Posted: 2/23/2008 7:37:23 PM EDT
| I am looking for a Hi Power. I found one at a local gun shop for a decent price. It is a double action only. My question, is it possible or even worth changing it from a double action only to a traditional double/single action pistol? If it can be done, how much would something like that cost? Thanks in advance |
| I cannot say for certain if it is 'possible' to change the pistol in question back to a 'real' FNHP but my guess is that even if it is, the cost woulf be more than that of a new or like new HP, especially if you shop around. There are plenty of very nice, barely used ones out there, some at very attractive prices. If it was me I would keep looking. |
I thought the HiPower was SA? |
Hi-Powers are supposed to be single action only. The, imo, abomination that is the SFS system not withstanding. I assume you were looking at a BDAO and want to see if you can convert it to a BDA. I don't believe it is particularly easy, especially as both those guns are out of production. Here is a link for information on the BDA and variants: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_BDA |
Skip the Browning Double Action and get a real Hi-Power. |
It is, but here, Browning introduced a slightly different but similar version in past years called the the SFS model...a HP which allows the shooter to push a cocked hammer forward and then when the safety is released, resets the hammer to SA...or at least thst is my general understanding of the system...never shot one. I know a standard HP can be converted to SFS but am not sure if the reverse is true. Also, Browning marketed the later BDA as a HP-DA / DAO. They look similar to the HP and apparently share some parts but magazines do not interchange. I doubt one could be converted easily if at all, but they are good guns in their own right. |
Yep. |
ikor is correct. To put an SFS Hi Power "on safe" you push the hammer forward, causing the safety/cocking lever to go "on safe". When you thumb the safety/cocking lever down, the hammer snaps back ready to fire. In 2006, I bought a new in box, SFS equipped Hi Power for the bargain price of $400. My buddies ridiculed that purchase- saying "it's not a REAL Hi Power". After firing it I went back and bought a second SFS- but the price had gone up to $450- still a bargain. Like my buddies, most internet commandos have never held an SFS equipped HP, much less actually fired one or carried one. Now, my buddies want one and if you can find one the 9mm's go for upwards of $550. At the Bigtown show this weekend the only 9mmSFS was listed for $650 NIB. The SFS Hi Power is THE BEST stock Hi Power for concealed carry. That ugly little hammer allows for a no snag draw. As to those who love Jeff Cooperisms such as "a solution in search of a problem.." well, in many PD's "hammer up" is prohibited- even if locked. The SFS allows you to carry hammer down, go "off safe" instantly and yet retain single action trigger pull for every shot. BTW the SFS system makes disassembly even easier than a standard HP, which is already pretty easy. Converting from SFS to standard (or vice versa) is easy. According to Ralph at Cylinder & Slide you can use the original slide stop, but you will need the following non SFS parts: Hammer Sear Hammer strut, complete Hammer strut pin Sear spring Thumb safety You can get the above for less than $100 if you shop around. I've successfully swapped out the sear, hammer, safety, etc. and I'm not a gunsmith. It may be as easy as a just a reassembley or you might need to have the sear/hammer fitted to be safe. |
+1 i dont believe that a DA can be converted to a SA |
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That was the exact gun that I looked at at the gun shop. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_BDA Thanks for all the replies. |