Arcus vs BHP for rebuild??

[Redcoat3340]

I'm thinking of trying to find a beater Hi Power (CDI's Israelis?) and having some work done on it: C&S Trigger; no-bite hammer and sear; new 18.5 recoil spring and wide/extended safety; plus FO sight on front or Novaks all around as well as all new springs, all around and maybe a cerakote or duracote.

Parts for all that work would be about $350 plus the smith. I figure a BHP would run in the $500 range, CDI has a VG Arcus for $350...a decent savings for me.

Of course the challenge is finding an "inexpensive," HP Mk. III.

So I was wondering, if I'm going to replace all that stuff, maybe I should consider an Arcus 94c (I like the "compact" idea) instead. And I'm betting, for the money, the Arcus will be in "newer" shape than the same priced BHP.

Anyone have any experience with the Arcus? It gets good write-ups, is supposed to be a total clone of the BHP at least internally (so no fitting to make parts work) and, yes it ain't a BHP, but when I get done neither will an original be a "real" BHP.

I want it for possible carry, but more for the range.

Any thoughts, opinions? (I have three BHPs already, one a near-new Standard, a vg Practical and a surplus gun I had trigger work done on and duracoated. So I'm not looking for collectors piece, but another shooter.)

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I was under the assumption that the Arcus was not totally compatible with parts from the HiPower. With HiPower's being made in every corner of the world on different tooling in various factories, I'd be worried about parts for any BHP, too. I haven't researched them in a while, so I could be wrong.

I did look at the Arcus about 5 years ago, before the Budget 9mm boom of Caniks and Ruger 9Es and other Turkish imports. At the time it was a decent gun for the money. But in today's market, I don't really think it competes well. It's a little rough around the edges, although very functional and very cool. I never shot one, only handled a couple samples at different shops.

If you find out that the parts are interchangeable, I think the Arcus would be cool for something different since you already have 3 BHP.

And to be "that guy", I'd look at a CZ75 or Tristar/Canikclone (you can't go more than 1 post in a BHP thread without mention of a CZ75... it's the interwebs law...) and work that up as well. Cajun Gun Works would have you covered.... just saying...

 

[Schlegel]

The Arcus 98 is the noncompatable one. The 94 is all internally identical to the Browning although the slide and frame are not the same lengthwise, so you can't swap the slides between it and a Hi power. I have a 94c and a BHP, the 94 is beefed up and can handle +p no problem, its main defect is in the looks department. Reminds me of a Sig slide on a BHP frame. Hi Power mags and grips work fine. Grip shape and angle are unchanged.

 

[Schlegel]

Oh, except the Arcus has a pronounced beavertail... if you get hammer bite it will fix that. Was never an issue for me anyway.

 

[WVsig]

Posted this on another forum where you asked the same question.

I never understand people who use Non-Browning/FN guns for custom builds. Look at what you want to have done to the gun.

and having some work done on it: C&S Trigger; no-bite hammer and sear; new 18.5 recoil spring and wide/extended safety; plus FO sight on front or Novaks all around as well as all new springs, all around and maybe a cerakote or duracote.

The C&S hammer sear and spring kit $ 105
C&S or Garthwaite Trigger $65
C&S wide safety $55
Sights after cuts will run $70
Novaks with night sights will cost you $150

So you are at $345 if you are going to install the parts yourself. Then on top of that $150+ to refinish the gun. So if you are using a smith you are talking about a $700 job.

Why put $700 into a $400 gun? You can get good condition BHPs off of gun broker and other places for $500 in 2018. You have to be patient but they can be found.

This is a $500 BHP MKIII with shipping and transfer.



Some people like the clones. I am not a big fan of the clones. I do not find them to be made of better materials. In my hands they don't shoot any better and I have always been able to find good BHPs at decent prices. The only clone I would be interested in would be an FM Detective.

I have done a few custom BHPs over the years. I have purchase other customs complete. My advice is to be patient look for the right gun at the right price and proceed from there. The results when done right are stellar.

 

[bannockburn]

Redcoat3340

Have had decent experiences with both the Argentine FM and the FEG PJK-9HP. Fit and finish wasn't quite as nice as a Hi-Power and the trigger on the FM was extremely heavy but overall they were both very serviceable and well made handguns.

 

[Schlegel]

VWsig, you have a valid point. A beater BHP is not too expensive to save up for. And sometimes you get lucky, i got a lightweight BHP 2 years ago for 500. But if a compact is wanted though, then FM detective length or 94c are about it as far as choice. But I like my Arcus still, it's built like tank, plain, but sturdy.

 

[WVsig]

And to be "that guy", I'd look at a CZ75 or Tristar/Canikclone (you can't go more than 1 post in a BHP thread without mention of a CZ75... it's the interwebs law...) and work that up as well. Cajun Gun Works would have you covered.... just saying...

I am not sure why people think the CZ and the BHP are related... they really aren’t.

That said a CZ75B is hard to find used theses days for less than $450 add to that CGW Pro Package, new sights, refinish etc you are looking at $700+ the base gun. That is what mine is costing me. It is in the bench and should ship within a week.

 

[Mizar]

Another vote for a "real" Hi-Power - Arcus just can't compete with a Browning/FN from quality of materials and build stand point. The older Kareen Mk. III were OK guns, but newer Arcus 94 are just... Let's just say not good enough and move on. But, I don't have high opinion about FEGs either...
As of my knowledge Arcus never officially rated the models 94/98 for use with +P/NATO ammo. So, although safe to use it, it will definitely wear your pistol faster. And Arcus is not known for making high round count guns...

 

[Eugen]

Boy did this thread drift. The OP wants advice regarding a BHP or BHP clone build and folks are posting about their bromance with their Berettas and Glocks. LOL

OP, I advise that you select a BHP for your build for the many reasons already mentioned by others above.

 

[WVsig]

Boy did this thread drift. The OP wants advice regarding a BHP or BHP clone build and folks are posting about their bromance with their Berettas and Glocks. LOL

OP, I advise that you select a BHP for your build for the many reasons already mentioned by others above.

Trying to get it back on topic. To the OP get enough cash in hand so you can buy when the right gun comes up.

Don’t worry to much about finish. Try to avoid guns with big import marks your sweet spot is $450 to $550 for good MKIII but don’t pass on good MKII either.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Trying to get it back on topic. To the OP get enough cash in hand so you can buy when the right gun comes up.

Don’t worry to much about finish. Try to avoid guns with big import marks your sweet spot is $450 to $550 for good MKIII but don’t pass on good MKII either.

+1

I was able to find my Mk III on the Gun Broker. It was in NIB condition for a steal of $500. I was able to resell it later on for around $800.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've had to prune the thread some.

If your post disappeared, it was because it didn't address the OP's question...thread drift; we try to avoid that in the sub-forum...he was asking for help deciding between the two pistols listed.

Let's try to keep this thread on topic