Future of the Browning Hi Power

[Esoxchaser]

A true shooter's favorite, but getting so expensive compared to $499 Glocks. Will the younger generation continue to embrace this classic, or is it destined to go the way of the Python and the Woodsman?

My kids have learned to appreciate the streamlined beauty, and solid feel of real metal firearms. Can't do much about the fact that at the moment they prefer Sig P series pistols to 1911's, but it's a start.

BTW I have a lot of 1911's but not a single Kimber. To me Kimbers are Yugos, sold as every mans Chevrolets at a Cadillac price.

 

[Got_Lead?]

Mr. Roberts:
Sorry, I wasn't saying that the BHP needed an 8 Lb trigger for any purpose by design. I was just pointing out that the BHP trigger cannot be made as light as a 1911.



Dave

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

OK, I thought that might be what you were getting at but I wasn't sure. I agree that you can't get a BHP to match a custom 1911 trigger, especially on the reset. Then again, the 1911 pretty much sets the standard for good trigger.

 

[boom boom]

If you have small hands like I do, the BHP is a champ and probably someone will produce it somewhere if not FN.

A relatively heavy trigger pull weight does not bother me because I also shoot double action revolvers. What I want is a smooth trigger rather than light. I also left the mag disconnector in because with a bit of polishing so that the mags drop free, it really doesn't bother me. But then again, I also like the S&W Third generation and classic DA/SA Sigs, even the DAO and DAK, trigger pulls.

What I have found for me is that I shoot handguns best when I can reach the trigger with the power crease in the first joint. I don't shoot as accurately with the pad on a heavy trigger. So, I buy guns primarily based on whether they fit my hand without expensive modifications--no fit--no buy.

 

[SC Shooter]

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.

The other thing the Hi-Power has is a hstory. That does tend to run a price up, but for some, that can be the key.

 

[Potatohead]

I guess Im going to have to get me one. How's the trigger?

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Triggers vary from gun to gun, but can be tuned up if they are substandard. I can honestly say the single action trigger of a hi power should be shorter and lighter than the DA pull on a CZ.

 

[Hometeached1]

I would REALLY like to have a Hi power, that being said, I can not afford to buy a real one, I SO would if I had the money. I'm looking for a FEG though, I know it's not a real Hi power, but I could at least get some of that Hi power magic. By the way, I'm one of the "next generation".

 

[Schlegel]

I have one of the FEG true clones and one of the Arcus 94 detective length clones, also internally identical, if squared up and thickened externally. Each will do if you want the basic GP-35 experience on a budget, but they have made me want the real thing. It's on my to-do list for next year. Maybe get it customized on down the line.

 

[Comrade Mike]

My kids have learned to appreciate the streamlined beauty, and solid feel of real metal firearms. Can't do much about the fact that at the moment they prefer Sig P series pistols to 1911's, but it's a start.

BTW I have a lot of 1911's but not a single Kimber. To me Kimbers are Yugos, sold as every mans Chevrolets at a Cadillac price.

Oh Kimber.... Factory custom is still factory.

 

[el Godfather]

The question is whether or not its priced right to attract the fresh blood. Majority of the posts in this thread are by those who seem to be NOT so young.

People who like to go to ranges and do some competitive shooting might feel more comfortable with BHPs, but the new generation would hardly choose it over the likes of H&K, Glock or Sig Sauer for SD purpose, especially if they are not getting highly competitive price. A scientific survey is required to quantify this.

Enthusiasts buy expensive guns. Perhaps, instead of closing doors BHP should be made to an even higher standards with more customization and sell to compete with model such as X5/6s.

 

[Pilot]

The question is whether or not its priced right to attract the fresh blood. Majority of the posts in this thread are by those who seem to be NOT so young.

People who like to go to ranges and do some competitive shooting might feel more comfortable with BHPs, but the new generation would hardly choose it over the likes of H&K, Glock or Sig Sauer for SD purpose, especially if they are not getting highly competitive price. A scientific survey is required to quantify this.

Enthusiasts buy expensive guns. Perhaps, instead of closing doors BHP should be made to an even higher standards with more customization and sell to compete with model such as X5/6s.

In the mid 90's it seems Browning/FN was supporting the BHP with new, enhanced versions like the "Practical", and "Silver Chrome" models, this was just as the 1994 Assault Weapons ban occurred, and limited mag capacity to ten rounds. I think this affected sales of the BHP, and really soured Browning on further versions of it, and also sank the BDM.

