Pretty good research - unless you bought the expensive books to do the research the easy way. A few things. First, Browning did not invent nor contribute much to the development of the HP. Just as he had nothing to do with the Baby Browning pocket pistol - both were the work of Saive, but FN knew the value of attaching Browning's name to a product they wanted to sell. Browning had a pretty dim view of the idea of the double stack high capacity magazine. When the French approached FN, Saive developed his double stack magazine (not sure if his was even the first) and then modified one of FN's existing Model 1903 blowback action pistols to be a design feeding from his new magazine. The French rejected the prototype, at which point FN sent the magazine and prototype to Browning. Browning developed two different designs around the magazine; both were striker fired, one was a straight blowback action, the other a tilting barrel. The French rejected Brownings two designs as they had Saive's original design. Browning had patented his two designs; he sold the patents to Colt, who never manufactured either pistol. That was around 1924; Browning had nothing further to do with the project and all the modifications after those two striker fired pistols was all Saive. Second, there is no such thing as a "Mk1". FN never used the term, no military issuing the HP used the term. Not even Browning USA used the term. Americans just made it up after the MkII version was released - assuming that what came before must have been termed the Mk1. If you want to think of it as versions, the originals with the internal extractors would generally be the first generation. Then came the T and C series with the external ejectors... call that the second generation. Then came the MkII - that would be the third generation, and then of course the MkIII as the fourth and final generation. So "MkI" doesn't make any historical sense. The earlier T and C series pistols are slightly smaller in dimensions than the MkII and MkIII - much more svelte and pleasing in the hand... and feels less 'fat' in the hand than the later pistols. Whatever version, thin Spegal or Micarta grips can minimize how fat it feels in the hand. As far as the early ones not standing up to +P ammunition.... From a real world perspective, the ballisticians at the companies making service ammunition tell prospective police customers that there is no detectable difference in terminal performance between the standard pressure and +P pressure loadings of the same bullet in the same caliber. You don't get anything in exchange for the increased wear on the pistol. However, those early HPs have proven they handle +P fine. Consider that the Canadian Inglis pistols (as one example) were manufactured during WWII; the Canadians are still using them. Those pistols have fired nothing but a straight diet of 9mm NATO ball intended for submachine guns like their Sterling and now MP5s. STANAG pressures for 9mm ball are pretty much in +P pressure territory. If the metallurgy was not sufficient to deal with +p ammunition, those Canadian High Powers would have been shot into being piles of scrap metal decades ago. But they're still working just fine while they await the arrival if the SIG pistols that will trigger that country's gun hating government to send them to the smelters. The difference is that the military gun plumbers do a First Line Maintenance inspection at least once a year. Springs are gauged; if a spring does not test out to being within spec, it's replaced. I doubt 10% of the privately owned High Powers have ever had their recoil spring replaced - it's supposed to last until eternity! Springs are dirt cheap, particularly compared to the costs of shooting; I replace mine once a year.
Great info and I wish I had this when I did the video. My research consisted of looking at online articles, discussion forms and Wikapedia. I don't have the books referenced, but wouldn't mind having them to learn more. I like your characterizations of versions as when I was doing this research I just felt that the original, T and C versions were too different to actually be lumped into a catch all of a MkI designation. Thanks for the detailed input and history. I'll see if I can pin this one to the top for others to see. Thanks again.
@@cervus-venator Given the price of the two authoritative books on the High Powers from initial stages to end of production, you probably aren't going to want to dole out $400 or so for two books. When I bought them, they were relatively inexpensive. As the Clone Wars have began since production ceased, later versions to include further research and demand have made prices climb (in some cases simply because the previous edition was sold out and unavailable). If you want links, I will try and see if Amazon is flogging either one of them. Vanderlinden's book is arguably the more intensive as far as the history of the development from start to finish of what became the P35. Also the most expensive... The "T" in series is confusing because T in the serial numbers was used in the Inglis pistols intended for Commonwealth troops. T was then used in serial numbers again when the internal extractor of the Inglis and commercial pistols was dropped in favor of the external extractor. I'm pretty sure you know that, as well as you know that FN is famous (infamous) for there being no consistency whatsoever in the serial numbers they put on the HP depending on which customers they were making them for. That eventually became standardized towards the end - but that's no help to people trying to track down the history of vintage pistols. I would not trust Wikipedia to be capable of hitting the water if they fell out of a boat as far as the accuracy posted there goes. No matter what the subject matter, not just anything with any kind of political overtones. Case in point: try correcting the High Power entry that says the pistol is the brainchild of JMB. I've tried a couple of times way in the past, taking the time to reference the pages in the collector grade books I mentioned. Well... those changes didn't last long... back to it being Browning's final pistol invention. There's similar Wikipedia misinformation on the invention and development of the Lee Metford and Lee Enfield rifles, BTW. Tried correcting that with references to collector grade books as well; that didn't work either. Anyways, I'm neither a collector nor invested in spending my life correcting Wikipedia, so I just moved on to more important things in life. BTW, you can find and download copies of the two striker fired pistols that JMB submitted to FN and the French after they rejected Saive's original prototypes at the US Patent website. I didn't keep the web addresses, but I don't think it took me very much time to find them through a web search. When you look at them and the internal mechanisms, you'll realize that JMB contributed little to nothing in what eventually became the predecessors and then the final P35 pistol. In closing, unless you're so serious about ensuring you have the ultimate in self defense sidearms i.e. a pistol with lights 'n lasers, for both enjoying recreational shooting and carrying for self defense with a High Power, there isn't any variant of the pistol that fits better and points better in the hands than the T and C series of High Powers that preceded the MkII. Put the sights on that you prefer, add a set of the Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips that were a licensed Spegal copy, or any of the similar Micarta grips, have a gunsmith adjust the original safety to activate to your liking, regularly replace the recoil spring, give it reasonable maintenance, and it will do everything you ask of it within reason for the rest of your life. I've been trying to wear out my C series High Power that I've owned, carried, and competed with for over 50 years now... so far, it looks like it will certainly outlive me.
Cerv, My Father would've LOVED this video, his favorite carry was the Browning HP and he swore by it! I really enjoyed the depth you went into everything too! Great video!
I prefer the ring hammers as well. They're just more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.. Plus, I feel like they don't catch on things nearly as much. Your video showed up in my feed!
