School Me On Hipowers!

[BIGBANG]

Just like the title says, a lgs has a whole bunch of different hipowers for sale, a canadian one, israili one, fn, fareem?, Llama?, Charles Daly, and the original Browning. So School me on what I need to know about them, which ones have interchangeable parts, whats the best deals, most are under $500, except for the browning and fn ones. Are certain kinds better than others and so forth.

I know the browning is the original but I can't drop a grand on one, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[KodiakBeer]

Browning isn't the original. The Browning stamp is just an import mark put on FN pistols exported to the US commercial market. FN is the original and only maker of true Hi Powers.

The Canadian (Inglis) was a pistol manufactured for Commonwealth countries when Belgium was under German occupation. They are highly collectable.

The Charles Daly was made by FEG of Hungary parts. The FEG's are pretty good pistols and the Charles Daly was the most nicely finished of the FEG's. Parts should be almost universally interchangeable with FN parts.

Llama? I didn't know they made a Hi Power copy, but the company doesn't have a good reputation with their 1911 copies.

The Israeli is probably a standard FN, but the Israeli military and police also bought FEG's and at one period made their own pistol out of imported FEG parts. The markings on the slide and frame should tell the story.

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Kodiak is right on in his explanation. However, I will add that the CDs were not assembled by Charles Daly. The parts were outsourced to two other companies. The problem with that was, although one company did better than the other, they both lacked either the ability or concern in putting the CD HPs together.

I used to own a CD HP that was put together by the company that (I thought) did the better job. However, it had to be taken to my trusty gunsmith who had to do all sorts of machining on a number of parts. After it was all said and traded, there still was need of more machining. This did not reflect on CD, just the companies who were hired by CD to complete the work for them. It was such a shame too. I really liked the one I had. My CD HP even had Novak Sights.

 

[RON in PA]

There is also the FM from Argentina which is a licensed built gun that originally was built under FN supervision. In my experience these are good pistols.

 

[wildehond]

Probably everything and more you want to know about the Hi Power handgun.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/index.html

 

[txgunsuscg]

The Israeli one is either an FN or Browning that Israel purchased for their security forces or a Kareen, which is the one assembled from FEG parts. I have one of the Israeli FNs, and love the way it shoots. Little rough on the finish, but the internals are great.

 

[BIGBANG]

ok thanks guys, so if you were to purchase one which one would you chose between the canadian, israili, and fn?

 

[KodiakBeer]

If they are priced about the same, the Inglis is the one to buy. They are extremely collectible, so I probably wouldn't shoot it much. I'd sure check it out first and make sure all the parts match.

The other two depend on what the Israeli is. It might be just a choice between two FNs and I'd just buy the one in the best shape.

 

[krupparms]

I would get the FEG', they have been around a long time & have a good reputation! The model PJK-9HP. is their HP clone I have owned 3 or 4 of the FEG's &find them to be fine H.P
clones. I just picked up a NIB FEG' for $250. They are easy to work on &get parts for. And you can get reg. H.P.mag.s for use in them.

 

[Paul Kersey]

As an aside, I miss Stephen Camp and his posts.

 

[1911austin]

As an aside, I miss Stephen Camp and his posts.

+1 on that. RIP Stephen.

 

[Silent Bob]

Browning imports the Hi-Powers built by FN under their name but Browning the company itself is also owned by Fabrique Nationale.

 

[marb4]

Had and FEG for a while. Great pistol. REALLY regret selling it.

 

[JTQ]

If I was going to shoot it a bunch, I'd buy a MK III Hi-Power.

 

[mmitch]

I choose FN Herstal 9mm. It has proven to be one of my favorite pistols.



Mike

 

[Radagast]

Ditto re Mr Camp. He was a gentleman and unfailingly polite.

 

[nathan]

I have an all original Hungarian PJK 9 HP. Its a little rough on the edges but shoots really good. I thought of trading it but changed my mind.

 

[BIGBANG]

ok, well I def want a shooter, they had an FEG at the store for $350. It looked in good shape, should I give it a try? maybe try and talk him down a little?

 

[Sistema1927]

You have to wonder how long Mr. Camp's valuable work is going to remain on-line. Does anyone know if any steps are being taken to preserve it?

 

[GZOh]

The BHP is truly a great, classic pistol. Own a Mark III and it is a flawless, pleasure to shoot!
Also own several FEGs and they too are very accurate, well made shoots... at about half the price of a Browning.
If you're looking for the BHP platform and would like to spend about $300-350, I would highly recommend a FEG!!
But... if you want the real thing, go mmitch's route ... a FN Herstal BHP.. the way to go!!

 

[johnnydollar]

ok, well I def want a shooter, they had an FEG at the store for $350. It looked in good shape, should I give it a try? maybe try and talk him down a little?

Buy it! They are fine pistols and will only go up in price. Get one while they're still relatively cheap.
JD

 

[KodiakBeer]

If you want a shooter, make sure the pistol has good sights. The later FEG's (like the Charles Daley's) have modern combat sights, but many others have the old style military sights.