Shot my first Browning HI Power

[Sauer Grapes]

I finally got to shoot the HP. This one was about 15 yrs. old. I'm really starting to aquire a taste for all steel autos. I've shot a couple 1911s.{springfield and an old colt} Something about an all steel auto pistol.
I'm also thinking about a 1911 to add to the safe.
I've been reading quite a bit about the HP having a somewhat heavy trigger? I didn't find that the trigger was heavy IMHO. I did ask the guy if he had any trigger work done. The only thing he did was eliminate the magazine disconnect? He inferred that helps with the trigger pull? I'm no gun guru. I just know what I like and I liked the Browning.
I really liked the wieght of the gun.
I'm trying to decide between a 1911 and a Browning Hi Power. I like both, but can't buy 2 guns. {Well I could, but my wife would kill me.}


I have no real need for either, I just want one. Maybe steel matches and informal club action matches.
I can see me switching out my carry gun and going all steel.
What do you think? Browning Hi Power or 1911.

 

[welldoya]

I've got both and really like them both. For now, buy which ever one you find the best deal on and save up for the other one.

 

[viking499]

If you can find a good Hi Power worth the money, I would get it. It os easy to find cheap 1911's.

9mm is also cheaper to shoot.

 

[Furncliff]

Psst









CZ75b

 

[BlayGlock]

1911 for the better trigger. You can get an STI Spartan 9mm for around $650. STI makes good stuff. Step on up to $999 and you can get a STI Trogan in 9mm. Best 1911 under $1500 IMO.

Here is my Springfield Custom Shop 9mm

 

[loadedround]

Removing the magazine disconnect safety will smooth out your trigger pull and lighten it approximately 1 lb. You can also purchase an after market drop in trigger w/o the magazine disconnect and pin hole also. They are available thru Brownell's and others.

 

[DFW1911]

Welcome to the club ! I agree with previous posters have said: see what you can get the best deal on now, then save for the other.

It helps with domestic bliss!

 

[Marshall]

You'll fall in love with a Hi Power.

You'll eventually want/have both. If you're buying new, get a BHP/FNHP now, the price keeps rising.

 

[Hammerhead6814]

Buy a Hi-Power. You won't regret it. Ever.

 

[hhersh]

Hi Power or 1911 ?

Get the Hi Power while you still can. You can get one of thier magnifico "T" models if you shop very astutely (made and assembled in Belgium). The workmanship is impeccable. On the other hand you can pick up a 1911 Colt or wannabe clone any time. The Browning will most likely become your favorite.....F.W.I.W.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I've been reading quite a bit about the HP having a somewhat heavy trigger? I didn't find that the trigger was heavy IMHO.

"Somewhat heavy" would be an understatement when describing the trigger pull on the only BHP I'll ever own. It was my first centerfire semi-auto and I was accustomed to the smooth triggers of my DA Dan Wessons. I was so dissappointed with it I traded it off post haste.

 

[larryh1108]

"Somewhat heavy" would be an understatement when describing the trigger pull on the only BHP I'll ever own. It was my first centerfire semi-auto and I was accustomed to the smooth triggers of my DA Dan Wessons. I was so dissappointed with it I traded it off post haste.

Too bad you haven't tried another one with the mag safety removed. You are missing out on as fine a 9mm you'll ever shoot or own. The BHP was made to shoot the 9mm while the 1911 was made to shoot the .45ACP.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Missing out? Perhaps. I am happy with my Ruger P series pistols. If I found a used BHP at a fantastic price I might reconsider.

 

[belus]

If you're going to be shooting any games with it, definitely the 1911. There's always a division in which it will be competitive while the BHP seems to fall through the cracks and doesn't really shine in any action pistol discipline.

I'd also look into a CZ 75. They're generally cheaper than either the BHP or 1911, competitive in action pistol matches, and have similar ergonomics. The triggers frequently could use a little work, but with the cash saved you can make them very good.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/CZ75.htm

I've owned all three and recently sold my BHP because most of my shooting has been in USPSA and there's no place for it there. I still compete with my CZ 75 in 9mm and 1911 in 45. The BHP is a very elegant pistol, and surprisingly well suited to CCW, but it just doesn't fit well with any competition rules. I'm currently in the market for a 1911 in 9mm and the earlier suggestions of the STI Spartan and Trojan are being heavily considered.


