FN Browning Hi Powers

[Schalk]

Good afternoon guys.

A question: Is anybody importing new FN Hi-Powers at the moment? I imagine there would be quite a few 2nd hand models available, but was wondering about a brand new one?

I spoke to Formalito, but they only do Browning shotguns (which comes from Japan anyway).

Any suggestions as to who I can speak to?

Thanks

Schalk

[Johann the Horrible]

I am the responsible person at a gun shop(That is the poor bastard in charge of the safe and its contents) No-one is importing much handguns at the moment except Glock. The BHP would be very expensive if someone was to import them. Good quality though.

[CJ]

Hi-Powers were never what you can call cheap. Guess why they are not kept in stock lately is because( to modern standards) they are considered old fashioned.......

[P35]

SAS used them for ages....just as accurate and reliable as from the first day. My hand gun of choice...call me traditional, I'm sure a few ex SAS guys also still carry them as personal side arms to this day.

Never knew guns where either in or out of fashion, they are either accurate and reliable or not. SA Military and SAPS still use a copy of the 9mm Baretta...go figure, why because it works.

[L~C~G]

Good afternoon guys.

A question: Is anybody importing new FN Hi-Powers at the moment? I imagine there would be quite a few 2nd hand models available, but was wondering about a brand new one?

I spoke to Formalito, but they only do Browning shotguns (which comes from Japan anyway).

Any suggestions as to who I can speak to?

Thanks

Schalk

You may be able to find a neat second hand one if you dont come right with the new one.

Last time I was at dave sheer on louis botha he had about 6 FN high powers in his display case. maybe go and have a look at them?

[CJ]

Never knew guns where either in or out of fashion, they are either accurate and reliable or not. SA Military and SAPS still use a copy of the 9mm Baretta...go figure, why because it works.

HP's are single action guns. In some circles carrying cocked an locked is considered as " not in accordance with current social fashion" because it is dangerous.....
If I may phrase it like that..... ;D

[KK20]

Never knew guns where either in or out of fashion, they are either accurate and reliable or not. SA Military and SAPS still use a copy of the 9mm Baretta...go figure, why because it works.

HP's are single action guns. In some circles carrying cocked an locked is considered as " not in accordance with current social fashion" because it is dangerous.....
If I may phrase it like that..... ;D

please them , carry it like the SAS did cocked ..................just cocked LOL

[Francis]

Forget the British SAS. This was the choice of handgun among the Rhodesian Forces (SAS and Selous scouts included) as well as a number being personally carried by your Recce groups pre 1994.

The king of 9mms

I have a glock 19 right now, but am hoping to add a BHP to the mix.

[Gidsie]

a Few things about a BHP to consider:

Plus points
All metal frame and parts
Narrow frame for carrying in IWB Holster
Extended mags are available
Trigger can be fine tuned for a 4gr break
Very reliable... few kabooms have been noted
2nd hand parts are still available for the time being

Negative points
No reset on trigger (Only problem if you're used to it)
Carrying Cocked and Locked tends to snag easier on concealed draw (But essential for SD)
A very good Concealed holster is necessary not to irritate your skin when carrying IWB, with protection from Cocked Hammer
You will have to fit an extended safety for P35 to be a meaningfull SD Concealed weapon (Or drastically reduce your chance of surviving a surpise SD Gunbattle)
Difficult to get to group accurately without loading ammo yourself (a Difference between egg 6" and 2" @ 15m!
Probably have to use at least Frontier .356 diameter bullets
Copper FMJ work the best because of bullet allowed to expand in barrel
If you can get a Browning with a nonstandard Bar-Sto barrel, standard 9mm ammo will group perfectly
When buying second hand you will have to replace recoil spring and Magazine springs
No tactical light rail fitted
Wasn't over designed for +P ammo

Conclusion - IMHO
If you mainly want to use this firearm for SD in a Concealed IWB rig...
...and you are making a choice on your first SD firearm
...and you can afford a few more bucks
Skip this choice.. rather go for a Glock/M&P/etc without an exposed hammer
BUT
If you cant afford anything else over 4K
...or if this is not going to be used as your primary IWB SD carry weapon
Cool move!!!!

[Sweet]

Hi Schalk

I priced a couple at Cabela's in the USA two years ago - they were very expensive in comparison with the other autos (expertly reconditioned models for $700, some of the "American Eagle" models for $1700 and a "Renaissance Model" for around $3000).

While they are dated (and advice to look towards a S&W M&P/Glock etc should not be ignored), they are classics. Mine has chewed over lots of rounds and is looking a bit worse for wear having been carried in belly bands for years.

They are mechanically simple and relatively easy to fix. Trigger jobs on them are a bit specialised and apparently they often suffer from "hammer follow" when tinkered on at home. You can get matched hammer and sear sets, as well as trigger weight lightening springs from places like Cylinder and Slide. Someone with minimal mechanical savvy could install these parts (although the forum gurus would probably not condone me saying this).

Extended use of +P loads typically leads to the locking bands on the top of the slide peening over and resulting in early release - which is a serious problem. I have not found mine to be particularly fussy regarding choice of ammo and accuracy (current practice load is 4.2 grn MP200 behind a 125grn CRN).

All said though, they are great handguns and while I am yadda-ing on, I think that you have already got good reasons as to why you would choose one. Mine are personal, and as a family we are fans of the BHP (4 in the close family).

Sweet