Need advice on Hi-Power in .40

[boogalou]

I plan on purchasing a Hi-Power eventually, and want to get one in .40 S&W, since I own a couple of 9mm already, and only one 40. Are there any concerns with the Hi-Power in this caliber? Any differences in reliability and/or accuracy? Do they hold up with this caliber? I do reload for .40 and use bullets from 155 - 170 grains.

 

[MJRW]

My only problem with a BHP in .40 is that its a BHP in .40.

Don't like .40.

Think the BHP should be in 9mm, like it was designed for.

Its kind of like putting peanut butter on trout for me instead of on chocolate. And even if I liked trout, I wouldn't put peanut butter on it.

 

[Sean Smith]

Browning was one of the few companies to actually use a beefed-up design for their .40 S&W gun, instead of just re-barreling a 9x19 design. It should hold up better than most of the .40 S&W guns on the market for that reason.

 

[BHPshooter]

Yep, like Sean said, the Hi Power isn't just a re-barrel in .40... FN went to great pains to make the gun stand up to the beating of the cartridge, which included changing from forged frames to cast; adding a third locking lug to the barrel and slide; widening the slide; and beefing up the ejector.

I don't particularly like the .40, but if you want a .40 the Hi Power is a very good candidate.

Wes

 

[stans]

I have had the opportunity to shoot a BHP in 40. It was quite the handful, but a blast to shoot! Definitely more oomph than a 9mm.

 

[Richard]

boogalou, the BHP 40 S&W is the softest shooting 40 I have tried. The only problem you may encounter is it is hard to rack the slide. You end up pulling back on the slide and pushing out on the frame at the same time. Regards, Richard

 

[Majic]

The Hi-Power was bulked up for the .40SW and became a fine specimen, but to me it lacks the balance of the 9mm model. I think it's much better chambered in it's original caliber.

 

[Jeff OTMG]

The BHP .40 is SWEET. I have two of them I like it so much. It is one of the softest shooting .40's out there, I do have a Sprinco in it though. The only thing to aid reliability would be to replace the barrel with a hooded model from Barsto. The later .40's have an unhooded barrel and according to Bill Laughridge the cartridge can go straight up during feeding and the hood helps prevent this.