Thanks and yeah, I noticed that the views spiked in the past few days and one of the videos that it is getting feed from as a YT suggested video is your Mystery Box video. I take it that the Mystery Box sale went well. I looked at the site around noon and you had already changed it to sold out. Some folks got a better than average deal that's for sure. I think your model is great as proven by how quickly things sale out. Also, I was hoping you'd see this video and any corrections to what I may have gotten wrong or left out being that you have a lot more knowledge on the Browning Hi-Power than I do. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out.
I purchased a brand new Browning Mk 2 single action in 1990 serial 245nm by that time the bushing had been changed to the later style came with standard spur hammer black polymer grips and glossy black epoxy finish and the 3 dot luminous sights, came with one extra magazine and a parkerized steel cleaning rod , it cost me 385.00 out the door, she is one of my safe queens with a very low round count, I still have the box it came in with a extra factory magazine still in the box and a Browning Buckmark leather holster , I can only imagine what it is worth today, good and informative review.
Thanks Brian. I'm sure it would be listed on a sales site at over a grand being in the original box and all the goodies. My friend was just telling me about a place down the road where he bought two in the mid-90s. One was a Practical and another one was an all silver color. He told me he got them for about 400 out the door. He later sold them and made money on them, but he would have made a lot more if he held them longer as they seem to only appreciate over time. It sounds like you have a really fine example of a MK II.
The MK II commercial BHPs have the spur hammer yes, but that may not have carried over to all military contract Mk IIs. You can also tell a Mk II by the small vent hole (pin hole) below the muzzle at the front of the slide.
These are not for everyone is part of the attraction I think. T have a Mk2 I bought new in the 80s there was plenty of cheap good ammo for them when the 45 auto supply was tightening up. Mine is the plain jane mil finish I had trigger work, Barsto barrel and Millet full adjustable red insert front and white outline rear target sights and reload special loads for it with honed out dies. And it does pretty good. The old type extractor can be broken by dropping a round in the barrel, then releasing the slide to slam shut on it. I have always used mine as a sporting and field pistol, and kept the spur hammer because of the larger Millet rear sight needed for ease of use. I am glad I found your channel.
Man Dee Dee, it sounds like you really made an awesome shooting machine out of your MK2!! I knew there was something about dropping the slide on the older ones that could cause damage, but couldn't recall what, but now I know. My first experience with the Brownings began in the mid-90s with the BDM and from there I always wanted to try a Hi-Power. I'm glad I did because I just love them. Thanks for coming by and checking things out.
Cool David. Yeah hold on to it as the prices on these guns keeps increasing. I have a couple of other videos where I'm shooting these individual guns. On on the Practical and the other with the Mark II. They do shoot well.
Thanks for the lesson. This is some great information. My very first gun purchase back in 1995 was a BHP Practical in 40 S&W. I still have it and it is one of my favorite guns to shoot. My father has an older mint condition BHP 9mm and I am going to use the information you posted here to see if i can figure out when it was made.
Awesome Ron. My first real pistol purchase right around that time was a Ruger P98 in 9mm. My father had gone there a week or so before and purchased a Browning BDM in 9mm. If I could get my hands on a 40 S&W Browning Practical I would. I could use another 40 S&W and I just haven't seen one yet that just says pick me up. I'm glad you enjoyed the info. I gathered it from several different sources that allowed me to cross reference the points I was covering. I hope you can use this to date your father's Hi-Power.
Thanks for checking it out. I just wanted to pass along what I learned to others that may want to know too. I'm glad you got something out of it Frank. God Bless!!
Thanks for viewing and subbing. To answer your question I do not like it as much as I would in having standard grips. The 9mm Hi-Power does not need these grips in my opinion. It makes the grip fatter and I don't like big thick pistol grips. I love the Browning BDM because of the slim grip. It is slimmer than the Hi-Power. But do I hate the grips on the Practical, no I just am not overly fond of them.
Someone did some homework! You confirmed what I knew, that my HP was made in 1982...what I learned is while I have the hog nose bushing I do not have the Mark II slide (no rib) so probably one that was built using up parts in stock I would guess. I do have the spur hammer...no I did some learning.
Cool deal. Yeah some of the guns, especially surplus, get fit with parts not necessarily from the same generation. I imagine they may get in some non-functioning guns that get robbed of parts to make others complete. If the parts fit and work then there is no issue. Did you happen to notice if you have a dove tail front sight? That could tell you that the slide is certainly a MK III.
That funny because I have a clone of the CZ 75. A Tanfoglio in 10mm. I love it and it is my first Tanfoglio so now it has me wanting an actual CZ 75. Thank for the comment. I love the BHP for sure.
Yes I agree. Went to a gun show today and only saw an Argentine made one, not an actual FN Browning. I didn't see any Springfield or New FN either. I did see plenty of the Girsan for around 450, but still not an original
@@cervus-venatorwent to a gun show Saturday and picked up a belgium made hi power it a Browning arms company Morgan. Utah & Montreal PQ made in Belgium from what you said about the prefix I think it's a 1971 it has 71c then the rest of the numbers and a spur hammer got it for 600 bucks and that's 😁 what I've looked like all weekend lol 😆
@@jamesjohnson4163 That's awesome James. You'll love how it shoots and fits the hands. It is just an all around great pistol. You got it for a good price too. A big congrats on the find! I went to a gun show on 9/30 and one guy had several, but was asking about a grand or more for each one of them.
@@cervus-venator The FM (Fabrications Militaries) Argentine ones are very interesting. Unlike the Hungarian FEG clones the FM guns were made under Belgian FN license from 1969-1989 with FN inspectors watching close by. In 1990 with FN no longer looking over the process, FM produced the M90. These can be readily identified by the more 1911-style slide cut near the muzzle. These are still well made and reliable pistols.
@@easyfiveOsink I recall reading this about the FM and yes I'd say they are pretty good quality based on this information. I've never had my hands on one, but would not be opposed to it as I just love the feel of the Hi-Power and love the way they shoot. I also have never had the Hungarian FEG, but I'm not opposed to getting one. I just know they are not as well made and would have to take that into consideration with the amount I'd spend on one. I'd much rather have a FN produced one first if possible.
