ltwguns.com

I'm looking at picking up a new Browing HP in either Standard or Practical. I'm leaning towards the Practical because I've always liked the two-tone finish on pistols and also because of the tough finish of hard chrome.

I'm not planning to have a smith do any work right off the bat, but in a year or two does it matter which gun to start with?

I mean does the factory hard chrome limit my options such as front strap stippling or other work that may be in my list of things wanted?

Any help is appreciated as this would be my first HP and I sure don't want to be dissapointed in my purchase w/all the hype I've been seeing lately.

Thanks.

Avoid the hard chrome if you want the frame worked on later. You'll just have to pay to have it stripped and re-applied after the work is done. Better to just pay for it once (after the work) instead of 3 times (first in the extra cost when you buy the gun, second to have it stripped off, third to have it put back on again)>

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Sean Smith
"Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that?" -Jack Burton, Big Trouble in Little China

The only real advantage to the practical is that the serial number is located on the side of the frame vs. the front strap. Sean is correct about the chrome.

The practical would allow you to checker the front strap if you so desire. The standard would have to be stippled.

Another option is to buy the FN marked version (EXACT same gun) which is cheaper and also has the serial number on the side of the frame.

Personally, I would go with the FN.

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http://www.harmscustomdesigns.com

Phew... glad to hear I didn't screw up since I picked one of these up from CDNN with the intent to get it customized at some point. $400, if they still have them -- killer deal.

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I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien I'm an Englishman in New Mexico

If I were looking for BHP for a project gun I would opt for a good used or new, if you can find it, MKII. My experiences with BHPs is that the MKII is more accurate right out of the box than my MKIIIs. Just one man's opinion. Regards, Richard