Browning Hi-Power Help

Brambles

Brambles

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West Kootenays B.C.
I Have a Browning Hi-power that I bought off a collector friend of mine years ago. I have searched all over to find info on this firearm but I cannot find any references to hi-powers with serial numbers like mine has.

I did read that military issue hi-powers may have had different serial numbers but I cannot believe that this firearm has seen any kind of service what so ever. Its in damn near mint condition

As far as I can tell hi-powers started at 70000 back in the 1950's

Mine has a serial number in the 45000 range stamped on the slide and the frame. there are a few other symbols stamped on the barrel, slide and frame that seem to all match up.
It is blued with wood(I assume walnut) grips and fixed sights

Any help would be great

Thanks
Brambles
 
Hi... don't know if this helps:

Browning Hi Power Dates of Manufacture

Below is the key to FN dates of manufacture via the serial numbers.

Per "Browning Dates of Manufacture", 1988, Brownsboro
TX, Art and Reference House:

Z = 1

Y = 2

X = 3

W= 4

V = 5

T = 6

R = 7

P = 8

N= 9

M= 0

Earlier codes; 1954 to 1964 = 70000 to circa 115823, '64 to '69: T136568 to circa T261000, followed be the introduction of the 2-digit year code and "C". For example, a Hi Power made in 1973 would have a serial number starting "73C…" and so forth.


Also you may want to ckeck with these guys, some very knowledgable Hi-Power guys there:

http://handgunsandammo.proboards36.com/index.cgi

The problem with dating FN Hi-Power pistols is that FN didn't really carry the serial # forward - what I mean is if two (or more) customers wanted thier ser. # to start at 001, no problem, FN was willing to do that.
If you can, post some pics , that might help.
 
Yeah I've seen those dating charts before but as you can see it doesn't even come close to dating mine.

What would you need to see in the photos. I have pictures of the gun from a couple feet back, but I can always take some more specific pictures if it will help?

Thanks

Brambles
 
Don't know if these help, they are what I have on file right now, I can take others if needed.

IMG_0042.jpg


IMG_0043.jpg
 
Well, I'm no expert but knowing that ser. # 70K is around '54 we could probably say yours is post war to 1954 'ish. Funny though, all the early HP's I've seen have had ring type hammers. My Blake Stevens book is out at my cabin, If I get a chance this week I'll slip out there and get it, there might be something in it to help. Sure is a nice looking peice tho - wanna sell it!!!
 
The Browning and My nickle plated S&W model 39 semi-auto may be showing up on the Exchange forum to fund my new rifle purchase.

I just want to make sure I know what I may be getting rid of so I don't kick myself later.

Brambles
 
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