Englis Hi-Power

What to do?

  • Shooter

    Votes: 21 77.8%

  • Safe Queen

    Votes: 2 7.4%

  • Other (Please Advise)

    Votes: 4 14.8%
  • Total voters
    27
  • Poll closed .
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Jack19

Jack19

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I recently acquired an Englis Hi-Power and am wondering what to do with it.

It's a No.2 Mk1* model. Made in August of 1944. The serial number is 1T27XX. No decal remains.

Over-all, it seems to be in very good condition. I just ordered a SERVICE PAK - TYPE I from Wolff to replace all of the internal springs as they're, well, 62 years old.

My question is, what to do with it? I realise that 62 year old Hi-Powers may have some value to collectors. And, there were only in the neighborhood of 150-155K Inglis produced during 1944 and 1945. so, I don't want to make drastic alterations. However, the Canadian Army still issues this pistol (yes, those built in 1944-45) to its troops.

Still, it's in very good + condition and shooting/carry is an option.

I'm conflicted. Is it a shooter or a safe queen?
 
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Shoot it, but take care of her. Just because its a shooter, doesn't mean it can't still be royalty in your safe.

I've got a few nice milsurps myself and it'd just be wrong if I didn't take the old soldiers out for some PT every now and then. The only one I've got that doesn't see action is my mum-intact last ditch Arisaka. I'm not too keen on digging crappy Japanese steel out of my face.
 
"Other" -- "Sell it to me" :)

Seriously, though, if I were you I don't think I'd shy away from shooting it (normal pressure loads) from time to time, just for the experience of putting rounds through something with that kind of history to it.
 
No, sell it to me. I'll put him beside his NAZI counterpart.

I'd get a barrel from Marstar and shoot it with that. If you decide to sell it to a collector you can drop the original barrel back in it and no harm is done.
 
I still occasionally shoot mine.
The guns were designed to function with Canadian or British submachinegun ammunition albeit not for a great number of rounds, about 2000 before mean weapon failure, but with that in mind, these handguns can easily go 10,000 rounds of standard pressure stuff.
By the way they are "INGLIS" not "ENGLIS".

A Canadian poster remarked on this board that the Canadian Military still has a fairly large number of brand new Inglis Hi Powers on hand and ready for immediate issue.
 
I have a Mk. 1* 4CH (tangent sighted) Inglis which gets out to the range occasionally. I picked up a nice BHP Mk III which gets more use, but there is no reason not to shoot the older gun now and then. Replacement of the original springs is a good idea, and new Mec-gar mags are also worthwhile.

Some people might recommend a buffer but my Mk III went from being bulletproof to cranky with one installed. Took it out and threw it away and lived happily ever after.

Enjoy the Inglis. Great old guns.
 
Yup it's Inglis made by the John L. Inglis Co. of Toronto, Ont. Canada, makers of washing machines among other kitchen appliances at the time.

For gosh sakes shoot it!

The guns are over in Afganistan as we speak serving with the Canadian Army as the guns have for the last 62 years. There are thousands of them still in stores and will continue to be issued as required for some time. Pistols are not high on the battle order and have limited use on the modern battlefield so I doubt there is any rush to replace the Inglis anytime soon. Canadian Navy boarding parties use the Sig 226 and the JTF 2 use what ever they want and need for the job at hand.

Nice to see a picture of your shooter. Bought mine last year for $750Cdn and it is mint. No decal unfortunately.

Take Care
 
Thanks everyone. I appreciate your input.

And, I did notice that I had spelled "Inglis" incorrectly. I can spell, just can't type. lol :D
 
I purchased my Inglis browning Hi-Power ages ago, took off the black plastic, and installed walnut grips. I've fired all kinds of ammo through it and it works everytime. It is my CCW. The finish is worn, but it's still a queen.
 
I shoot mine frequently. No need to hide the cool gun from the masses especially with the stock hooked on! People on the range are always lusting over it. Just keep it in good shape and keep shooting!
 
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