I have a thumbprint nickel plated and it has the standard sight with internal extractor. Fabric national E. Serial number I'm just trying to find how rare it would be
I can't tell you how rare it is, but just the fact that it is a thumb print internal extractor makes it a collectable. The nickel plating I am not sure about. Meaning that someone other than FN may have had that done and if so it detracts from the value. However, this is still a desirable gun and if put on an auction site would likely bring 1k or more. My understanding of the "E" serial number is that it was produced around 1951 for European sales.
A true classic !!!, I have made shots at 50 meters at a 25 cm target. In Argentina it is manufactured under license from FN. Yes, I love the way these guns shoot and feel. Just a great design overall. I almost got me an Argentina made Hi-Power, but I missed out on it. So that is why I've ended up with this current FN Mark II Sí, me encanta cómo disparan y se sienten estas armas. Simplemente un gran diseño en general. Casi me consigo un Hi-Power hecho en Argentina, pero me lo perdí. Es por eso que terminé con este FN Mark II actual
Thanks!! As I started researching these BHP guns I fond that I wanted to know more so I dug in a little deeper. I figured that since I had an example of the three different makes I'd share some of what I learned about them.
That's true as these are not hard dates. There is overlap in there that creates some of one style and some of the next falling in the same time frame. I'll look for that video you mentioned. Thanks Robert.
@@cervus-venator ua-cam.com/video/EwQ3k3kQur8/v-deo.html&lc=Ugw9kqNcc1dmxnqHDaZ4AaABAg.A3E-lk177c3A3E3tC5oS3L It's odd though. The sights, grips, and safety aren't right for a Browning.
@@robertbrandywine Interesting, I'll certainly check it out. I looked at it and yes this would have been a late 1969 produced weapon. It has the New (at that time) serial number convention using the year prefix and the "C". As stated the general accepted dated for this is 1970, but I'm sure, as in this case, there was some produced in late 69. So in reality he has a very early "C" stamped version. As for the sights and grips on this one they are aftermarket add on items and not original. Also note that the "Spur" hammer came in with the "C" versions, but this one has a "ring" hammer associated with the pre-70 production. That just shows some of the cross over between the "T" version and the "C" version. I hope some of this helps explain it. His video by the way was very detailed in how to field strip and clean the pistol. He did a very good job. Thanks for sharing.
@@cervus-venator What about the safety? Also aftermarket? He did something I haven't seen before. He moved the slide back, but not to where the safety would fit into the front slot. He moved it almost far enough, but put the slide lock in alignment with the slide lock cutout first. I'm not sure what this accomplishes, if anything.
Yes these are out there and I did not include them for a couple of reasons. First the flat slab slide FM90 High Power - Argentina Hi Power is a clone and not built under the Browning FN license. There is also the FM95 built in 1995 as well. I had researched them previously and even considered getting one, but I'd prefer the early "licensed" versions made between 1969 - 1989. Below is some information on them that I found just now: In 1969 the Argentine government negotiated an agreement with FN in Belgium to manufacture their High Power pistol under license in Argentina. The guns produced under this license are Browning High Powers in every respect, being essentially a copy of the 1965 version of the High Power. They were built from FN plans to FN standards, and are generally considered to be the qualitative equal of the European High Powers. These pistols are “license-built copies,” and were produced until 1989. After the licensing agreement with FN expired in 1989, the Argentine government’s FM complex, which had made the earlier license-built FN copies, made some fairly minor cosmetic modifications to the FN design and continued to produce the pistol, beginning in 1990, as the FM 90, and later as the updated FM 95. These pistols are unauthorized copies. They are serviceable arms but they were not built to FN standards of fit and finish and are generally considered to be utilitarian military-grade pistols. They are not considered to be the qualitative equal of the license-built Browning High Power copies made between 1969 and 1989.
Hi, this serial number is an indication that this was an FEG, a Hungarian industrial conglomerate, produced pistol. I believe that this serial number indicates that it was likely made around 1987 for import to Iraq. I'm not 100% sure on this, but I am sure it is an FEG produced Hi-Power. I hope this helps some.
Research shows the following: "...I refer to your letter addressed to FEG Budapest concerning their 9mm pistol that you recently purchased. To answer your questions, these pistols are the same. The difference in the markings occur as the manufacturer has different agents for sales to different countries. Each agent has his own identification system so that he controls the distribution in his market place. You are correct, KBI is the agent for U.S.A. and Kassnar International Ltd., London is the agent for various other countries around the world. As per your request we are sending you an instruction and safety manual for this pistol as well as a catalogue sheet. These pistols are distributed in the Philippines by: ARMS CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES....... Cordially yours, (sgd) Paul M. Kassnar Director"
Your Inglis. Was made for the India Military in the later 70s early 80s India bought the write to make the Inglis hi power in India. your gun might be a sample that was to be shipped to India for testing but never got shipped
I recently bought an FM Hi power 9mm detective roll marked and only bought it because I had never seen one before and have had people tell me that it was a collectable
So the FM FAP Hi-Powers were made in Argentina and the factory was set up and designed in part by FN from Belgium. These were licensed FN makes, just branded as FM for Argentina. If FN in Belgium made a design change the Argentina factory was notified and they too made the same change. So these Hi-powers are essentially the same make and high quality as the FN hi-powers. These were quality made Hi-Powers. The pistol you have is one change the Argentina factory made that was outside of the FN Belgium production standards. These detective versions of the FM FAP were shortened in the barrel (and I think the grip length) to reduce the overall size. Think of a 1911 Commander style for the Hi-power. In 1982, Argentinian's defeat in the Falklands War resulted in a need for new forms of revenue such as their domestically produced firearms and the U.S. was a welcoming market for the Argentina M90. I know of the Detective models were the M90 Detective, an M95 Detective and there was also a 75C alloy frame, but I'm not 100% sure if there are other configurations. To me it would be a collectable, but I am not sure if they are rare or not. Either way, these old hi-power FM Detectives are not currently (to my knowledge) being produced unless you want to consider the Girsan MC P35PI as one. It too is the shortened version of the Hi-power currently produced and imported from Turkey.
It sounds like it is a good deal. I can't say definitely without actually seeing it, but if it is like new in box then yes as anything like this on the bid sites goes for more than 1k. Good luck with it.
