Israeli Contract Hi Power

Status
Not open for further replies.
K

KodiakBeer

member
Joined
Apr 10, 2010
Messages
3,276
Location
Kodiak, AK
I already posted this on the other forum, but a couple of people have asked me about it on this forum, so...

I recently purchased an FN made Israeli Contract Hi Power on GunsAmerica. There are several hundred of these available through an outfit called Robertson Trading Post and they are selling them on all the major auction sites.

These are police pistols, so probably in better shape than military contract pistols. Other than the scratched up enamel finish, mine is 100%. The bore is shiny and bright and it's mechanically perfect. I paid $385 for this one.

I first shot a group at 20 yards and got about 3”. In hindsight, I should have left the group shooting till the end when I was more comfortable with the (unaltered) trigger and I might have shaved an inch off that. I seemed to be pulling to the right, which may be trigger related. Still, 3” is respectable enough.

I shot 200 rounds of 115 grain American Eagle ball at ranges from 10 yards to 100 yards and was completely satisfied. The 100 yard shooting was particularly interesting. I up-ended an old barrel at 100 yards and got a hit on my first shot (holding directly on the target), then walked a few shots around until coming back to shooting directly at the target and again getting hits.
So, what’s the holdover for 9mm 115 grainers at 100 yards? None! Just shoot at the target. Interesting huh?

That was so much fun, for the rest of the morning I’d find myself shooting at 15 or 20 yards, then turning slightly and letting one off at the barrel top just to hear that reassuring “clang” every now and again.

There was one frightening incident. Just before I left, I heard a rustling in the bushes turned and was rushed by some flesh-eating zombie pumpkins! I heard them scream “Die! Zionist Peeg!” (No idea why they had Mexican accents…), but luckily, my Israeli was in hand so I was able to send a magazine load of ball to meet their advance! They died where they stood, er, laid. Note to self: Use hollowpoints for more impressive splat on zombie pumpkins...

Anyway, a good buy! The gun shoots to point of aim, is plenty accurate and 100% reliable – at least with ball. I’ll have to work on the trigger and I’ll probably get around to refinishing it, but no rush on that.

Zombie Pumpkin Attack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AQ8Jq1Ox0g
 

Attachments

  • IzzyGroup.jpg
    IzzyGroup.jpg
    194.7 KB · Views: 120
  • Izzy2.jpg
    Izzy2.jpg
    174.8 KB · Views: 563
  • Izzy3.jpg
    Izzy3.jpg
    168.4 KB · Views: 91
Those pumpkins did look scary! LOL Looks like you got a pretty good deal on that pistol.
 
Not knowing much about BHPs, but very interested in comparing one to my CZ-75B, what if any difference is there between these Israelis and whatever the current commercial BHP variant is (MkIII?)

That safety looks pretty small, for one. I assume larger safeties will interchange - looks like I need to do some reading up on the BHP.

Great price on a ridiculously cool gun.
 
The CZ and the BHP feel very similar in the hand - same balance and ergonomics, etc. The CZ has a longer trigger reach for the first shot, but if you carry it cocked and locked it's the same.

The new BHP's and these MilSurp guns are six of one, half a dozen of the other. A new BHP will have a much nicer finish, but cost a lot more. BHP's don't seem to wear out and they've been around long enough that there are plenty of aftermarket mods you can buy to make it your own - including extended thumb safeties.
 
Yeah, I recall someone posting a direct comparison of a BHP to a 75B and they were remarkably similar. I love the 75B, I'm just a little bummed over the complete lack of aftermarket and scant holster choices. The BHP would seem to be the obvious solution to that particular problem.
 
My CZ85 is one of those guns I regret selling. I think I like this BHP even more. I'm a 1911 guy and like a SA trigger.
 
The best improvement you could make to the gun is to remove the magazine "safety", which will eliminate that gritty feel when you pull the trigger. I believe there are instructions on the web on how to do this yourself.
 
Yeah, I've now removed the magazine disconnect, installed a lighter hammer spring and polished the sear/hammer notches. Trigger feel is subjective since I don't have a trigger scale, but it's obviously lighter.

The unaltered trigger on a BHP is a bit heavy, but it's still far superior to the trigger on any modern defense auto.


.
 
hailing from the great pumpkin hating state of Delaware (we are the home of the punkin chunkin) I aplaude you brave sir for your outstanding pumpkin abusing skills


oh and the browning is pretty sweet too
 
pumpkins and other members of the squash family.
Click to expand...

I heard somewhere that they are actually not a family, but a cartell.... which explains the accent. :)

I've been seriously wanting a BHP for a long time, but cringe at the $800 price tag

This could be a promising way to get into the game
 
B h p

I had a BHP that I sold because I needed the cash. To this very day I regret having sold that fine pistol. The cash is LONG gone as is the pistol. What a fool I was. I once heard someone say you should never sell, trade or otherwise get rid of a firearm.
They were right.

One day I'll get another BHP.

Wish I would have kept the one I had.
 
The MKII Browning incorporate a few changes like ejection port and feed ramp. The MKIIIs are just redesigned MKIIs to be made on modern CNC machinery. The latest HPs are probably the best ever made, and eliminated almost all fitting. The early guns had a lot of hand fitting and are great examples of old world construction. Nothing wrong with hand fitting, BTW. It just adds to the cost of construction and is not really economically viable in today's world.
 
I bought my first handgun from Robertson's in 1982. I bought my most recent gun from them this past Saturday. John is a GREAT guy to deal with.

In addition to the Isreali BHPs, he has a nice assortment of Beretta M81s and M85s to choose from for CHEAP!
 
There will always be another HP. It is inservice with many forces including those of: India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada,......
 
Are there any unique markings on these Israeli Hi Powers?
Click to expand...

Most of the guns have a star of David on the flat above the trigger guard. Mine doesn't...

The BHP's purchased by the Israeli's in the late 80's to mid 90's were all of one contract purchase and have a distinctive rib running from the front of the trigger guard forward, so marked or not you can recognize them at a glance. No other Hi Power has that rib.

Contract.jpg
 
I bought my first handgun from Robertson's in 1982. I bought my most recent gun from them this past Saturday. John is a GREAT guy to deal with.
Click to expand...

I spoke with them on the phone and (whoever I talked to) was very knowledgeable and helpful. They shipped the very next day. The gun was exactly as described with no surprises. I'd buy from them again any time.
 
"The BHP's purchased by the Israeli's in the late 80's to mid 90's were all of one contract purchase"

This is not true. I have seen and handled dozens of "Israeli" HPs, but here and in Israel, and own cast and forged frame versions. I can honestly say I have never seen one of the ribbed versions that I hear so much about. Some apparently have the rib, but far from all.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top