New Here with Questions

[Billster]

I'm a current Glock owner looking to try something new. I have always wanted to own a 1911 but have been told numerous times, unless you get a 45 don't bother. I want to stay with a 9mm. An instructor said to take a look at BHP in 9 mm. I have done some research on the 9mm Standard. I have also been reading this forum for a few days. To some degree I am spoiled with my Glock. After market parts and readily available and relatively inexpensive. It digets every type of ammo I feed it. Breakdown and cleaning is very easy and you have to go out of your way to screw it up.

I'm looking for advice. I know I'm on a Browning site so I'm expecting more pro than con. How available are replacement parts? Do you need an extra set of hands to field strip and clean a BHP? What is the street price for a 9mm Standard?

Any words of widsom will be appreciated. Thanks for your time and if I do buy a BHP I hope to be a contributing member of this forum

Billster

[NRMCOLT]

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

[Kilroy6644]

I'm looking for advice. I know I'm on a Browning site so I'm expecting more pro than con. How available are replacement parts? Do you need an extra set of hands to field strip and clean a BHP? What is the street price for a 9mm Standard?

I love my HP. I've never had to buy replacement parts for mine, so I don't know exactly what is available, but the pistol's been in production since 1935, so parts aren't too rare or hard to find (although not as common as 1911 parts). As for field stripping, it's almost as easy as a Glock. There are a couple more steps to dismount the slide, none of which are difficult. Once the slide is off, removing the recoil spring and barrel are exactly the same as on the Glock. That's one of the things the Glock inherited from the HP. As for the price of the HP Standard, I can't help much. I bought a BHP Mk. III for $600. I think the Standard I saw was $670. I could be wrong, because I wasn't too concerned with the Standard.

[Billster]

Thanks for the replys. NRMCOLT, I couldn't get your link to open. Other than price, what is the difference between a MK lll and the standard?

[Kilroy6644]

If I remember correctly, the Standard has wooden grips, a polished blue finish, and adjustable sights. The Mk. III has a matte finish, plastic thumbrest grips, and fixed sights.

Browning Hi-Power Mark III (http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=007B&cat_id=051&type_id=001)

Browning Hi-Power Standard (http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=007B&cat_id=051&type_id=003)

and for good measure:

Browning Hi-Power Practical (http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=007B&cat_id=051&type_id=005)

Also, something that just occured to me: the prices I quoted were the prices I saw at the local Gander Mt. last year. It may vary. I know they've gone up at my local store since then, too. I also know that they can be found cheaper.

[Billster]

Thanks for the information. If I get time this weekend I'll try some of the local gunshops to see what they have in the way of a BHP 9mm, standard.

[Jimmy]

Billster,
I was Just online and saw some HPs in GA for anywhere between $2,000 to $550. I was brought up that there are only two handguns to buy. the 1911 and the BHP. I have revised that to include the CZ-75 in single action. I have owned several of each and can say that as long as you stick to quality gunsmithing like many of those who advertise here, and keep it clean, these two won't let you down.
I love my BHP and have recently set up an old square-D in 9mm that was wrapped up in canvas in my garage and started cranking out ammo for this season of shooting. We start in the winter here in the desert. Well I'm rambling, but I will reiterate that neither will do you wrong. o and when you compete, shoot factory FMJ as I have yet to have a malfunction with bad factory ammo. ( I know others have)

[FM12]

If I could have only one handgun (perish the thought) it might well be the BHP. I've carried them both on duty and off, never been dissapointed, and have full faith in mine. I recent bought my current BHP, a blued Portugal assembled model with adj. millet sifgts, off www.gunbroker.com for $400.00 plus shipping. Really pleased. It's the original hi-cap weapon. Buy only good mags, though, stick with Mec-Gar and the like. Dont try to save money on the "buy a dozen for $20.00" ruse. You get what you pay for. FM12

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

[gqucool1911]

Billster there is nothing wrong with a Glock, BUt Hi-Powers are great guns, very reilable parts can be found at Brownells. I really enjoy my HP its been my most reliable semi-auto pistol

[ChristianLibrul]

The venerable HP has been around for 70 years. Everybody who makes parts and accessories for pistols makes them for the HP. But with basic maintenance, you won't need parts for thousands of rounds unless you just want to fancify your handgun.

Many pistols are bigger, heavier, more complicated and more expensive than a HP. But none are better, and few are as good.

Be sure to check Shotgun News and gunsamerica.com for good prices.

[flusher]

http://publish.hometown.aol.com/flusher2/myhomepage/gun%20fnhp%20holster.jpg

[ChristianLibrul]

I had one of those holsters a few years ago. I was told it was Austrian.

[cchuckles]

Does anyone know how the BHP Silver Chrome came about and what year they first started mfg the model, I would appreciate any info...

Regards

[POB]

Hi Billster, please remember there are differant manufacturers of the Hi-Power out there. If money is not an issue then try finding the Browning or FN (both made at FN plant in Belgium). Others include FEG of Hungry and FM of Argentina. These a little more crude as to fit and finish but can be very good guns. Once you pick one up and shoot it, you'll love it.

[ChristianLibrul]

I had an FEG that was excellent until the barrel separated and had to be rewelded back together. Since then, it's still running fine for the new owner. I have an older Argentine P-35/GP that is a fine pistol. The newer FMs aren't as pretty, but are reportedly good values. I know a couple of guys who are happy with theirs. I had an Inglis that was accurate and reliable. And I'm on my sixth "real" Hi-Power from either FN or Browning. It's a wonderful MkIII. And a buddy just loves his new SFS variant. And I'm told the Portuguese are good values, as well, but I have no personal experience with them.

They all seem to be about equally accurate and reliable. But I'd rather have a good, used FN or Browning MkII or MkIII than one of the others new. They're always the prettiest, and are worth a few more pennies.

[leper65]

You can get factory parts directly from Browning, Brownells and e-gunparts...

http://www.browning.com/services/gunpartsprices/index.asp

http://www.brownells.com

http://www.e-gunparts.com/

For aftermarket upgrades:

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/

http://powercustom.com/BrowingHP/parts_BHP.htm

http://www.midwayusa.com

Gunbroker, Gunsamerica and Auction Arms are good places to look. I bought a NIB ('93) MKIII last week for $500 on Gunsamerica.