@@dlife7427 I found some on Gun Broker for $650, but once you add in shipping, tax and transfer fee you are about at 750. I'd much rather find an in-store sale which saves a lot of the extra added costs associated with auction sites.
No, the P35 Browning Hi-Powers are single action pistols. Standard carry option is cocked and locked (safety on). There was a Double Action version developed in the 1980s referred to as the FN-HP-DA and in North America is was listed as the Browning BDA. I have a similar version of the BDA referred to as the Browning BDM (Dual Mode) made in the 1990's. It has a selector for setting it to either single action/double action only or to double action only. I have a video of this Browning BDM pistol as well. However, it is not considered a P35 Hi-Power to my knowledge. Thanks Frank for the question.
Great question: What production series does the E prefix serial number belong to? Also, what country was it manufactured. Answer: An E-series Hi-Power, one that the serial number starts with an “E”, is part of an early 1950s production run. The E series HP's are unusual and are first generation (Thumb Print, Internal Extractor, Ring Hammer) FN Herstal Belgium produced Hi-Power pistols. (I refer to these as MK I) I've found several explanations for this “E” prefix serial number. One states that these guns were part of a series of police and civilian distributor contracts across Europe for British Intelligence. Another is that the British government contracted these pistols with surplus pistols being sold to French and Australian police. One more explanation is that the British MOD received batches of the E series HPs shortly after WWII had ended and that these pistols are identical to the Nazi examples and very similar to the British Special Forces issue weapons. اي سلسله الانتاج ومن هيا دوله التي صنعت هاي سلسله E تُعد سلسلة E-series Hi-Power، التي يبدأ رقمها التسلسلي بالحرف "E"، جزءًا من عملية الإنتاج في أوائل الخمسينيات من القرن الماضي. تعتبر سلسلة E HP غير عادية وهي من الجيل الأول (بصمة الإبهام، المستخرج الداخلي، المطرقة الحلقية). أنتجت FN Herstal Belgium مسدسات عالية الطاقة. (أشير إليها باسم MK I) لقد وجدت عدة تفسيرات لهذا الرقم التسلسلي للبادئة "E". يذكر أحدهم أن هذه الأسلحة كانت جزءًا من سلسلة من عقود التوزيع الشرطية والمدنية في جميع أنحاء أوروبا لصالح المخابرات البريطانية. والسبب الآخر هو أن الحكومة البريطانية تعاقدت على هذه المسدسات مع بيع المسدسات الفائضة للشرطة الفرنسية والأسترالية. أحد التفسيرات الأخرى هو أن وزارة الدفاع البريطانية تلقت دفعات من سلسلة E HPs بعد وقت قصير من انتهاء الحرب العالمية الثانية وأن هذه المسدسات مطابقة للأمثلة النازية وتشبه إلى حد كبير أسلحة القوات الخاصة البريطانية. tued silsilat E-series Hi-Power, alati yabda raqmuha altasalsuliu bialharaf "E", jz'an min eamaliat al'iintaj fi 'awayil alkhamsiniaat min alqarn almadi. tuetabar silsilat E HP ghayr eadiat wahi min aljil al'awal (basmat al'iibhami, almustakhraj aldaakhilii, almitraqat alhalqiati). 'antajat FN Herstal Belgium musadasat ealiat altaaqati. ('ushir 'iilayha biaism MK I) laqad wujidat eidat tafsirat lihadha alraqm altasalsulii lilbadia "E". yadhkur 'ahaduhum 'ana hadhih al'aslihat kanat jz'an min silsilat min euqud altawzie alshurtiat walmadaniat fi jamie 'anha' 'uwrubaa lisalih almukhabarat albiritaniati. walsabab alakhar hu 'ana alhukumat albiritaniat taeaqadat ealaa hadhih almusadasat mae baye almusadasat alfayidat lilshurtat alfaransiat wal'usturaliati. 'ahad altafsirat al'ukhraa hu 'ana wizarat aldifae albiritaniat talaqat dufaeat min silsilat E HPs baed waqt qasir min aintiha' alharb alealamiat althaaniat wa'ana hadhih almusadasat mutabiqat lil'amthilat alnaaziat watushbih 'iilaa hadin kabir 'aslihatan alquaat alkhasat albiritaniati.
I've found the Mark III's are a little high. For instance I have not seen a Practical like the one I have go for less than $1K in a while. You may find some MK III's selling for $700 to $800 based on condition, but what I see on Gunbroker indicates that the MK III's normally go for $1,500 up to $2,000 plus. I have not seen any MKIII's as surplus imports, but they may be out there. I'm just not aware of any.
Pretty good research - unless you bought the expensive books to do the research the easy way.
A few things. First, Browning did not invent nor contribute much to the development of the HP. Just as he had nothing to do with the Baby Browning pocket pistol - both were the work of Saive, but FN knew the value of attaching Browning's name to a product they wanted to sell.
Browning had a pretty dim view of the idea of the double stack high capacity magazine. When the French approached FN, Saive developed his double stack magazine (not sure if his was even the first) and then modified one of FN's existing Model 1903 blowback action pistols to be a design feeding from his new magazine. The French rejected the prototype, at which point FN sent the magazine and prototype to Browning. Browning developed two different designs around the magazine; both were striker fired, one was a straight blowback action, the other a tilting barrel. The French rejected Brownings two designs as they had Saive's original design. Browning had patented his two designs; he sold the patents to Colt, who never manufactured either pistol. That was around 1924; Browning had nothing further to do with the project and all the modifications after those two striker fired pistols was all Saive.
Second, there is no such thing as a "Mk1".
FN never used the term, no military issuing the HP used the term. Not even Browning USA used the term. Americans just made it up after the MkII version was released - assuming that what came before must have been termed the Mk1. If you want to think of it as versions, the originals with the internal extractors would generally be the first generation. Then came the T and C series with the external ejectors... call that the second generation. Then came the MkII - that would be the third generation, and then of course the MkIII as the fourth and final generation. So "MkI" doesn't make any historical sense.
The earlier T and C series pistols are slightly smaller in dimensions than the MkII and MkIII - much more svelte and pleasing in the hand... and feels less 'fat' in the hand than the later pistols. Whatever version, thin Spegal or Micarta grips can minimize how fat it feels in the hand.
