S&W 39/59 vs. FEG P9R

[Redcoat3340]

I've got a couple of Smith & Wesson 39s and 59s....and used to own two FEG Browning HiPower clones, twp with the BHP and one with the S&W actions. (You can tell which is which by the absence of the cross bolt, no cross bolt = a copied S&W action.)

I also have a good, very good, actually, Belgian BHP (which is why I sold off the clones).

I always had good luck with the 3 FEGs "HPs" I owned (since traded) but always sort of wanted the P9R which is the one with the safety/decocker on the slide and is DA/SA.....just like my Smiths, instead of SA only like the BHP.

So I'm wondering what the difference, if any, there is between the Smiths and FEGs. Aside from the obvious that S&W and FEG are two different manufacturers....

If all I'm buying is a Hungarian-made Smith 39 or 59, why bother? I have some good ones of them. But if there's anyone who can tell me if there's any of the old BHP "magic" in the FEGs, I might still keep looking for one.

thanks in advance.

 

[Onmilo]

Smith's have better sights,better trigger pulls, and aluminum frames.
FEG has a steel frame and the magazines won't interchange between the guns.

 

[Wil Terry]

There really is NO comparison at all. THINK what you're asking here, Sir.
And so it goes...

 

[Gun Master]

PHP MV-9 or VM-17

Enter the Croatian PHP. The grip reminds me of a Smith 39 and/or P-38.
My hands are medium and double stacks are usually uncomfortable.
The PHP feels good in the grip, but I'm afraid the design is not great.
FTF (feed) are frequent .

 

[oss117]

Pick up an Arcus 98 DAC. It's TDA like you're looking for, but most of its DNA is BHP. It even uses BHP magazines.

 

[Gun Master]

I also own a FEG P9R (which was R-9 through InterArms when I bought it).
After a long drought of little firearms action, I saw it at a gun show.
I was excited because it looked like a Browning HP, but was a DA!
Later, I discovered it was a copy of the Mauser Model 90. OK, Mauser is good.
I became deflated when I found my beautiful BHP DA, with a gorgeous blue finish and blond grips, had a design flaw and had many FTF.
Bummer!

 

[Onmilo]

I also own a FEG P9R (which was R-9 through InterArms when I bought it).
After a long drought of little firearms action, I saw it at a gun show.
I was excited because it looked like a Browning HP, but was a DA!
Later, I discovered it was a copy of the Mauser Model 90. OK, Mauser is good.
I became deflated when I found my beautiful BHP DA, with a gorgeous blue finish and blond grips, had a design flaw and had many FTF.
Bummer!

You do know a "Mauser 90" is nothing but a FEG P9R with a catchy name rollmarked on the slide,
Right?

 

[bannockburn]

Redcoat3340

Personally I have never been a huge fan of DA/SA semi-autos but I have a few and always thought very highly of the S&W 39/59 series. Good design, well made, and reliable I would place them well above that of the FEG P9R model.

 

[Quentin]

I also have a FEG P9R. I bought it on impulse years ago because it looked like a Hi Power, was in like new condition, came with 7 magazines, was $275 ... and I wanted to try out a SA/DA action. Since then I have bought a couple S&W 3rd gen semiautos which are much superior. I'd stick with the 59/5906/6906 family.

The P9R is interesting but roughly finished internally. Mine shoots fine as a range gun but I'd never trust it for home defense as there are better options. Very few spare parts are available but I believe S&W 5906 magazines would work in it if the notch for the magazine catch could be lowered about 1/4". Since I have magazines it's not worth the bother to attemp. I was dumb of FEG not to use standard Hi Power mags in the P9R!

 

[wally]

was dumb of FEG not to use standard Hi Power mags in the P9R!

Yup, but then you could say the same about the S&W and the model 59 as well.

I had a Model 59 and a FEG RP9K. The S&W was better finished on the inside, not much different on the outside. I still have the FEG and used it as a "truck gun" for many years.

I never could warm up to DA/SA operation so I sold the S&W since it had much better resale value and kept the FEG as a beater. My FEG has been very reliable and is a good shooter.

I have converted a few S&W mags to fit the FEG by changing the mag catch cutout, but I think I had to build up the followers a bit to activate the slide lock on the the last shot.

 

[Gun Master]

You do know a "Mauser 90" is nothing but a FEG P9R with a catchy name rollmarked on the slide,
Right?

Yes.
IMHO, most of the post WWII "Mauser" brand named guns capitalized on the "name", and wound up being equine digestive converted straw.