Is the Browning Hi-Power still relevant?

[RNB65]

The Browning Hi-Power. The Grande Puissance. The P-35. Concieved by John Browning but realized by Dieudonne Saive. A wonder of its time as it introduced many of the common features found on most semi-auto handguns made today. At one time, it was perhaps the most widely issued military sidearm in the world and many consider it to be the crowning achievement of JMB's remarkable career.

Yet, today, it's typically looked upon as the proverbial red-headed stepchild. An interesting historical relic which fails to generate any of the passion associated with the 1911. A handgun few want unless it comes out of some cheap sweatshop in the Philippines (CD) or Hungary (FEG). Which leads to my question --

Is the Browning Hi-Power still relevant in the 21st century?

Thoughts?
-

 

[Chipperman]

They have a rabid following, as you will soon find in the replies.

Are they relevant?

To me they are Historically Relevant, but not Practically Relevant.

There are many other guns I would choose to carry (1911 included) before the BHP.

 

[jlbraun]

(cue thundering hordes of BHP adherents)

 

[RNB65]

I would love to hear folks opinions. Even here on THR the BHP doesn't generate much discussion. They're beautiful handguns and I've been thinking about buying one for the past 20 years. But ever time I'm ready to make a handgun purchase, there's always something else at the top of my list.

 

[Fat Boy]

I think Browning guns historically are among the best in the world. I would love to have a HP, but cost is a factor...

 

[ExSoldier]

I own a Browning HP and sure they're relevant. Many folks think of them as an upgrade to the venerable 1911. Up till the 1980s (IIRC) they were the standard sidearm for the British SAS. When the SAS upgraded they went to the SIG P226, which is where they reside today. I don't think any of them would hesitate to use a Hi-Power again. Also the FBI's HRT had Brownings customized (by I want to say Les Baer or maybe Cylinder & Slide but I'm not sure) Hi-Powers for many years. There are still other folks who use them and who swear by them. No gun designed by John Browning is going to be irrelevant. Ever. I have my gun for the sole purpose of passing on to my nephew, but I wouldn't hesitate to use in a self defense scenario. In fact, I took it to the range just last week. Along with my Sig P226.

 

[un_lucky]

I think the BHP is as relevant as the Luger or Walther P-35. Neet, but not timeless like the 1911.

 

[tipoc]

What do you mean by "relevant"?

They are good guns. They work. They are used by millions, preferred by many.

Many top smiths continue to offer High Power packages. Replacement sights and parts sell briskly. They have a separate section over to the 1911 forum.

tipoc

 

[BullfrogKen]

Still relevant?

Absolutely. Its got a thin profile. I've found women love them. They fit their hands; they have a good trigger; they don't recoil terribly.


I think it is still a great handgun. It can't be chambered in anything beyond the 9mm or 40 S&W sized cartridges because the magazine well is too shallow. The 1911 took off because it dominated IPSC. A simple rule change forced the Hi-Power into minor.

I'd feel well armed with one. I know my wife does with hers.

 

[rabid_rob]

Relevant, schmelvent...it's just a damn sexy piece.

[/IMG]

 

[bannockburn]

RNB65

If I had to go to somewhere in harm's way, and my only caliber choice was 9mm., I wouldn't hesitate to pick my Hi-Power over any other 9mm. Relevant enough for me.
vvv[/IMG]

 

[tekarra]

Is the P35 still relevant? That statement would only be made in America because America does not have a history associated with the pistol. Elsewhere in the world, it is still in front line use and is as relevant today as it was when introduced. Based upon it's widespread acceptance and use worldwide, the P35 cannot be considered a "red-headed stepchild".

 

[czhen]

Even here on THR the BHP doesn't generate much discussion.

Because there is not much to argue, about something almost perfect.

