High Power question, cast vs. forged frames?

[Correia]

It is my understanding that Browning and FN High Powers have been made in both cast and forged frames?

What are the pros and cons of each?

Also at what periods in time where the different frame types used?

Are the "made in Portugaul" guns cast or forged?

I like High Powers, but don't know much about them. Thanks.

 

[Zak Smith]

The transition to cast frames was made shortly after the change to the MKIII model, in the early 90's. The cast frame is identified by the longitudinal serrations on the butt of the grip, where mag is inserted.

The general consensus is that the cast frames are harder throughout due to a better heat treat. The 9mm model frame also incorporated the same changes required to "beef up" for the .40SW version.

Ted Yost did a big job on my first BHP (happened to be a MKIII). Before I bought my second one, I asked him if there was a difference. He said to go MKIII (cast); the slide is harder and the frame more durable.

Hope this helps.

Zak

 

[Higgins]

If I recall correctly, a long running debate over this topic took place a long time ago on thefiringline.com. I bet if you go there and do a search you'll find more about this than you care to read.

If memory serves, a member with the user name "wild ogre" (I think that was the name) had quite a bit of info and thoughts on this topic. I believe he was greatly in favor of the forged frames and had concerns with the cast frames.

Hope this helps.

 

[MrAcheson]

Wild Romanian is the one posting on the forged vs. cast frame issue. Forgings tend to be better parts than castings, but in this case either is probably sufficient.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. If you read the material via the link below, there's some information on the forged vs cast frame thing. Some like "Wild Romanian" see the cast frames as an anaethema. My experience has been precisely the opposite.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/DifferenceMkIIandMkIII.htm

...and more on the subject here:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/BHPandHighPressureAmmo.htm

Best.

 

[Steve F]

"wild ogre" I'm sorry but that is really funny,especially if you follow the BHP web site



Disclaimer Purely in jest

 

[Higgins]

My mistake on the "wild ogre" misnomer. It's been along time since I read those posts and I just trying to snatch the right name totally off the top of my head. No disrespect intended to anyone.

P.S. Is there someone with the username "Mad Ogre?" Perhaps I was just mixing names.

Mea culpa.

 

[George Hill]

 

[Higgins]

Mr. Hill, that must be where I've seen the name before. Slipped in to my subconsious while reading posts here on THR.

 

[jaysouth]

Cast iron BHPs BEWARE!!!!!

I have a couple of the cast iron MKIIIs. they are very dangerous to shoot. avoid them like the plague. If you are unfortunate enough to own one, please, for the sake of your own safety, send it to me for proper disposal.

Ditto for MIM parts. If you own a gun with ANY MIM parts, send them to me to avoid damage to yourself and innocent bystanders.

If you own any firearms with tritium gas nightsights, they cause CANCER!!! Send them to me immediately for proper disposal. Simple removal of the sights will not cure the problem. The metal in the firearm (especially cast iron) is contaminated with deadly radiation. Send them to me at once.

Wonder what the next meaningless internet controversy will be?