Thoughts on 1972 Browning MK1 9mm

[Z06]

Not mine but a friends…..recently acquired and they have shot just once. . Apparently in original bag and 2 mags. We believe it’s been a drawer queen for many years.
Any thoughts on general value if in good or better condition?

 

[trackskippy]

General value, in that shape, a bit north of 1K around here, easy.

I have a similar model from the same era, but with factory adjustable sights. Its a good shooter, but I much prefer the fixed sights like yours over the adjustable sights.

 

[whatnickname]

If the inside looks as good as the outside, the retail value of this pistol will be somewhere between $1200 and $1400. I base this on what Hi-Powers in this condition are selling for on Gun Broker. If you don’t mind, I’ll give you a little advice. The zippered case is meant to protect the gun when it’s being transported. Don’t store that gun zipped up in that case, too easy to cause it to rust. Leave the case unzipped where the gun can get some air.

 

[Rock185]

I would have no argument about the above value estimates. FWIW though, it's not a "MK1", just a nice 72C blued Hi Power.

 

[bannockburn]

whatnickname

If the inside looks as good as the outside, the retail value of this pistol will be somewhere between $1200 and $1400. I base this on what Hi-Powers in this condition are selling for on Gun Broker.

That's what I would have thought but Gun Broker has the same pistol (in what appears to be similar condition) as your friend's C Series and they sold at prices raging from $1228 to $2200! Average price for the six Hi-Powers came to $1598!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Very nice. Locally, they have $1200-1400 on the tag in that condition.

 

[WVsig]

It is a C72 depending on actual condition and who is buying $1000-$1500 is the range. If they are selling hi resolution photos showing real condition on an auction site like GB will tell you exactly what it is worth at that moment in time.
.

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I can play. 1972 Belgian BHP/P35, Bought new in Browning case for $114.00. Still have it............BTW..........There were NO MK's back then

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

If the inside looks as good as the outside, the retail value of this pistol will be somewhere between $1200 and $1400. I base this on what Hi-Powers in this condition are selling for on Gun Broker. If you don’t mind, I’ll give you a little advice. The zippered case is meant to protect the gun when it’s being transported. Don’t store that gun zipped up in that case, too easy to cause it to rust. Leave the case unzipped where the gun can get some air.

Mine has always lived in it's zippered case since 1972(52 years) in my safe..........Never had a rust problem. Never will,

 

[Rodfac]

Fine looking pistol...how's it shoot? Rod

 

[Sistema1927]

Other than the fact that I installed an ambi safety, that looks just like the one that saved my bacon in the early-1970's. Like an idiot I sold it to pay for a semester of grad school.

 

[Nature Boy]

For reference, I paid $1,400 two years ago for this ~1970 T series with original gun rug and 1 mag

 

[Z06]

Fine looking pistol...how's it shoot? Rod

Not mine. Posting for a friend.

 

[Jeff olson]

This is also a 1972 C series. This one spent almost it's entire life in a wonder bread bag inside a generic plastic case. I was offered what amounted to $1800 in a trade/cash. It was my dad's so it will never leave.

 

[WVsig]

My first BHP 1972 C series. Bought it stock and almost gave up on it but Ken AKA Wildalaska of Wild West Guns convinced me to send it in for some custom work. The rest as they say is history.

 

[Ironicaintit]

a lot of C72's in here! Ive been shooting this C72 since I was 10. My dad traded some car parts for it way back in the day. It was in the fellows tackle box. The lack of finish doesn't bug me, and it shoots so nice.

 

[Nature Boy]

I like the patina

 

[Ironicaintit]

I like the patina

Me too! Call me nuts, but I actually prefer this look over NIB

 

[BJung]

I own a bhp 9mm like this. If you like classic metal handguns, this is a good choice. Sometimes expect it to bite the hand that feeds it..

 

[Riomouse911]

Very cool, your friend has a nice pistol there.

I was issued a 1968 vintage HP as an off duty for a couple of years. It looked just like your friends, grips and all. Best part is it carried and shot very well for me back then. I had to turn it in back around 2000, sadly I think it was made into rebar shortly afterwards.

I went many years without a HP, I finally gave in and picked up a SA-35 clone back in November and I really like it. After shooting the SA, clearly I should’ve filled the HP void long ago.

Stay safe.

 

[Big_Al]

Nice looking pistol.!

 

[tark]

I have a T- series , made in 68, that was given to me by a friend for favors rendered. He bought it new, in 69 with the intent of using it as a carry gun. He quickly decided he didn't like the crappy trigger pull, the crappier stiff safety and the crappiest of all tiny sights. He never fired it, and it remains unfired to this day. While the undesirable aspects of the gun are obvious, the pistol itself is a work of art. The Hi-Powers of that era were masterpieces of quality workmanship and the gun makers craftmanship. The thing grades out at 99% with just the tiniest hint of edge wear, doubtless caused by removing it so many times from its case to admire. I'd post a pic but my 'puter is a bit haywire. It looks just like the OP's friend's gun, but mine has a cone hammer.