Hi-Power Q&A

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Texas9

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I've always kinda liked the Browning Hi-Power. Never really knew why or thought much about it until now. Now, I'm getting ready to buy one. Now the problems start to surface...

The Browning website shows two models: The Standard and Mk. III (9mm and .40). Both blued. The local Bass Pro Shops had one in stainless (at a price pushing $800!), which wasn't on the Browning website.

Then I called a local gunstore (my preferred venue for purchase). Seems that FN makes Hi-Powers, and so does Charles Daly! Choices, choices.

Today, a quick blast through Bass Pro put a Charles Daly Hi-Power in 9mm in my hand, for $349! That's at Bass Pro!!

Here's my question: What are the differences between Browning, FN, and Charles Daly Hi-Powers, and why is the Charles Daly so inexpensive?

Thanks, guys!
 
FN makes Browning and FN HPs. They have very high quality. CD HPs are, I think, Hungarian parts (FEG) finished and assembled in the US. Most, if not all, parts are interchangeable, but you get what you pay for.
 
Bass Pro is WAY high.
FN and Browning guns are one in the same.
The Charles Daly guns are ok but not great.
I am down to one Hi Power, a Practical 9mm.
Great guns.
I suggest you go with the FN.
 
I checked FN's website and I didn't see any hi powers available... I think they are discontinued or I just didn't see them. Someone want to post a link?

As for the browning ones, there are two models, the standard and the mark III. The standard is not blued, but something else, it has a shiny finish but its not blueing. It also has wooden grips.
The mark III has plastic contoured grips and is parkarized in black, it is not blued. The cost difference is about 200$.
 
Speaking of hi powers, are there any that are made WITHOUT the external extractor, as in they are true to the original design 60 some odd years ago?
 
FN Herstal's website still lists the High Power -- it is listed as the Mk3S. FN is the manufacturer, but they presently only market them in the US through Browning (owned by FN). This is a fairly recent change and you can still find a lot of used and even occasional NIB FN rollmarked High Powers.

As for the browning ones, there are two models, the standard and the mark III. The standard is not blued, but something else, it has a shiny finish but its not blueing. It also has wooden grips.
Click to expand...

The Standard has very deep, glossy blued finish.

HPStandardnewgrips2.jpg

Speaking of hi powers, are there any that are made WITHOUT the external extractor, as in they are true to the original design 60 some odd years ago?
Click to expand...

Browning quit using the internal extractor sometime in the 60s, if memory serves me correctly. If you hunt around you may be able to find an FN roll-marked, Argentinean police surplus internal extractor model from the 60s. These are not the same as FM rollmarked models, which are clones (and some adaptations of the basic HP). You may also be able to find other vintage FNs with the internal extractor, but they'll be priced as collectibles rather than shooters.

However, the internal extractor does not bring anything to the table in the case of the High Power, but does present a liability in that if it breaks finding a replacement can be pretty close to impossible. If you're looking for a shooter and not a collectible handgun, you're better off with the external extractor.

For a wealth of information on the High Power, I'd recommend taking a look at Stephen Camp's High Powers and Handguns. Mr Camp is one of the moderators here on THR and his website is an excellent resource on the High Power (and other handguns as well).
 
More info

While we're at it, I'm having a bit of difficulty finding answers to this question:

What are the differences between the different models? Standard vs. Mk. III vs. Sport, etc.

Is it mainly grips and finish, or is there more?

Also, what can I expect as far as price?
 
Hello.

MkIII: Matte finish & checkere blk nylon grips

Standard: Bright blue finish and checkered walnut grips

Sport: I have not recently checked to see if this name is still used but with the older classic Hi Powers, it was the regular old Hi Power (which was sometimes called the "Vigilante") with adjustable sights.

In an earliar post, mention was made of a stainless Hi Power. I suspect that this was either a stainless clone that was made for a few years (cannot remember the name) or one of the hard chrome finished Brownings that was available a few years back as FN has never made a stainless Hi Power.

Best.
 
The Standard has adjustable sights, while the Mk 3 has fixed sights, which is the main difference in terms of performance.

As for price, CDNN had FN rollmarked (I think) High Powers for sale for $400-something, but the standard ones went fast. The Safe Fire System models took a while longer to go, but I think they're all gone now as well.

Best in-store price I've seen for them is Bud's Gun Shop on-line, which has Mark 3s in both 9mm and 40S&W for $642.95. Other people may talk about better prices on them, but I just don't see them where I live for less than $700 new. My usually quite reasonable local gunstore could not get one on special order for less than $800 (but did serve as the receiving FFL when I ordered one from Bud's).

Used, I've seen them running anywhere from $450-600 in the past year or two.
 
Well...

...looks like the decision has been made. Thanks to the same guy that got me my Px4 when no one else could has placed a new Mk. III in the back office with my name on it.

For $570.

Life is good. Now to find some nice grips to replace those Gawd-awful composite grips that come from the factory on a Mk. III.

Thanks for all the help, guys!



c
 
Life is good. Now to find some nice grips to replace those Gawd-awful composite grips that come from the factory on a Mk. III.
Click to expand...

Esmeralda O'Sheehan mostly does 1911 grips, but also has High Power grips in cocobolo and other top end woods. Bit pricey ($90-100) but great fit on the weapon and really nice wood.

Hakan Pek in Norway also does High Power grip to order, but I don't know anything about his pricing and such from personal experience. His reputation for quality seems pretty impeccable, though.
 
I don't know how you feel about rubber grips, but I've been very happy with the Hogue version. Have used them in IDPA matches for a couple of years.
 
Here are a couple of Esmerelda grips, she was completely out of HP grips last week but if you email she is very good about notifying you when she gets some made.

bhpcelticcrossgrips1.jpg

PracticalCocoboloGrips1.jpg
 
Picked this up at Gander Mountain 4 - 5 months ago. .40 S&W. $550. Shoots really great. The hammer bit the web of my hand so I took off the Pachmayrs that came on it and put on factory grips and cured the problem. If you like 1911's I think you will like the Hi-Power.
IMG_2636.gif
IMG_2645.gif
IMG_2644.gif
 
They are trying to rob you!! If you pay over $600.00 you paid too much!

By the way, it isn't stainless...it is hard-chromed.
 
Doc,

I dunno where you're buying your BHP's but the dealer price for a Mark 3 Hi-Power is higher than 600. I know because I just bought a standard w/adjustable sights for a hundred bucks more.

Bass Pro is notorious for being overpriced on everything that requires a BATF 4473.
 
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