Think about getting into Browning Hi Powers

[kaltesherz]

Years ago I got a beautiful Mk II Hi Power, but couldn't shoot it worth a damn because of the trigger and in financial crunch sold it. Over the years I've regretted selling it, and now I'm considering giving the BHP another run, after probably spending too time on Mr. Camps website (RIP). This time I'm looking at picking up a Mk III, having some trigger work done, and getting a C&S no bite hammer installed. If it shoots well I'd probably throw on a pair of Novaks as well. While my Glock 19 carries well, it hasn't got a soul, and would like something else to carry now and again.

Think there's any way I can pull this off for less than a grand? Any other advice?

[okie john]

Years ago I got a beautiful Mk II Hi Power, but couldn't shoot it worth a damn because of the trigger and in financial crunch sold it. Over the years I've regretted selling it, and now I'm considering giving the BHP another run, after probably spending too time on Mr. Camps website (RIP). This time I'm looking at picking up a Mk III, having some trigger work done, and getting a C&S no bite hammer installed. If it shoots well I'd probably throw on a pair of Novaks as well. While my Glock 19 carries well, it hasn't got a soul, and would like something else to carry now and again.

Think there's any way I can pull this off for less than a grand? Any other advice?

It depends on what you start with. NIB Mk IIIs start at $800 around here. I've seen beater Israeli Mk II and Mk III guns for $4-500 at Pinto's Gunshop in Renton. Gunsamerica and gunsinternational have inexpensive MkII and MkIII guns now and then, but by the time you add shipping and transfers, they're not such a great deal.

As for the hammer, I've found that people who get bit by a ring hammer don't get bit by a spur hammer and vice versa. A new hammer almost definitely requires trigger work, so that adds cost.

If the hammer doesn't bite your hand, then you can get a crisp 4-5# trigger by getting rid of the magazine safety and shooting the gun 1k rounds or so. The guns at Pinto's just need to have the mag safety removed--they've been shot enough already.

Did I answer your question?


Okie John

[brickboy240]

I highly recommend the Cylinder & Slide hammer/sear/spring kits.

Turned my FN HP into a real tack driver.

-brickboy240

[jmlshooter]

Souls are overrated.

[yellowfin]

Question: has anyone ever made a compact size Hi Power? Would that be feasible or desirable?

[gunnut284]

I've been down that road twice now and I still like the Hi Power but think that, like the 1911, it's time has past. The Glock (or other modern choices) are a better option for a defensive handgun. I still own Hi Powers and 1911s but don't carry them.
That said, under $1000 with sights, hammer and trigger work is unlikely unless you find a smoking deal on the base gun.

[gunnut284]

Question: has anyone ever made a compact size Hi Power? Would that be feasible or desirable?

The Argentines made a Detective model that was like a Commander and there have been custom jobs.

[kaltesherz]

Did I answer your question?


Okie John

Pretty much! I might have to check out Pinto's and see if I can find a Mk III that's still got plenty of life left. I read somewhere that the Israeli BHPs never had mag safetys, so problem solved. I'm a SA trigger snob, so more than likely I'd still get a trigger job and really hate spur hammers, hence the C&S replacement.

I'm sure my G19 would still be my primary CCW, I've just always had a soft spot for BHPs. My 1911 is just too pricey to feed and I need a 9mm SA fo my stable...er... I mean other than my HK P7.

I seem to remember C&S made a custom compact BHP called the Pathfinder years ago, but it was a whole lotta cheddar...

[rathos]

CDNN still have them for $700 NIB for the Mark III. If you are going to send it off for new parts and to get fixed up getting a beater from Gunsamerica might be the way to go.

[TJx]

Rather than quote several posts directly I'll just post info.

CDNN, unless they've got more HP's in very recently hasn't had any in for awhile.
The Israeli's I've seen all have mag safety's.
I paid $459.95 for a Mark III Israeli police gun made & assembled in '89 by FN in Herstal in pretty nice shape w/ a new park job.
I removed the mag safety, sanded sides of trigger with 1200 grit where it rubs frame and have a pretty nice trigger now (4.5 to 5lbs).
I have Tru-Glo night sights that fit in the existing dovetail on order from my LGS for $84 that includes installation.
You don't need to spend $1000 to get a Hi Power with a nice trigger and sights.
Coles is probably the best going for the Israeli's, gcolecoledist on GB.
The only caution is many are Mark II's and you can't always tell from the picture the generation.
Also, the Mark III's are not true Mark III's. They have Mark III dovetail sights but no firing pin block.