As far as the early ones not standing up to +P ammunition.... From a real world perspective, the ballisticians at the companies making service ammunition tell prospective police customers that there is no detectable difference in terminal performance between the standard pressure and +P pressure loadings of the same bullet in the same caliber. You don't get anything in exchange for the increased wear on the pistol.
However, those early HPs have proven they handle +P fine. Consider that the Canadian Inglis pistols (as one example) were manufactured during WWII; the Canadians are still using them. Those pistols have fired nothing but a straight diet of 9mm NATO ball intended for submachine guns like their Sterling and now MP5s. STANAG pressures for 9mm ball are pretty much in +P pressure territory. If the metallurgy was not sufficient to deal with +p ammunition, those Canadian High Powers would have been shot into being piles of scrap metal decades ago. But they're still working just fine while they await the arrival if the SIG pistols that will trigger that country's gun hating government to send them to the smelters.
The difference is that the military gun plumbers do a First Line Maintenance inspection at least once a year. Springs are gauged; if a spring does not test out to being within spec, it's replaced. I doubt 10% of the privately owned High Powers have ever had their recoil spring replaced - it's supposed to last until eternity! Springs are dirt cheap, particularly compared to the costs of shooting; I replace mine once a year.
Great info and I wish I had this when I did the video. My research consisted of looking at online articles, discussion forms and Wikapedia. I don't have the books referenced, but wouldn't mind having them to learn more. I like your characterizations of versions as when I was doing this research I just felt that the original, T and C versions were too different to actually be lumped into a catch all of a MkI designation. Thanks for the detailed input and history. I'll see if I can pin this one to the top for others to see. Thanks again.
@@cervus-venator Given the price of the two authoritative books on the High Powers from initial stages to end of production, you probably aren't going to want to dole out $400 or so for two books. When I bought them, they were relatively inexpensive. As the Clone Wars have began since production ceased, later versions to include further research and demand have made prices climb (in some cases simply because the previous edition was sold out and unavailable).
If you want links, I will try and see if Amazon is flogging either one of them. Vanderlinden's book is arguably the more intensive as far as the history of the development from start to finish of what became the P35. Also the most expensive...
The "T" in series is confusing because T in the serial numbers was used in the Inglis pistols intended for Commonwealth troops. T was then used in serial numbers again when the internal extractor of the Inglis and commercial pistols was dropped in favor of the external extractor.
I'm pretty sure you know that, as well as you know that FN is famous (infamous) for there being no consistency whatsoever in the serial numbers they put on the HP depending on which customers they were making them for. That eventually became standardized towards the end - but that's no help to people trying to track down the history of vintage pistols.
I would not trust Wikipedia to be capable of hitting the water if they fell out of a boat as far as the accuracy posted there goes. No matter what the subject matter, not just anything with any kind of political overtones.
Case in point: try correcting the High Power entry that says the pistol is the brainchild of JMB. I've tried a couple of times way in the past, taking the time to reference the pages in the collector grade books I mentioned. Well... those changes didn't last long... back to it being Browning's final pistol invention. There's similar Wikipedia misinformation on the invention and development of the Lee Metford and Lee Enfield rifles, BTW. Tried correcting that with references to collector grade books as well; that didn't work either.
Anyways, I'm neither a collector nor invested in spending my life correcting Wikipedia, so I just moved on to more important things in life.
BTW, you can find and download copies of the two striker fired pistols that JMB submitted to FN and the French after they rejected Saive's original prototypes at the US Patent website. I didn't keep the web addresses, but I don't think it took me very much time to find them through a web search. When you look at them and the internal mechanisms, you'll realize that JMB contributed little to nothing in what eventually became the predecessors and then the final P35 pistol.
In closing, unless you're so serious about ensuring you have the ultimate in self defense sidearms i.e. a pistol with lights 'n lasers, for both enjoying recreational shooting and carrying for self defense with a High Power, there isn't any variant of the pistol that fits better and points better in the hands than the T and C series of High Powers that preceded the MkII.
Put the sights on that you prefer, add a set of the Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips that were a licensed Spegal copy, or any of the similar Micarta grips, have a gunsmith adjust the original safety to activate to your liking, regularly replace the recoil spring, give it reasonable maintenance, and it will do everything you ask of it within reason for the rest of your life.
I've been trying to wear out my C series High Power that I've owned, carried, and competed with for over 50 years now... so far, it looks like it will certainly outlive me.
Cerv, My Father would've LOVED this video, his favorite carry was the Browning HP and he swore by it! I really enjoyed the depth you went into everything too! Great video!
Thanks very much Bob. Yes, just trying to share a little bit of info that I found while researching the Hi-Power.
I prefer the ring hammers as well. They're just more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.. Plus, I feel like they don't catch on things nearly as much. Your video showed up in my feed!
Thanks and yeah, I noticed that the views spiked in the past few days and one of the videos that it is getting feed from as a YT suggested video is your Mystery Box video. I take it that the Mystery Box sale went well. I looked at the site around noon and you had already changed it to sold out. Some folks got a better than average deal that's for sure. I think your model is great as proven by how quickly things sale out. Also, I was hoping you'd see this video and any corrections to what I may have gotten wrong or left out being that you have a lot more knowledge on the Browning Hi-Power than I do. Thanks for stopping by and checking it out.
I purchased a brand new Browning Mk 2 single action in 1990 serial 245nm by that time the bushing had been changed to the later style came with standard spur hammer black polymer grips and glossy black epoxy finish and the 3 dot luminous sights, came with one extra magazine and a parkerized steel cleaning rod , it cost me 385.00 out the door, she is one of my safe queens with a very low round count, I still have the box it came in with a extra factory magazine still in the box and a Browning Buckmark leather holster , I can only imagine what it is worth today, good and informative review.
Thanks Brian. I'm sure it would be listed on a sales site at over a grand being in the original box and all the goodies. My friend was just telling me about a place down the road where he bought two in the mid-90s. One was a Practical and another one was an all silver color. He told me he got them for about 400 out the door. He later sold them and made money on them, but he would have made a lot more if he held them longer as they seem to only appreciate over time. It sounds like you have a really fine example of a MK II.
@@cervus-venatorI have put 15 boxes of Federal 124 grain fmj through it and now just admire it and shoot the beaters in my collection .
