The hi power itch

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The hi power itch (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 12/13/2016 4:33:43 PM EDT

I've known about these pistols for a long time, but never felt the need. Just never really appealed to me. The 1911 is one of my favorites and as far as a 9mm goes, there were always other options that never made me fo the ugly browning.

But the older I get , the more of a fudd I become, so last week I says what the hell. If there's one In town. I'll buy it.

Turns out there's plenty. But the Lsg's seem to think they're made out of solid gold. At 1k and up price tags I quickly lost interest. Until of all places gander mountain had this guy.

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At $299 it fits in with the online surplus prices for 2016. Although the faucet seems dry right now for those guns. GM let me field strip it, everything seems in order, rifling looks good, finish was surprisingly good.

This one is an FEG , and after a little reading I went for it.

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After bringing it home I immeadiatly removed the magazine disconnect, the result was predictable and went smoothly without issue. The checkering on the factory grips was very uncomfortable to me. I'll buy replacements eventually. But for now a little sanding and a coat of stain I had in the garage will have to do.

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I fall out of love with pistols immeadiatly. So I'm not spending another dollar until I get some range time with it. The trigger, while break is smooth; it's heavy. Very heavy. But I'm used to the 1911 so it's probably just me more than the gun. When it does break, it's crisp, and overtravel is minimal, reset is very short compared to my "modern" polys which always seem to dissapoint. I'm looking at you cz p09.

Posted: 12/13/2016 4:36:33 PM EDT

[#1]

I've heard the HPs benefit from a trigger job immensely.

Multiple members have said it makes a big difference.

I love HPs. Congrats on yours! I'll get one eventually.

Let us know how it shoots.

Posted: 12/13/2016 4:39:47 PM EDT

[#2]

The tool marks are there, see the front of the dust cover. The front of the slide seems very smooth.

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The front sight is canted, I can deal with this but it is annoying, I don't like staked front sights.

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ARFS PHOTO UPLOAD IS MESSING WITH ME RIGHT NOW. I'll add more pics later.

All in all I like it. Time will tell. The serial number prefix is YG. Haven't found much online regarding that so any insight would be helpful.

Today's my wedding anniversary or I'd be shooting right now. Hopefully I can get around to it soon. An unfired gun in my house just doesn't feel right.

Bonus cheese feet

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And no skinny jeans or coffee shop beard here. I just wanted one, and FO'd.

Posted: 12/13/2016 5:18:40 PM EDT

[#3]

I think you did good with that. I have, and really like, a FEG HiPower, and I paid a little more for a significantly more worn looking one.

The aftermarket is really decent for them. I like the azula holster for the money.

Posted: 12/13/2016 5:44:58 PM EDT

[#4]

I just paid $800 for a T-series 1960s BHP. I am happy I bought it

Posted: 12/13/2016 5:52:07 PM EDT

[#5]

I fancy BHPs quite a bit now a days

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:00:51 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
I fall out of love with pistols immeadiatly. So I'm not spending another dollar until I get some range time with it. The trigger, while break is smooth; it's heavy. Very heavy. But I'm used to the 1911 so it's probably just me more than the gun. When it does break, it's crisp, and overtravel is minimal, reset is very short compared to my "modern" polys which always seem to dissapoint. I'm looking at you cz p09.

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No, it's the pistol. The HP generally has a very heavy trigger, the last one I worked on maxed out my trigger gauge before I worked on it. I would estimate it at around 12 pounds. Unfortunately removing the magazine safety has the undesirable side effect of giving you a weak reset, since the trigger is only being returned by the one trigger spring.

I don't know what your issue was with your P-09 trigger but I couldn't find a lot to complain about with mine. If there was something to bitch about, it's those goddamn tiny CZ sights.

After I reworked my FEG a little bit I find it a lot easier to live with. I managed to get the trigger down to about 5.5 pounds.

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:02:54 PM EDT

[#7]

Yeah, I'd like one too but like you posted, prices are kinda stoopid on them.

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:13:14 PM EDT

[#8]

I bought one a few years ago - mint condition 1976-vintage Belgian that I paid $1k for when I was flush and stupid. Always wanted a custom Hi Power, but the more I thought about it, the less I liked the idea of hot-rodding a factory-original '57 Bel Aire, so I traded that one in on something else. Last year I bought a milsurp Mk. II. Rough finish and tiny sights, but like yours it was stupid cheap.

I plan on sending it to Robar and having it 'smithed and refinished. I'll have a nice custom Hi Power when I'm done, for a reasonable price.

First of the WonderNines. John Browning (PBUH) was a hell of a designer.

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:24:54 PM EDT

[#9]

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:44:27 PM EDT

[#10]

Your KBI at $299 was a good deal IMHO.

Here is mine.

Currently, it's wearing Hogue rubber grips. I guess I should sell the pearls to a pimp. The mag drop safety is still in there. Just like with my S&W 5906. It's a personal choice. For a KBI, it shoots just as good as my real BHP.

