BHP Questions (SFS?)

[SpookyPistolero]

Howdy folks-

I've always wanted to try a BHP but haven't gotten around to it (or had the funds!). While searching for a deal on one, I found one for $600 (at least good condition, maybe better). It is a FN and has the SFS system installed. So I had some questions!

1) Is a FN breed good to go? Or should I hold out for a Browning?
2) I'm not digging the SFS system, I want a basic BHP. Is it easily reduced back to a standard trigger? Or can the system still function as normal? (Meaning can I operate cocked & locked without moving my trigger forward?
3) Does the SFS system cause a worse trigger pull, or a better one?

Thanks for any information!

 

[JTQ]

1. FN makes the Browning Hi-Power. Browning never made them. They have always been made by FN with Browning rollmarks.

2. Yes you can convert them to traditional single action. Cylinder & Slide or Browning may be good places to look for the parts.

3. I don't know.

Price wise, I remember CDNN was selling those SFS FN Hi-Powers a few years ago in the $400 range. I actually like the FN rollmarks better than the Browning marks. If I had half a brain, I'd already own one. FN no longer is importing Hi-Powers with their marks on them.

In today's market, where new Hi-Powers have an MSRP of nearly $1,000, $600 seems like a reasonable price.

 

[rellascout]

FN=Browning same plant same gun different rollmark.

Bad news... I am not a fan of the SFS trigger. It was an attempt to make the FN/BHP attractive to LEO in the US. It is a solution in search of a problem.

You can convert it back but you will need to buy parts. If you do not love the SFS system at $600 pass. You can get a NIB BHP from CDNN for $700+ shipping and transfer which will be less than the cost of converting this one.

If you look and shop smart there are FN/BHP in the $500 to $600 range all the time. Do not settle unless you love the SFS.

 

[predator20]

Any Browning marked HP is going to made by FN. So no difference in quality.

With the SFS kit installed it will be at a half-cock with the safety on. Disengage the safety the hammer goes to a full cock.

I found no difference in trigger pull between mine with the SFS kit and my standard Hi-Powers.

edit: looks like two others responded at about the same time.

here's a vid of mine with the SFS kit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzApGSu_EiA

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Excellent information, thanks for the quick responses! I will pass on this one and watch for a better deal.

I plan to continue reading/learning, but what's the short answer here: if I find an FEG or Charles Daley for ~$300-350 should I buy, or should I wait for the FN/BHP?

 

[KodiakBeer]

Browning is just an importer, as noted above.

A discussion about the SFS system came up on one of the dedicated High Power forums and a couple of people experimented and got almost identical results measuring the trigger pull with and without the SFS system installed. One guy got a .7 pound reduction removing the SFS system, and another guy got a .8 pound reduction removing the SFS system.

There is a list of things that can be done to lighten Hi Power triggers. I think I'd leave changing the SFS system until last.

 

[predator20]

I have no experience with the FEG or CD HP, but I would wait and get a FN or Browning.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Charles Daly is a FEG. They were just assembled in the US to trick people into thinking they were getting an American made gun. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a FEG (Charles Daly or not) if the price is right.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I've got an opportunity to get a MkIII BHP that is reportedly a '92 vintage. $550. Good purchase?

 

[rellascout]

Solid price if it comes with at least 2 mags box etc....

 

[Smaug]

Charles Daly is a FEG. They were just assembled in the US to trick people into thinking they were getting an American made gun. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a FEG (Charles Daly or not) if the price is right.

I have a Daly Hi-Power. I didn't know it was an FEG. Based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend an FEG or Daly. My Daly has the strange XS sights, and the white plastic insert in the front sight popped out. I think I'm just going to put some white paint or nail polish in there, but that has been the only problem with the gun. I paid $350 new for it a couple years ago, when Cabelas was closing them out.

Mec-Gar mags are good for them.