The MK II commercial BHPs have the spur hammer yes, but that may not have carried over to all military contract Mk IIs. You can also tell a Mk II by the small vent hole (pin hole) below the muzzle at the front of the slide.
Great info! Thanks!
These are not for everyone is part of the attraction I think. T have a Mk2 I bought new in the 80s there was plenty of cheap good ammo for them when the 45 auto supply was tightening up. Mine is the plain jane mil finish I had trigger work, Barsto barrel and Millet full adjustable red insert front and white outline rear target sights and reload special loads for it with honed out dies. And it does pretty good. The old type extractor can be broken by dropping a round in the barrel, then releasing the slide to slam shut on it. I have always used mine as a sporting and field pistol, and kept the spur hammer because of the larger Millet rear sight needed for ease of use. I am glad I found your channel.
Man Dee Dee, it sounds like you really made an awesome shooting machine out of your MK2!! I knew there was something about dropping the slide on the older ones that could cause damage, but couldn't recall what, but now I know. My first experience with the Brownings began in the mid-90s with the BDM and from there I always wanted to try a Hi-Power. I'm glad I did because I just love them. Thanks for coming by and checking things out.
I inherited a BHP Practical in 40 S&W and I love it. Great shooting gun.
Cool David. Yeah hold on to it as the prices on these guns keeps increasing. I have a couple of other videos where I'm shooting these individual guns. On on the Practical and the other with the Mark II. They do shoot well.
Wasn't ready for school but then again I never was 🤔 Thank you, util the next time 👍🏻
Good, we are always learning whether we are ready for it or not. I'm glad you came by and checked it out.
Thanks for the lesson. This is some great information. My very first gun purchase back in 1995 was a BHP Practical in 40 S&W. I still have it and it is one of my favorite guns to shoot. My father has an older mint condition BHP 9mm and I am going to use the information you posted here to see if i can figure out when it was made.
Awesome Ron. My first real pistol purchase right around that time was a Ruger P98 in 9mm. My father had gone there a week or so before and purchased a Browning BDM in 9mm. If I could get my hands on a 40 S&W Browning Practical I would. I could use another 40 S&W and I just haven't seen one yet that just says pick me up. I'm glad you enjoyed the info. I gathered it from several different sources that allowed me to cross reference the points I was covering. I hope you can use this to date your father's Hi-Power.
Great video Cervus be safe and GOD BLESS everybody
Thanks, you too!
You also 🙏🙏
Great video love learning new things even at my age as always Be Safe and God Bless 🙏🙏
Thanks for checking it out. I just wanted to pass along what I learned to others that may want to know too. I'm glad you got something out of it Frank. God Bless!!
So much great info you did your homework. Thank you!!
You are so welcome! Thanks!
Do you like the wraparound grip on the practical? I enjoyed the detail you provided.😊
Thanks for viewing and subbing. To answer your question I do not like it as much as I would in having standard grips. The 9mm Hi-Power does not need these grips in my opinion. It makes the grip fatter and I don't like big thick pistol grips. I love the Browning BDM because of the slim grip. It is slimmer than the Hi-Power. But do I hate the grips on the Practical, no I just am not overly fond of them.
Someone did some homework! You confirmed what I knew, that my HP was made in 1982...what I learned is while I have the hog nose bushing I do not have the Mark II slide (no rib) so probably one that was built using up parts in stock I would guess. I do have the spur hammer...no I did some learning.
Cool deal. Yeah some of the guns, especially surplus, get fit with parts not necessarily from the same generation. I imagine they may get in some non-functioning guns that get robbed of parts to make others complete. If the parts fit and work then there is no issue. Did you happen to notice if you have a dove tail front sight? That could tell you that the slide is certainly a MK III.
@@cervus-venator I'll have to check when I get home. I think it might because I believe it has aftermarket sights.
Isn't it beautiful? And now we are blessed with the MK III :)
Yes, unfortunately I have not really looked at the latest production. Mainly because I had MSRP shock.
Alot of information thanks Cervus.
You bet
BHP with those lines is timeless classic.... my other favorite is CZ 75, I would call BHP clone but itself affordable classic.... good day
That funny because I have a clone of the CZ 75. A Tanfoglio in 10mm. I love it and it is my first Tanfoglio so now it has me wanting an actual CZ 75. Thank for the comment. I love the BHP for sure.
Love these guns. Hope to have one someday! Very hard to find the any original Brownings!
Yes I agree. Went to a gun show today and only saw an Argentine made one, not an actual FN Browning. I didn't see any Springfield or New FN either. I did see plenty of the Girsan for around 450, but still not an original
@@cervus-venatorwent to a gun show Saturday and picked up a belgium made hi power it a Browning arms company Morgan. Utah & Montreal PQ made in Belgium from what you said about the prefix I think it's a 1971 it has 71c then the rest of the numbers and a spur hammer got it for 600 bucks and that's 😁 what I've looked like all weekend lol 😆
@@jamesjohnson4163 That's awesome James. You'll love how it shoots and fits the hands. It is just an all around great pistol. You got it for a good price too. A big congrats on the find! I went to a gun show on 9/30 and one guy had several, but was asking about a grand or more for each one of them.
@@cervus-venator The FM (Fabrications Militaries) Argentine ones are very interesting. Unlike the Hungarian FEG clones the FM guns were made under Belgian FN license from 1969-1989 with FN inspectors watching close by. In 1990 with FN no longer looking over the process, FM produced the M90. These can be readily identified by the more 1911-style slide cut near the muzzle. These are still well made and reliable pistols.
@@easyfiveOsink I recall reading this about the FM and yes I'd say they are pretty good quality based on this information. I've never had my hands on one, but would not be opposed to it as I just love the feel of the Hi-Power and love the way they shoot. I also have never had the Hungarian FEG, but I'm not opposed to getting one. I just know they are not as well made and would have to take that into consideration with the amount I'd spend on one. I'd much rather have a FN produced one first if possible.
Those are great looking pistols buddy
I appreciate it.
I have a thumbprint nickel plated and it has the standard sight with internal extractor.
