To be fair, when you dump $1300 in a Kimber, you'll have better controls than the Hi-Power comes stock with. No 8lb single-action trigger with a long and barely perceptible reset. The sights will arguably be better and the safety will be a little more forgiving on your thumb after 1000 rounds in two days.
I love the Hi-Power; but FN/Browning is killing it with their approach. They have the price in custom 1911 territory but no custom features that people commonly tweak on the Hi-Power. I understand the design is probably expensive to produce compared to modern polymer pistols; but the Hi-Power retail prices are just not good on the bang for buck scale (says the guy who owns and carries the BHP regularly).
Unless you need a really flat profile like only a 1911, BHP or some of the earlier JMB designs can do, the BHP just isn't price competitive as a practical shooter. It is still a remarkable practical shooter; but you can get better and cheaper.
If I wanted to breathe new life into the BHP, I'd start by making it custom out of the box - either make the spur hammer shorter with a no-bite hammer shaft or start using a no-bite commander hammer. The safety should be more positive and less mushy. There is no valid reason to have an 8lb factory single action trigger on a Hi-Power either. Better sights. Stippled/checkered frame. 15rd flush fit mags stock. The 1911 market has already shown how to do it. Add those features and sell it at $1300.
Admittedly, understanding people becomes less and less important, probably because one has realized that many people are idiots, and not worth the time.
