ATT Hi-Power gurus: A mystery serial number....

[woad_yurt]

Hello all!

I just got a Belgian Hi-Power two days ago, my first. Well, at least I hope it's a Belgian Hi-Power. I say this because, when I looked up the serial number for some DOB info, I ran into a snag. Up until 1976, they used the last two digits of the year as the serial number prefix. After 1975, they supposedly went to letter prefixes to denote the year. However, the number on this one is 76C91763.

On the left of the slide it says:

Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q.
Made in Belgium​

The right side of the slide is blank, with no writing. There's a "3" stamped into the left side top of the trigger guard, in front of the trigger. On the exact opposite side of the trigger guard, there's and egg-shapped oval with a crown on top, in which there's a "PV." This mark is stamped sideways, with the crown toward the front of the gun.

Here are some pictures. I got it cheap because of the missing rear sight. Does anyone know what type of sight will fit or what type of magazines will fit? What still puzzles me most, though, is the serial number with the "76C" prefix. It's a beautifully made gun and the fit is fantastic, so I don't think it's some knock-off copy. Can anyone tell me what's up?

Thanks all for your help.

​

PS If this gun is indeed legitimate, I'm going to sell my problem-free Star MOD30MI with 5 magazines (2 15 rounders and 3 17 rounders,) if anyone's interested....

 

[sub-moa]

No mystery here, its an FN produced Browning Arms imported Sport Model manufactured in 1976 (76C). The rear sight is commonly called a "Beer Can" sight, original parts for which are difficult to find. It'll take any standard P35/BHP/GP35 magazines...

 

[Blue68f100]

Give Lee Gun Parts a call 972-790-0773. They are only open Hours 9 - 5 Tues., Wed., Thurs. This guy deals in used parts and all ways have the odd parts. The line is always busy if not let it ring till he picks up.

I was able to get the locking bolt for my BHP. Browning does not sell it and want $300+ to do the job.

 

[Wishoot]

I like the banana harmonica you're using to support that beautiful BHP. Quite a contrast.

 

[woad_yurt]

Thanks for the info and compliment, respectively.

Blue68f100:
I used to won a '68 F100 for a while. That truck was indestructible. Mine was red and had a hole in the driver's door from a crossbow bolt. The guy I bought it from had an angry, cuckholded husband after him for a while.