Fabric national E. Serial number
I'm just trying to find how rare it would be
I can't tell you how rare it is, but just the fact that it is a thumb print internal extractor makes it a collectable. The nickel plating I am not sure about. Meaning that someone other than FN may have had that done and if so it detracts from the value. However, this is still a desirable gun and if put on an auction site would likely bring 1k or more. My understanding of the "E" serial number is that it was produced around 1951 for European sales.
Un verdadero clasico!!!, he hecho disparos a 50mts a una diana de 25 cm. En Argentina se fabrica con licencia de FN.
A true classic !!!, I have made shots at 50 meters at a 25 cm target. In Argentina it is manufactured under license from FN.
Yes, I love the way these guns shoot and feel. Just a great design overall. I almost got me an Argentina made Hi-Power, but I missed out on it. So that is why I've ended up with this current FN Mark II
Sí, me encanta cómo disparan y se sienten estas armas. Simplemente un gran diseño en general. Casi me consigo un Hi-Power hecho en Argentina, pero me lo perdí. Es por eso que terminé con este FN Mark II actual
Thanks for the info!
Any time!
Any time.
Yes sir very nice shooting irons Cervus
Thanks!
Informative. Thanks
Thanks!! As I started researching these BHP guns I fond that I wanted to know more so I dug in a little deeper. I figured that since I had an example of the three different makes I'd share some of what I learned about them.
Good video.
I have always been fond of the hognose bushing.
The Charles Daly is my personal favorite
Ah Bo now at least I put a proper name to it. I did a video recently on the Browning Model 70 and I had no idea what to call that. Thanks.
There's a video on UA-cam of someone cleaning a 69C, so at least some were made starting in 1969.
That's true as these are not hard dates. There is overlap in there that creates some of one style and some of the next falling in the same time frame. I'll look for that video you mentioned. Thanks Robert.
@@cervus-venator ua-cam.com/video/EwQ3k3kQur8/v-deo.html&lc=Ugw9kqNcc1dmxnqHDaZ4AaABAg.A3E-lk177c3A3E3tC5oS3L
It's odd though. The sights, grips, and safety aren't right for a Browning.
@@robertbrandywine Interesting, I'll certainly check it out. I looked at it and yes this would have been a late 1969 produced weapon. It has the New (at that time) serial number convention using the year prefix and the "C". As stated the general accepted dated for this is 1970, but I'm sure, as in this case, there was some produced in late 69. So in reality he has a very early "C" stamped version. As for the sights and grips on this one they are aftermarket add on items and not original. Also note that the "Spur" hammer came in with the "C" versions, but this one has a "ring" hammer associated with the pre-70 production. That just shows some of the cross over between the "T" version and the "C" version. I hope some of this helps explain it. His video by the way was very detailed in how to field strip and clean the pistol. He did a very good job. Thanks for sharing.
@@robertbrandywine See updated response. Thanks
@@cervus-venator What about the safety? Also aftermarket? He did something I haven't seen before. He moved the slide back, but not to where the safety would fit into the front slot. He moved it almost far enough, but put the slide lock in alignment with the slide lock cutout first. I'm not sure what this accomplishes, if anything.
what about the fm argentina hi power has a combo of everything
Yes these are out there and I did not include them for a couple of reasons. First the flat slab slide FM90 High Power - Argentina Hi Power is a clone and not built under the Browning FN license. There is also the FM95 built in 1995 as well.
I had researched them previously and even considered getting one, but I'd prefer the early "licensed" versions made between 1969 - 1989. Below is some information on them that I found just now:
In 1969 the Argentine government negotiated an agreement with FN in Belgium to manufacture their High Power pistol under license in Argentina. The guns produced under this license are Browning High Powers in every respect, being essentially a copy of the 1965 version of the High Power. They were built from FN plans to FN standards, and are generally considered to be the qualitative equal of the European High Powers. These pistols are “license-built copies,” and were produced until 1989.
After the licensing agreement with FN expired in 1989, the Argentine government’s FM complex, which had made the earlier license-built FN copies, made some fairly minor cosmetic modifications to the FN design and continued to produce the pistol, beginning in 1990, as the FM 90, and later as the updated FM 95. These pistols are unauthorized copies. They are serviceable arms but they were not built to FN standards of fit and finish and are generally considered to be utilitarian military-grade pistols. They are not considered to be the qualitative equal of the license-built Browning High Power copies made between 1969 and 1989.
@cervus-venator I found one unfired and it's a beaut for 450 on gb. I like the mix of gen parts. Thanks for the detailed reply!
great vid
Thanks Bullseye Dixon! Very much appreciated.
I have a browning pistol with L 33049 serial number, any idea of its year of made?
Hi, this serial number is an indication that this was an FEG, a Hungarian industrial conglomerate, produced pistol. I believe that this serial number indicates that it was likely made around 1987 for import to Iraq. I'm not 100% sure on this, but I am sure it is an FEG produced Hi-Power. I hope this helps some.
Hi sir..how about Kassnar London feg 9mm?
Is that what you are stating the Ingles thumb print is?
Research shows the following: "...I refer to your letter addressed to FEG Budapest concerning their 9mm pistol that you recently purchased.
To answer your questions, these pistols are the same. The difference in the markings occur as the manufacturer has different agents for sales to different countries. Each agent has his own identification system so that he controls the distribution in his market place.
You are correct, KBI is the agent for U.S.A. and Kassnar International Ltd., London is the agent for various other countries around the world.
As per your request we are sending you an instruction and safety manual for this pistol as well as a catalogue sheet. These pistols are distributed in the Philippines by:
ARMS CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.......
Cordially yours,
(sgd)
Paul M. Kassnar
Director"
Basically the Kassnar London FEG is a distribution marking.
Your Inglis. Was made for the India Military in the later 70s early 80s India bought the write to make the Inglis hi power in India. your gun might be a sample that was to be shipped to India for testing but never got shipped
Awesome, thanks for the information on this one. It is really hard to find anything on this one.
