Hi-Power Question/Clarification

[ShootMeFirst]

I would love to get a 9mm Hi-Power. However, I'm a bit confused about the differences between a Browning HP and an FN Herstal HP. Is one "better" than the other? Will one hold its value (or be more desirable or collectable) than the other? And finally, any thoughts on blued vs. coated? (I assume blued is more traditional and coated is more durable.) Thanks for your time and expertise.

 

[Mortech]

Due to my limited experience with HP (I do own one and used to own a FEG clone) I would suggest you try Stephen Camp's webiste http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com its one of the finest info sites on the web concerning Browning HiPowers

 

[distra]

I have a tactical HP (Browning) with a blued slide and hardchromed frame. Hardchroming is one of the toughest finishes out there. I have a shooting buddy (THR ID=280plus) who has a all blued HP that's really nice as well. As for FN vs. BHP, I think they are one and the same". If I remember correctly, FN has stopped selling the HP under their name in the US and the Browning division is selling them here in the US. It may have to do with brand recognition here the US.

Here is my...er...my wife's HP. WE really like the two tone.

 

[ugaarguy]

I'm a bit confused about the differences between a Browning HP and an FN Herstal HP. Is one "better" than the other?

Outside of cosmetics they're the exact same gun, just different brands on them. The serial # locations are also different. In terms of fit, finish, and functionality they're identical.

Will one hold its value (or be more desirable or collectable) than the other?

In the US the Browning marked HP has far better brand recognition, are usually more desired by colectors.

And finally, any thoughts on blued vs. coated? (I assume blued is more traditional and coated is more durable.)

Your assumption is correct. The bluing is traditional, and the highly polished blue that's available on Hi Powers is just beautiful. The black oxide coating type finish holds up better, and is generally easier & less expensive to either touch up or fully refinish. Bluing is nice for range guns, but the black finish would be my choice for a carry gun for it's durability. Either will work, and it just comes down to personal preference.

 

[dogtown tom]

Knowledgeable collectors will know the difference. And they lust after prewar HP's that don't have the Browning Arms rollmark. I don't believe Browning started importing the HP until sometime in the mid 1950's- so FN had about twenty years worth of HP that would have only carried the "Browning's patent" rollmark and not "Browning Arms Company". And these are certainly collectable.

Buy it and shoot it. It's not a Jennings or Hi Point so it will still be worth something in twenty years.


FN has always been the manufacturer of the Hi Power. Browning is only an importer for the North American market. All Brownings are FN's, not all FN's are Browning's.

I don't believe Browning has EVER manufactured any of their firearms, All were made in Belgium by FN, Japan by Miroku, or in the case of the Browning BDA .380 by Beretta.

Several years ago FN opened a US office (FN USA) to market directly to military and police. These Hi Powers were marked with the FN & FN USA rollmarks, not BROWNING (since Browning was not the importer).

FN apparently decided that competing with Browning (FN owns Browning) was not worthwhile, so they stopped marketing the HP through FN USA. FN USA sold their remaining stock to several dealers/distributors (most notably CDNN who sold many of the FN 9mm's and .40's for $399. They have sold out of the 9mm and only have the .40 in stock).

 

[rellascout]

That about sums it up except I would like to add one thing.

All current Browning roll marked HI-powers are assembled in Portugal using Belgium manufactured parts.

All FN roll marked guns are true Belgium guns. They are fully assembled in Belgium. For many this makes the Modern FN more desireable than the Browning marked gun.

All of my BHP are belgium made. My favorite is 1972 which I customized. It is a think of beauty.

 

[BHPshooter]

All current Browning roll marked HI-powers are assembled in Portugal using Belgium manufactured parts.

All FN roll marked guns are true Belgium guns. They are fully assembled in Belgium. For many this makes the Modern FN more desireable than the Browning marked gun.

Can you cite a source for this??? I have heard this before, but have never seen anything in the way of proof. I am going to have to say that this sounds like total conjecture.

FWIW, I have a Browning and an FN, and other than markings, there is little noticeable difference between the two. They are both top-notch guns.

Wes

 

[MikePGS]

I think the real question is "Which one would help you lead the A-Team more efficiently?"

 

[rellascout]

What proof would you like?

Take a look at the roll mark on any NIB Browning Hi-Power. They all say "Made in Belgium -- Assembled in Portugal" Parts are manufactured at FN's modern plant in Herstal and shipped to its Portuguese subsidiary in Viana do Corto, where they are assembled, finished and tested. All Browning marked Hi-Powers have been made in Portugal since 1980.

The FN roll marked guns that where blown out by CDNN for $400 were all roll marked Made in Belgium and were manufactured and assembled in Belgium. Some consider the final fit and finish of these guns to be superior.

I have own Portuguese assembled guns and do not personally see a difference. My favorite HI-Power is a 1972. I will take an older Hi-Power versus a new FN or BHP.

Like I said in my first post some consider an all Belgium gun to be more desirable. Others like you and I may not.

 

[Geronimo45]

"Which one would help you lead the A-Team more efficiently?"
I think Hannibal used a 1911.

 

[Geno]

I wanted the Belgium one...silly me.

I wanted and bought the Belgium one...silly me.

 

[Marshall]

I have a FN Hi Power and two Brownings that were both made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal. The FN was made in Belgium and assembled in Belgium by FN Herstal. It was imported by FNMI. (Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc.) The trigger is much better on the FN than my two BHP's. All three have the mag disconnect. Other than that, I see no difference.

 

[bear71]

Make sure to look into a used Inglis with the tangent sights and the slotted grip, those shoulder stocks are really cool and are being manufactured as reproductions!

Additionally, you can get the tangents and the slot on the Capitan HP.