Browning Hi Power - which are the best versions?

J

Jeff/1911

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
961   0   0
Location
Edmonton
Hi,

I've decided I "need" a BHP...but which one? I will save the money until I have enough to buy a really good one, but which are these? I've seen the "Inglis" version advertised for sale on here quite a bit...and Belgium made ones...but what's the real scoop on Hi Power's?? :? I wish to learn... :)

Thanks for any help - Jeff.
 
I had a Mkll and now have a Mklll.

The safety levers are much better on the lll, and ambi too. Front sights are also dovetailed rather than fixed.

RePete.
 
Thanks RePete,

Those are both very desirable features to me...I have been looking at the "Practical" model as well, and I wonder if I really need adjustable sights? Hmmmmm.....

Jeff.
 
I have a MKIII Practical 9mm, MKIII 40 S&W, MKIII 9mm, and a MKII 9mm. Of this group the most accurate is the MKII; it is not the prettiest but it does out shoot the rest! Is this all the High Powers (HP) I own? No, I also own a FN/FM HP 9mm, a Feg HP, and an Arcus HP. All of my HPs shoot well but the MKII is the creme de creme. Regards, Richard :D
 
I agree with RePete that the MkII and IIIs have the more "user friendly" features.

However, the T-series BHP are ususally consider the most sough after because of it's fit and finish.
 
Jeff, T-series are BHPs made from about '64 to '69 with a serial # starting with T######. BTW this is not to be confuse with I the old Inglis BHP which also have serial number starting with a T.

You can find quite a bit of info on T-series BHP in 1911forum's BHP forum.

HTH :)
 
An 'Inglis' is the one made in Canada starting in W. W. II by the same guys who make the washing machines. Still being issued by the CF. Their only downside is the sights and the useless mag safety. The rear sight is part of the slide and requires machining to change to an adjustable sight. The mag safety causes excessive trigger pull, but it's easy and safe to remove.
There are Belgian made HP's and Belgian made/assembled in Portugal HP's as well. Plus all the clones. These are mostly commercial HP's and don't have the same rear sight as an Inglis. Some come with adjustable sights.
If you want a bit of history, buy an Inglis. It's the only current CF issue firearm you can buy without a whole lot of BS. If you just want an HP and want adjustable sights, buy a commercial HP.
The 'T' series literally has a serial number that has a 'T' in it.
 
Jeff/1911, nice choice of pistol. Unlike some makes/models, I don't think you'll get much disagreement on this particular pistol. Doesn't have a lot of the modern features/materials but is a true classic SA semi-auto. I've always thought of it as the Mercedes-Benz of handguns. I like the idea of the strenght in the cast frame of the Mark 3 and also like the flat finish/ramped for wider selection of loads. For some reason though I shoot better with original low front sight and narrow u shaped notch rear sight of original. I don't shoot competition so fast sight aquisition is'nt that important to me. A site that you may not be aware of that has good HP info is:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/index.html

Enjoy :D
 
Nick - IFS (I feel silly... :oops: )

Thanks all!

RePete - I knida' feel the same way...the only thing I was thinking I may miss on the "Practical" model is the adjustable sights, but I really don't think I would.

I won't pass up a good deal on a used one, but I may just buy a new one from Wholesale Sports or somewhere.

Jeff.
 
Hi

Hi Powers, my favorite topic.

I own 3

A MKIIIs an Inglis and a Renaissance. (I call it my PIMP pistol)

If you only want one, go with the MkIII. Thinner grips, good sights, and tough finish.

I had Pachmayer grips years ago on a blued model. They look better then they feel and sweat from my hands would creep under them and rust.

The only problem with new BHP, getting rid of the mag disconnector.


Sticker
 
My Hi power Belgium made - has the extractor on the inside of slide instead of the outside. Is this an older version? If so how old?
 
Indian-made HP variants

Anyone on this forum know who in the USA still sells the Indian Armoury-made HP version? The sources of a couple of months ago have become "out of stock".

Sens a PM if possible as i don't go to this forum very often.....

Ken
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom