Good Browning Hi-Power clone.

[stchman]

Went shooting yesterday and a friend brought his Browning Hi-Power with him. That is a fantastic shooting gun.

I really want one, but not for $900+. AIM Surplus has old beat up ones for $430, no thanks. Are there any Hi-Power clones out there? Are they any good?

Thanks.

 

[bannockburn]

I have found the Hungarian FEG PJK-9HP and the Argentinian FM to be both very serviceable copies of the Browning Hi-Power (though not quite up to the same level of fit and finish as the Browning).

 

[TfflHndn]

There are a number of BHP clones and semi-clones (not fully interchangeable parts) out there that shoot well. I have an FEG that I bought 20+ years ago (semi-clone) that eats anything I feed it and shoots better than well enough for defense purposes. I wouldn't take it to a bullseye match, but that's not what it's made for. Many of the BHP style guns have very small sights, so check on the features on whatever model you find if you want. I rarely shoot the FEG due in part to the sights being so hard to see.

 

[Comrade Mike]

Went shooting yesterday and a friend brought his Browning Hi-Power with him. That is a fantastic shooting gun.



I really want one, but not for $900+. AIM Surplus has old beat up ones for $430, no thanks. Are there any Hi-Power clones out there? Are they any good?



Thanks.

I wouldn't poo poo the aim guns. They're excellent shooters and you get a real hi power.


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[Onmilo]

I wouldn't poo poo the aim guns. They're excellent shooters and you get a real hi power.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree.
Beat up Hi-Powers run as well as beat up 1911s
Replace the recoil spring and swab some cold blue and you'll have a decent shooter.

 

[Numeric]

Israel made a BHP clone called the "Kareen" using parts from FEG in Hungary, finished and assembled in Israel. The Kareen Mk.1 is an almost exact clone of a "Type-73" Hi-Power with the extended barrel bushing. I bought one in "Fair" condition from Bud's Gun Shop for $302 out-the-door, and while it's pretty battered with a lot of bluing worn away or turned to a brown patina, it still functions fine with a new Mec-Gar magazine.

I've read and heard lots of good first-hand reports from people who bought the IDF-surplus Mk.II Hi-Powers from AIM; don't let a little wear fool you out of a great handgun.

 

[WVsig]

Why buy a clone when you can get a good surplus gun for under $500.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/567477378

 

[Rittmeister]

I have an FM - Argentine Hi-Power. Cost $350. I also had a FEG for a while, which cost a bit more (can't remember). I just picked up a barely-used, looks new Mk III BHP for $700 with three mags and a holster, box and papers too. Deals can be found if you're patient!

On a budget though I have enjoyed the Argentine gun immensely (and modded it extensively), and the FEG was great too - I only sold it 'cause I had to have a CZ

 

[Tallball]

"I have an FEG that I bought 20+ years ago (semi-clone) that eats anything I feed it and shoots better than well enough for defense purposes. I wouldn't take it to a bullseye match, but that's not what it's made for. Many of the BHP style guns have very small sights, so check on the features on whatever model you find if you want. I rarely shoot the FEG due in part to the sights being so hard to see."


That is my situation too. I bought my FEG at a gun show for $200 around 1990 or so. It still functions very well, but I don't shoot it as often as some of my other 9mm's because of the small sights.

 

[HB]

I have a Charles Daly and is currently my only semi auto center fire. Not sure how many rounds down the tube but quite a few, only jam was last week on Tula.

It was made by Magnum Research and has Novak style sight cuts. I replaced the XS big dots that come factory. It very accurate once you get over the crappy mag disconnect trigger.

HB

 

[Panzerschwein]

Went shooting yesterday and a friend brought his Browning Hi-Power with him. That is a fantastic shooting gun.

I really want one, but not for $900+. AIM Surplus has old beat up ones for $430, no thanks. Are there any Hi-Power clones out there? Are they any good?

Thanks.

What kind of St. Louisan spells out "Saint Louis"??

 

[WVsig]

I have a Charles Daly and is currently my only semi auto center fire. Not sure how many rounds down the tube but quite a few, only jam was last week on Tula.

It was made by Magnum Research and has Novak style sight cuts. I replaced the XS big dots that come factory. It very accurate once you get over the crappy mag disconnect trigger.

HB

Your Charles Daly was assembled by Magnum Research but it was made by FEG. Daly bought the parts from FEG imported them and first had Dan Wesson assemble them and then moved it to MR.

They are good clones. They came with great grips the now discontinued Spegel designed Uncle Mikes. Good call on replacing the XS big dot. I was never a big fan.

 

[HB]

^it actually came with the cocobolos in addition to the uncle mikes. I carry it with the uncle mikes in a Bianchi black widow.

Regardless, OP check out the Charles Daly! I traded a gen glock 17 for it, and I KNOW I have a better pistol.

HB

 

[primalmu]

I never could get over the looks of the BHP. Some people love em, others hate em. If you can't get your hands on a reasonably priced BHP or clone, take a look at the CZ75. It is similar in many ways to the BHP, but not a clone as some people think. I do highly recommend upgrading the grips to a set from VZ Grips. The stock CZ grips never fit my hand quite right...

