, plain and simple. That said, my HK is my most reliable, most trusted side arm, but when the S hits the fan, I grab my CAR15 first, because no hand gun can beat a rifle. My major point is that any of the above manufacturers make guns that can go the distance... It's just that some can do it in style.

-Fred

 

[browningguy]

Around $600 is a fair price for a Practical, 9mm models being very hard to find around Houston compared to .40's. I've got one new plastic pistol, Springfield XD9, to compare it to and would say the XD feels similar, although lighter than, the BHP. Actually that's why I picked the XD, it felt very similar to what I'm used to.

But the BHP's are still my carry guns, I've got three in .40 and two in 9mm.

 

[Marshall]

That's a good price for a Practical, snatch it up. You're not going to find a NIB 9mm Practical for much less if any less.

 

[Ala Dan]

Agreed~! $600 for a NIB Browning Hi-Power Practical model ain't half bad.

 

[Duckster]

Can't go wrong

I bought my HP Practical for about $580. It is a .40 S & W, because I do not like the 9mm. I love this pistol and shoots great and very reliable. This is my night stand gun

 

[Shrek]

BHP Practical replies

All,
I though it was a pretty good find! I have asked them to put it back until I can get in to purchase it. I am not discounting the others, I just didn't care for the feel of the Glock when I pulled the trigger, HK is to high for my budget for right now. I just got the XD 40 S&W in two tone. I have the Buckmark in 22LR & like it. When the guy pulled the Pro 9 out of the case I said OK it's fair, then he puled out the Practical. wow I loved the fit in my hand and it's feel. Guess I should have signed the paperwork them:banghead: But it's a short trip back so no harm no foul..

Is there any truth to the hammer bite on this model? (those of you who own one)

Thanks for the quick replies,

Shrek

 

[bofe954]

The hammer bite is supposed to be better with the ring style hammer vs. the regular one. I got some hammer bite with a practical high power.

I have pretty wide hands, and tend to try and grip autos high. I get little marks from the bottom of a glock slide sometimes.

No way to tell for sure until to try. You could cock the hammer and hold the pistol fairly high and see if your skin is getting under the hammer though.

Search handguns and hipowers and Stephen Camp. Google and the autoloaders search. I don't remember the link exactly but it has more hipower info than you'll need (before you buy one anyway) and addresses the hammer bite issue well.

 

[DougW]

My soldier son gave me a Practical, and my first shot, the hammer bit the web of my hand. I have to hold the HP lower than my Glocks and my 1911 to keep from getting bit. The Practical shoots extreemly well.

 

[Joe D]

If you are just going to shoot the gun then it will be OK. If you plan on competing with the gun in IDPA you will have a problem. Those square top mags can't seem to find a way into the magwell. BTDT

 

[distra]

BHP's rock! IMHO, THE best shooting 9mm made, period. Combat tested, mama approved.
I paid ~$500 for this one used, then put in a couple hundred for stippling, trigger, grips and commander hammer.
Here is mama's.