How's the trigger of Browning Hi Power Mk3?

[arthury]

Best platform for 9mm

Thanks for the response.

Well, I am trying to find the best platform for the 9mm right out of the box. I am looking for a 9mm close to a 1911 trigger system, smooth, crisp and almost no over-travel.

The more I read about the BHP and visiting Stephen Camp's website, it seems to dawn on me that you cannot really get a decent pistol right out of the box. You have meddle with the mag-lock and send the pistol to a smith to smooth out the trigger. That's not what I have in mind.

 

[arthury]

Trigger reset distance

Hows' the trigger reset distance of BHP compared to the more recent popular 9mm, like the CZ75 series, Beretta 92 series, Springfield XD, etc.?

 

[mf-dif]

After the mag disconnect, I think it's fine. With it in, it causes a horrible gritty drag. I still shoot it better than my XD.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Now, a narrower question: if you have to choose between a BHP and a 9mm 1911, which one would you pick?

The 1911, in whatever caliber, got some intense attention to improving its ergonomics, mostly for gun games though a lot of it transfers to practical use, in the 1960s and on, further helped by a multitude of manufacturers trying to carve out market niche by building the better mouse trap. The High Power -- as much as I absolutely love it -- has not reaped the same benefits.

Consequently, you can get a 1911 -- even in 9mm -- in a huge range of options. With the exception of finish, factory stock High Powers are kind of like the what color Model T you wanted -- anything you want, as long as it's black. Want a light rail? Get over it. Want tritium sights? Get over it. And so on.

You can add most anything you could want to a High Power via custom shops like Cylinder and Slide, but that adds to the overall cost of a pistol which is already priced well ahead of polymer framed alternatives. For a 1911, it may or may not end up costing more, depending on who made the 1911. A new 9mm 1911 from Springfield Armory or similar is going to probably cost about the same as a used High Power sent off to C&S for Novak night sights, trigger job, and an improved safety.

On the other side of the scale, even compared to a traditionalist piece of art like a 1911, the High Power is truly that Obi-Wan Kenobi ideal of an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. Fits the hand like it was born there and, mediocre trigger and magazine form issues aside, is a joy to shoot. It's an iconic weapon -- I think I personally decided I had to own one about age five after seeing Sean Connery shoot a Nazi in the face with one in A Bridge Too Far -- and it has no substitute.

 

[Pilot]

I have a box, stock Browning Hi Power MK III I bought new in 1994. It has one of the best triggers of all my pistols. Due to the heavy main spring (hammer spring) the trigger is a tad heavy like others have said, but it breaks crisply, and very predictably. It is my most accurate centerfire pistol.

If you want a better trigger remove the mag disconnect and install a lighter main spring. Both relatively easy operations.

 

[rodinal220]

My MKIII averages about 8lbs,heavy but crisp.Its all stock and has been flawless so far.It is one of my favorite 9mm platforms.Carries extremely well,slim and trim.Feels great in my hand and point well.

 

[MrDig]

I find the trigger on my BHP comparable to the DA Trigger on my S&W Model 10. I'm not sure what that says, I'm pretty certain if I can use one without trouble they are not a problem. I hear people say they are horrible Triggers and need work. Mine is stock and I don't mind it a bit

 

[HankB]

Without a mag disconnect, the BHP Mk III trigger is decent, but has a long reset distance that you can't do much about. (Although I think the folks at Cylinder & Slide have a fix for this which involves some gunsmithing that's a bit beyond the kitchen table sort.)

For carry, I prefer a 9mm BHP to a 9mm 1911.

For competition, a good 1911 - something like a Les Baer - will probably allow one to shoot just a tad better. Better trigger and extra weight to dampen the already light recoil.