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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21636 Posts |
 Posted - 09/16/2006 : 22:31:50
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browning hipower "practical" 9mm (http://browning.com photo)
my recently purchased hipower, notice the safety lever is colored like the frame (instead of like the slide as shown on the browning.com picture above)
browning hipower shown beside a springfield TRP for size comparison
the browning hipower practical no longer appears on the browning.com browning centerfire pistols web page. i dont know if they have stopped production, but i found this was an adequate excuse to buy yet another of these fine weapons. it also gives me a reason to do a range/overall report.
few weapons have ever known the global success of the browning hipower. from well before WW2 to today, the hipower is still the choice of military personnel and police all over the world.
what i like
- the browning hipower practical is the most asthetically pleasing weapon ive ever seen. its almost to "pretty" to shoot.
- the ergonomics are such that this weapon is a natural pointer. based on john brownings original p35 (which in many ways i consider an improved 1911) its no surprise that it would be a natural fit for me. picking it up and aiming it is as natural and raising my arm and pointing my finger.
- the classic browning action without the 1911 plunger makes field stripping very simple, with no idiot marks to worry about during reassembly.
- this weapon is proven, reliable, accurate, and very simple to use.
- although the dimensions are somewhat similar to a 1911, the slimmer design makes it slightly easier to conceal.
what i dont like
- trigger. a lot of creep which isnt to bad, but there is no clear reset point making a double tap extremely difficult, and clumsy at best.
- hammer bite. this weapon doesnt have a beaver tail so unless i pay close attention to my grip i get a painful reminder each time the web of my hand creeps up underneath the hammer.
bottom line
the browning hipower has a rich heritage that continues to grow stronger with no sign of slowing. while domestically it hasnt found the success of the 1911, globally it has surpassed it many times over (due to both the superior design as well as the globally accepted 9mm caliber). its one of the smoothest weapons youll ever fire, and i wont hesitate to carry it as my primary weapon. it is the only weapon i have ever believed truly comparable to the 1911, and while i consider it a second choice to a fine 1911, its awful dang close. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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bwatkins1223
Advanced Member
USA
2837 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 18:20:06
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Cool review. What's the capacity on a HiPower? I love 1911's but have never really had much interest in the HiPowers...not sure why.
Also there is no beavertail and it looks like the hammer comes pretty far back, is hammer bite ever an issue? |
Eagle Scout November, 16th 2006
Carry guns:
Springfield MilSpec .45ACP
Glock 19
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21636 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 18:45:12
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| capacity is 13+1 with OEM magazines, although i have seen higher capacity aftermarket magazines. hammer bite can indeed be an issue with the BHP, typically depending on your bodyfat content. the higher your fat content, the more likely the web of your hand is to roll over above the top of the backstrap. its not so bad with the skeleton hammer, and many barb their standard hammers to prevent it. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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gunslinger
Advanced Member
USA
2072 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2010 : 09:15:58
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| Never had a problem with hammer bite on my 69C model with round hammer. The trigger may not be the best, due in part to the magazine safety, but you get used to it quickly. Same with the small sights. Still and always the best 9mm ever made. Accurate, 100% reliable for going on 40 years and elegant to look at and perfect in the hand to shoot. That's why many who go to dark places still make it their handgun of choice. |
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dsims
Senior Member
USA
1191 Posts |
Posted - 03/13/2010 : 13:25:35
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| Good report and I agree that the Hi Power is a very neat gun. Still if I am going to carry a weapon of that size it would be a .45 or 10mm. |
It's better to have a gun on you and not need one, than to need one and not have one on you! |
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Will R.
Junior Member
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2010 : 10:44:55
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Excellent review of a true classic. Thanks Nathan!
It's very hard to beat a Hi Power in terms of feel and balance.  |
"Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less".
General Robert E. Lee
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medic68
Master of Mojo
5132 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2010 : 15:14:35
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Nate, I have a WWII Hi-Power circa 1943. Would be happy to send it your way for a comparison review between it and the new "practicle". Thoughts?
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"Coimhead fearg fhear na foighde"
   
'It doesn't matter how big a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya' brand,the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather.' -- Harry Truman.
