Hi Power Question

[nursindude]

Good Sunday to ya' all. Picked up a Hi Power and no where on it does it indicate "Browning". It has Fabrique Nationale Herstal Belgique on it is all. My understanding is that this would be a FN made Hi Power (as they all are I believe) not imported to the US? The serial number is 245NTxxxx so my understanding would also be this gun was made in 1996? Do the Hi Power's without the Browning name have any more collector/monetary value? Thanks for the anticipated info.

Kevin

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Same gun -- FN builds them -- but the Browning-marked guns often have a slightly higher level of finish prettiness. People -- collectors included -- value both, but in different ways. FNs are imported to the U.S.

If you're a COLLECTOR, you are arguably buying for different reasons than if you're a SHOOTER. I'd happily own either. (I do own a BHP T-series.)

 

[PRM]

Dating a High Power link below: You are correct on your gun (NT).

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35

The FNs are great guns - quite a few are being imported right now. Mine was an Israeli Military refurbished gun, bought from Coles on GB. The one I got looked practically new and was about half the price of a Browning stamped gun.

 

[MrDig]

Some valuable information here too

Stephen A Camp was a member here and a Hi-Power guru. He passed a while ago now but his page is still active.
Here is a link
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/index.html

His book is worth every penny too
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Products5.html

As a Hi-Power aficionado I want to say welcome to the group, Owning mine has spoiled my opinion of many other handguns, except revolvers.

 

[dogtown tom]

All genuine Hi Powers are manufactured by FN.
All Browning Hi Powers are FN's.
FN Hi Powers have been made with many different finishes, calibers, sights, etc since 1935.

Other than the Browning Arms rollmark, they are identical to other FN Hi Powers of the same finish, there is no difference between a polished blue Browning HP and a polished blue FN HP without the Browning rollmark.

"Browning" is simply an importers mark (Browning Arms has never made guns, they import or contract for firearms produced by others)

 

[HOOfan_1]

Browning makes the 1911-22 and Buckmark

https://www.browning.com/library/infonews/detail.asp?id=304

 

[surjimmy]

What the dog said.

 

[nursindude]

Thanks all for the confirmation. Love my 1911's, but dang this thing feels real good in the hand!

Kevin

 

[JR24]

Hi Powers are the only handguns that point more naturally than 1911's for me. I really, really like mine.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Hi Powers are the only handguns that point more naturally than 1911's for me. I really, really like mine.

Most folks who feel that way also like the CZ-75B (or the earlier CZ-75) for the same reasons. The CZ is a bit thicker through the grip but points about the same.

 

[MrDig]

Hi Powers are the only handguns that point more naturally than 1911's for me. I really, really like mine.

Oddly this is the case for me as well. I love the way the Hi-Power comes to bear on the target and also easily re acquires the target. My Model 10 revolver is very similar in this respect.

 

[AKElroy]

I think the love for the BHP and the CZ 75/85 grows in direct proportion to the number of plastic guns produced. Plastic will never have the feel; the slim profile and balanced weight of an all steel gun.

 

[Pilot]

Browning makes the 1911-22 and Buckmark

https://www.browning.com/library/infonews/detail.asp?id=304

ATI in Salt Lake City manufacturers the Buckmark, and 1911-22 for Browning. Browning makes nothing as it is a marketing company, that essentially sells its brand name on products made by others. Nothing wrong with that either, as they market a lot of high quality stuff.

 

[Outlaw Man]

To some people, the Browning markings command a higher price, but I would never pay more for one simply because of it.

I'm in the same boat as so many others about the way they point. To me, Hi Powers are also one of the easier guns to tinker with, as well....except for changing that mainspring. Ouch!

 

[nursindude]

Actually I did end up with a CZ75B and that's pretty much what led me to the Hi Power. Of note, I also picked up one of the Canik's (CZ clone) off of Bud's and it feelsshoots real good as well. Once again thanks for all the info!

Kevin

 

[JR24]

Most folks who feel that way also like the CZ-75B (or the earlier CZ-75) for the same reasons. The CZ is a bit thicker through the grip but points about the same.

The CZ 75 is a fantastic shooting and pointing gun, but it actually falls below the Hi Power, 1911's and SIG P220 for me. For whatever reason. Great shooting guns all.