Aloha, Mark

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:53:30 PM EDT

[#11]

damn things are like rabbits--got one--now I got THREE!! lol--They shoot extremely well--I did swap grips on all of mine.

Posted: 12/13/2016 6:54:48 PM EDT

[#12]

There is a reason why I never had that itch. Partly because of all the hoops that FN and Browning had to jump through to get around patents on the 1911.

The other reason was this.

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Posted: 12/13/2016 7:16:09 PM EDT

[#13]

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Quoted:

No, it's the pistol. The HP generally has a very heavy trigger, the last one I worked on maxed out my trigger gauge before I worked on it. I would estimate it at around 12 pounds. Unfortunately removing the magazine safety has the undesirable side effect of giving you a weak reset, since the trigger is only being returned by the one trigger spring.

I don't know what your issue was with your P-09 trigger but I couldn't find a lot to complain about with mine. If there was something to bitch about, it's those goddamn tiny CZ sights.

After I reworked my FEG a little bit I find it a lot easier to live with. I managed to get the trigger down to about 5.5 pounds.

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I was very tempted to polish the sear with a 3000 stone. I just want to shoot it first to establish a baseline. I may polish the mag disconnect and jam it back it without the spring. Maybe not. We'll see how she shoots first.

The p09 trigger was a mess. Three distinct feelings with a lot of travel, tons over overtravel, and a reset well. Let's just say I was unimpressed. I should know better than to buy a gun online without ever handing it.

Like I posted before virtually ever poly pistol I've owned save the h&k had a dissapointing trigger (and it was so so) Hell my glock 22 felt like a bolt action rifle compared to the cz.

Here's the cheese feet I promised earlier.

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Posted: 12/13/2016 7:26:15 PM EDT

[#14]

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The canted front sight.

I've never installed a stake type sight but have lots of experience with riveting. I doubt this could be fixed and will probably just let it live.

For $300 this is the cheapest pistol I've ever owned and overall I'm very satisfied with the money spent.

Posted: 12/13/2016 10:58:40 PM EDT

[#15]

I still need to get this cleaned up, install new springs and get it to the range. I couldn't resist $599 for a C&R High Power.

Posted: 12/13/2016 11:53:42 PM EDT

[#16]

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Check it these two, I recently had refinished by FORDS.

Posted: 12/13/2016 11:56:23 PM EDT

[#17]

That's a damn nice lookin' gun for 3 bills!!!!

Here's my 1994 BHP:

Posted: 12/14/2016 12:17:05 AM EDT

[#18]

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https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/123206/IMG-2511-107198.JPGCheck it these two, I recently had refinished by FORDS.

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I love that mirror black on an all steel gun. Absolutely beautiful.

Posted: 12/14/2016 1:21:00 AM EDT

[#19]

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I love that mirror black on an all steel gun. Absolutely beautiful.

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It's the lighting, there both actually master blue.

Posted: 12/14/2016 4:40:14 PM EDT

[#20]

I'd a been on that like a fat girl on French fries.

Just gave $370 for this one to scratch my itch

Posted: 12/14/2016 4:46:51 PM EDT

[#21]

I finally scratched the itch and bought one from Cole Distributing yesterday as a Christmas present to myself.

Posted: 12/14/2016 4:53:21 PM EDT

[#22]

Keep the pics coming

I think a high power might be my next handgun, or a RIA 9mm

Posted: 12/14/2016 4:58:49 PM EDT

[#23]

I still need to get my alloy framed HP refinished. Love that gun.

Posted: 12/14/2016 5:00:53 PM EDT

[#24]

You might find them to be like rabbits. I inherited my Dad's C series, and just couldn't bring myself to do any modifications to it, so I ended up getting my own C series, trimmed the hammer and removed the grip safety. Over the years I've tried a couple of the FEG/KBI guns, but always ended up getting rid of them. Now have a Detective FM, an Argentine, an Alloy, and a 40 Novak version. Still need to find a Tactical/Practical, and possibly a full size FM, they keep multiplying.

Posted: 12/14/2016 5:12:04 PM EDT

[#25]

Btw,what does a HP weigh loaded?

Posted: 12/14/2016 10:25:29 PM EDT

[#26]

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Quoted:
Btw,what does a HP weigh loaded?

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2.2 pounds according to the site I looked on. The original order was for the weapon not to exceed 1kg

The final weight is just a smidge over that.

Regardless of the number. All the weight is in the grip area . The scallops at the nose and the slopes on the frame make the high power feel deceptively light. And it feels tiny. It's not, but it feels that way.

Posted: 12/14/2016 10:29:14 PM EDT

[#27]

I have other projects to complete, but a Hi-Power is in the works for me.

After I take possession of this S&W Model 39... and buy an Enfield No. 4 Mk. 1 (or 2)... and a Webley .455 Revolver... and a Mossberg 590A1 tactical.... and a CZ-75 compact.... and...