 

[I6turbo]

I love the Mk III BHP and all of the CZ 75/85 guns. If I had to cut down to only two 9mms, these would be the two, no doubt. If I had to cut down to one, it'd be a very difficult choice but I'd probably keep my 85 Combat and be very sad to see the BHP and the rest of the CZs go.

 

[RON in PA]

To the best of my knowledge there are no HP clones being imported currently. I think your best bet is to get a surplus HP.

 

[I6turbo]

To the best of my knowledge there are no HP clones being imported currently. I think your best bet is to get a surplus HP.

Used/surplus clones are being imported along with the HPs by people like Mach1 and CDI. Nevertheless, I'd really try to spring for the extra $100-$150 and buy the genuine (surplus) BHP instead (as you recommend).

 

[rondog]

I have a Kareen, it ain't fer sale! But I'd recommend them.

Since this photo, I've stripped the grips and refinished with 50/50 BLO & turpentine. They look MUCH better! And it's blued, the angle and lighting make it look like no finish.

 

[Acera]

Now if you want a slightly rare (dirty) bird, check this one out.

It will probably go for well over your budget, but you never know.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/567921953

 

[az_imuth]

Many of the Argentine FM hi-powers that were being imported a few years back were in near new condition. I picked this one up when the Argentine Sistema (1911) and FM were both being sold for less than 300 bucks. Great pistol, and the only clones I know of that were licensed for production by FN Browning.

 

[WC145]

I have a Charles Daly and is currently my only semi auto center fire. Not sure how many rounds down the tube but quite a few, only jam was last week on Tula.

It was made by Magnum Research and has Novak style sight cuts. I replaced the XS big dots that come factory. It very accurate once you get over the crappy mag disconnect trigger.

HB

Your Charles Daly was assembled by Magnum Research but it was made by FEG. Daly bought the parts from FEG imported them and first had Dan Wesson assemble them and then moved it to MR.

They are good clones. They came with great grips the now discontinued Spegel designed Uncle Mikes. Good call on replacing the XS big dot. I was never a big fan.

The Daly HPs, whether DW or MR guns are some of the better quality BHP clones available and worth shopping around for. They are built to spec so BHP parts will fit, they take BHP mags, etc..

Mine is one of the Magnum Research guns, I picked it up used a few years ago and didn't do anything with it until last year when my son used it for his first season of action pistol. I've swapped the factory Uncle Mike's grips for a set of thin Navidrex, installed a C&S "No Bite" hammer, and removed the mag disconnect which resulted in a clean, crisp, 4.5lb trigger. It's great gun, accurate and reliable, if you can find one don't pass it up.

 

[WVsig]

The Daly HPs, whether DW or MR guns are some of the better quality BHP clones available and worth shopping around for. They are built to spec so BHP parts will fit, they take BHP mags, etc..

Mine is one of the Magnum Research guns, I picked it up used a few years ago and didn't do anything with it until last year when my son used it for his first season of action pistol. I've swapped the factory Uncle Mike's grips for a set of thin Navidrex, installed a C&S "No Bite" hammer, and removed the mag disconnect which resulted in a clean, crisp, 4.5lb trigger. It's great gun, accurate and reliable, if you can find one don't pass it up.

What makes them better than a FEG BHP clone? With the exception of the grips and the sights they are FEG parts. They were not hand fit. They were not "custom shop" type guns. They were parts kits assembled by DW or MR.

I am not denying that they are good guns I am just wondering why you recommend them over other clones like the FEG or FM.

 

[WC145]

What makes them better than a FEG BHP clone? With the exception of the grips and the sights they are FEG parts. They were not hand fit. They were not "custom shop" type guns. They were parts kits assembled by DW or MR.

I am not denying that they are good guns I am just wondering why you recommend them over other clones like the FEG or FM.

I didn't say anything about them being hand built or "custom shop" guns. I'm simply speaking from experience based on my gun, other Daly HPs I've seen and handled, and other BHP clones I've seen and handled in the same price range ($350-$400). They are very well fit and finished and, as I said before, built to spec, which may or may not be an issue in the BHP clone world but it certainly is in the 1911 world when it comes to replacing and making parts fit. Nothing wrong with other quality BHP clones out there, just saying that these guns were well done and if you're in the market don't overlook them because of the Charles Daly name.

 

[sawdeanz]

Like 1911's many times parts have to be fit to a hi-power but from when I was researching not all clones can interchange parts at all or perhaps with extra fitting. I would either grab one of the rough looking surplus brownings over a clone. Or I would wait for a used commercial model. That can take some patience since the price can vary wildly depending on how collectible a particular certain year or configuration, but you ought to be able to find a run of the mill shooter for much less than new price. It was frustrating seeing tons of used ones for sale near the price of a new one, but I picked mine up locally for $600. It's nothing special, but it shoots really well. One of the most accurate handguns I've ever shot.

 

[Sistema1927]

Maybe it is just me, but if the choice was between a Daly HP and an FEG (with Browning crossbolt and guts, etc.), I would opt for the FEG just because of that Huge "CHARLES DALY HP" billboard.

I have an FEG that probably came out of Israeli service, as well as an Israeli FN MkIII, and they are both very nice pistols.