"C" Series Hi Power Questions

[Sapper771]

Hello all,

I may be picking up a "C" Series Browning Hi Power soon. It still has the tiny "GI" style front and rear sights. The front sight does not have a dovetail slot, and it appears to be a stake in deal. I am thinking of having my smith cut a dovetail in the slide for the front sight so I can install some MkIII style aftermarket sights.
I am not 100% decided on if I will do the dovetail or not because I am afraid that it will hurt the value of the Hi Power. Will a modification such as this hurt or help the value of a Hi Power "C" series pistol ? I will add that this particual Hi Power has been customized by a smith already. The trigger, hammer , and barrel hood has been jewelled. A trigger job has been completed with mag disconnect intact.

Are there any other issues that are common with the "C" series Hi Powers that I need to be aware of ? I am aware of the feed ramp "hump" and hollow point bullets. If I am able to get this Hi Power, it will more than likely get shot on occaision, but it won't be one of my high count pistols. A wolff 18 pounder recoil spring will be used as well. I have some experience with my MkIII Hi Power, but none with the "C" series' guns of the 1970's era.

Thanks in Advance,
Sapper

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Since your C-Series Hi Power, a fixed sight "Vigilant" model, has already been altered, I do not see how having different sights added will harm its potential value down the line. You are correct in your assessment that the front sight is staked on. Unlike current Hi Powers, your pistol does not have a firing pin block and therefore no need for a spring-loaded sear lever. Your Hi Power originally came with checkered walnut grip panels.

Enjoy using your pistol and I hope that it serves you well for years to come.

Best.

 

[BHPshooter]

If it has already been modified, the collector's value is already diminished, so you may as well make it suit you.

Installing decent sights will almost certainly require milling dovetails into the slide.

FWIW, I sent the slide on my carry BHP to Novaks a few years ago to have sights installed... best decision I've ever made... But, this is my every-day carry gun, the gun I compete, train, and sleep with.

Yours is an occasional shooter... is it worth having work done just for range use? That's a question only you can answer.

Regardless of what you decide, enjoy it.

Wes

 

[Sapper771]

Mr.Camp & BHPshooter,



Thank you for the info. It turned out that I was not able to get the Hi Power. I am kind of bummed about it, but I am sure there will be others.

Til then, I will keep rocking my '93 MkIII.

Thanks again Gentlemen.