[got2hav1]

I am going to look at a Belgium made Browning Hi Power in 9mm tomorrow. It is at a pawn shop. Can anyone give me some tips on what to look for? I know the basics but are there any particulars to be aware of with the Hi Power. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

[fnfalman]

See if the mag safety is still there. If it isn't then the previous owner must have removed it; which is great, but it also means that the previous owner may have had a trigger job done as well at the same time. That could be good or bad depending on who did the trigger job.

[257 roberts]

whats the price if I may ask ?

[bac1023]

It all depends on the price, condition, and age. The older models are worth more.

Are you sure it's all Belgian?

[got2hav1]

Originally Posted by bac1023

It all depends on the price, condition, and age. The older models are worth more.

Are you sure it's all Belgian?

Not entirely sure. The slide roll mark said Browning and Belgian on it. It had tiny non adjustable sights and a small thumb safety on one side only. It is a shooter grade gun for sure but I do believe its an older model gun.

[got2hav1]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

See if the mag safety is still there. If it isn't then the previous owner must have removed it; which is great, but it also means that the previous owner may have had a trigger job done as well at the same time. That could be good or bad depending on who did the trigger job.

How do I tell? Is it something visible from the outside or do you remove the mag or what?

[got2hav1]

Originally Posted by 257 roberts

whats the price if I may ask ?

Asking 599.00. Bluing is thin in spots and has what I think are Hogue grips on it. Finish would be around 80-85% if I remember correctly. I sure wish I had taken a picture of it.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by got2hav1

How do I tell? Is it something visible from the outside or do you remove the mag or what?

Take the mag out and pull the trigger. If the hammer drops, it was removed.

[CarlosC]

If pulling the trigger without a magazine releases the hammer, then the mag safety has been removed.

Let me just add the HiPower is one of the most beautiful handguns ever created and superior performers. At one time, they were the number one choice with most hostage rescue units, including the exceptional SAS.

[got2hav1]

Originally Posted by CarlosC

If pulling the trigger without a magazine releases the hammer, then the mag safety has been removed.

Let me just add the HiPower is one of the most beautiful handguns ever created and superior performers. At one time, they were the number one choice with most hostage rescue units, including the exceptional SAS.

The bluing is very nice on this one at least the part that is still there. LOL. Thanks for the tips guys I'll let you know how it goes.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by CarlosC

Let me just add the HiPower is one of the most beautiful handguns ever created and superior performers.

I agree. Its my all time favorite 9mm.

[Rustin]

That is one gorgeous HP Bac!

[Rally Vincent]

Not all had a mag safety.
Many MK II's did not have them.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by Rustin

That is one gorgeous HP Bac!

Thanks. Its an old one(1962).

[FireForged]

best 9mm of all time! Its a must have.. Probably a MKIII but well worth $599. I bet you can get it for $450. I seriously doubt that the pawn shop paid any more than $300

[Wyoming]

Originally Posted by bac1023

I agree. Its my all time favorite 9mm.

Very nice! Does it still have the magazine disconnect?

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by Wyoming

Very nice! Does it still have the magazine disconnect?

Thanks, my friend.

Yes it does. It's all original and unfired. It's just one of my collector's pieces. I have other HPs for shooting.

[CarlosC]

I love mine...nothing fancy. I still have the receipt somewhere from 1985 when I bought it new for $375. I lost track of the thousands of rounds.


And my college graduation gift (.40 S&W)...

[got2hav1]

Originally Posted by CarlosC

I love mine...nothing fancy. I still have the receipt somewhere from 1985 when I bought it new for $375. I lost track of the thousands of rounds.


And my college graduation gift (.40 S&W)...

Maybe not fancy but definately awesome. Congrats !

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by CarlosC

I love mine...nothing fancy. I still have the receipt somewhere from 1985 when I bought it new for $375. I lost track of the thousands of rounds.


And my college graduation gift (.40 S&W)...

Very nice indeed

[bac1023]

Here are my other all Belgian HPs from 1999(top) and 1960(bottom).

[Berto]

If it has the tiny sights and small thumb safety, it's not a MKIII.
If it has the external style extractor, it was made 1962 or newer.
Most had the magazine disconnect, some Belgian made exports didn't.
Just check the safeties, trigger and disconnect as you would any auto pistol, make sure hammer doesn't follow the slide down, etc.
BHP's are excellent and reliable pistols, it's hard to go too wrong on them.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by Berto

BHP's are excellent and reliable pistols, it's hard to go too wrong on them.

[PzGren]

Stop guessing, go by the serial number

http://www.browning.com/customerserv...asp?bg=x&id=35

[got2hav1]

Passed on HP guys. Turns out it was a Portugal gun after all. The search will continue. Thanks for the help.