Czhen
Fl

 

[jaydubya]

I bought mine in 1967, and carried it as my personal weapon on two flying cruises to Vietnam. It was not only relevant then, it was just about the ONLY high capacity 9x19 autoloader I could find. I still shoot it weekly, rather thoroughly upgraded with Crimson Trace grips and C&S's SFS kit. The latter is a revolutionary upgrade. If FN had come out with it ten years earlier, the HP might still be king of the roost. But it is not, I am sorry to say. There are many excellent, albeit plastic, handguns out there -- and FN seems to be drifting that way too.
Cordially

 

[tipoc]

I'll ask again since no one has answered yet...In what way aren't they "relevant"?

They are currently in use in Afghanistan with the British. Other militarys around the world still use them.

By the time law enforcement in the U.S. went from revolvers to pistols and the military left the 1911 behind both had already decided to not go to sa pistols but with da/sa pistols. They both felt the latter were "safer". Is that what you mean by "relevant"

tipoc

 

[Dick1911]

I think the Hi Power is as relevant as any other full sized pistol. Still widely used by military and sportsman. It has a large following although I would guess not as large a following as a 1911.

I don't think I'd give up my Hi Power unless I was getting another one. Same for my 1911....but the Hi Power's cheaper to shoot so I get more rounds/trip to the range !

 

[MM]

What is irrelevant about any reliable, accurate, hi capacity, well made hand gun. The BHP fits all these categories suberbly.
MM

 

[Walkalong]

Absolutely, without question, duh.

 

[distra]

You are kidding right? I shoot this in a pin league. IMHO this is the best 9mm out there. I like my G19, but the BHP is on a totally different level.

 

[browningguy]

Yet, today, it's typically looked upon as the proverbial red-headed stepchild. An interesting historical relic which fails to generate any of the passion associated with the 1911. A handgun few want unless it comes out of some cheap sweatshop in the Philippines (CD) or Hungary (FEG).

Well it appears you started with a false assumption, I don't know any "knowledgable" pistoleros that consider the BHP to be a relic.

 

[Marshall]

They're so irrelevant I just took one of mine off my hip a few minutes ago.

It's rather ironic this thread came up today. I e-mailed a buddy, that just got into handguns a few months ago, a link to Bar Sto's site today. He called me on the hook bitching that there wasn't a barrel offered for his M&P. But there is for the Hi Power. I picked my new CDNN catalogue today to read, there's all kinds of stuff for Hi Powers offered. Irrelivent? I don't think so.

*All steel
*Battle proven
*World renown
*Perfect feel in the hand
*Slim profile
*Hi capacity
*Great balance
*Outstanding point ability
*Single action
*Accurate
*Good with recoil
*Reliable as the day is long
*Parts and accessories easily available
*Most custom smiths have upgrade packages for them
*Immitaded by many
*Sexy as hell
*They're an FN/Browning

The downside is that they're not a $420.00 priced gun like the CZ 75 variants. Price alone is why many people don't buy a BHP, that and the fact that it's not a 45ACP.

From one who owns a few, as well as other handguns, I can tell you that once you own one, it's the kind of gun that you don't consider selling or trading.

Yes, I'll go to my striker fired polymers many times for a gun to slap on my hip, nothing wrong with them at all, I love them. But when you have on a Hi Power you know you're wearing a piece of history and not just another polymer pistol that are a dime a dozen. It's a nice feeling. Like wearing a Colt 1911. There are many other manufacturers but there's only one Colt and there's only one real Hi Power.

Everyone should have one in their collection.

 

[gbran]

Mine is in the 1969 era and is in mint condition. It is not a redheaded stepchild to my Colt 1911. I love both.

 

[easyg]

Is the Browning Hi-Power still relevant in the 21st century?

As a fine handgun?
Yes.

As a combat handgun?
No.

 

[McCall911]

No, Hi-Powers are completely irrelevant and worthless.

So send them all to me at this address:








Seriously, I would say there are few handguns on the market which are any better. Just MHO.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

Not long ago, I took a young man shooting; he was unfamiliar with the Hi-Power (poor benighted soul).

After shooting a few other revolvers and automatics, the one he came away loving was the Hi-Power.

My favorite adjective for this pistol: elegant.