Hi Power clones at gun show today

[poppy]

Went to the Wilmington, OH gun show today. Saw one FM Argentine Hi Power with one mag and grips that I did not recognize. It was one exactly like the one I already have with "F.N. BROWNING" rolled marked on the left slide and the pencil stensil marking on the right slide. $350 plus tax.

I also saw two different FEG Hi Powers each for $275 with one mag. One had the box and manual that said the model was P9M (I think). There was no model designation on the pistol. The other one was exactly the same without box or manual. They both had a nice polished finish. I guess these are not technically clones, but are they worth $275? poppy

[Blasterboy]

Sure, if one views them simply as shooters...

[Hawkmoon]

The P9M is already being discussed here:

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=11590

It appears that it is often referred to (by people trying to sell them) as Hi-Power clones, but they are not fully part-interchange clones. Aside from that, the small consensus seems to suggest that they are decent pistols, so probably worth $275 as long as you don't expect Hi-Power parts to fit it.

[carolinaman]

Hi there,

I happen to be an unabashed fan of the Hungarian FEG PJK-9HP.

From what I understand and inspite of outside appearences, the P9M uses a different lock-up system than the traditional HP design. If the unidentified FEG is roll marked PJK-9HP (and it will be roll-marked), I would say buy the FEG!. They are great shooters and you can replace some, but not all parts, with original BHP parts.

The F.N. Browning (Fabrique Milar or FM) is another matter. Apparently, alot of US sellers of this fine Argentine manufactured pistol charge more for the F.N. Browning roll marking on the slide. In fact, quite a few get confused over the origin of this unique "clone". They are the original FN contract pistols and have a fine lineage. There is one in the local gunshop on consignment sale for $525.00, which in my opinion is a relatively high price.

Poppy, good luck in your decision to buy or not to buy and please let us know what you decide!

Chris

[stormdragon]

Hi there,

The F.N. Browning (Fabrique Milar or FM) is another matter. Apparently, alot of US sellers of this fine Argentine manufactured pistol charge more for the F.N. Browning roll marking on the slide. In fact, quite a few get confused over the origin of this unique "clone". They are the original FN contract pistols and have a fine lineage. There is one in the local gunshop on consignment sale for $525.00, which in my opinion is a relatively high price.

Chris

I recently bought an FM which has the F.N.Browning stamp on the side. The seller was indeed confused by this and maintained both before and after the sale that the gun was actually of FN/Browning manufacture.

At first I was disappointed as I bought it thinking it was a Browning as the seller had advertised. However, the more I read, ask questions and shoot this gun, the more I like it and the more I'm beginning to think I lucked out getting it. I paid $330 and from the looks of the gun and bore it has hardly been fired at all. Apart from a little edge wear perhaps from holstering, the finish is excellent.

Chris, what more can you tell me about this particular model of FM? You refer to the original FN contract and a fine lineage.

Thanks

[carolinaman]

Hi stormdragon,

I got into a rather lengthy discussion with the owner of the local gunshop and range about this same subject. I finally took my FM Argentine HP from my range bag and held it side by side with the F.N. Browning pistol and showed him that the proof marks matched.

As to your question, we have some rather informative threads on this subject going on over on the handguns and ammunition pro board. There are a lot of former FNHipower.com expats over there.

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

Finally, one member joined who was from Argentina and he gave us a rather great amount of information on these fine handguns.

Chris

[poppy]

Chris, the FEG's that I saw on Saturday definitely did not have a roll mark with PJK-9HP. One guy had a box and manual with his that had the P9M model number on it. The other guy just had the gun but it looked exactly like the first one.

I have so many Hi Powers now that I was not really looking to buy unless it was a steal. I might have bought one if they were the PJK-9HP for that price.

The FM with the roll mark FN HI POWER was properly represented as an Argentine product. I could have laid mine side by side with this one and no one would have been able to tell the difference.

I didn't mention it in the original post, but there was another dealer who had a new Indian Hi Power for $300 plus tax; exactly what I paid for mine last year.

There seems to be more Hi Powers and clones at this Wilmington Pro gun show than at the Bill Goodman shows. poppy

[carolinaman]

Hi poppy,

That's the part that gets me is that the F.N. Browning marked contract Argentine HP's get represented as Belgium produced guns.

The Indian HP's wholesale was about $249.00 when they were being sold through SOG Wholesale last year. I kind of wish that I had bought one. I have heard pretty good things about them.

stormdragon. It sounds like you have an excellent gun regardless of who/where/when it was made. Argentinian produced guns are somewhat of mystery here in the US still.

Chris

[Brian D.]

Poppy, I was at that Wilmington show Sunday. After much haggling I purchased the .40 BHP "Practical" model that was for sale up along the front wall. (Not the fellow with lots of Hi Powers in glass cases, his prices are generally too darn high. This guy had about three Hi Powers and six or so other nice pistols at his table)

I agree with you that there are usually more decent 1911s, BHPs, and similar quality handguns available at that PRO Show than the flea circuses that Bill Goodman shows have become.

[poppy]

Yea Brian, I know the guy you are talking about along the front wall. He always has several interesting pieces. I guess I didn't notice the 40 cal Practical because I am always on the look out for 9mm Hi Power clones.

And that guy with the glass cases with no posted prices; I first saw him at a Goodman show and now I just speed by him. I can't figure out how he sells anything. poppy