FEG Hi-Power

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Okiegunner

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I see that Sarco has "Excellent" (their words) FEG Hi-Powers for $275, that would be about $310 otd including ffl.

Many years ago I had a Belgian made Hi-Power, that I gave to a friend. (terrible mistake, but you you know hindsight and all that)

How would this FEG compare? Do all parts interchange like on 1911 platforms? How does the quality compare? Lastly, for around $310, in your opinion, would the FEG be a decent purchase?

Gunner
 
I own one, I like it a great deal it shoots fine and is reliable as can be. I have yet to have an ftf in years of shooting.
For another $150 or $200 you can get a fair Browning on GunBroker I like the FEG but my Browning is my baby.
If I am not mistaken the FEG is MKI parts but many of the changes up to the MKIII still work with Browning Parts.
 
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You have to do some research before you buy a FEG Hi-Power. There are at least three versions. One model is a true clone, one is sort of a clone but some of the parts are different, and another model looks like a Hi-Power but is totally different internally.
 
Mak is mostly correct. However, the term "clone" is inaccurate. Companies like FEG and others bought the Hi-Power design after the copyright expired. So in this case, they are every bit a true Hi-Power.

Now, the real issue with the FEG made Hi-Powers are that they were not issued separate model numbers. Although they physically looked alike and carried the same model number, some were built like the Belgian HP's, while others were built like the S&W 5906(?). Until you field strip it, you won't be able to tell the difference.

And then there is the DA/SA. It looks mostly like a Hi-Power, but we don't talk about it much. :uhoh:
 
The tell is an oval marking above the trigger that is an indication of the barrel crossbar.

My FEG is an excellent shooter, but its finish quality is a bit uneven.
 
These FEG's have an interesting history as they are surplussed Israeli security, military, and police pistols. Israel liked the High Power and the CZ-75, including derivatives of both, and issued many of them. Most of these "excellent" pistols are actually refinished/refurbished guns (done over there) just as Russian Capture arms or the 91/30's on the market now are refurbished - they are in excellent condition now that they've been re-worked.
 
I have a Charles Daly which was assembled from all FEG parts. It is a great gun. Shooting it, there is almost no difference with the BHP.
 
I helped a friend of mine pick one up several years ago. It was a used two-tone model with high visibility sights and an ambi safety. Fit and finish were actually pretty good with the slide having a nice polished blued look to it. The trigger was okay and removing the mag safety helped to lighten it up a bit. All in all, a fairly decent gun for a little over $300.
 
Not aware of FEG ever buying the rights to the Hi-Power. In fact they even produced a batch of counterfeit Browning-marked Hi-Powers for some Middle Eastern client. So I would say they are a clone. Why would they buy the design after the copyright expired?

FM in Argentina is the only manufacturer ever licensed to produce the Hi-Power to my knowledge.

A good source on FEG Hi-Powers:

http://feghp.blogspot.com/2010/02/decoding-feg-hi-power.html
 
I had the clone version for a while. I let it go as I decided I shoot other platforms better. If you like hi-power then it will fit the bill. I don't think the clone is 100% interchangeable WRT aftermarket BHP parts, but it is close enough that a competent smith can make stuff fit. Make sure the seller is ok with you field stripping the gun to determine what version it is (that blog that SilentBob posted is a good source of info on the differences).
 
My brother has one of the Argentine FMs and it is completely interchangeable with parts on his Browning Hi-Power, though the FM parts aren't finished as well as those on the Hi-Power. Some differences with the FM are a rather heavy trigger pull, the rough operation of the slide, and what appears to be a black enamel painted-on finish. Overall it's been a very reliable and serviceable pistol.
 
"Excellent" FEG

Ash,

Do you mean that the pistols have been redone by an Israeli gunsmith or armorer? Refinished also? If so, I would think these would be a really nice buy.
 
I think they were arsenal refinished in Israel and put into storage, not unlike the Russian refurbs on the market today, before being released as surplus. One issue with the stuff being surplussed out of Israel today is the variety - too much stuff to properly catalog replacement parts for Israel. It's like a mechanic who sells off his odd-ball sockets because he's going 100% Snapon (or MAC, NAPA PRO, MATCO, etc).
 
I have an FEG pkj-9hp clone which is the copy of the Browning. Really nice pistol. Very accurate and it has been totally reliable. My wife carries it and loves to shoot it. Look for the FEG pkj-9hp markings.

The local gun/pawn has one of these for $329 or $329 used. I paid much less for mine at the same shop a few yrs. back. I would consider this one but someone buggered up the hammer on it by trying to grind it down, not pretty.

Good hunting!
 
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