Norc can't do Browning

handofzeus

handofzeus

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In the last couple years, I've looked at buying a Hi-Power. Something just so....elegant about the lines. It always boils down to price and I always end up looking at copies. There's the FEG and the Norinco. Now, it seems whenever I hold these copies I lose interest in the model. Until now, I couldn't quite figure it out. The sizes and weights and shapes seemed spot on, and yet there was always a nagging 'somethin ain't right' thing going on. After comparing pictures for a good 20 minutes I finally figured out what had been driving me loopy about these Hi-Power copies....the frames are totally different! The Browning Hi-Power has a simple line that goes from the grip, around the back of the trigger and straight till it turns into the bottom dust cover and ends. The clones (for lack of a better word because in this case they really aren't!) have a line that also curves around the back of the trigger straight to the front and then....here it is! it steps UP and then onward to form the bottom dust cover. There it is. The frames on the clones have a step in the frame that the real Hi-Power doesn't. I know it can't be for patent reasons (HA, Norinco worry about THAT? not likely!) Surely the designers knew what they were doing when they 'almost' copied the Browning. If anyone can shed some light, I'd love to hear some theories.
 
I don't think Norinco knocks the Hi Power off, they knock off one of the Hi Power copies, IIRC.

I wonder why Norinco hasn't knocked off the Glock....I met they've tried but scratch their heads when the recycled Mattel plastic keeps blowing up.
 
Some of the FÉG single action pistols are S&W/Browning hybrids. Others are pretty close to FN. And then the FÉG double action "Hi-powers" and Norc NP-18, very S&W.

"Norc don't do S&W exactly", would be an equally valid title to the thread.
 
I am still kicking myself for not grabbing the used FEG Hi-Power that was @ TSE 2 weeks ago for $350...

It felt solid as a rock, looked very well made even for a copy, and you can't get a much better "beginner handgun" than a $350 9mm Hi-Power (knock-off)...

:)
 
Save some scheckles and get the real thing. You won't be disappointed.
Genuine BHP's can be found for $500ish if you are patient.
 
Boomer74 said:
I am still kicking myself for not grabbing the used FEG Hi-Power that was @ TSE 2 weeks ago for $350...

It felt solid as a rock, looked very well made even for a copy, and you can't get a much better "beginner handgun" than a $350 9mm Hi-Power (knock-off)...

:)
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If it is the same one that I looked at then the feed ramp looked like someone had taken a Dremel to it. It didn't look right and that is the reason I passed on it.
 
khoeep said:
Norinco does the 1911 just fine, and its a Browning design..
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Touche. You are correct. Obviously they didn't copy the Hi-Power very well. It just seems odd that a company that seems to be in the business of knockoffs and excells at it, didn't copy one of the quintessential firearms of this last century. I have a Norc 1911 A1 and love it. One of the best features is the ability to directly swap parts with authentic Colts.
 
handofzeus said:
Touche. You are correct. Obviously they didn't copy the Hi-Power very well. It just seems odd that a company that seems to be in the business of knockoffs and excells at it, didn't copy one of the quintessential firearms of this last century. I have a Norc 1911 A1 and love it. One of the best features is the ability to directly swap parts with authentic Colts.
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Agreed. I'll keep your experience in mind if I ever run into one.
 
The FEG clone was an early attempt at an export firearm and frankly they did a terrible job of it. They have been learning and their firearms continue to grow in quality with each generation. Listening to the importers who have had direct dealings with the factory. Accepting customer feedback and incorporating it is a new experience for the factory managers. Mind you the same could be said for certain high end firearm manufacturers in the West as well.
 
The FEG Hi Powers that were imported in the '90's were absolutely hideous, they copied the worst semi auto DA/SA trigger available at the time (Gen1 S&W). I wouldn't take one for free, and wouldn't buy a later one due to the reliability issues that FEG became famous for at the time. There is ZERO support for these pistols in North America. Buy a Browning, FN, Inglis, or FM.
 
bollox said:
Save some scheckles and get the real thing. You won't be disappointed.
Genuine BHP's can be found for $500ish if you are patient.
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I gave a good Gunnut only $600 for mine. Apart from an original box with manual I would call it as good as new. I've seen them offered for $500 in a condition that would have made me very happy.
 
Clotho said:
If it is the same one that I looked at then the feed ramp looked like someone had taken a Dremel to it. It didn't look right and that is the reason I passed on it.
Click to expand...

I only briefly fondled it, they still had the zip-tie on the slide...

Oh well, you learn something new every day ! :)


Thanks guys.
 
Uh...ok, what exactly was "wrong" with the FEG HiPowers?

I ask because I very nearly bought one in Germany in 1991...and an acquaintance in the USA just bought one, thinks his is a steal.

From what I remember, the one I handled had the old wide style wood panel grips, which were the same size/feel as the Canadian Inglis grips (which are a synthetic...Bakelite maybe?). It really seemed like a HiPower clone, not a "rough copy", and NOTHING like any S&W auto, definitely no "double action" involved. No, this was an actual HiPower, though not made by Browning FN.

Oh, and since I'm asking...any tips on getting a REAL Browning/FN HiPower for a really good price? All I've been seeing is around $950 and up...so tips would be appreciated!
 
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