Now, some time has past, and FN realizes polymer is the future, and has invested huge dollars in new manufacturing, and new models from FNUSA. I don't think they are willing to throw more money at the old, all steel BHP for a limited "enthusiast" market. The return just isn't there.

 

[hk-sigman]

I LOVE the High Power!! But the price these days is way too high! Especially since assembly was sent to Portugal to save money!! My favorite dealer carries them and they are almost $1000 brand new.

If FN wants them to sell then they should send machinery to Turkey and have them made there. Then they could sell them in the $500 range and sales would skyrocket! The Turks know how to make excellent guns and it is a lot cheaper for them to do it.

 

[JTQ]

el Godfather wrote,
People who like to go to ranges and do some competitive shooting might feel more comfortable with BHPs, but the new generation would hardly choose it over the likes of H&K, Glock or Sig Sauer for SD purpose, especially if they are not getting highly competitive price.

While the Hi-Power is expensive, it is priced competitively with most SIGs and HK's. However, the Hi-Power's cost is a tough sell for the guy that sees a bunch of perfectly good $500ish Glock's, M&P's, XD's, Ruger SR's, and even FN's own FNP/FNS/FNX/FNG or whatever name they are onto now, sitting in the display case next to the Hi-Power.

 

[tarosean]

I LOVE the High Power!! But the price these days is way too high! Especially since assembly was sent to Portugal to save money!! My favorite dealer carries them and they are almost $1000 brand new.
.................
The Turks know how to make excellent guns and it is a lot cheaper for them to do it.

You do realize that Portugal is part of the EU??????



I hate to break it too you but those guns being built in Turkey and other middle eastern countries are built via slave labor from other Asian/Indian countries...

 

[hk-sigman]

You do realize that Portugal is part of the EU??????



I hate to break it too you but those guns being built in Turkey and other middle eastern countries are built via slave labor from other Asian/Indian countries...

Slave labor? Not quite. Low wages yes but not slave labor. Then again the cost of living is far less there than in the EU or US. Labor Unions have destroyed America by making nothing affordable! I'll gladly take the high quality guns being made in the Philipines and Turkey over the overpriced crap being made here.

 

[hk-sigman]

And yes I do realize that Portugal is in the EU but FN moved assembly of the High Power to Portugal because labor is still cheaper there than it is in Belgium!

 

[tarosean]

lave labor? Not quite. Low wages yes but not slave labor. Then again the cost of living is far less there than in the EU or US.

Have you ever been there???

Ive spent years working throughout the Middle East and Africa.. I know exactly what I am talking about.

While you may think 53.00USD is an acceptable salary for a months wages... I personally do not. Cost of living is not much cheaper than the US..

Just an FYI I am in the UAE right now..

 

[hk-sigman]

I see the opposite side right here at home. $53 per hour is not an acceptable wage for a union laborer that pounds 20 nails an hour either!

 

[mic214]

While the BHP is a graceful, classic beauty, it is hard to argue against a G26 when compared to cost, magazine capacity (With a +1 extension or a backup G19 mag), and ease of carry, etc....

I have had my BHP for many years and will never get rid of it, but my G26 is my EDC.....

 

[tarosean]

While the BHP is a graceful, classic beauty, it is hard to argue against a G26 when compared to cost, magazine capacity (With a +1 extension or a backup G19 mag), and ease of carry

Yep kinda hard to compare a Corvette to a Kia. Sure they both get ya there, but the comparison ends there.

 

[SC Shooter]

The Debate Continues

What a great discussion, about a great weapon! What none of all these messages say is that it is not a good gun. I love the BHP, especially if it's an older one and more expecially if it has come out of the military. I will confess I am a bit of a purist and don't mind paying the premium. I like my martinis extra dry, straight up, with an olive; my cars with big engines and manual transmissions, and my guns that are classics with character. What else can I say, other than yes, I am an older guy.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

There's a major Browning dealer near here. They sell lots of high-end Browning shotguns and rifles. They usually have one Hi Power on the shelf, and it tends to sit a while. Make of that what you will.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

No surprise. The clientele that frequents a high end shotgun shop usually isn't into handguns much.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

They sell a lot of handguns, just not a lot of Hi Powers.