Sometimes there's justice, sometimes there's just us--- Anonymous
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." -- Mark Twain
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AndrewCaperton
New Member
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2010 : 12:35:29
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| Nice review, I love my Hi-Power. Hammer bite has always been an issue with this weapon for me because of the size of my hands. I have no problem concealing mine and I do prefer it over my Kimber CDP2. Keep the good information coming. |
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hkguy
Advanced Member
USA
2094 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2010 : 12:44:58
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i passed on one due to hammer bite, but overall it is up there in terms of ergonomics for me (i like my p30 a bit better [:d])
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God created all men....
... Sam Colt made them equal |
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jyo
New Member
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2010 : 19:34:11
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| I grew-up with Browning P35 pistols (and still have three)---a classic but very capable SA pistol---my favorite shooter is a late MK111 matte finish FN marked pistol with the SFS system installed from the factory. Trigger a little heavy (soon to be adjusted), shoots right to point of aim, runs 100% and still can accept the stash of older 13 round "Hi-cap" mags I also own. One of the very best! |
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Davy
Average Member
USA
772 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2010 : 11:00:29
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quote:
Originally posted by jyo
I grew-up with Browning P35 pistols (and still have three)---a classic but very capable SA pistol---my favorite shooter is a late MK111 matte finish FN marked pistol with the SFS system installed from the factory. Trigger a little heavy (soon to be adjusted), shoots right to point of aim, runs 100% and still can accept the stash of older 13 round "Hi-cap" mags I also own. One of the very best!
I love my Browning HP'S (actually these are FN's) 
Davy |
I feel much better since I gave up all hope! |
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summersatthelake
Starting Member
1 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2010 : 07:33:16
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I've had mine for about 12 years and love it.
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21636 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2010 : 10:06:33
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quote:
Originally posted by summersatthelake
I've had mine for about 12 years and love it.
beautiful. time to loose those clinton-era 10 round magazines. |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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vgun
Starting Member
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2010 : 11:53:35
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Good review
I've had a BHP Practical for about 5 years.
I love the gun for much the same reasons already mentioned but that "hammer bite" does get a little old sometimes. No matter how careful I am at the range with this gun I get bit a few times at every firing session.
I have seen a few dudes "bob" the hammer to prevent this and I may have my GS do it when I have him undo the mag disconnect to improve the trigger.
I may try to "bob' it myself but I'm not a GS and taking a Dremmel to one of my firearms freaks me out a bit |
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hardbargin
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2011 : 08:49:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
browning hipower "practical" 9mm (http://browning.com photo)
my recently purchased hipower, notice the safety lever is colored like the frame (instead of like the slide as shown on the browning.com picture above)
one of the best single action carry pistol around if not the best. back in 1977 when i bought my c code i compared it to a 1911. i loved the balance & fill of the HP over the colt 1911 so i went with the HP. never regretted it. still have it today. carry it locked and cocked all the time. i have no use for the newer models of the HP.
only the belgium made & assembled.
browning hipower shown beside a springfield TRP for size comparison
the browning hipower practical no longer appears on the browning.com browning centerfire pistols web page. i dont know if they have stopped production, but i found this was an adequate excuse to buy yet another of these fine weapons. it also gives me a reason to do a range/overall report.
few weapons have ever known the global success of the browning hipower. from well before WW2 to today, the hipower is still the choice of military personnel and police all over the world.
what i like
- the browning hipower practical is the most asthetically pleasing weapon ive ever seen. its almost to "pretty" to shoot.
- the ergonomics are such that this weapon is a natural pointer. based on john brownings original p35 (which in many ways i consider an improved 1911) its no surprise that it would be a natural fit for me. picking it up and aiming it is as natural and raising my arm and pointing my finger.
- the classic browning action without the 1911 plunger makes field stripping very simple, with no idiot marks to worry about during reassembly.
- this weapon is proven, reliable, accurate, and very simple to use.
- although the dimensions are somewhat similar to a 1911, the slimmer design makes it slightly easier to conceal.
what i dont like
- trigger. a lot of creep which isnt to bad, but there is no clear reset point making a double tap extremely difficult, and clumsy at best.
