Price check: Value of an FNH Browning Hipower?

[leadcounsel]

I've found a local FTF deal for a blued FNH Browning HP 9mm with solid wood grips. It appears in at least 95% condition.

Seller says it's a "remake." What's the significance of that?

Is $450 a good price?

 

[Certaindeaf]

Yea, buy it fast.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Wait a minute.. I didn't see that "remake" part.. remake? It's either an FNH or not, to my understanding. I'd sure ask him what he meant/knows about the gun regarding that statement.

 

[txgunsuscg]

I assume you mean it is one of the Hi-Powers sold new under the FN Herstal name in the US versus under the Browning name. If I saw one in the condition you describe for $450, I'd probably go for it, used beaters from Israel are fetching $400....

I would clarify with the seller what he meant by remake, cuz that opens up a lot of possibilities. Did he provide any pics with rollmarks, etc? If it looks like the marks on this one, then see below.

I also assume you know the backstory of Hi-Powers, ie, they are all made by FN, even if marked Browning. During the 90s I believe, FNH USA actually brought some Hi-Powers in under their own name versus Browning, and sold them for a lot less than your typical Browning. For whatever reason, the market didn't support the move so they stopped.

 

[leadcounsel]

The only thing I know is that he's said it's a FNH Browning Remake 9mm serial 245PW30xxx

Pics he sent me look nice. It's an estate sale thing and he has several guns up for sale and this one caught my eye.

Here are some pictures.

Appears to be a small hole in the front of the trigger guard... never seen that before...

 

[Certaindeaf]

It seems it was made in 1984 but the "remake" thing bothers me. You should be able to easily tell if it's a real FNH etc by looking at it.

 

[leadcounsel]

Seller says it's 85%-90%, with the new wood grips.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Looking at the photos, I'd pass on it but that's just me. It's not even "blue" and its got holes in it.
no thanks

 

[Pilot]

It looks like a refinished Israeli surplus pistol. You can do better for the money.

Commercial Bronwing/FN Hi Powers can be had in excellent condition for around $500 if you look a bit.

 

[leadcounsel]

He'll take $400, and it has 2 (possibly 3) mags... think I'm going to snap it up.

 

[Certaindeaf]

If those are indeed holes in the frame, forward of the hole in the triggerguard, I wouldn't buy it for.. nevermind. I wonder if it's even a FEG "S&W" style clone.. the markings and other visuals will tell you though.
I just think it's bad juju but good luck.

 

[Old Shooter]

Those holes were put there for some reason (light, laser, grip ???)

I think I would also pass on that one, but that doesn't mean you should.

It may be a heck of a nice gun but I sure am curious as to the purpose of those holes.

 

[leadcounsel]

It's hard to see in the pics, but I've enlarged it and the slide says Fabrique Nationale Herstal or whatever...

I'm not buying it so much as a collector piece but because I don't have an HP and have wanted one and this one is quite affordable for a quality designed handgun (with a design history at least)...

For $400 you can't miss unless it's a dog or junk.