Bye-bye Hi-Power, says Browning...

[Panzerschwein]

A fine semi-automatic all steel milled pistol. They don't make them like they used to, but they did with the Browning, hence why it was unsupportable in this market of poly striker 9s.

Goodbye old soldier. :'(

 

[Dr.Rob]

Stainless looks neat.. have seen none for sale on the usual sources.

 

[Kendahl]

I found a new production HP a few months ago. I really wanted it, but the tag said $999.99. So I handed it back. I don't have a grand to drop on one.

No idea if that price was out of line either.

That was what local gun stores wanted for them when I was shopping for a 9 mm a year and a half ago.

I thought hard about one but didn't like the very stiff trigger. (I came across a 50 year old one, with adjustable sights and a much better trigger, at a gun show but passed because I didn't know how much it should be worth.)

The Regent/Tisas BR9 looks interesting. Their specification for trigger pull (5.5 pounds) is far lighter than that of the Brownings I handled at gun stores. Maybe, they got rid of the magazine disconnect. At half the price of a Browning, I wonder if they will be able to maintain Browning quality.

 

[Bigmike79]

So do we now wait for the inevitable -- every American handgunner will realize he/she absolutely now must have a Hi-Power, and demand drives the prices of used specimens to ridiculous levels, such as what we see with the older Colt and S&W revolvers?

I legit Browning HP will probably be a Colt Python in 20 years.
I was thinking about buying a couple and throwing them in the safe as collectibles before it gets stupid.

 

[WVsig]

I legit Browning HP will probably be a Colt Python in 20 years.
I was thinking about buying a couple and throwing them in the safe as collectibles before it gets stupid.

I don't think so. The production numbers for the BHP dwarf the number of Pythons that were produced. The BHP was one of the most prolific handguns the world has ever seen. There are so many examples of these guns that they will never be Pythons. There are some vintages and some models which are more collectible than others but there are just too many of them for an avg MKIII to become a that collectible. IMHO

 

[Bigmike79]

I don't think so. The production numbers for the BHP dwarf the number of Pythons that were produced. The BHP was one of the most prolific handguns the world has ever seen. There are so many examples of these guns that they will never be Pythons. There are some vintages and some models which are more collectible than others but there are just too many of them for an avg MKIII to become a that collectible. IMHO

You make good points, but anytime they stop making an extremely high-quality firearm and you have a brand new one that's never been fired, it's going to be worth money to someone down the road.

No, a used Mark 3 is never going to be worth what a used Colt Python is, but because they were never extremely collectible, the amount of brand new ones that are going to be in circulation 20 years from now are going to be few. A good examples of this can be in seen in classic cars. A used Datsun 2000 doesn't go for anywhere near what a used corvette of the same year does, but because they weren't considered to be extremely collectible in their production years, a like new Datsun 2000 goes for a a pretty ridiculous amount of money these days simply because of the Rarity of finding one in that condition.

I collect guitars too, and some of my best pieces are things that were never high dollar that were also mass-produced. I just happen to have one in mint condition that somehow never got played or ended up in a dump.

 

[RPZ]

At some point in time, and probably not that far off, an unfired Browning Hi-Power, in mint condition, will be worth a lot more than what one sells for now. And it probably won't be that far down the road.

There are many guns that have a solid reputation from a practical point of view with an historical heritage. Look at some vintage geniune Colts and Smith & Wessons.

The clones will be there, but plenty of folk with the itch to scratch will want a geniune BROWNING Hi-Power.

 

[dogtown tom]

I don't think so. The production numbers for the BHP dwarf the number of Pythons that were produced. The BHP was one of the most prolific handguns the world has ever seen. There are so many examples of these guns that they will never be Pythons. There are some vintages and some models which are more collectible than others but there are just too many of them for an avg MKIII to become a that collectible. IMHO

And there wasn't nearly the interest in Pythons until The Walking Dead came out and prices skyrocketed.
The production numbers for 1911's is pretty darn prolific as well.........and they sure as heck are collectible.

That doesn't mean a refinished Israeli import HP will be worth $2,000 in ten years.........but a NIB MkIII might be.

 

[WVsig]

You make good points, but anytime they stop making an extremely high-quality firearm and you have a brand new one that's never been fired, it's going to be worth money to someone down the road.

