Future of the Browning Hi Power
- Thread starter Got_Lead?
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Comrade Mike
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Well I'm a couple beers short of 21 and I'll be buying my browning hi power in a couple months. It's the best 9mm I've ever shot and it's one of the most proven 9mm's in existence. So there will be at least one guy to carry it into the next generation, keep your polymer nonsense 
Phaedrus/69
Member
I love my BHP! But I dunno...they're expensive and right now pretty hard to find.
Its still being used by a lot of countries Military, LEO, etc. However, Americans never really embraced it like the rest of the world has.
They have always cost more than your average run of the mill gun. I think they will stick around as long as other countries are using them.
They have always cost more than your average run of the mill gun. I think they will stick around as long as other countries are using them.
SC Shooter
Member
BHP Future
Yes the BHP is expensive, but then again quality is always pricey. There will always be those shooters who opt for quality so I am optimistic that the Hi-Power will be around for a long time to come.
Yes the BHP is expensive, but then again quality is always pricey. There will always be those shooters who opt for quality so I am optimistic that the Hi-Power will be around for a long time to come.
SharpsDressedMan
member
I've got mine, and never hesitated to buy a nice condition used Browning Hi Power. These are two used alloy framed guns, that have been slightly modified and refinished by Novak's (black one) and Kent Singletary (silver one). Both came in less than retail on a new steel framed version.
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No so. LGS has Action Arms import 1991 vintage CZ75 with box for $400 BHP in same condition will cost around $700. I would bet CZ won some FN fans over. I had earlier vintage CZ 75 that came through Ontario Canada. The only reason I sold it because even at half cock my index finger had trouble gripping around the trigger. It was in NO way inferior quality gun to any regular production BHP I have seen.
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JTQ
Member
I agree there is some "fandom" overlap between the CZ and Hi-Power camps, but as you point out the CZ is for the big handed. Even using the CZ as a single action pistol, which makes the trigger reach accessible for more people, you still have to be able to reach the thumb safety, which is a longer reach than the Hi-Power's. The Hi-Power will always work better for those with smaller hands.
I do agree the Hi-Power is most likely destined for a long slow death. FN doesn't seem to be in love with the product. They seem to give more love to their polymer pistols.
JTQ
Member
I believe you are mistaken. The Hi-Power is still in production.
FN http://www.fnherstal.com/primary-menu/products-capabilities/handguns.html
Browning http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=007B
I based my statements on an italian gun magazine article and on the european Browning site: http://browning.eu/products/?level=1&lang=en&group1=3. In the article the journalist clearly states that only 75 year commemorative and custom shop examples are still available and the gun is unfortunately out of production. That was in March 2012.
It could be interesting to know if it is still in production for the USA market only or they are selling the last run of the production in the USA. Or It could be possible they've changed their minds since 2012 due to the customer's demand.
Anyway, belive me JTQ, if I'm wrong I'm glad I am!
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I bought my MK III Browning Hi Power new in 1994, and still have it. It is one I would never consider selling, as it is my most accurate centerfire pistol, and very reliable. Plus it is just a beautiful firearm.
I think it is only a matter of time before FN stops production of the BHP. It will probably go the way of the HK P7. Look at what FNH is producing in the U.S. That is the direction FN is going. More polymer.
I think it is only a matter of time before FN stops production of the BHP. It will probably go the way of the HK P7. Look at what FNH is producing in the U.S. That is the direction FN is going. More polymer.
Orion8472
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- 3,638
I have one FN Hi Power that I have currently listed on gunbroker. It's a fine gun, . . . but it is no CZ. Sure, it has history, and is a good gun, but I need some money for a future purchase and my two CZ pistols serve me quite well.
I DO have a feeling that, . . . at some point in the near future, . . . the Hi Power will no longer be produced. At least by FN. You may find clones out there still.
I DO have a feeling that, . . . at some point in the near future, . . . the Hi Power will no longer be produced. At least by FN. You may find clones out there still.
JTQ
Member
I don't know about the magazine article, but I wouldn't be surprised if Browning is not allowed to market the Hi-Power under their name in Europe, leaving the European market to FN stamped models. I don't know, just speculation.
I've always been a fan of the Hi Power, but not the associated 9mm cartridge. So, I took to a compromise, and bought a couple of them in .40 S&W.
I don't see how a better gun could be made. The HP points nearly perfectly, and fits my hand very well, something that I can't say for Glock, CZ, and others.
The only thing that doesn't float my boat about the HP, are the slide release and thumb safety. Those could be a bit more ergonomic (spelled O-V-E-R-S-I-Z-E-D).
I don't see how a better gun could be made. The HP points nearly perfectly, and fits my hand very well, something that I can't say for Glock, CZ, and others.
The only thing that doesn't float my boat about the HP, are the slide release and thumb safety. Those could be a bit more ergonomic (spelled O-V-E-R-S-I-Z-E-D).
Comrade Mike
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I do have a CZ75 compact and the misfortune of having small hands. I can't compete with the gun without running it cocked and locked because of the LOP on the trigger. It's a fine gun otherwise but the HP is just meant for small hands.
SDM's
Are HEN's teeth! Never fondled one before. In a prior life, I would've begged, borrowed, and likely stole for one, LOL. I've LONG wondered why they didn't get a clue and put them into serial production. Afterall, Colt's sold enough Commanders over the decades to show there's a market for them.
No, it's true the opposite. Even if it's (was?) made by FN Herstal in Belgium (clearly stamped on one side of the slide) is (was?) marketed here with the Browning name. On the other side of the slide there's usually the written: "Assembled in Portugal".
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JR24
Member
I had a similar fear to the point I pulled my MKIII out of my EDC rotation (replaced it with a 1911, JMB probably won't be mad) since I got to wondering how easy it would be to replace it. I love it so dearly I wouldn't want to risk losing it.
At some point I'm planning on picking up an older one for cheap(ish), getting some restorative work done, and carrying that.
At some point I'm planning on picking up an older one for cheap(ish), getting some restorative work done, and carrying that.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Of course given enough time everything fades and is superseded by whatever the next generations of refinements and improvements and simplifications and efficiencies bring us. Colt Navy 1861s are true shooters' favorites, too. As are Colt 1873s. And Browning 1903s, etc., etc.
We can lament things changing, and certain pleasant refinements or familiar quirks and flourishes do pass away along with the less cherished characteristics like high cost, lower capacity, fragile internals -- or whatever else is refined out as our species continues to build the capability and efficiency of its tools.
Will the next generation of shooters "embrace" the P-35 Hi-Power? No. Not as a group, they ... for that matter WE of the current generation ... do not. But a few do and will continue to hold it in high regard.
In the end, it is all economics. Economics of money, economics of weight, durability, availability, capacity, ergonomics, and a million more details. Heck, economics of nostalgia! Balancing what a BHP gives you for it's costs (financial and otherwise) vs. what something else gives you for it's costs.
I bought mine brand new about 2 years ago. I figure I have around 12,000 rounds though it and have no evidence of any wear aside from the bluing rubbing off in many places. its actually my go-to bowling pin gun
If its true they arnt being made anymore, and if the gun finally conks out on me at some point ,Ill buy another. I don't care what it will cost, they are just too nice of a gun not to own.
If its true they arnt being made anymore, and if the gun finally conks out on me at some point ,Ill buy another. I don't care what it will cost, they are just too nice of a gun not to own.
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