FN HiPowers

[MessedUpMike]

Anyone know anything about FM's Hi powers? CDNN is selling a SA/DA version right now that I'm eyeing. The HP was my first love in 9mm pistols, but I went with a CZ-75 both due to price considerations, and the DA option. Now the FM HP are making me look again. I'm going to get a HP clone of some sort. Probably a FM or FEG clone.

By the way does anyone know where to find a website with FEG products is. Their www.FEGarms.com won't let you in without a password.

Thanks in advance

 

[firestar]

I have an FM Detective that is a good gun but it needs a more powerful recoil spring. The full size would be a better bet IMHO. I have also had an FEG and I think the FM is a slighty better pistol, you can't really go wrong with either for the money.

The FEG, Arcus and Charles Daly are clones while the FM is a licensed copy of the Browning Hi Power, that means that all parts should interchange with the FM, the others may have slight differences that preclude this.

I bought the FM to sort of test the Hi Power waters, I like it so now I guess I am going to have to get the real thing.

 

[WonderNine]

IMO, buy the real thing. I might consider an FEG if I could find one for $150 as a plinker, but then again I'd probably pass on that too

 

[telewinz]

I have a Feg Hi-Power clone and it compares well against an FN Hi-Power at about I/3 the cost. I owned an FN before and the blueing on the Feg is much better, I have no negative comments against EITHER pistol. At $225 I think that says a great deal for the FEG.

 

[WonderNine]

How does it feed and extract? How much have you shot it? I would not buy an FN Hi-Power, only a Browning marked one. And the black FN/Browning finish is awful. Looks like spraypaint. Hard chrome or blueing only for me.

 

[Rocko]

Looks like there is some confusion regarding FN vs. FM vs. Browning here...

FN = Fabrique National, in addition to the FN Hipowers, they also produce the Browning Hipowers. Browning does not manufacture any themselves (in fact, I'm not sure Browning manufactures any of the firearms sold under their name). An FN HP is exactly the same as a Browning HP except for the rollmark and the finish - it is produced on the exact same machinery in the exact same factory.

FM (FMAP) = Fabrique Militar de Armas Poratiles, manufacturer of small arms for the argintine military/police. They made clones (I believe licenced clones on FN machinery) of the HP.

Browning = See above - same as FN.

As to the DAO and SA/DA pistols the original poster was refering to in CDNN's catalog. While they are manufactured by FN and called a Hipower, the only thing they share with the traditional "real" SA Hipowers is somewhat of the same external appearance. They are internally different, and I think may even use different mags.

So, to recap, there is nothing wrong with an FN Hipower - they are really the same as the Brownings. However, the SA/DA and DAO Hipowers really aren't "real" Hipowers, despite their name and the fact that they are produced by FN.

Confused yet?

Rocko

 

[WonderNine]

So, to recap, there is nothing wrong with an FN Hipower - they are really the same as the Brownings.

There is no confusion here. FN Hi-Powers are in fact different than Browning Hi-Powers, certainly in the fit and finish department. At least the ones I've seen! I hear about FN Hi-Powers breaking down alot more than Browning marked ones and alot of people complain of sub-par accuracy although I have no experience with this myself. If they are made in the same factory and on the same machinery then perhaps they only make the FN marked ones on Mondays and Fridays or they are subject to less stringent quality control.....

NO I'm NOT talking about FM Hi-Powers which are made in Argentina. I'm talking about the difference between FN and Browning marked Hi-Powers.

 

[Wildalaska]

I hear about FN Hi-Powers breaking down alot more than Browning marked ones and alot of people complain of sub-par accuracy although I have no experience with this myself.

If you have no experience yourself, then why are you saying it.???

In point of fact ladies and gents, there is no diff between FN and BHPs at this point other than roillmarks and finish (ie polish). Otherwise, contrary to what some people would want you to believe, they are the same.

And FEGs are simply not worht the money when you can easily find deals on good condition used HPs every day.

WildenoughofhtisnonsenseAlaska

 

[Rocko]

Thanks for the backup Wildalaska. As stated, the only difference is the finish and rollmark, and even that has been improved on the recent FN's. In the past, the HP's under the Browning name were typically bound for the civilian market and the FN's for military and police contracts. Because of this, the FN's lacked the fancy finish options and had somewhat plain rollmarks - basically just plain block letters. With the advent of FN-USA, more of the FN pistols are being produced destined for the civilian markets - the newest ones have a finish pretty much identical the the MK III BHP's and the new rollmark is the FN logo.

