"FM" Hi Power? aka M95 Classic

[GroovedG19]

Hello THR.

I'm interested in buying a Browning or FN Hi Power.

At my local gunshop, I see a Hi Power clone that says "M95 Classic" on the slide.It's all black with the MKIII style polymer grips.

I also read an article abou this very make/model.A company called FM makes it and is from Argentina.

Any1 have experience with this "FM Hi Power" ?Is it as good as the Browning's or FN's?

Any comments are appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[BHPshooter]

It would probably be a decent little shooter, but there have been little problems reported with them that are common among "clone guns." Things like soft metal, extraction problems, etc.

I think it could be an inexpensive way to see if you like Hi Powers, but it could also unfairly jade you to the design if it doesn't work out.

As a Browning and FEG owner, I can tell you that you're likely to be much more pleased with the Browning. The FEG has its place -- it takes the same mags, same ammo, lower cost, and I'm not afraid to tinker... However, I have proven to myself time and again that anything the FEG can handle, the Browning can handle better.

Above all, though -- everybody needs a reliable beater gun.

Wes

 

[Cliff47]

As the owner/shooter of a couple of the Argentine copies, I can vouch for the early versions of the pistol. There have been reports of 'softer' steel being used in the M95 models, and recoil spring life problems with the compact 'Detective' model. I have the model that is from the FN 1965 pattern, and a M90. Both are reliable, and accurate.

 

[BryanP]

There's a review (sort of) of the M95 in the current Shotgun News. It's actually a review of two different .22lr conversion units for the Hi Power but he tests them on both a Browning and a new FM M95. He does discuss the qualities of the M95 as part of the review.

 

[Onmilo]

I have owned and sold many of the earlier Argentine FM High Power clones.
I can't vouch for the new pistols because we now sell Hungarian and Indian clones but those early FM made pistols were nearly as good as the original Belgium and Portugese 'Browning' High Powers.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I don't think its correct to call these FM guns "clones" as they are, in effect, true Brownings, made under license in Argentina. (That's different than the FEG clones, for example.) I don't know where the new Charles Daly versions fit in this continuum.

All of the reviews I've read, and all of the folks who have them I've talked with or exchanged messages with, give the guns good marks. The folks who don't like them generally seem to be folks who have read about them (but not owned them)

The biggest difference between an FM and FN gun, it seems, is that the FM versions are not as PRETTY (finish) as the FN-made guns. But I think that might be true of FN-made guns without the Browning rollmark when compared to Brownings, too.

 

[ktd]

I use the FM M95 as my primary carry if that tells ya anything. Finish-wise, it is comparable to a military grade service Browning (or FN rather), which a lot of people do not really see in the states so much, hence all the negative comparisons on finish. I myself find the finish to be very rust resistant. For a good working gun, it is great. As FN improves the HiPower, FM keeps up. The current M95 is a MkIII clone with the FP safety, ambi safeties, and even the same annoying thumbrest grips. I ran a coffee can of confiscated rounds through it with no jams. Only negs are the annoyingly huge rollmark and the lack of relief cuts at the muzzle. The latter will keep the piece from holstering in a tight Browning holster, though it will fit nicely in a 1911 holster.

The FEG is an "okay" gun, some have very pretty finishes, and parts interchange with the older Brownings.

k

 

[GroovedG19]

Thanks to all who've replied.Your comments have been most helpful and appreciated.

The FM M95 Classic doesn't sound like what I'm looking for.I want a real deal Browning or FN Hi Power MKIII.

So the search begins.

Thanks again.

 

[kimbernut]

Ktd

KTD, IS THE FRAME ON THE M95 STEEL OR ALLOY? i HAVE A PERSONAL PREFERENCE FOR STEEL AND I HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO TRACK DOWN THAT ANSWER.

 

[ktd]

never saw an aluminium frame on a HiPower before. The M95 is steel.

k

 

[Seraph]

The frames on the Argentine Fabrica Militar Hi-Powers are steel. They were originally made under license agreement with Fabrique Nationale. That relationship has long expired, and FM continues to make Hi-Powers, with some production tweaks particular to FM. For instance, they have in recent years omitted the highly distinguishing Hi-Power characteristic of the lightening cut on the front of the slide, giving the current FM a somewhat 1911-ish look on the muzzle end. If you ask any random number of Hi-Power enthusiast, they will all tell you the same thing - The FM's are good shooters, or a good base for a custom gun where extensive cosmetic cleanup is planned, but they are not on par with a true FN Hi-Power in terms of build quality or cosmetics. Mr. Camp would be a better source on this, though. BTW, the nicest Hi-Power clone/copy I have seen is a FEG, which, is essentially what a Charles Daly is.

 

[kimbernut]

Alloy frame FNs

One of my nephews owns an Argentine FN 9mm with the "Detective" length barrel with the standard HP cuts at the front of the slide that was built IIRC in the 80's. It sports an alloy receiver that IMHO is the only downfall of the pistol.
Edit: I have not handled an FEG with anything close to an acceptable trigger.

Mr. Camp,I'm sure I;m not the only one who would appreciate your input on the FM95 if you have had occasion to check one out.

 

[czhen]

Dear Guys
M95 and old models are steel from top to the bottom, relaible andy sturdy pistols, accuracy not bad at all. IMHO not bad in $ nor Quality for entry level in 9 mm. Old model of FM have same shape as well as FN has, thing I prefer.
Adding adj sights and voilaa youll be admired at range.Those guy always did good firearms.

CZhen
Fl

 

[Trebor]

CDNN has Honest-to-God, Made-in-Belgium FN Highpowers for $399 right now. Matte finish 9mm. They still had some as-of Thursday.