No, a used Mark 3 is never going to be worth what a used Colt Python is, but because they were never extremely collectible, the amount of brand new ones that are going to be in circulation 20 years from now are going to be few. A good examples of this can be in seen in classic cars. A used Datsun 2000 doesn't go for anywhere near what a used corvette of the same year does, but because they weren't considered to be extremely collectible in their production years, a like new Datsun 2000 goes for a a pretty ridiculous amount of money these days simply because of the Rarity of finding one in that condition.

I collect guitars too, and some of my best pieces are things that were never high dollar that were also mass-produced. I just happen to have one in mint condition that somehow never got played or ended up in a dump.

Right but will it beat inflation? Guns as investments rarely do. There are exceptions here and there but for the most part they do not. For example if you bought a BHP for $1000 and put it in the safe in 1997 and took it out of the safe today to sell it. In order to break even vs inflation you would need to get $1500+ for that gun. In order to beat the S&P 500 over that same amount of time that gun would need to sell for over $2800. Compounding interest of a $1000 in a mutual fund is a much better bet. IMHO

The other issue with collectible firearms is that it always takes 2 to tango. You have to find the "right" buyer in order to maximize your return. Tastes change and there is no way to know what will be the "hot" gun 20 years from now.

Guns even good iconic guns like the BHP are bad investments.

 

[ATLDave]

Yep. The reason to buy a gun that you think will be worth more in the future is that you want the gun and you think you won't be able to afford it if prices increase in the future... not because you're going to flip it for a profit.

 

[Big7]

I don't have a dog in this hunt, just
a question.

Why would anyone want a 9MM that big?

Many smaller 9's and many larger calibers that will
fit that size frame.

 

[ATLDave]

Why would anyone want a 9mm as "big" as a Hi-Power???

Virtually all the action/practical shooting sports that use 9mm are won with 9mm's larger and heavier than a Hi-Power. Larger and heavier pistols shoot better, up to a point. A Hi-Power is below that point.

Other than CC uses, the question is why anyone would want a 9mm smaller than a H-Power.

 

[Hasaf]

I don't have a dog in this hunt, just
a question.

Why would anyone want a 9MM that big?

Many smaller 9's and many larger calibers that will
fit that size frame.

By their nature, service pistols are, typically, larger than "carry" guns. This was particularly true int he past. Larger pistols are, generally, easier to shoot well enough to become qualified with them. They also, typically, have less felt recoil. There are a lot of different reasons; bu it is important to remember that the BHP was designed to meet the needs of military services. Not to be easy to conceal.

 

[mgmorden]

I don't have a dog in this hunt, just
a question.

Why would anyone want a 9MM that big?

Many smaller 9's and many larger calibers that will
fit that size frame.

Try not to look at the world through concealed-carry tinted glasses .

I have my CWP, and I carry, but carry guns are but the tiniest little sliver of my gun collection and shooting. Heck even guns for defensive use PERIOD are in the minority.

Most of the guns I own are simply range toys. I own them because they're fun to shoot, unique, etc. The others tend to be for hunting, competition, and then actual defensive/carry guns making up the smallest number.

In that regard as long as I've got a few small guns for carry, I really couldn't care less about size/weight of additional ones. That's beside the point that as other posters have mentioned, the Hi Power is not a large handgun - it's one of the most svelte guns ever made.

 

[Bigmike79]

Right but will it beat inflation? Guns as investments rarely do. There are exceptions here and there but for the most part they do not. For example if you bought a BHP for $1000 and put it in the safe in 1997 and took it out of the safe today to sell it. In order to break even vs inflation you would need to get $1500+ for that gun. In order to beat the S&P 500 over that same amount of time that gun would need to sell for over $2800. Compounding interest of a $1000 in a mutual fund is a much better bet. IMHO

The other issue with collectible firearms is that it always takes 2 to tango. You have to find the "right" buyer in order to maximize your return. Tastes change and there is no way to know what will be the "hot" gun 20 years from now.

Guns even good iconic guns like the BHP are bad investments.

I would bet the farm that an brand new Browning HP will go for more than $1500 in 2038.

I agree that guns are bad investments when compared to more consistent investments such as precious metals or stones, but I've missed out on gun investments before by listening to other people. I could have bought a 10 count of Mosin Nagants for $600 in 2008. Here I am 10 years later seeing these guns sell for well over $200, and I have the place to store stuff like that SMH. Imagine what a 10 count of Mosins will be worth in 15-20 years when I retire? $400 a rifle is not unrealistic the way they're disappearing these days. That means I could have made 4k off of $600 in 25 years just for having something sit in my vault.