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:00:49 PM EDT

[#28]

Here's a WWII slide for a Nazi Hi Power I bought for the rear sight, complete with all of the internal parts. I don't know if I'll ever use the sight, so I have a $15 paperweight for now.

and a parts breakdown just for grins:

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:14:30 PM EDT

[#29]

I talked my neighbor out of this one for $200. It had somebody go through it at some point, I haven't put my gauge on it, but I would guess the trigger to be 2#, 3 at the most, very slick and clean, no mag release and a subtle but clean and reliable reset.

might make some grips when I get time.

Hmm, cant get the photo up Error #200:HTTP Error

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Posted: 12/14/2016 11:16:59 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:

2.2 pounds according to the site I looked on. The original order was for the weapon not to exceed 1kg

The final weight is just a smidge over that.

Regardless of the number. All the weight is in the grip area . The scallops at the nose and the slopes on the frame make the high power feel deceptively light. And it feels tiny. It's not, but it feels that way.

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MN
So what, 36 oz loaded?

I'm not worried bout weight in the hand, just on the belt after 14 hours, 7 days a week

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:20:39 PM EDT

[#31]

I have a FN highpower that has the factory installed SFS hammer on it.

It's nifty in a retarded way

used to have a 40S&W hi power, it would make the mother of all hi powers if you got a 9mm barrel for it

hi powers are one of the all-time great autoloaders

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:21:56 PM EDT

[#32]

Dumbest thing that I've ever done is sell my Hi-Power Practical. I'm still kicking myself over that one.

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:28:27 PM EDT

[#33]

Nice find OP, I've wanted one for awhile now but it's way down on my list.

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:32:06 PM EDT

[#34]

Hi Powers suck!

Because I don't own more of them.

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:44:53 PM EDT

[#35]

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There is a reason why I never had that itch. Partly because of all the hoops that FN and Browning had to jump through to get around patents on the 1911.

The other reason was this. <img src=http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/smiley_smartass.gif border=0 align=middle>

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/383325/image-106972.JPG

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While I prefer the 75 as a shooter the BHP is a legend in its own right, and one of the most beautiful pistols ever designed.

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:46:57 PM EDT

[#36]

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Quoted:
Nice find OP, I've wanted one for awhile now but it's way down on my list.

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I hear ya. I came into a little cash. Not enough to make a selfish purchase at Christmas time. So I get a new pistol, the family has 350 extra bucks for Christmas cheer. Me happy, wife happy. Everybody wins.

If I love it , I'll get a specimen later on a little more worthy of upgrading.

This ones just going to be a budget shooter.

Ironically my cheapest weapons have been my favorites.

Ar kiss, ria gi, 870 wingmaster, ect.

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:47:05 PM EDT

[#37]

I didn't know I needed a Hi Power until I tried one out one day at the range.

Then I had a pile, but I'm down to two now. I really need a pristine T series to go in the three gun set I have, I think someone swapped some guns around at an auction I attended in St. Charles to get one of the T series guns on the block by itself.

I always wanted a Hi Power Practical, too.

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:54:23 PM EDT

[#38]

Mine's a real ugly duckling

Posted: 12/14/2016 11:56:08 PM EDT

[#39]

I just picked one up a few weeks ago from a friend. Its an Israeli surplus he got from one of the online vendors. The funny part was he had me refinish it when he got it (Parkerized black) and it came out amazing.. but he needed some cash for some tax stamps so he sold it to me for 4 bills, with 3 mags. I love it and I am a die hard Glock fan. Going to shoot it some more and get more mags (already picked up a few more) and it should be good to go. I need to get it a better safety, that tiny thing on the side is hard to move and annoying lol.. but the trigger is nice on it.

Posted: 12/15/2016 12:08:01 AM EDT

[#40]

My tricked out Practical:

Posted: 12/15/2016 12:13:22 AM EDT

[#41]

whooHoo pitcher thread!

Posted: 12/17/2016 9:01:01 AM EDT

[#42]

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Some red rit and a coat of urethane. Got some fuzzys on it. Don't drink and stain.

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Bullet was no help at all, lazy bum

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Posted: 12/17/2016 9:10:30 AM EDT

[#43]

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https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/427508/IMG-3109-109255.JPG

Some red rit and a coat of urethane. Got some fuzzys on it. Don't drink and stain. <img src=http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/anim_nono.gif border=0 align=middle>https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/427508/IMG-3111-109259.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/427508/IMG-3110-109262.JPG

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You got a good deal.

But real guns that are all metal and wood are addictive. High Powers is to pistols what Garand's are to rifles.

They will reproduce.

Posted: 12/17/2016 9:12:03 AM EDT

[#44]

I could defiantly think of worse things than ending up with a garand.

Posted: 12/17/2016 9:15:56 AM EDT

[#45]

I bought the Nighthawk, I haven't even had a chance to shoot it, or even take delivery of it yet

Posted: 12/17/2016 9:16:28 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:

You got a good deal.

But real guns that are all metal and wood are addictive. High Powers is to pistols what Garand's are to rifles.

They will reproduce.

View Quote