I recently bought an FM Hi power 9mm detective roll marked and only bought it because I had never seen one before and have had people tell me that it was a collectable
So the FM FAP Hi-Powers were made in Argentina and the factory was set up and designed in part by FN from Belgium. These were licensed FN makes, just branded as FM for Argentina. If FN in Belgium made a design change the Argentina factory was notified and they too made the same change. So these Hi-powers are essentially the same make and high quality as the FN hi-powers. These were quality made Hi-Powers. The pistol you have is one change the Argentina factory made that was outside of the FN Belgium production standards. These detective versions of the FM FAP were shortened in the barrel (and I think the grip length) to reduce the overall size. Think of a 1911 Commander style for the Hi-power. In 1982, Argentinian's defeat in the Falklands War resulted in a need for new forms of revenue such as their domestically produced firearms and the U.S. was a welcoming market for the Argentina M90. I know of the Detective models were the M90 Detective, an M95 Detective and there was also a 75C alloy frame, but I'm not 100% sure if there are other configurations. To me it would be a collectable, but I am not sure if they are rare or not. Either way, these old hi-power FM Detectives are not currently (to my knowledge) being produced unless you want to consider the Girsan MC P35PI as one. It too is the shortened version of the Hi-power currently produced and imported from Turkey.
@@cervus-venator thank you very much for this information !
I have a chance too buy a chrome silver mk 3 LNIB for a grand, good deal?
It sounds like it is a good deal. I can't say definitely without actually seeing it, but if it is like new in box then yes as anything like this on the bid sites goes for more than 1k. Good luck with it.
@@cervus-venator right, and at this point surplus Hi Powers are going for 799 and up.
@@dlife7427 I found some on Gun Broker for $650, but once you add in shipping, tax and transfer fee you are about at 750. I'd much rather find an in-store sale which saves a lot of the extra added costs associated with auction sites.
Are they double action?
No, the P35 Browning Hi-Powers are single action pistols. Standard carry option is cocked and locked (safety on). There was a Double Action version developed in the 1980s referred to as the FN-HP-DA and in North America is was listed as the Browning BDA. I have a similar version of the BDA referred to as the Browning BDM (Dual Mode) made in the 1990's. It has a selector for setting it to either single action/double action only or to double action only. I have a video of this Browning BDM pistol as well. However, it is not considered a P35 Hi-Power to my knowledge. Thanks Frank for the question.
حرف E الى اي سلسله الانتاج ومن هيا دوله التي صنعت هاي سلسله E وخمس ارقام
Great question: What production series does the E prefix serial number belong to? Also, what country was it manufactured.
Answer: An E-series Hi-Power, one that the serial number starts with an “E”, is part of an early 1950s production run. The E series HP's are unusual and are first generation (Thumb Print, Internal Extractor, Ring Hammer) FN Herstal Belgium produced Hi-Power pistols. (I refer to these as MK I) I've found several explanations for this “E” prefix serial number. One states that these guns were part of a series of police and civilian distributor contracts across Europe for British Intelligence. Another is that the British government contracted these pistols with surplus pistols being sold to French and Australian police. One more explanation is that the British MOD received batches of the E series HPs shortly after WWII had ended and that these pistols are identical to the Nazi examples and very similar to the British Special Forces issue weapons.
اي سلسله الانتاج ومن هيا دوله التي صنعت هاي سلسله E
تُعد سلسلة E-series Hi-Power، التي يبدأ رقمها التسلسلي بالحرف "E"، جزءًا من عملية الإنتاج في أوائل الخمسينيات من القرن الماضي. تعتبر سلسلة E HP غير عادية وهي من الجيل الأول (بصمة الإبهام، المستخرج الداخلي، المطرقة الحلقية). أنتجت FN Herstal Belgium مسدسات عالية الطاقة. (أشير إليها باسم MK I) لقد وجدت عدة تفسيرات لهذا الرقم التسلسلي للبادئة "E". يذكر أحدهم أن هذه الأسلحة كانت جزءًا من سلسلة من عقود التوزيع الشرطية والمدنية في جميع أنحاء أوروبا لصالح المخابرات البريطانية. والسبب الآخر هو أن الحكومة البريطانية تعاقدت على هذه المسدسات مع بيع المسدسات الفائضة للشرطة الفرنسية والأسترالية. أحد التفسيرات الأخرى هو أن وزارة الدفاع البريطانية تلقت دفعات من سلسلة E HPs بعد وقت قصير من انتهاء الحرب العالمية الثانية وأن هذه المسدسات مطابقة للأمثلة النازية وتشبه إلى حد كبير أسلحة القوات الخاصة البريطانية.
tued silsilat E-series Hi-Power, alati yabda raqmuha altasalsuliu bialharaf "E", jz'an min eamaliat al'iintaj fi 'awayil alkhamsiniaat min alqarn almadi. tuetabar silsilat E HP ghayr eadiat wahi min aljil al'awal (basmat al'iibhami, almustakhraj aldaakhilii, almitraqat alhalqiati). 'antajat FN Herstal Belgium musadasat ealiat altaaqati. ('ushir 'iilayha biaism MK I) laqad wujidat eidat tafsirat lihadha alraqm altasalsulii lilbadia "E". yadhkur 'ahaduhum 'ana hadhih al'aslihat kanat jz'an min silsilat min euqud altawzie alshurtiat walmadaniat fi jamie 'anha' 'uwrubaa lisalih almukhabarat albiritaniati. walsabab alakhar hu 'ana alhukumat albiritaniat taeaqadat ealaa hadhih almusadasat mae baye almusadasat alfayidat lilshurtat alfaransiat wal'usturaliati. 'ahad altafsirat al'ukhraa hu 'ana wizarat aldifae albiritaniat talaqat dufaeat min silsilat E HPs baed waqt qasir min aintiha' alharb alealamiat althaaniat wa'ana hadhih almusadasat mutabiqat lil'amthilat alnaaziat watushbih 'iilaa hadin kabir 'aslihatan alquaat alkhasat albiritaniati.
@@cervus-venator
مساء الخير صديقي مسدس Browning E هل هو مسدس اصلي بلجيكي اما تقليد وشكرا
@@ahmadali8707 It is an original Belgian pistol
إنه مسدس بلجيكي أصلي
'iinah musadas biljikiun 'usaliy
Cervus hey
Hi Randle.
How much a used mark3 go for
I've found the Mark III's are a little high. For instance I have not seen a Practical like the one I have go for less than $1K in a while. You may find some MK III's selling for $700 to $800 based on condition, but what I see on Gunbroker indicates that the MK III's normally go for $1,500 up to $2,000 plus. I have not seen any MKIII's as surplus imports, but they may be out there. I'm just not aware of any.
Oops