While the FN's are perhaps not as aesthetically appeasing as the BHP's (less of an issue now), that is due to their roots as being bound for different markets. While the blued and HC finishes look nice, the epoxy over park is much more durable that the blue and much more subdued that HC. Both something that would obviously be desireable to their traditonal military/police market. However, otherwise they are exactly the same. It is silly to think that the same company would duplicate their production efforts for the same pistol.

Rocko

 

[WonderNine]

If you have no experience yourself, then why are you saying it.???

I said I've compared them side by side. I stand by what I said about the fit and finish!

 

[Wildalaska]

I said I've compared them side by side. I stand by what I said about the fit and finish!

You werent talking about fit and finish you were making statements about them being less accurate and "hearing" about them breaking down...total BS..

WildjustadmityouwerewrongandbedonewithitAlaska

 

[Drakejake]

My source states that in the whole history of Browning, that company produced only one model of firearm, and that was over a hundred years ago. Browning licensed the designs of J.M. Browning to manufacturers and various firearms are marketed under the Browning name.

I have heard that the FEG is made of softer steel and isn't as well finished as the Browning or FN Hi-Power. The Hi-Power is one of the classic pistols. I don't own one but a friend is a collector. I have shot his a few times. They are trim, good-looking, and easy to shoot and shoot accurately. I may have to buy one some day.

Drakejake

 

[firestar]

My FEG had one of the nicest blue jobs I have seen on an auto pistol. I sure wouldn't mind if I was given an FEG as a present, they are really nice. The FM Detective that I have has a black ploy coat finish, kind of like the CZ poly coat only more durable I think. Not as bad as it sounds.



Wondernine, you just Punk'd
Are you going to take that?

 

[telewinz]

I beg to differ, I have owned several Hi-Powers 15 and 20 years ago and loved them. The FEG I have now is at least as well finished as any Hi-power I owned and shoots every bit as well. I don't mean the stuff with the "matt" finish either, if the FEG wasn't as good as any other HP, I'd get rid of it and get one of those used good condition HP's in a heartbeat but I know a could deal when I see one. I purchased the FEG HP because of it's quality, not economy. I don't know (and can't document) the schedule of steel used in the FEG, the FN or Browning High Powers so I can't make a judgement in that area, all 3 accept a magnet for what thats worth. I do miss the ajustable sight on the Browning HP but since the FEG hits to point of aim at 50 ft. its a non-issue with me.
The FEG HP was made with the intent of being the official side arm of the Hungarian Military. The military chose a completely different design instead, I doubt that the FEG has a problem with soft steel.

Those Argentine military surplus 17 round magazines that CDNN sells work great in my FEG but the last two rounds are an SOB to load.

 

[Gary A]

It is interesting, not to say amazing, the range of information one can "hear" about a particular firearm. I used to have an FEG and liked it pretty well. I have read in forums and "heard" about softer steel and other issues but cannot confirm or deny. Mine worked fine and was reasonably accurate. There is a gunsmith in the area who has worked on a number of FEGs and, although I hae not heard him say it, friends and customers and one fellow who worked for him all tell me that the FEG has "better" steel than the Hi-Power. Can't confirm or deny that either but someone is wrong, that's for sure. The Gunsmith in question is a Czech and is crazy about CZs in particular but seems to have an affinity for Eastern European arms in general, so who knows if he is entirely objective. How many of us are? I did not like the rollmark on the first FN HPs that I saw from FN-USA but recently I purchased a more recent FN and the new lettering and FN logo are much nicer. I rather like the matte finish and have no problem with it. It is pretty much just like a Mk III Hi-Power. I also have a recent model Silver Chrome Browning which I love but I have to say that the fit and finish on the FN is at least as good and, if anything, even better than the Browning marked pistol and, for what it's worth, the new FNs are entirely Belgian made and assembled. (I do have one other Hi-Power, a 1977 Belgian in beautiful condition and have to admit it's fit and finish and bluing are...well, spectacular.) Just FWIW.

