BHP guys...any concerns buying a Mark I BHP?

[Dentite]

I've always wanted a BHP but I'm not ready to fork over the money for a new one...as beautiful as they are.

Considering buying one of the Israeli BHP. The older Mark I's appeal to me mainly due to being able to get it via my C&R.

Call me crazy but I also really find a gun with it's original finish very evenly worn with a nice patina beautiful. So I'm okay buying one with some character.

My question is are there any concerns to buying one as a shooter? I'm not talking 500rds/week, but shooting 100rds every month or so of informal shooting just for the fun of shooting. Not competion...just plinking.

What do you guys think?

I have read through some of Stephen Camp's articles...great resource but most of the info concerns newer BHPs.

Thanks guys!

 

[GunTech]

I've got a Nazi proofed internal extractor HP that runs just fine. Nothing wrong with the older HPs although they can be picky about ammo. Even that is easily fixed by a decent gunsmith. If you are shooting ball ammo, no worries.

 

[bg226]

If you plan on using JHPs, then look for a newer BHP.

 

[sansone]

buy it and post pics here

 

[jonnyc]

Technically, there's no such thing as a MkI HP. However, an early one in good shape would be a fine shooter. Consider getting a replacement spring pack from Wolff.

 

[wrench]

If it's old enough to have an internal extractor, there are some issues with durability. I have one of these, but I've not shot it enough to break anything.
With the amount of shooting you are talking about, you shouldn't have issues either.
If it has an external extractor, it is as reliable as any Hipower, have at it.
Older Hipowers with the humped feed ramp may not feed hollow point ammo well, but if it's a range gun only, that probably won't be a problem for you.
I have an Israeli, it's worn, but shoots wonderfully.
Get it

 

[sprice]

Mark 1 is fine for what you want to use it for. Of course it may eventually break or parts will need replacing, and it might have a problem with hollow points; but go for it. You may also want to consider an fm/feg hi power (clones).

 

[KodiakBeer]

Swap out the recoil spring for the Wolff 18.5# spring to reduce slide impact. I'd do that with any Hi Power, based on the advice of Stephen Camp and other people who have decades of experience with the gun.

Other than that I wouldn't worry about it. If some small part breaks, just replace it. Hi Powers are easy to break down and reassemble. You don't need to send it to a gunsmith for routine work like that.

 

[Dentite]

Hey guys,

Thanks very much for the info and the advice. Thanks for the clarification on the older ones technically not being called Mark I.

The one I'm looking does have the internal extractor. Is this a part that can be replaced if it does eventually break?

Thanks all...if I get it I'll post some pics.

John

 

[dogtown tom]

Dentite The one I'm looking does have the internal extractor. Is this a part that can be replaced if it does eventually break?

It can be replaced if you can find one. Browning no longer carries replacement internal extractors so you may have to do some searching.

 

[KodiakBeer]

You can buy old style internal extractors from Cylinder & Slide.