Sure there is. A modern 9mm can be/is cheaper to manufacture. That what more or less makes the Hipower irrelevant by todays standards.
So, stated simply, "relevance" is attained by cutting corners in production, making small parts out of hi-tech stamped sheet metal instead of good old-fashioned machined steel, by making the frame out of a recyclable material, and charging the same price. Right. Gotcha.
I know that no one wants to point out her flaws but come on. From the factory she has never had a good trigger, has a silly little safety and will bite the web of your hand.
That's
completely subjective.
1) All 6 of my HPs have had triggers as good as (or better than) all of the entry-level 1911s that I've owned or fondled as they passed through the shop. When they are heavier or grittier than desired, the removal of the mag disconnect almost always solves the problem.
2) The "silly little safety" works fine for my hands. I do like the extended safety on the MkIIIs better, but I've never had a problem manipulating the original safety.
3) Never had a problem with hammer bite from my Hi Powers. I have had it from Mil-Spec 1911s, however.
Owning a Hi Power and complaining is kinda like being married to Cindy Crawford and whining about it. It's hard to have any sympathy, because it just doesn't get much better.
To me they are Historically Relevant, but not Practically Relevant.
What do you think it is that made them historically relevant? It was their performance and dependability.
Yeah, it's not everybody's thing. But for me, the sun rises and sets on the BHP.
Wes