 

[WonderNine]

There is no confusion here. FN Hi-Powers are in fact different than Browning Hi-Powers, certainly in the fit and finish department. At least the ones I've seen!

You werent talking about fit and finish you were making statements about them being less accurate and "hearing" about them breaking down...total BS..

 

[Wildalaska]

I hear about FN Hi-Powers breaking down alot more than Browning marked ones and alot of people complain of sub-par accuracy although I have no experience with this myself. If they are made in the same factory and on the same machinery then perhaps they only make the FN marked ones on Mondays and Fridays or they are subject to less stringent quality control.....

And your avoidance response is?

WildirestmycaseAlaska

 

[WonderNine]

And your avoidance response is?

 

[Kingknives]

LOL!!!

You guys crack me up!

Joe

 

[Daniel T]

I hear about FN Hi-Powers breaking down alot more than Browning marked ones and alot of people complain of sub-par accuracy although I have no experience with this myself.

This is what Wildalaska is objecting to, Wondernine. How about addressing that?

 

[jar]

Well I happen to own and shoot the Arcus, The Browning roll marked HP, the FEG PJK 9HP and an FM M-95. So I can say what I have experienced on those guns that I own.

First, the fit and finish on the FEG PJK 9HP is fantastic. I compared it to the finish on my Browning Mk II Standard (the top of the line model with the deep bright blue finish) and the blueing on the FEG is certainly as good. The trigger on the FEG is good but not great.

The Arcus is fun to shoot but simply looks and feels more utilitarian than any of the others.

The FM is the sleeper of the bunch. It is a well done matte finish. It gets the most range time of the group. Headin out into the woods, the FM will be the one I pick every time.

As to accuracy, they are all far more accurate than I.

 

[manwithoutahome]

MessedUpMike,

I own the FM HP. I can say that it fires very well, takes any Browning mag and even through the finish isn't all that great (you can see the machine marks on the slide), it's a great gun. It is accurate right out of the box (mine is anyway) and it has a great look to it. I have the one with the right handed thumb grip (don't know the "real name" for it) and it feels great in the hand.

I've put maybe 700rds though it and it hasn't hicupped yet. I was told on another board that it's a true Browning HP. Just as the FN is a true Browning HP. Just different markings.

Think of it this way. I love Firebirds so I'll use that:

Browning HP = Firebird GTA (all the bells and whisles)
FN HP = Formula (looks good, same car without All the "special touches")
FM HP = Firebird Coupe (doesn't have all the ground effects but same car)

Take away the cosmetics and you have the exact same car underneath. You can borrow from one to put on the other and vis versa.

Costs of each also applies to the above analogy.

M

*side note: Mike, how can you get a pistol if you live in DC? Just curious.

 

[Gary A]

Wondernine stated, "There is no confusion here. FN Hi-Powers are in fact different than Browning Hi-Powers, certainly in the fit and finish department." I have a late model Browning Hi-Power, silver-chrome, mfg in Belgium and assembled in Portugal and I also have a very recent FN Hi-Power (matte) made and assembled in Belgium. I love them both but, in truth, the fit and finish on the FN is superior to the fit and finish on the Browning. Not enough difference to quibble over but it is there. If I had to keep only one of the two, it would be the FN handsdown. Practically speaking, they are the same pistol with different rollmarks.

 

[444]

This doesn't add a thing to the thread but

I own an FN Hi-Power and three Browning Hi-Powers. The FN Hi-Power was imported by AIM a few years ago and is surplus from the IDF. Even when new it wasn't finished as nice as the Browning commercial pistols and it is far from new. I don't know if the quality of it is up to par with the commercial pistols either. One thing I do know is that I will never live long enough to wear any of them out.

 

[dow]

I can speak to the FM question. I've had mine for several years, and it's been a very good, dependable gun. Maybe not quite as "fancy" as the FN and Browning (still need to replace that little bitty nub safety), but other than that, I've got not complaints. It does what it's supposed to, and shoots better than I can drive it. The only problem I've ever had with it was when it was brand new, I had some intermittant feeding/ejection problems. Took it to a gunsmith, and got it all slicked up. Can't remember the last time there was a feed issue. Try one, they're good for the price.