nero45acp
Member
I have very recently become interested in Hi-Powers, and I'm wondering if there is a difference in quality between current production models of FN and Browning Hi-Powers? TIA
nero45acp
nero45acp
FN Hi-Power -vs- Browning Hi-Power
- Thread starter nero45acp
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RGO
Member
Hello nero45acp,
The FN HP-SA model is exactly the same as the Browning Hi-Power Mk III. The markings are different of course, and some people say that the Brownings have a better finish, but I haven't personally noticed any difference. If you don't care what name is on your pistol, I'd suggest you get the FN and save a few bucks.
The FN HP-SA model is exactly the same as the Browning Hi-Power Mk III. The markings are different of course, and some people say that the Brownings have a better finish, but I haven't personally noticed any difference. If you don't care what name is on your pistol, I'd suggest you get the FN and save a few bucks.
PCRCCW
Member
One says "Browning" and the other says "FN" on the slide! Thats it......
Shoot well.
Shoot well.
Coltdriver
Member
All authentic Hi Powers are manufactured by FN.
Browning used to market them (don't know if they still do).
There are cloned Hi Powers made under license (FM or Argentine) and un licensed clones (FEG). Hi Powers were made by FN under contract for militaries all over the world (Israeli for example).
The latest Hi Powers from FN do have a different finish but I have not heard anything negative about the durability of the finish.
There are also a couple of new variants from FN that provide a DA and a DAO version in a compact. Neat little gun but only a cousin to the original HP.
The HP's sold by Browning were, by comparison, of a little nice cosmetic appeal and maybe the finish was a bit more detailed for that reason.
In any case there were millions of them manufactured so don't fall for the silly prices being asked for many of them. They are not rare! If you are even a little patient and you shop with cash you can get a nice Browning HP for about $400. This of course excludes the collectables but you want to shoot right?
Just be ready to buy when you find it because some one else will be right behind you with cash.
Browning used to market them (don't know if they still do).
There are cloned Hi Powers made under license (FM or Argentine) and un licensed clones (FEG). Hi Powers were made by FN under contract for militaries all over the world (Israeli for example).
The latest Hi Powers from FN do have a different finish but I have not heard anything negative about the durability of the finish.
There are also a couple of new variants from FN that provide a DA and a DAO version in a compact. Neat little gun but only a cousin to the original HP.
The HP's sold by Browning were, by comparison, of a little nice cosmetic appeal and maybe the finish was a bit more detailed for that reason.
In any case there were millions of them manufactured so don't fall for the silly prices being asked for many of them. They are not rare! If you are even a little patient and you shop with cash you can get a nice Browning HP for about $400. This of course excludes the collectables but you want to shoot right?
Just be ready to buy when you find it because some one else will be right behind you with cash.
Omega_7
Member
I love my Hi-Powers
All I have done to them was a throat and polish job and a Wolff spring. Extremely reliable and the fastest firing 9mms I have ever used.
I am soon to be sending my 12 year old daily-carry BHP out for tritium sites and hard chrome. the finish lasted 12 sweaty years in my IWB before I got some trace rust
I am going to butter the frame and slide before sending it out, and install Laser Grips as well when it returns.
All I have done to them was a throat and polish job and a Wolff spring. Extremely reliable and the fastest firing 9mms I have ever used.
I am soon to be sending my 12 year old daily-carry BHP out for tritium sites and hard chrome. the finish lasted 12 sweaty years in my IWB before I got some trace rust
I am going to butter the frame and slide before sending it out, and install Laser Grips as well when it returns.
Josey
member
SOG has some clean arsenal refinished Argentinian BHPs for $299. The BHP MKIII in 9MM is my current CCW.
WonderNine
member
The Argentine's would be the last HP style pistols anyone should buy. Get the FEG PJK-9HP or Arcus 94 models instead....
I understand that Browning is going to stop marketing the HP's under their name, could just be a rumor, but seems to be true. I assume FN is trying to associate the Browning name with "sporting goods" as much as possible and semi-auto pistols doesn't mesh well with that (at least to them). Notice their touting of shotguns and A-bolt rifles in all their latest catalogs along with outdoor equipment.
Seems all future production Hi-Powers will be FN marked. Personally I don't care as long as the quality stays the same. I have lingering doubts though....
The Hi-Powers are still listed on the Browning website under the Browning name.
I understand that Browning is going to stop marketing the HP's under their name, could just be a rumor, but seems to be true. I assume FN is trying to associate the Browning name with "sporting goods" as much as possible and semi-auto pistols doesn't mesh well with that (at least to them). Notice their touting of shotguns and A-bolt rifles in all their latest catalogs along with outdoor equipment.
Seems all future production Hi-Powers will be FN marked. Personally I don't care as long as the quality stays the same. I have lingering doubts though....
The Hi-Powers are still listed on the Browning website under the Browning name.
PCRCCW
Member
I 2nd Wondernines comments......TOTALLY. The FM/Arg. guns Ive seen are the loosest fitting guns Ive seen. My Arcus is fairly loose but not that bad....they are typically very nice guns.
FM guns rattle like a 1911 Colt that been shot everyday, since it was made in 1911, without being oiled once
At least the ones Ive fiddled with were that way..............
Shoot well
FM guns rattle like a 1911 Colt that been shot everyday, since it was made in 1911, without being oiled once
At least the ones Ive fiddled with were that way..............
Shoot well
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