ltwguns.com

Hey guys,

I am new to the forum, and I recently caught the bug for another firearm. My dilemma is I can't decide between a Browning Hi-power 9mm or a SA Mil-Spec to start building from. I know it is like comparing Apples to Oranges, but they are both equally appealing to me.

I am not asking which is better, which will be worth more, etc. I am just looking for Opinions on which route to take.

Thanks

Aside from the common, "whichever you shoot better," I would take the 1911. Why? More aftermarket parts/options, much better magazine selection, single-stack magazines, bigger bullets, and while I really like the Hi-Power, I really really like the 1911. But, that being said, I'd do both.

~Jim Keeney

_________________
"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

Without knowing more it is hard to offer an opinion. Have you shot both? Do you intend to carry the gun? Will you be using it in a shooting sport? Do you plan to use it heavily or is it more of a barbque gun?

The fact of the matter is they are both great guns and it would be really hard to go wrong either way. Jim correctly pointed out the parts issue and it isn't an insignificant one at that. I learned that hard way trying to find a replacement slide for a now defunct Hi-Power. Anything you want to get for a 1911 can be had easily and usually at a fair price.

I would have to know more about you and the guns use to offer anything more in the way of an opinion.

_________________
"Domari Nolo"

29- So far good advice. But I have seen first hand, up close and personal at the ShotShow the examples of art these guys can produce. Both 1911 and HP. I have to say that the 1911s though really show their work off.
Its also what more owners want IMHO when its time to sell-Heaven Forbid!

_________________
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
Calvin Coolidge

Pete,

I have shot both, and they both feel great in my hands. I do not plan to carry the firearm, but I may use it as a shooting sport/range gun.

One thing you mentioned (that I didn't consider) was replacement of major parts due to them breaking down. The Browning Hi-Power I was considering was USED, but in Excellent Condition, and the Springfield would be NIB.

Now I starting to teeter over towards the 1911. Thanks for your input guys.

I just bought a 40S&W MkIII from CDNN for $399 brand new. Unless you absolutely have to have a 9MM I wouldn't consider buying a used Hi-Power when brand new ones can be had so cheaply.

_________________
"Domari Nolo"

I think you should also look at how close to good/perfect the base gun is. For example, if you ask most of the smiths here about a high power most will say that the factory barrel will shoot better than most people can hold, the trigger can be improved greatly but not made to be as nice as a 1911, and other little things. That's not to say that a HP cannot be improved vastly, but I think there are fewer "neccessary" mods. For a HP I think Jeff Cooper's "sights you can see and a trigger you can use" really applies. As stated above, the 1911 has probably 10 times the a/m parts available and a lot more "personal flavor" to add.

Don't get me wrong, I think you should do them both, but I think the HP lends itself to more subtle changes. Of course a Ted Yost or Don Williams full house High Power would be a welcome addition to the family

Go with the Hi Power first. You will find the addiction to customs will draw you in to the 45 in short order.

_________________
NRA Life Member
Charter Member NRA Golden Eagles

Please keep in mind here you are the one who needs to be satisfied or comfortable with your choice.

So let me preface with that. I retail the custom 1911's and BHP's. Both are desirable and there is a lot out there.

This is just from listening to clients and owners over the past 15 to 20 years when dealing in custom guns. I get 20 to 1 1911's over BHP's for sale, resale, custom work and trade.

The most common builder recently is the new roll mark Colt Series 70 due to availability, resale and better built than the older guns with more current alloyed steels and the like.

Now that is from clients, their comments and watching others make decision.

Keep in mind that to shoot the 9mm is considerably less cost than the .45 as there components (bullets weigh more, more powder, etc.) for ammunition cost more and not to mention 9mm is a current issue NATO ammunition. .45 ACP was in the same mode when it was a standard issue ammunition.

Personally I would start off with a 1911, Caliber .45 and use a new roll mark Colt Series 70. I have yet to see someone who want to change guns later have and real issues in resale or trade with that particular model. Yes, they cost more but cost is one thing and value is another.

You will get what you pay for up front or in the back end. Up front with funds of course, time researching who you trust, quality of components. quality or reputation of the particular craftsman for sure (keep in mind there is a long list of folks waiting for a reason and if it is "cheaper" discounts are for a reason and your undying gratitude has nothing to do with it. Keep that in mind when you decide on your base piece. I am not saying buy the most expensive but get the best value.

I hope this helps.

Best in your quest.

_________________
Be safe and keep the brass flying

Terry Peters

Do your research but you get what you pay for front end or back end
http://www.pt-partners.com
@ptpartners_tx

There are sure a lot of excellent reasons to go 1911 given here. I like both, and see more reasons to chose a 1911. But I can think of one reason to go BHP that I haven't seen mentioned.
Maybe I'm paranoid, but time may be running out for HiPowers.

They never were THAT popular compared to the 1911, and P-T Partners' sales figures reflect that. It seems like Browning/FN has been looking for a reason to quit making them for years.
I know it's not exactly the same situation, but who would have thought the Winchester 94 and 70 would be dropped?
Rumors of the BHP's demise have been flying around for years. I have to think that it will be true one of these times.

It's already caused the prices to jump. Before those rumors started, I could buy good used BHPs for $350 or less. After the rumors, prices rose as BHPs were seen less often.
What will it be like if/when they pull the plug?

Along with the guns, what parts there are will disappear, gunsmiths who work on them will stop doing so, etc. Of course, you'd be busy finding a gun in that case anyway.
Should that happen, or now, I'd like to see someone in the USA (Springfield or Kimber?) start making BHPs, (with biteless hammers, factory Novak or Heinies, no mag safety, etc) but doubt that will happen.

I think that (the chance that there may not be any BHPs) makes a good reason to have a BHP built. I'm fairly certain that 1911s will be available for a while.
If you have the means to have a custom gun built every year, or more often, then this is all a non-issue. You can get both done soon enough.

i love the signature grade type bhp's. "full house" if you will. beaver tails ect.

i would say if you already have a 1911. get the bhp.