ltwguns.com

I have an older Browning Hi-Power sitting in my safe that Ive been thinking about having some work done to. Although I love the BHP I don't really know a whole lot about them. Mine was made in Belgium so I'm assuming (yeah, I know what they say about doing that) it's an older version. I have started to read all the old posts here and am now wondering if I am better off getting my hands on a newer version of the BHP as a base gun.

The LTW site is a dangerous place for those of us deployed to Iraq. Way too many ideas for "projects"...

Matt Williams

This site (http://www.browning.com/customerservice ... .asp?id=35) should help you figure how old your HP is. IIRC, Browning-marked HPs are still made in Belgium so that doesn't help much for dating purposes.

Regards,

Chris

Hi Matt, Browning Hi-Powers have a not undeserved reputation of being a bit on the "soft" side as compared to, for instance, a commercial 1911. While true, FN/Browning started making their frames of a high-grade investment casting, which is notably harder than the older forged frames. They also increased the hardness of their slides, which are still forged. This occurred about 1993 or thereabouts. Obviously, the harder frame/slide platform would stand up to more abuse than would the earlier guns, but I've seen many earlier guns that are shot a great deal that don't bear any signs of significant wear. Properly maintained with regular recoil spring changes you should probably be OK, but if you're going to shoot a lot of hotter 9MM ammo, you may be better off with a later gun. Hope this helps, and thanks for your service to this country and for being "over there" for those of us who can't be. Regards,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Whilst obviously redundant after the esteemed Mr Williams,
We had a great many hi-powers in circulation when i was serving
in the Brit Military (In the 80's). Many of the guns rattled and looked well worn
but function was still good. Many had been around since WW2.
I believe some of those are still doing business out in the Sandbox.

I prefer a nice 60's T-series or an Inglis. I shoot and carry a Cast frame MK III.

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"The sunshine bores the daylights outta me....."

Keith Richards

Limey,

Your story about shooting well worn Hi-Powers in the British Military reminds me of my first year in the US Army. My assigned 1911 rattled a bunch but still shot well. I sure didnt know then what I know now, I remember how excitemed I was when unpacking cases and cases of brand new Beretta's. I did not realize then how much I would miss my "old" 1911. Now the Beretta's are old and worn, yes they still function but not with the same character of my old 1911. We replace slides every few years, it only takes a year or two for the Beretta to look like my 1911 that had probably been around for 40 years by the time I drew it out of the arms room. I was in Germany at the time and I imagine that the 1911s in my CAV Squadron had been there since WWII.

I see British and Aussie soldeirs over here in Iraq from time to time and many of them have Hi-Powers strapped to their hips, usually "cocked and locked".

Matt

Matt,

There's a certain business like 'grace' to a well worn John Browning designed gun
is there not. Stay Safe and Watch your six out there in the Rockbox !!!

_________________
"The sunshine bores the daylights outta me....."

Keith Richards