Looking for some insight in the re-building of Browning Hi-Powers

[whatnickname]

The resurgence of interest in the Browning Hi-Power has been extraordinary. Seems like all FN had to do was take the Hi-Power out of production and the cost of even badly used Hi-Powers went through the roof. I’ve seen the result of poor maintenance and what it can do to a Hi-Power. It isn’t pretty…cracked lower lugs on the barrel along with cracked cross pier in the frame that the barrel lug slams into to take it out of engagement with the slide. Based on what I see on GB, there may be some good project guns out there at reduced cost if they could be re-built.

My questions are as follows:

How much hand fitting does it take to install a new barrel in a Hi-Power?

Are there after market replacement barrels available? If so which ones are the best?

Does the replacement of a barrel also require the fitting of a new barrel ring ( bushing ) in the slide?

I don’t even see the cross pier listed in the schematic that Numrich has. Yet it appears to be press fit into the frame. Is there a source for these parts?

 

[Blue68f100]

There were several production years where the steel was not as strong as it should have been on the cross pins. I had to replace the one on mine several decades ago. Browning wanted as much to do repair the gun as it was worth at the time. Lee Gun Parts use to carry these pins that were removed from destroyed receivers for parts. Back then the part was only around $12 if I recall. The pins heads are expanded to lock them in place. The repair is to remove the flare on the extract side, install and tack or epoxy. The extractor hides the repair so it does not show. This way you don't have to re-blue the receiver.

As far as barrels and bushings (part of the slide) I have not had to deal with that. Some of the earlier barrels were 2 piece the reason for failures.

 

[BBBBill]

My questions are as follows:

How much hand fitting does it take to install a new barrel in a Hi-Power?

Are there after market replacement barrels available? If so which ones are the best?

Does the replacement of a barrel also require the fitting of a new barrel ring ( bushing ) in the slide?

I don’t even see the cross pier listed in the schematic that Numrich has. Yet it appears to be press fit into the frame. Is there a source for these parts?

No more than on a 1911 or any other common semi auto.

Yes. Best is subjective. Depends on your accuracy goals and budget. BarSto, KKM, BH Spring Solutions, Midwest Gun Works, Brownells.

No. While some custom shops have done that in the past, it was usually because the slide had been chopped, eliminating the original bushing.

I've bought them from several sources over the years. Currently the most likely sources are Midwest Gun Works and Cylinder & Slide.

 

[NMexJim]

BHSpringSolutions.com Advanced Barrel for Hi-Power - Fit Comparison

Comparison of Barrel to Slide Fit of the New BHSpringSolutions LLC Advanced Barrel for Hi-Power pistols, compared to OEM barrels in 6 different Hi-Powers.

youtu.be

you might want to watch this from BHP SpringbSolutions.

There may be some info for you here.

Hi power barrel fitting

Does anyone know how to fit browning hi power barrels . Any books that I could buy , any information at all would be greatly appreciated . There seems to be little information on the subject. The AGI video was helpful and I would buy it again , but didn't go into much detail on barrel fitting ...

www.thehighroad.org

 

[Sistema1927]

Only a sample of one, but I was able to drop in a replacement barrel from BHSS for my Tisas HP with no fitting required.

 

[whatnickname]

No more than on a 1911 or any other common semi auto.

Yes. Best is subjective. Depends on your accuracy goals and budget. BarSto, KKM, BH Spring Solutions, Midwest Gun Works, Brownells.

No. While some custom shops have done that in the past, it was usually because the slide had been chopped, eliminating the original bushing.

I've bought them from several sources over the years. Currently the most likely sources are Midwest Gun Works and Cylinder & Slide.

Thank you, sir.

 

[whatnickname]

There were several production years where the steel was not as strong as it should have been on the cross pins. I had to replace the one on mine several decades ago. Browning wanted as much to do repair the gun as it was worth at the time. Lee Gun Parts use to carry these pins that were removed from destroyed receivers for parts. Back then the part was only around $12 if I recall. The pins heads are expanded to lock them in place. The repair is to remove the flare on the extract side, install and tack or epoxy. The extractor hides the repair so it does not show. This way you don't have to re-blue the receiver.

As far as barrels and bushings (part of the slide) I have not had to deal with that. Some of the earlier barrels were 2 piece the reason for failures.

Thank you, sir.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Only a sample of one, but I was able to drop in a replacement barrel from BHSS for my Tisas HP with no fitting required.

I have two slides for my T-series, the original with target sights and pressed bushing, as well as an older "combat" slide with integral bush-


Functionally, it was a drop-in and runs perfectly, though I suspect the barrel lugs would likely wear faster since they didn't "break-in" with the older slide.
I usually shoot it with the target slide anyway, so its not a huge concern for me.

 

[drband]

BHSS seems to be very responsive. Ordered a type 1 safety sear lever on Thursday— received it today (Monday)! I’ll put it in tomorrow… it is well machined and finished and I’m sure it will drop in.