who makes brownings hi-powers?
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BHPshooter
Member
Yes. FN (or Fabrique Nationale) owns Browning. Browning and FN Hi Powers are made on the same machines, by the same people. The only real difference is that one is rollmarked "Browning Arms Company, Morgan Utah and Montreal P.Q." while the other is rollmarked with the FN crest.
I own one of both, and they are both excellent guns.
Wes
I own one of both, and they are both excellent guns.
Wesozarkhillbilly
Member
The hi-power is one of the all time greats it has been carried by more armies then any other handgun out there. If you are a 1911 fan then you will like the hi-power.
GroovedG19
Member
It is true.Fabrique Nationale Herstal, or FNH, or more commonly known as just FN, makes the real deal original Hi Powers.Some are marked FN Hi Powers(Made in Belgium).The others are marked Browning Hi Power(assembled in Portugal).
Reacher
Member
I had a Belgian made Hi-Power once upon a time.. I loved that gun. I kick myself everytime I think about it because I pawned it.GroovedG19 said:
It was SN: 245PT03835 if anyone has it, I would love to buy it back!
Browning has always been a marketing company, they never built firearms. They have marketed for FN, Japanese and German made guns in the past. They are now owned by FN and market guns for FN.
So, whatever your BHP says on the slide, it was built by FN unless you own a clone or copy of the BHP.
So, whatever your BHP says on the slide, it was built by FN unless you own a clone or copy of the BHP.
Sleuth
Member
Ah, Jungle, Argentina made BHP under license from FN.
And the P35 (BHP) was designed by John Browning, with the final work by Mr. Suavie (sp?). HIs name was on it as part of their sales program.
And the P35 (BHP) was designed by John Browning, with the final work by Mr. Suavie (sp?). HIs name was on it as part of their sales program.
JMB and the entity we know as Browning are two different subjects. Yes, the Argentines were licensed to build the FAL, 1911, and BHP. These I would consider clones rather than copies. Copies would be FEGs, CDs, etc-unlicensed post patent work done without the FN technical package. The same could be said of INGLIS models, which differ from the P35 in several ways.
JMB sold his designs to Colt, FN, Winchester and others. His final deals were with FN due to some irritation with Colt and Winchester.
Recent FM copies are not FN clones, and their design variation reflects this, sorry if I split too fine a hair on this.
Current pistols that are true Hi-Powers(another marketing ploy) are all made by FN. The Argentine contract lapsed in the '60s I believe. The rest are copies-some good and some not so good.
JMB sold his designs to Colt, FN, Winchester and others. His final deals were with FN due to some irritation with Colt and Winchester.
Recent FM copies are not FN clones, and their design variation reflects this, sorry if I split too fine a hair on this.
Current pistols that are true Hi-Powers(another marketing ploy) are all made by FN. The Argentine contract lapsed in the '60s I believe. The rest are copies-some good and some not so good.
rellascout
member
+1
Sleuth
Member
Agreed.
Although other than the rear sight, I am not aware of any material differences between the Canadian made BHP and the FN version.
I own 3, a pre-war tangent sighted & slotted (for the shoulder stock), a WWII with Nazi proofs, and a Wanye Novak modified carry gun. I would like to find a good Canadian to add to the collection - along with the correct holster stock for my pre-war.
Although other than the rear sight, I am not aware of any material differences between the Canadian made BHP and the FN version.
I own 3, a pre-war tangent sighted & slotted (for the shoulder stock), a WWII with Nazi proofs, and a Wanye Novak modified carry gun. I would like to find a good Canadian to add to the collection - along with the correct holster stock for my pre-war.
rellascout
member
How is the fit and finish of the Nazi proofed gun?
I have heard that during the occupation the guns that were produced were pretty rough due to the less than loving relationship between the factory and the Germans.
I have heard that during the occupation the guns that were produced were pretty rough due to the less than loving relationship between the factory and the Germans.
The INGLIS has quite a few differences in terms of parts, and uses imperial measurements instead of metric. The frames were cut from steel plate prior to finish rather than forged. The design is a classic and a real joy, copy or not, if you have a good one enjoy it.
Some of us have found it takes a half dozen or more to get rid of the bug.
Some of us have found it takes a half dozen or more to get rid of the bug.
rellascout
member
I am looking for a good condition T series and and MKIII to join my 1972 which is being worked on as we speak.
They are not immediate needs but I always keep my eye out for them. The T series are getting harder and harder to find in good shape.
They are not immediate needs but I always keep my eye out for them. The T series are getting harder and harder to find in good shape.
Sleuth
Member
My Nazi proofed is not nearly as nice as the pre-war (or todays'), but not as bad as some I have seen. Toward the end, they just slapped them together and shipped them out. From 1939 to about 43 they were not pretty, but OK. Better than any of the french issue pistols, that's for sure.
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