A quick breakdown of each pistol in sport:
1911 works well in USPSA Single Stack division, where it is the only model pistol permitted. It also works very well in IDPA Custom Defensive Pistol or Enhanced Service Pistol depending on caliber.

The BHP cannot be shot in USPSA Production division because it is single action only. This means it must compete in Limited division where the 9mm is at a disadvantage in scoring and the most competitors are using 20rd magazines to the BHP's 13 or 15 rds. It may be decent in IDPA Enhanced Service Pistol, but the 1911 can generally be fired faster with less recoil in that division.

The CZ-75, however, is legal in USPSA Production if it has a double action first shot. There is also a lot more after market support for it if you wish to try Limited with single action only. In IDPA it can be used in Enchanced Service Pistol or Stock Service Pistol and be competitive in both.

 

[larryh1108]

A quick breakdown of each pistol in sport:
1911 works well in USPSA Single Stack division, where it is the only model pistol permitted. It also works very well in IDPA Custom Defensive Pistol or Enhanced Service Pistol depending on caliber.

The BHP cannot be shot in USPSA Production division because it is single action only. This means it must compete in Limited division where the 9mm is at a disadvantage in scoring and the most competitors are using 20rd magazines to the BHP's 13 or 15 rds. It may be decent in IDPA Enhanced Service Pistol, but the 1911 can generally be fired faster with less recoil in that division.

The CZ-75, however, is legal in USPSA Production if it has a double action first shot. There is also a lot more after market support for it if you wish to try Limited with single action only. In IDPA it can be used in Enchanced Service Pistol or Stock Service Pistol and be competitive in both.

Excellent, informative post. I am considering going into competitive shooting as this description of the differences is invaluable. Thanks!

 

[Paul7]

I also prefer the CZ 75 to the BHP. The CZ feels much better in my hand, the BHP sort of feels like an obsolete pistol, although I get the historical appeal. I recommend the CZ 75 Omega trigger, which to me feels in between the regular factory trigger and a custom job. I got mine for $455 on Gunbroker.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I have both and I shoot my Hi-Power a lot more. I shoot ESP division in IDPA, seems most shooters in this division are using 38 Super Colts but so what? I've only seen a few HP's at IDPA and it makes you sort of unique.

Your HP holsters will also fit your standard 1911 if you end up getting both.

Removing the magazine safety makes the trigger MUCH better and is a must have modification for IDPA.

 

[blackrussian]

I also prefer the CZ 75 to the BHP. The CZ feels much better in my hand, the BHP sort of feels like an obsolete pistol, although I get the historical appeal. I recommend the CZ 75 Omega trigger, which to me feels in between the regular factory trigger and a custom job. I got mine for $455 on Gunbroker.

I like the Omega trigger in DA, SA seems long and creeps. I want a trigger job, but i have not found anyone who will work on the Omega trigger (yet).
I own a HP, have removed the mag safety, trigger seems lighter. I have not shot it yet, cannot say which I prefer out of the two.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I really like the looks and the HP just fit real nice. I'm really leaning towards what ever I buy as a daily carry gun.
I've heard a lot of great things about the CZ75. I have off and on thought about shooting IDPA or USPSA just for fun. In fact I thought about it enough, I bought a S&W M&P9 pro series which is my favorite polygun.

Time for some cold steel...lol. I guess I have a thing for Browning, I own 4 of their shotguns.

Boy, this is a tough choice, I want them both....I hope nobody shows up with a CZ at the range tomorrow.....

 

[Mastiff]

I bought the Argie FM90 Hi-Power that AIM and SOG were selling earlier this year. It looked unfired, and I only paid $329. The finish isn't as good, but it is a 100% compatible Hi-Power built under license. Trigger pull is great, and I haven't even pulled the mag disconnect yet.