[HET]

Hello all,
I am thinking on getting a Hi-Power and not sure what I should do.
I know there are two major ones out there, the Browning made here (I Think) and the FN made in Belgium. I want to buy one now and then when funds are available, send it to a smith to get some work done (maybe).
Which one is a good starter for a smith?
Is it worth it getting a stock one like a Browning Standard or the Practical and just keeping it that way (this is the Maybe)?
I am the kind of person that likes the best I can get (as long as the funds are available) and appreciates the gun once acquired or after work is done.
My usage will be for plikering and possible IDPA, but mostly I want it! :grin::
Recommendations on what to get and why are GREATLTY appreciated.

Thanks!
HET

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. First, the Browning and the FN are both made at FN. Browning just imports or did import. The new guns will have FN markings rather than "Browning," but otherwise are the same gun, made on the same equipment by the same people.

There are several well-known specialists who do wonderful things to the Hi Power. Two are Wayne Novak and Kurt Wickmann. I'm sure others here can name some more.

I've had Novak fixed sights added to a couple of MkIII 9mm HPs and I like them. They add a certain flare or "look" to the gun, but in both slow fire and the more "practical" exercises, I found no real difference between them and the standard fixed sights. Were these sights worth the cost? Well, I like them and wouldn't necessarily change them back to stock, but I do not feel the need to rush out and change the fixed sights now.

Some very nice changes you might consider for your HP might be a trigger job, removal of the magazine disconnect and perhaps changing out the hammer or bobbing the existing spur if it "bites" you as this does happen to some shooters of this pistol.

What it amounts to is that the modifications are worth the cost if you can shoot better with the pistol after they're made or if you just flat want them to personalize your pistol.

Best.

 

[Gerald McDonald]

Hello HET Ditto for what Mr Camp said and you can take the last paragraph to the bank and cash it for truer words were never spoken
Thanks
Gerald

 

[Pistolero]

Went thru a process very similar to yours with own 1st HP purchase/work. Use it for IDPA, etc. Novak's {who wound up doing the work} simply told me to get the bare bones MK III if I wanted to have it worked, de-horned, etc. http://www.browning.com/products/catalo ... _mark3.htm
http://www.fnmfg.com/lawenf/hpsa/hpsamain.htm
Not rec Novak's over the other Greats like Kurt Wickmann & Jim Garthwaite, however they are "straight shooters" and after seeing, shooting & evaluating the Israeli "Beater" I bought were great about advising what the pistol really needed and what wasn't. Wound up with a HP much better than thought I needed @ 1st for less $.
http://www.fnhipower.com is an excellent place to read-up on HP's.
See also: http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.kwgw.com
http://www.garthwaite.com
http://www.novaksights.com
http://www.leckiecustomguns.com/

_________________
"Cogito, ergo armo"



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Pistolero on 2001-05-30 20:34 ]</font>

 

[HET]

WOW!
I guess I have some reading I need to do. It will still a few more months until some funds are available for purchase. I just want to make informed purchase.
Thanks, you guys are great! You couldn’t ask for a better class of people like you.
Once I do get one I will post my results and a range report.
Thanks again,

HET

 

[railroader]

Het, I see you are from chino. I'm from redlands so were almost neighbors. I don't know if you are aware that the hipower isn't on the california safe list so you will have to find one through a private party face to face sale. You might have to post all over the different forums to find what you are looking for. Personally I think it is a bunch of crap. Good luck. Mark

 

[HET]

Railroader,
Yes, I do know they are not on the approve list. And yes it is a bunch of crap. I some leads on a couple of BHP but I have to get my funds in order to get them.
Thanks though for looking out for a fellow shooter.

HET

 

[Jim Richardson]

HET

When you do get an HP, really get to know it before you even think about any mods. If it's new, it will take a while for you and the pistol to get to know one another. If used, you may have to break it of some bad habits allowed by the previous owner. I have always found, the more I shot a pistol the less I found that needed changing. Then, if you want, you can add things as the pocket book and the fancy strikes you.

 

[calthrop]

IMHO Obtain a stock gun. Shop widely for a proper belt/holster setup. Everyone has an opinion there. How most people carry is usually the best for most I have found. //Do not over look the Yaqui side//. Shoot the type of gun you wish to purchase in advance if possible. Ranges have rental weapons. Shoot both calibers if the BHP series. Above all become educated in local and state law concerning carry. Obtain a permit//I no longer live in California yet I know its tough//. RESIST the temptation to modify the gun. SAVE your money and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Buy Ammo and shoot. Truly Calthrop.