- hammer bite. this weapon doesnt have a beaver tail so unless i pay close attention to my grip i get a painful reminder each time the web of my hand creeps up underneath the hammer.
bottom line
the browning hipower has a rich heritage that continues to grow stronger with no sign of slowing. while domestically it hasnt found the success of the 1911, globally it has surpassed it many times over (due to both the superior design as well as the globally accepted 9mm caliber). its one of the smoothest weapons youll ever fire, and i wont hesitate to carry it as my primary weapon. it is the only weapon i have ever believed truly comparable to the 1911, and while i consider it a second choice to a fine 1911, its awful dang close.
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vinnyFL
Starting Member
15 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2011 : 20:09:10
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| Owned one for 8 years but when I moved to Florida and needed a ccw gun I had to sell it. Hammer bite made me bleed every time unless I was at the range and could place my hand lower on the grips. Before I moved I tried it in competition and had to wear a glove or a band-aid to prevent hammer bite. Till this day it felt the best in my hand of any other gun I ever owned (about 25) including a few 1911's but the trigger was not great out of the box. To tell the truth, I do not understand the fascination with the HiPower considering that you can get a nice 1911 in 9mm these days. I always wonder just what they were thinking when they designed a gun with a hammer that comes back and down so far without a bearver tail. I guess people were smaller back then but my medium sized hands would get bloody after drawing and shoothing this gun. |
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gunslinger
Advanced Member
USA
2072 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2011 : 10:40:11
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| Will toss in a quick PS. My new 75th Anniversary, as posted elsewhere, was fantastic. Browning blue is still second to no one, and the (darker) walnut grips still compliment it well. 120 rounds, everything around 3" at 10 yards, no malfunctions, but in 40 years with my 69C I never have had one, except on the Super-Vels when they first came out until the mags were modified slightly, so no surprise. While the practicals are nice, I'll stick with the classic. As I said above, hammer bite has never been a problem. The only thing I'd change is the spur hammer for the classic round version. Thinking about removing the mag safety, but will shoot a few hundred rounds first and see in the trigger improves. I have no complaints about the older one. Will never feel like one of the SIG GSRs, but second nature to me after all these years. Like I said, still the finest tactical pistol ever made. Now they'll have two to pry out of my cold, dead, hands. |
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SKIandSKY
Average Member
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2012 : 01:50:05
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| I have a practical I think, all chrome plated. I love it! |
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gunsmith
Junior Member
261 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2012 : 19:18:38
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| My BHP has the tang hammer and I finally got some custom wood grips to solve the hammer bite |
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SKIandSKY
Average Member
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2012 : 09:09:45
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I have a 1992 produced "Captain" model. 9mm with the high profile adjustable sights. I bought it for NRA Action Pistol matches, $550.00, my first gunbroker purchase. I had Cylinder and Slide remove the magsafety (properly as another smith had botched the job). It's a sweet shooting unit!
I shot it in one IDPA match in about 2000, doing well and easily out-doing and impressing this police officer who attended. He was so taken by the pistol he wanted to buy his own for duty! |
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CallMaker
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 17:16:16
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Hi Powers are a REAL classic and give nothing to the more modern "Wonder Nines". Mine carries well and runs 100% with any load I have tried. From short 90 grain hollow points the the heavy 147 grain hollow point.
Hammer bite can usually be cured by some trimming of the hammer below the spur. I releived mine and have had no problem since and I use a very high grip.
Ed |
Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America
http://www.pcba-inc.org/ |
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Nathan
Big Sky Guy
USA
21636 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 19:25:49
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| hi ed, see our sister site at http://HiPowerTalk.com for more on this beautiful weapon! |
Nathan In Montana, carrying a Gen4 Glock 19 loaded with Federal 147 grain +P JHPs carried in a Galco King Tuk thats worn on a Wilderness Instructor's belt.
NRA Certified Instructor, Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol
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CallMaker
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 19:57:08
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I have seen that site Nathan but thanks for the heads up.
Ed |
Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America
http://www.pcba-inc.org/ |
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ez357
Starting Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2012 : 17:24:54
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| love the hi power just joined forum so accidentally replied as new topic i just purchased one digital cammo i previously owned a fm detective hi power clone.wondering if you changed sights and if any failure to eject spent shell casing? |
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Topic |
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report - browning hipower practical
