I have always been a fan of the Browning Hi-Power and over the years have owned several. Most of them were pretty beat up and were used hard. But they always were damn good handguns. Back in the 1980’s the Hi-Power was easy to come by at an affordable price; but with todays market and the collectability, they are commanding a premium. And the ones that are affordable are pretty worn out.
If you are interested in owning one but don’t like the price, I suggest going with a Hi-Power clone. More specifically, the FEG Hi-Power. Although the last few years have seen a price increase with these as well; they can still be picked up at an pretty reasonable price. The FEG Clones have several model variants and the one I own is one of the harder to find models (Model MBK-9HP9). It was imported in limited numbers and this particular model was stopped coming into the US in 1985 or 1986. Regardless of the model, any FEG Hi-Power clone will be an affordable addition to anyones gun safe.
The pictured clone is a SA/DA model with a de-cocker. It has the typical half cock safety and spur hammer. The sights are nothing to brag about. They are reminiscent of the military 1911 GI sights, but they do the job. The fit and finish are actually better than most imports of the time, and the grips are actually checkered walnut instead of plastic.
I have put several hundred rounds thru mine over the years and have never had an issue. It has held up to Browning’s standards of reliability and I have never been disappointed. I might also add that the clones will accept standard Hi-Power magazines. So replacing magazines or adding more is not an issue.
So, if you happen to run across an affordable Hi-Power clone, don’t be turned off by the fact that it’s a Hungarian import. Do yourself a favor and pick one up, You will not be disappointed.
Freeze
www.john1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
Freeze is our resident All-American hunter, shooter, gunsmith and military surplus collector. When he is not processing his own game or running the smoker, he focuses on Com-Bloc weapons and Black Powder Shooting.
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