I think I will be buying a couple High Powers next week. I will post what they go for in 15-20 years when I retire, and will either be gloating or getting the whole "I told you so" if we're all still alive.

Cheers!

 

[Bigmike79]

I don't have a dog in this hunt, just
a question.

Why would anyone want a 9MM that big?

Many smaller 9's and many larger calibers that will
fit that size frame.

And that's probably the biggest reason why they're not going to make them anymore.

 

[ATLDave]

Try not to look at the world through concealed-carry tinted glasses ....
Most of the guns I own are simply range toys. I own them because they're fun to shoot, unique, etc. The others tend to be for hunting, competition, and then actual defensive/carry guns making up the smallest number.

It's almost like a lot of people don't even enjoy shooting that much.

 

[Big7]

Why would anyone want a 9mm as "big" as a Hi-Power???

Virtually all the action/practical shooting sports that use 9mm are won with 9mm's larger and heavier than a Hi-Power. Larger and heavier pistols shoot better, up to a point. A Hi-Power is below that point.

Other than CC uses, the question is why anyone would want a 9mm smaller than a H-Power.

Guess I just was thinking CC.

 

[JR24]

I don't have a dog in this hunt, just
a question.

Why would anyone want a 9MM that big?

Many smaller 9's and many larger calibers that will
fit that size frame.

While it has a longer barrel, the hi power has a grip that is quite short and conceals as easily as a Glock 19 for me.

My issue with my MK III is that my high grip gives me slide bite from the holster, so I generally prefer a Glock or 1911 for carry.

 

[cowboy77845]

Does that mean a 1971 Browning Renaissance,new, unfired with pouch and papers is going command big bucks?

 

[WVsig]

Does that mean a 1971 Browning Renaissance,new, unfired with pouch and papers is going command big bucks?

Only to the right buyer but the same was true for that gun in 2010 and 2015.

 

[Pilot]

Guess I just was thinking CC.

The Browning Hi Power is very slim for a full size, service pistol, and right sized for 9MM. It is relatively easy to conceal, and many do. It's just not a Glock, so has fallen out of favor with newer shooters. The expense doesn't help.

 

[WVsig]

I carry a BHP everyday. It is a lightweight alloy framed FN that was customized by Don Williams for me.

 

[brutus51]

I have a different perspective. First center fire semi I bought was a high power. I was influenced by the movie Serpico which tells you how long ago that was. Thought it was the coolest thing on the planet until someone handed me a Colt 1911, immediately traded it for a Colt Gold Cup and never looked back.

Fast forward to 2007, decided to get back into 9mm because of time constraints on reloading and the ammo was cheap. Started looking for a new high power but holy cow they now cost 1K.

Looked at alternatives and decided on a CZ 85 combat because of these advantages:

1. Half the price.

2. Inherently more accurate, at least for me.

3. 16 rounds instead of 13

4. Same ergonomics.

5. DA/SA.

6. No mag. Disconnect.

7. Ambi safety

8. Adjustable sights

I think the CZ 75 and it’s clones have made the high power obsolete. Just my 2 cents.
By the way I still think a 1911 in .45ACP trumps all others except maybe a 1911 in 10mm.

 

[WVsig]

I have a different perspective. First center fire semi I bought was a high power. I was influenced by the movie Serpico which tells you how long ago that was. Thought it was the coolest thing on the planet until someone handed me a Colt 1911, immediately traded it for a Colt Gold Cup and never looked back.

Fast forward to 2007, decided to get back into 9mm because of time constraints on reloading and the ammo was cheap. Started looking for a new high power but holy cow they now cost 1K.

Looked at alternatives and decided on a CZ 85 combat because of these advantages:

1. Half the price.

2. Inherently more accurate, at least for me.

3. 16 rounds instead of 13

4. Same ergonomics.

5. DA/SA.

6. No mag. Disconnect.

7. Ambi safety

8. Adjustable sights

I think the CZ 75 and it’s clones have made the high power obsolete. Just my 2 cents.
By the way I still think a 1911 in .45ACP trumps all others except maybe a 1911 in 10mm.

Different gun with different handling characteristics. The CZ is a good platform but fundamentally different in its design and feel in the hand. IMHO I still like them they are just different.